Page 31 of Hot Damn
“Yes. I’ll be back in Baton Rouge by tomorrow night, morning after at the latest.”
“Okay. Call if you need anything.”
“I will.” She shoots a smile my way. “Good game, Beckett.”
I’m surprised enough to stumble over my words. “T-th-thanks.”
A hand claps my shoulder and I turn to see Coach Alcott. “I’ll echo her words. Good game. And thanks for doing as I asked.”
“I’m not sure how good I’ll be at guiding some of these guys, but I’ll do my best with that the same as I’ll do my best on the ice.”
“Good man. Now go talk to your daughter. I know you would have preferred to do that than come in here.”
I smile. “Yeah, but I need to remember Whit isn’t a kid anymore. She’s almost at the point of making decisions withoutdiscussing them with me, never mind letting me weigh in on them.”
“I’m told they grow up fast and if I hadn’t had the last eighteen months with Micky I wouldn’t believe it, but man, that kid is growing like a weed.”
“And eating like a horse!” Oakley adds.
“Enjoy this time. Before you know it, you’ll be going over college choices with him.”
Coach frowns and Oakley shivers before saying, “I’m not ready for that.”
I laugh. “Ready or not, they take life at their own pace.”
“I’m sure they do. And maybe we can convince Micky to stick close to home when the time comes.”
“I’m trying to do that with Whit but then I want her to have everything I never did and that includes going to the college of her choice.”
“I don’t envy you your situation but you can bet I’ll be taking notes.” Coach glances at Oakley. “Hopefully Micky isn’t our only child to navigate that time with.”
“On that note, I’m out of here. See you in the morning.”
Following words with action, I head out of the bar and across the lobby. The place is quiet compared to earlier and I’m the only one on the elevator when it’s rising to my floor.
The corridor is quiet and when I slip into my room and switch on the light, I’m glad I have the room to myself. I offered to room with one of the younger players but Coach told me I’d be on my own this first away trip. Come regular season and he’ll be switching me between players—all of us will—to help build the connections between us.
It’s not something I’ve done before, but then like I told Oakley, this team isn’t run like any other I’ve played for. Or heard about. She’s building camaraderie more like a family unit and I have to admit it’s working so far. This team is closer than any I’ve played with or against and I have to conclude it has a lot to do with our undefeated standing.
Not that I expect that winning streak to continue all season but I think we’re looking good to be at the top of our conference this year. And I cross my fingers that means we make the playoffs.
Spotting my phone on the floor by my bag I walk over and scoop it up. As soon as the screen lights up, the band I wasn’t aware of around my chest loosens.
There’s a text from Whit.
W: Congrats on another win! You had a great game! Love you!
Smiling, I reply knowing she’s probably asleep.
Love you too, Whitbee. See you soon!
Besides Whit’s message I’ve got a missed call and a voicemail. I don’t recognize the number and in spite of being tired and ready to call it a night, I dial in to my voicemail and retrieve the message.
“Hi, Beckett, it’s Cami. I tried to call but you’re obviously playing. Anyway, I just wanted you to know I’m at your house with Whitney”—my heart jerks into my throat—“She’s okay, fine. Nothing wrong with her. I promise. But there was an incident I’d like to talk to you about it. Can you call me on this number when you get the chance? Doesn’t matter how late. Okay, thanks. Bye.”
With palms sweating and my heart in my throat, I hit the unknown number from the missed call.
Cami
