Page 98 of The Coach

I glance down at the screen.

Gabi.

My new admin assistant.

I tap the Bluetooth. “Hey.”

“Hey, Coach. Just a heads up—your meeting with the sponsorship team got pushed to tomorrow. But I booked you for that charity dinner Wednesday night. So you’ll have to cut the sponsorship thing short. Also, I saw your note about flights?”

“Yeah,” I mutter, changing lanes. “Can you get me a list of all the direct flights from Chicago to Davenport.”

There’s a pause. “Davenport? That’s…random.”

I sigh. “Yeah. And then see what rental cars are available there. Just in case.”

Gabi is silent for a second.

Then she says, “What’s going on in Davenport?”

“Official coach business.”

“Okay, okay. It’s private. I’ll send you options.”

I shake my head, fighting a smirk as I hang up. If only Drew could learn from her and mind his own damn business.

By the time I pull into Chicago around noon, my mind is still a mess.

I tell myself to let it go.

To just focus on the season.

But then my phone buzzes.

Ivy: Made it through the morning. Hope you had a good drive.

I don’t even hesitate before responding.

Me: Yeah. I’ll call you later.

And even though I’ve got a million things to focus on…

I know exactly what I’m looking forward to the most.

I press play on the film again.

Minnesota’s offense flashes across the screen. Their QB is sharp, their O-line solid, their defense ranked top five in the league.

I need to be locked in.

This is my job. My life.

But I’m barely seeing the plays.

All I can see is her.

Ivy.

Her laugh in the kitchen.

---