Page 81 of Cheap Shot
I doubt that Coach Mercer, one of the most even-keeled coaches in the entire league, is prone to outbursts like this without a reason. Hell, I don’t think I’ve even seen him yell at a referee after a stupid call during a game or even gotten a technical foul before. Unlike my old coach on the Wolverines, Spencer Chase, who hired two extra assistant coaches last season just in case his temper continued to get the best of him, which it did, frequently.
“I have to be missing something because Coach’s reaction doesn’t make sense.”
“A lot, but it's not my information to tell.”
“That’s fucking bullshit, Coop. What the fuck is going on here? Haven’t we had enough problems with all the secrets between us?” I fight to keep my anger under control, the need to lash out and break something burning its way through my veins.
Damn, that was a low blow, even for me. But I have two choices: convince Cooper to tell me what the fuck is going on or beat the shit out of him. This is not the time to beat the shit out of my brother, especially when I’m in the coach's office for fighting with a teammate during practice.
“Honestly, I’m surprised you haven’t fucking figured it out yourself after all this time.” Cooper runs his hand through his hair. “But Michele is…”
The slam of the door against the wall interrupts him as Coach storms inside. He doesn’t say a word, just grabs his desk chair and pulls it closer to his desk before taking a seat. The desire to ask Coach what his relationship with Michele is burns the tip of my tongue, but I keep my mouth shut. I do not have a death wish. This man holds my entire future in his hands. I’m not doing anything else to piss him off, at least for now. I’m sure there will be something in the future, but that's future Cole's problem.
“A $10,000 fine and a one-game suspension to be fulfilled whenever he is cleared by training to play. No matter what game it is. I don’t give a fuck if it's the Stanley Cup finals. He won’t be playing.” Coach exhales loudly, running his hand down his beard. “He’ll still suit up for all games, and we will keep this between the three of us.”
“Don’t you think that's a little much?” Cooper quips, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the edge of Coach’s desk.
“Last time I checked, that door still says Coach Mercer on it, not Coach Cooper.”
“For now, but you know I’m right,” Cooper responds, not backing down.
The two men have a silent conversation as if I’m not even here, and it is driving me insane. I want to lash out and tell them both to fuck off. That I’ll take the punishment with a smile as long as I can remain on the team, but that won’t do me any good. Especially not with Coach in the mood that he’s in right now. The man hates me. If I even open my mouth without being spoken to, I can ruin everything. I know letting Cooper handle everything is the right thing to do. The problem is that I fucking hate every minute of it.
“Ten-thousand-dollar fine and he has to take part in the Big Brother program this season,” Coach counters.
The fine I can handle, but being forced to hang around with a kid I barely know is out of the question. I’m having trouble keeping myself together right now as is. I’m probably the least qualified person to mentor a child about how to navigate life. Fuck, my big brother is sitting next to me, handling my problems for me so I don’t fuck them up again because of my temper.
“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, Coach.”
Coach looks at me for the first time since he came back into the room, his face contorted in disgust as he eyes me warily. “Did I ask you to think, Cole?”
“No, sir.”
“Well, how about you sit there and keep your mouth shut. The adults are talking.”
My hands tighten on the arms of the chair, my anger growing exponentially with each word that escapes from his lips, but I don’t move a muscle. Cooper must notice the change in my demeanor before he places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes.
“Thanks, Coach. We appreciate it.” He smiles before grabbing my arm and pulling me from my seat. “We will leave you to finish what you were doing.”
I don’t say a word, keeping my eyes focused on the ground as Cooper pulls me toward the door. I know I should thank Coach for not kicking me off the team, but I can’t bring myself to say anything. With how I’m feeling right now, Lord only knows what I might say, probably making matters even worse.
“Cole. Stay. We have some other matters to discuss.” I turn around, eyes locking with Coach, his face once again completely devoid of emotions. “Cooper, I’ll see you tomorrow during training. Let Beau know to have Jensen back here bright and early tomorrow so he can clean out his locker.”
“Will do,” Cooper responds, his eyes flicking toward mine before releasing my arm and making his way out the door and turning toward the main part of the locker room.
“I just have to make another call, and I’ll be back to finish our conversation,” Coach says before following Cooper out the door, leaving me alone, waiting for his final verdict.
Coach told Cooper I would get off with just a fine and some community service, but something tells me that is the least of my worries.
ChapterTwenty-One
Cole
Ipace the floor of Coach’s office for a few minutes before retaking my seat, fidgeting until I find a comfortable position. I kick my leg out in front of me, resting my forearm on it to give my injured shoulder a break for a few moments.
It’s only a few moments before Coach returns, finding me relaxed and waiting, though I’m anything but calm. He slowly makes his way around the desk, dropping into his seat before resting his forearms on the desk in front of him. Neither one of us says a word. The silence is full of tension as we size each other up, neither wanting to be the first one to speak.
Coach’s eyes remain locked on mine as he leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over her chest. “What game are you playing?”
