Page 35 of The Coach

I sigh. “I’m back in my thought spiral again.”

“Oh no.”

“I just don’t understand how he ghosted me like that. He didn’t even call. Like, I know it happens, but I really thought that night was special. Am Ithatout of touch with my feelings?”

Lauren sighs. “I know, honey. I know.”

“We orderedpizzathat night. And did itagain. The whole interaction just didn’t have‘I’m gonna ghost you’energy. But maybe my instincts are just wrong. It’s just a mindfuck. And now I feel like I can’t trust myself anymore. Ever again.”

I turn away from the house, walking a few steps into the yard, gripping the phone tighter. “But I keep thinking…what if something happened? What if there’s a reason?” My voice cracks. “But no, right? There’s no reason. He just…left.”

I have to wipe another tear away.

Lauren is quiet for a beat before she exhales sharply. “Ivy, listen to me. It has nothing to do with you, okay? He’s just an asshole. A coward. And you don’t need to waste a single second of your energy trying to figure out why.”

I bite my lip, blinking fast. “I just feel so stupid.”

“You’re not stupid. You’re human,” she says firmly. “You had a moment with someone. You trusted him. That doesn’t make you stupid, it makes you real. It makes you worthy of love.”

A tear slips down my cheek, and I swipe at it quickly. “I know. It just hurts. Like, a lot. Still. And it’s really starting to set in. I’m having a baby…on my own.”

“I know, babe.” Her voice softens, full of sympathy. “But you’re not alone in this. You’ve got me. You’ve got your family. And that baby? That baby is going to have so much love.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me, pressing a hand to my belly. “I hope so.”

“I know so.”

A long pause stretches between us. My eyes flicker back to the front door, my nerves creeping up all over again.

Lauren seems to sense it. “You’re about to tell them, aren’t you?”

I let out a shuddery breath. “Yeah.”

“You’ve got this.”

I swallow hard. “I hope so.”

“You do.” Her voice is full of certainty. “They’re going to love you no matter what. YouknowCarl loves to watch out for you. And your mom—this might be tough on her. But she loves you more than you know. And if not? If they give you any grief? Just say the word. I’ll hop in my car and tell them off myself.”

A small, watery laugh escapes me. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“That’s my girl.”

I sniff, straightening my shoulders. “Okay. I should go.”

“You call me after, okay?”

“I will.”

And then, with one last deep breath, I slip my phone back in my pocket and walk inside.

When I open the door, the sound of the game on TV fills the house. Carl is in his usual spot—on the couch, remote in hand, looking like he owns the place. My mom is in the kitchen, setting out chips and dip, just like she does every opening Sunday. They’re both so comfortable, so unaware of the storm brewing in my chest.

“Hey, sweetie,” my mom says, glancing over her shoulder. “You’re just in time. Game’s starting.”

I give her a tight smile and walk inside, trying to mask the anxiety rolling through me. “Hey, Mom. Hey, Carl.”

“Hey, kid,” Carl greets me, eyes still glued to the screen. “New coach for the Stallions this year. Young guy. I think this could be our year!”

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