Page 18 of Heal For Me

“Only in your dreams, love.”

Janelle turns and scowls after Henry as he walks past her, she narrows her eyes, but it’s obviously a forced emotion. “More like my nightmares.”

“You say potato.” He winks and disappears out the door, leaving her to turn to me and cross her arms.

I hold up my hands, not wanting to hear it, and she grumbles.

Her parents should be home today with Thanksgiving being in two days, so I’m hoping she will head home. Of course I would never say that, but my son isn’t a fan of her being here, and apparently, neither is my brother. So, it would just be easier.

Looking out over my gym at the twenty girls lined up, my heart aches to see the only one that isn’t here. There could be a million girls standing in front of me, the best players in the world, and I would still pawn for that one.

“Good morning. Thank you for getting up for practice. Especially since it is not mandatory.”

A few of the girls seem surprised that it’s not, but I asked Luca to state that in the email. I glance over my shoulder to him, and he grins.

“Well, since you are here.” I clap. “Shall we get started?”

Early in my career if you would have told me I would be a coach one day, I would have spit in your face. That seemed like the biggest insult to the best server in the country with an ego bigger than the gymnasium. Even when my coach had mentioned the opportunity to be his assistant coach after my second tear, I was offended. Now, looking out at the all the girls eager to learn from me, it feels good. My talent would be wasted if I didn’t coach. They say those who can’t do, teach, but I disagree, at least when it comes to a good teacher, because I have years of knowledge and experience I plan to pour into each of them. Mold them to be the best player they can be.

Last season, my focus with Payson wasn’t on her playing, not fully, but this season she will be a senior. This is the big leagues when it comes to scouts and her future, which she already has interest, but I have bigger plans and I expect them to pan out. We can fuck after, but the moment her foot touches this gym floor, I am no longer anything besides her coach.

I hope she’s ready.

“Gather!”

I’ve always enjoyed the sounds of shoes squeaking against the floors. The girls stop in a half circle around me. One thing about this group, is they look incredibly young. Most are juniors, but even Payson looked older than they do. Maybe that’s just me wanting to believe she did.

“How are we feeling?”

Breathless, most of them give a thumbs-up instead of words. I’ll take it, being out of season and all.

“Brilliant. You may go, unless anyone has any questions, feel free to ask now.”

A brunette from the right side of the group raises her hand. Sadie, I believe her name is. The setter.

“Yes?”

“Where is Payson?”

I wasn’t expecting this question. I assumed rumors had spread in the school hallways and I wouldn’t be forced to answer an awkward question like this. It’s a fair question, Payson is known for volleyball, and it’s not like she would choose to miss a practice if the choice was given to her.

Mutters break out, most likely questions on where she is. A few people mention vacation, sick, even someone goes as far as saying she moved. Then I hear one loud and clear.

“Maybe she’s back in juvie.”

I narrow in on the brunette on the opposite side of the group. She’s not smiling and genuinely looks like she’s not being sinister, but still. I won’t have anyone making shit up about my girl.

“Payson is a bit under the weather but will be back soon,” Luca answers. I guess I took too long.

“Until then, you better practice, because Payson is going to come in here and make everyone one of us look bad.” Janelle winks at me.

I nod a thank you before asking if there were any other questions, then dismiss them when no one has anything to ask.

Luca falls into his usual seat in the office, and the chair under him complains at the sudden weight. “That went well, yes?”

“I think so.” A few girls brought me their physicals, so I take the time filing them before leaning back.

“I have a good feeling about this season,” he tells me.

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