Page 40 of Her Coach

“We were talking about the fourth line.”

“Sounds important.”

“Brynn.”

I looked up.

He held my eyes in that way he had where he wasn’t going to be the one to look away first.

“I’m working,” I said.

He held on for another beat. Then he picked up his drink.

I moved down the bar.

At eleven he put cash on the bar and stood. Too much, same as always. He pulled his jacket on and looked at me one more time across the length of the bar.

“Good night,” he said.

“Good night, Coach.”

He left.

I wiped down the bar where he’d been sitting. Then I wiped it again. Then I rearranged the garnish tray for a second time. What the fuck was wrong with me?

Mikey caught my eye from the end of the bar. Raised an eyebrow.

“I’m fine,” I lied.

He held up both hands and went back to his book.

I pulled out my phone. Opened Dani’s contact and started to type. I told her about seeing mom and Colton together and about the woman at the bar. As I finished typing, I shook my head and deleted it. I knew exactly what Dani would say, and I didn’t needs to hear her tell me that she told me so.

I picked up my rag and went back to work and didn’t think about the way Mom’s mouth had almost smiled or the way some stranger’s hand on his arm had made me want to break a glass.

I didn’t think about any of it.

I finished up my shift and headed out to my car in the parking lot. To my surprise, a familiar frame was standing by it.

“What are you doing here?” I asked as I got closer to him.

“I couldn’t bring myself to leave without talking to you.”

“What is there to talk about Coach?”

He let out a long sigh. “Brynn you need to cut this act.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I tried to move around him to get to my car, but he stepped in front of me.

“You know exactly what I mean Brynn.” I looked down to my feet but he gripped my chin in between his callused fingers and raised my gaze back to his.

I swallowed thickly as he tilted his head. “Come have a drink with me.”

My lips parted a few times like a fish out of water before I finally found my voice. “Me?”

“Is there anyone else in this parking lot?”

“I don’t know?”