Page 98 of Thunderstruck
I take a deep breath. “Because Galvin just asked me to do something similar, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to protect my team. He’s not happy that I turned him down, and I’m worried—”
“That coach of yours is a real piece of work,” Gramps says gruffly. “And who’s betting on MLR games anyway? No one.”
“No one except you,” Dad says.
“Exactly, so my odds are always good.”
“But your returns are not.”
“Maybe not now, but—”
“Stop betting on my games, Gramps,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m stressed enough as it is.”
“Mm, we can discuss that later,” Gramps says. “Right now we need to know if that pretend coach of yours is going to do something he’ll regret.”
My phone buzzes with a text, and I glance at it to see Carissa asking where I am again. The team is probably waiting on me, but I have no idea how long this conversation might go.
“I don’t care if he does something to me,” I mutter, typing out a reply text and telling Carissa to leave without me. I’ll get myself a ride back to the hotel. “But the rest of the guys? If Galvin is serious about trying to build up some kind of betting ring within Major League Rugby, that money is going to tempt a lot of players. No one makes enough in this sport to live off of.”
Another text pops up.
Carissa:
Are you okay?
“What does Carissa think you should do?” Dad asks, like he knows I’m staring at her name right now.
I sigh. “I haven’t told her any of this.”
“Why the heck not?”
“You know why. My feelings for her are dangerous enough as it is, and I don’t want—”
“Cole, are you telling me you’re letting a stupid family curse keep you from opening your heart to that woman?” Dad actually sounds angry. “We saw the way you looked at her tonight, and I know that little injury stunt was your idea.”
“You’re so eager to protect everyone around you,” Gramps says, “but you forget you’re not the only one with strength. If you’re busy holding up the world, you can’t do anything more fun with your hands.”
“Gramps!” I say in shock, laughing despite the seriousness of the conversation. Already I’m remembering how it felt to hold Carissa in the pool. By the vending machines. After the game. I shake my head, forcing myself to concentrate. “It’s bad enough that I’m telling the two of you about all of this. I’m not risking Carissa’s career or worse by bringing her into this mess.”
“You love her,” Dad says. Not a question.
I grip my phone tighter. “I think I do.”
“I’m glad you didn’t buy into any of that hooeyHot Scoopsaid about her,” Gramps says. “I only spoke to her for five minutes, and even I know it’s all nonsense. That girl is special.”
My phone buzzes.
Carissa:
If I don’t hear from you in thirty seconds, I’m coming to find you.
I sigh and quickly type out a response.
Cole:
I’m fine. Or I will be. Get back to the hotel safe, and I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast. I promise.
“I know she’s special,” I murmur, gazing at the heart emoji she sends back. “That’s why I’m not going to be the reason she gets hurt. I need to fix this without bringing her into it.”
