Page 27 of Scars
I cover my teeth with my lips to keep my snort from escaping. The kid has a valid point. At least the fifteen-year-old version of me agreed.
“Now, that’s an excellent question, Hudson. One that I’m sure many people would agree with, actually. But—” She rests back against her desk and crosses her ankles. “Have you ever loved someone so much you actually ached? It sucks.” She pauses and catches her breath, and I can’t help but wonder what’s going through her head. “Especially when it’s someone you’re supposed to hate. Your heart can’t help who it’s called to—” If I hadn’t been paying attention so closely, I would have missed the hitch in her voice. “—even if it’s your mortal enemy.”
Is that how she feels about us?Are we our own version of Romeo and Juliet?
“I heard my mom once say that her favorite books to read were enemies to lovers,” another voice adds.
“Well, that’s a little different. But I understand why she would enjoy those.”
“Cooper.” Ian pulls my attention back to him. His voice is low enough, so hopefully, Riley doesn’t catch us out here. The last thing I need is to make a scene here.
“Sorry about that.” I catch up to him a few feet away.
“The kids all love Miss Parker. She and a few other teachers are a breath of fresh air to the faculty. That won’t be an issue, will it?” He nods toward Riley’s classroom, and I know what he’s referring to.
“No, not at all.” I steady my features to not give away my nerves.
I take one last glance over my shoulder before I step in stride with Ian.
When I turned around the other night in the pizza place, all I saw was her back rushing out the door. I was almost at the door when Austin reached me and grabbed my arm.
“Don’t,” he warned.
“Are you two together?” I asked again, this time needing an answer. If they were together, I could be happy for them. After all, she deserved someone to treat her right and love her the way she deserved.
“No, but she’s important as hell to me, so just let her go. She just needs time to process it all. I didn’t warn her.” Austin slumped his shoulders and rubbed his temples. I guess he was dealing with a little bit of guilt here.
“See ya round.” He walked out the door and chased her down the sidewalk.
I sighed heavily and glanced around the restaurant to see that everyone had witnessed our moment. It was only a matter of time before everyone knew. It wouldn’t surprise me if by the time I got back to my parents’ house, they asked me about the interaction. As I gave a weak smile to no one in particular, I headed out the door toward my truck.
I looked around but didn’t see them anywhere. I pushed down the urge to go searching for them and hopped in my truck. The smell of the greasy Italian food made my stomach rumble as loud as the truck starting up.
Ian and I walk in silence the rest of the way till we get to the closed door with Coach Benson’s name on it.
After unlocking the door and pushing it open, he drops the keys in my hands. “This includes master keys to the locker rooms and the various storage closets with all the supplies and equipment, along with the field house. I’m calling parents today, and we should be able to start Monday if that works for you.” I nod. “The kids will meet you out at the field around 3:00 p.m.”
Ian slaps my back and wishes me good luck before turning to disappear around the corner.
With a few calming breaths, I flip the light switch on and take in the surrounding room.You can do this, Coop.
There are various framed photos on the walls and trophies on the shelves. I drop the folder of paperwork on the desk that I need to complete and return to the main office.
It doesn’t take long to finish the paperwork and drop it back off to Alice and tell her I’ll see her next week.
On my way out, I make a pit stop at the baseball field. I lean forward with my elbows propped up against the fence behind home plate.
I don’t have to close my eyes to be overwhelmed by the memories this field holds. Not just any field but the Tanner Hayes Memorial Field.
If he were standing right here next to me, I’d imagine he’d say something like“See that, fucker? I got a field named after me. Think they’d still do that if they knew I made it to third base with Quinn James in the dugout during junior homecoming?”
The hairs on the back of my neck rise as if someone is watching me. I look around but come up empty. I shiver.I’m clearly losing my mind.
As soon as I arrive home, the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies lures me to the kitchen, where I find Ma pulling a tray out of the oven.
“You know, Ma, I’m thinking you never actually leave this room,” I tease.
She shrugs as she sets the tray down on the counter. “Some people pray or meditate to ground themselves and find inner peace. I find mine here.” She looks around the farmhouse-style kitchen. “It’s similar to the way you find yours on the field.”