Page 183 of Falling Offsides

I should be sleeping. I should be next to her, breathing in sync, but instead I’m perched on the armchair by the window, phone lighting up my lap while my heart beats too loud and too fast and too fucking helpless.

I’ve already texted Mom and Étty. But neither of them can help. Not really. Not with this.

Martin has medical power of attorney, and Catherine’s incapacitated.

Which means Courtney’s locked out. It’s not right and definitely not fair. Even if what I’ve come to know of her mom doesn’t make me like her, she’s still my girl’s mother. Courtney wouldn’t exist without Catherine and for that alone, I’m grateful to her.

Scrubbing a hand down my face, I stare at the ceiling looking for an answer in the white coving. There isn’t one.

The more I think about it, the more obvious it becomes what I need to do. Because nothing is not an option.

There’s one person left who might be able to do something.

I grab my phone again. Scroll past the old team texts and hitCoach Nilsson.

I hesitate for half a second, then tap call.

It rings twice. Then again. Then?—

“Auguste?” His voice is rough and surprised.

“Hey, Coach.” I don’t waste time beating around the bush. Just straight up tell him, “You need to come to Washington.”

A pause. “What are you doing in Washington, Bruce?”

“Our girl needs you.” I hear my own voice crack and I don’t bother hiding it. “She’s desperate to see Catherine but Martin is using his power of attorney to keep her out and?—”

“Son of a bitch,” Coach spits. “Where is she now?”

“She’s here with me. Sleeping.”

“Good. I’m booking a flight now. First thing out.”

“There’s one at six in the morning from LAX. Gets to Dulles at two-twenty in the afternoon, local time. I checked.”

He exhales like he’s trying to keep from punching something. “Until I land, you keep her away from that bastard and look after her. You hear me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And, Auguste?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Thank you,” he says after a beat, and the gratitude softening his voice wrenches in my chest.

I end the call to find a text from Delilah. I completely forgot to update her earlier.

Delilah

How’s she doing? Any news?

Auguste

Court’s resting. Her mom is in ICU.

Delilah

If you guys need anything…tell me.

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