Coach’s Pet

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

CHARLIE

W hen my alarm goes off, I groan. Today is the day I make an utter fool of myself. Not only do I have to do the assembly, but I have to go to the game too. This is going to be a nightmare, and I have no clue how I’m going to pull this off.

Without prompting, my mind drifts to the new football coach. That man was way too hot to be a teacher or on the school staff. I’d heard some people talking about the new coach. The girls were drooling over his looks, and the guys were talking about how badass he was in the NFL.

I didn’t give it much thought when I overheard the comments. After seeing him up close, I understand the hype. He’s so damn fine, and what did I do? My beaver-wearing ass landed right on top of him.

Of course the first time I’ve got a hot guy between my legs I’m dressed as a beaver. I didn't think it was possible for me to be embarrassed so easily because normally I don’t give a shit. I know that after graduation I’m never going to see these people again. The only thing I’m worried about is doing what I need to so that I can get my diploma and get the hell out of here.

Yesterday I was absolutely mortified, and I hold Bennett responsible for it. I’d lay into him, but he’s actually one of the good guys. I know he’s only trying to help me so that I don’t make a total fool of myself. He’s growing on me too, and it makes me wonder what is wrong with me. I already have one too many friends with Tins.

She and I ended up having a handful of classes together, and in every one she made sure to take the seat right next to me. She even managed to find me at lunch after I was unable to evade her.

After a while, I ceased my efforts to avoid her, and I now believe that we are best friends. At least that’s what she has programmed into her phone. The girl texts me at all hours. Okay, I have to admit some of the memes and TikToks she sends are funny. Which is why I’ve decided to keep her.

The plus side to wearing a uniform every day is that I don’t have to think about what to put on every single morning. Today I spent some time on my hair and put on a little makeup. While I’m doing it, my mind drifts to Coach Shay, and I’m annoyed at myself. After that, I rush through the rest of my morning routine.

When I hit the bottom step, I smell coffee and then make my way to the kitchen. Uncle Callum is there and already dressed in one of his usual suits. He’s been MIA lately.

“Hey, kiddo.” He greets me like that all the time even though I’m eighteen.

"Morning." I nod back and head to the coffee maker. He’s already poured mine into a cup that I can take with me.

“How are things?”

“Things are good,” I say automatically.

“I haven’t gotten one call from the school, and you’ve been back for a few weeks now.” He lifts a brow.

Shit, have I been that bad? I don’t seek out trouble; it has a way of finding me. I’m not great at turning a blind eye, and my emotions get the best of me. I know I try to pretend I don’t have any, but clearly that’s not true.

“I guess I’m doing what I’m supposed to.” I take a sip of my coffee and hum appreciatively.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so busy with work that I haven't been around.” His expression turns to regret.

“It’s fine. I’m an adult,” I remind him.

He nods, but I know he doesn’t want to be absent like my parents were. Callum makes an effort when he can, and when he can’t be here, he checks in with me. I know it's because he cares and not because he feels obligated to. He’s nothing like my parents.

Callum never asked to be stuck with a teen. I barely knew him when my parents died. Hell, I barely knew them, either, but Callum uprooted his whole life to come live here so I didn’t have to change schools. He stepped up and took care of the daughter of his estranged brother. That speaks volumes to his character.

“I know, but I’m going to see about moving things around. I should be home early tonight. Chess?” He taught me how to play years ago. Back then it was how he would get me to come out of my room. Now it’s our thing.

“Actually, I’ll be late tonight.”

“Date?” he inquires.

Coach Shay pops into my head, and I swiftly shove him right back out.

“Ha! You’ve got jokes.” No way am I dating a boy from my school. “I’m going to the football game.”

Callum lets out a deep chuckle, and when I don’t join him, he stops.

“Wait, you’re serious?”

“Yep.”

“Okay, so everything isn’t fine.”

Shit, of course he thinks it’s weird I’m going to a high school football game.

“I made a friend. She’s new and wants to go.” I try to shift the narrative so that I’m not outright lying to Callum.

“A new friend, huh? A boy?”

I snort a laugh. He’s holding on to the dating thing, but once again, Coach Shay pops right into my mind. Bad Charlie . Technically Coach Shay isn’t a boy, but I can’t be into him. I already know I’m likely to have daddy issues. Probably a few mommy ones too.

“No, a bubbly blonde named Tinsley.” That girl is always sunshine and rainbows even when people are being assholes. No one can be that happy all the time. I know something is up, but I haven’t caught on to what it is yet. With time, everyone's cracks start to show.

“Now I think you’re lying to me.”

“It’s true.” I shrug one shoulder. “I kinda like her.” That makes Callum smile, and he seems to relax. “But I need to head out.”

“I made you breakfast.” He holds up a Pop-Tart wrapped in a paper towel. “Your favorite.”

“Thanks,” I tell him and snag it from his hand.

“Later, kiddo.”

“Later!” I shout back as I walk outside to my Bronco. Callum got it for me on my birthday. I know he tries to make up for his absence with gifts, and I’m not mad about it. If it makes him feel better, why not?

When I pull into my assigned spot, Tins is already there waving at me. “It’s game day!” I give her a dirty look. “I’m just trying to pump you up for the football stuff.”

At least Tins and I have that in common. Neither of us knows shit about football or cares for it. The football team here hasn’t made the prospect of learning about it all that appealing. I’ve been getting backlash over my busting Parker's nose.

I know it was one of them that flooded my locker. Since then I’ve been keeping my shit in my car when it's not on me. There have been a few other small things I know they’re behind. I try to ignore it because there isn’t much I can do. Especially if I can't pin down who it is beyond saying the whole team.

They could have put some freshmen up to it. Or gotten someone else to do their dirty work. I’m sure they know if I bust them then I’m more than happy to dish out my own payback. They aren't too scared of punishment from the school. Not during football season. Plus, not all of them are bad. It’s mainly a handful of players that drag others into it. I’m sure the ones that join in are trying to avoid being their next target.

“Nothing is going to pump me up for this,” I say as Tins falls into step beside me.

“People are really into football here.” She looks up at the streamers. The whole school is decorated, and it’s one of the rare times we don’t have to wear our uniforms.

Today students have the option to wear school colors or spirit shirts. If you are a member of the football team, you can wear your jersey, but the cheerleaders are dressed in their full uniforms.

“This school lives and breathes football.” My eyes roam the hallway as we enter the building. I know who I’m searching for, and it’s stupid, but I can’t stop myself from doing it. I’m still mortified about yesterday, and I know I’ll for sure see him today.

Sadly, my classes speed by for the first time ever, and the last class of the day is canceled due to the assembly. Before the assembly, I make my way to the back of the auditorium where Bennett is waiting with the beaver costume. I still can’t believe I’m doing this. The sensation to run suddenly overwhelms me as anxiety creeps up my spine. This feeling isn’t something I’m used to.

"I'm here!" Tinsley comes running up to Bennett and me. "I'm here," she says again, out of breath. She gives me one of her bright smiles, and for some reason it helps with my anxiety.

"Thank you." I smile back at her and take a deep breath.

"That's what friends do,” she says. Shit, if I wasn't dreading what I’m about to do I might want to hug her. Luckily I control myself.

“You really can’t do anything wrong. Remember what I told you. If you fall down, pretend it’s part of the act.” Bennett tries to reassure me, and Tinsley nods her agreement. “You’ve got this.”

I hear Principal Vale over the speakers telling everyone to take their seats. Tins helps me get into the suit as the assembly begins.

“Showtime!” Bennett says.

Tins gives me two thumbs up before I’m ushered to the auditorium.