Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
Cora
Huddling deeper into my chair, I watch as Noah runs around the grass with his team.
It’s too cold for this. I’ll be glad in a couple of weeks when the season is over.
It’s already mid-October, and there’s no way they can keep going.
There are still remnants of frost coating the ground, and it took a solid ten minutes for my car to warm up this morning.
Mila and Mara are sitting on either side of me, but I refuse to talk to them. I know they want answers about last night, but I don’t have any. I was having a bit of fun dancing, and then Atlas came out of nowhere.
I had no intention of going home with the guy, but it’s been so long since I’ve been held in anyone’s arms, and it felt nice. Really nice, and I refuse to apologize for that.
The amount of violence Atlas showed is also concerning.
What would it take for him to turn that on me?
Would he ever hit me? I don’t think he would, but I never would have thought my own dad would be the one to hurt me so much when he was the one who gave me life.
I don’t know how to wrap my head around it, so until I can give myself answers, no one else is getting any either.
Refocusing back on the game, Noah dribbles the ball down the field. He’s gotten so fast and has good control, by the looks of it. He’s only seven, so it’s mostly making sure the kids still go in the same direction, but Matt’s team looks well put together.
Noah sneaks to the side of a kid from the other team coming at him. Rushing toward the net, he kicks it, and we all watch in awe as it goes past their goalie.
Jumping to my feet, I shout, “Good job, Noah! Great kick!” I notice that most of the parents are still sitting, so I quickly retake my seat. I guess none of them actually stand and cheer at these things. Weird.
Mr. Morgan is laughing behind me and whispering to his wife. Turning to give him a mock scowl, I ask, “What’s so funny, old man?”
“Oh, just you being you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He leans down from his seat and wraps his arms around me, resting his chin on my shoulder before he points toward the field where the kids are playing.
“It means that you were always worried you wouldn’t be what he needed, but look at him, Cora.
Noah is happy, he’s healthy, and you can tell he’s well-loved. You’ve done well on your own.”
It’s been a hard five years since our parents died, but maybe he’s right.
I’ve always prioritized Noah’s happiness above all else.
I needed to make sure that he’ll never experienced what I did.
I can only imagine what he saw in those two years before they died, but I’m hoping that he was too young to remember any of it.
“Thanks, Daniel. I appreciate it.”
Settling back in, we watch the rest of the game in relative silence.
We cheer here and there and clap when one of the kids scores.
Noah gets another goal right before the game is over, but I can’t lie that I’m not glad it’s done.
It’s freezing out here, and even though we came equipped with blankets and our coats, it’s still chilly.
“Did you see my goals, Cora?” Noah shouts as he runs over with a sports drink after the game.
“I sure did, bud. You were amazing. I should probably get an autograph from you before you get famous,” I joke, handing over his coat. “You should put this on. You just got over a stomach bug, so I’d hate for you to catch a cold.”
Noah nods and puts his coat over his jersey and pulls his beanie down over his almost too long hair. I guess we’ll be getting a trim soon.
“You were a champ out there,” Mara says to Noah, offering her hand for a fist bump. She doesn’t do warm and fuzzy, so this is the closest thing to it. “You smoked that kid at the end. I’m proud.”
Rolling her eyes, Mila and her parents take their turns congratulating him on a job well done, promising to be at the next two games.
We start to plan for next week, but Noah interrupts.
“Hey, Matt wanted to talk to you, Cora.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll be right back. Don’t run off; it’s too cold to stay out here long.”
Curiosity has me heading over to where Matt stands talking with some of the other parents.
“I know it’s getting colder, Lexi; we might have some games next week if I can get the coaches to agree.
End the season a bit early.” His eyes find mine.
“Oh, perfect. I was just telling Lexi we may move some games to the week. Is that okay? It will likely be in place of a practice session. It’s getting colder out,” he explains, laughing as the cold air puffs around his breath.
“It’s definitely cold out here. I’m up for some weeknight games.”
“Perfect, I’ll text you guys the changes once I hear from the coaches. Cora, can I borrow you for a second?” he asks after saying goodbye to Lexi and her husband. “Let me grab my bag real quick, and I’ll walk with you.”
Waiting for him, a ball of dread forms in my stomach.
“I know it’s probably not the best time to ask, with it being as cold as it is, but we haven’t gotten to our game just yet. I have tickets for tonight if you want to go,” he rushes out.
I promised him we’d go to a game, but I don’t want him to get the wrong idea. If something happens between us, and it goes south, it could hurt Noah and Dane’s friendship, and I don’t want that.
“I don’t know, Matt. You know I don’t really date, and the boys are really good friends,” I say, pushing Atlas’ scowling face from my brain.
“Let’s not call it a date. Let’s just call it hanging out.”
“I work at two on Saturdays,” I remind him, assuming I still have a job, that is.
“It’s not until eight. Do you think you could leave a bit early? I know how much you love hockey. Mila told me you’re a big fan.”
My eyes cut to Mila’s form. She knows that I love hockey, but why would she tell Matt? She knows I only see him as a friend.
“That’s fine. I’ll talk to the guys. I’m sure it won’t be an issue.”
They owe me one for last night, anyway.
“Great, I’m on call at the clinic, but I doubt anything will come up. I’ll drop the tickets off just in case. Oh, did Noah bring his bag with him? Mom said he’s hanging out with Dane for the day and spending the night.”
Matt coming into the shop is probably not the best idea given last night’s incident. “Yeah, I just have to grab it from the car, but Matt, I don’t know if it’s a goo—” I get cut off by another voice.
“Hey, Matt!” Mr. Morgan greets him. “That was a good game, coach.”
“Thank you, sir. Glad you guys could make it.” Glancing at his watch, he winces. “I’ve gotta get going. Dane! Noah! Let’s go, guys. I’ll see you later, Cora.” He smiles at me, and then walks off, yelling for the boys to hurry up.
Standing in the field, flanked by Mara and Mila, I watch as Dane and Noah pile into Matt’s car.
“Why did you tell Matt I love hockey?” I glare at Mila.
“Um, because you do.” Confusion mars her face. “What’s the big deal? He asked me about things you might be into. I didn’t think it’d be an issue.”
“You should go out more,” Mara adds. “There’s nothing wrong with Matt.”
“I never said there was.”
She raises her brow. “Then where’s the issue?”
I don’t have a good answer for her, so I say nothing at first. “I’ve gotta go get ready for work.
I’ll talk to you guys later.” Heading back to my car, I ask myself the same question.
What’s wrong with Matt, and why do I only get butterflies in my stomach from a certain dark-haired, angry man with tattoos covering his body?
Why can’t I be interested in the nice guy who smiles, instead of the one who knocks people out?
Pulling out my phone, I debate who to text as my car warms up. Kash is so easy-going, but I don’t want to take advantage of his friendliness, and Rhett is in and out a lot, plus his schedule isn’t super full tonight, so that leaves Seth.
Me:
Hey. Is it cool if I head out around 7? I can come in earlier if you want.
Seth:
That’s cool. See you later.
That was easier than I thought. There are no explanations or questions from Seth. I like that about him. Heading across town, I start to make a plan for the evening, all the while Mara’s question still rings in my brain: Where’s the issue?