Page 2 of The Coach

“Okay, okay,” I reply, clasping my hands together. “Let’s focus on our journals before we plan my entire life, okay? This is about theweekend.”

The kids laugh, and I move back to my desk, stealing a glance at the clock. Fridays always feel endless, but tonight there’s a fundraiser at the town hall, and for once, I’m actually looking forward to it. Maybe it’s the excuse to dress up for a change or the promise of free wine—either way, it’ll be a nice break from my usual Netflix-and-takeout Friday evenings.

I shake off the thought and refocus on the class. “Alright, who’s ready to share?” I ask. Hands shoot up across the room, and I smile. Just another day in the classroom.

At home, my cat, Luna, perches on the back of the couch, her tail flicking like she’s judging me. I let out a dramatic sigh, holding up the emerald dress I’d spent entirely too much on last month.

“It’s fine, Luna,” I mutter, shaking the dress out. “It’s not like I’ll be the only single person at this fundraiser. Everyone loves the spinster teacher vibe, right? And they were being ridiculous. I’m twenty-seven. I’ve gotlotsof time.”

Luna meows, unimpressed. I drape the dress over the arm of the couch and sink down for a moment, scrolling through my phone.Anotherengagement photo on social media. This time it’s a friend from college holding up her hand with a giant diamond, captioned“He put a ring on it!”

I groan, tossing the phone onto the cushion beside me. “You know what? I’ll skip the awkward dating phase and just marry you, Luna.”

She blinks at me, noncommittal, and I give her a few more pets.“Dating is just so hard in this town. It’s like, all the good men have moved to the city or gotten married. Or they’re desperate. Remember the last time I tried to fire up the dating apps, and he literally asked me—on the first date—if I would be changing my name for his? Shoot. Is Emma’s grandmaright?”

I stand up, shaking it off. I can’t believe my dating life has come to taking advice from my fourth graders’ grandparents. And talking to my cat.

Luna meows. “You’re right. Not tonight. We’re not doing the pity party thing. It’s going to be a great party tonight, and you never know what can happen when you keep a positive attitude. My mom always says love strikes when you least expect it. Besides, why would I move to a big city when rent here in Riverbend is way more affordable than in some big fancy city?”

I pull the emerald dress on, smoothing it over my hips. It’s sleek but simple, hugging all the right places. A tiny spark of confidence blooms as I add my favorite heels. Not bad, Ivy. Not bad.

I grab my clutch and head out the door, the spring air warm against my skin. The road to the fundraiser isn’t far—just a few miles outside of town—but halfway there, my car jolts, and I hear the unmistakable thunk-thunk-thunk of a flat tire.

I do a yoga breath to hide my frustration, pulling over to the side of the road. I climb out and stare at the sagging tire in disbelief. The emerald dress feels much less glamorous now, especially as I crouch down to inspect the damage.Because why wouldn’t this happen tonight?

I pull my phone out and call my stepdad. He answers on the second ring. “Hey, Ivy.”

“Hey, Carl,” I say, trying not to sound as annoyed as I feel. “So…I hate to bother you on a Friday night. But I’ve got a flat.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I wish.”

“Damn. Are they ever going to fix those damn potholes?”

“If they did, it would be like we lost good friends at this point.”

He chuckles, then lets out a low sigh. “Alright, kiddo, I’m almost off my shift at the railroad. Can you wait forty-five? I’ll come out and help.”

“Yeah,” I say, kicking a pebble. “I’ll wait.”

Hey, at least the weather isn’t horrible.

And I guess I’ll get to watch the sunset tonight, at the very least.

Forty-five minutes later, Carl shows up in his blue pickup, still in his work boots and orange vest. He gives me a once-over, his brow lifting at the sight of my dress. “Well, don’t you look fancy tonight. Hot date?”

I laugh out loud. “I wish, Carl. I wish. Just the fundraiser tonight, actually.”

He chuckles, grabbing the jack and spare from my trunk. “You know, someday you’re gonna marry a guy who knows how to do this so I don’t have to.”

“I’ll get right on that.” I sigh, leaning against the car. “Know any single guys around?”

“Yes. And you’ve turned them all down,” Carl laughs. Pausing and looking at the tire, he smiles. “I’m just messing with you, you know. I think it’s good that you have high standards. Honestly, I do. Your mom is the one that worries about you more than I do.”

“Oh? Is she worried?”

“Well, you know how she is. Worries about everything. And you’ll always be her little baby.”

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