Page 45 of My One & Goalie
“Great game, buddy. I’m proud of you.” I squeeze his small hand and he glances up at me.
“Thanks, Coach. You’re a good coach, you know that?”
A pang throbs in my chest, very near my heart. “Thanks, Jett. That means a lot.”
Rachel peers over Jett’s head at me, a soft smile on her full lips. Even though I’m benched, I’ve never been happier. Deep-down, I know this is my future.
CHAPTER 18
RACHEL
True to his word, my lawyer takes care of the Charles issue. After I file the official police report, I give a copy to Grant and he requests the judge revisit our custody agreement. The judge acquiesces, and Grant immediately sends the new paperwork to Charles’s lawyer.
I can pinpoint the exact second Charles finds out because he blows up my phone. I ignore the first ten calls, then Xander picks it up.
“You bitch!” Charles screams so loud the cell rattles in Xander’s enormous palm.
“It’s actually Xander, but that’s cool. What do you want?”
“Where’s Rachel? I need to talk to that stupid whore.”
“Stop right there. You will not call her or anyone else names or I’m disconnecting. Got it, champ?” Xander glares at the cell.
“Whatever. Where is she?”
“I’m right here, Charles. What do you want? Make it snappy because it’s almost dinnertime.” I thrum my fingers on the kitchen counter, anxiety humming through me. Talking to Charles has that effect, even when he’s miles away.
“How dare you go to the police. We had a little argument. You’re overreacting.”
I bite at my lip, blow out a quick breath. “I’m not. The police didn’t think so, the judge didn’t think so, the lawyers didn’t think so. You have a copy of the new agreement. I expect you to abide by that. Hopefully, the anger management classes will help you better yourself and you can see Jett again eventually.”
“You bitch!” Charles spits out the words.
“That’s a penalty. Bye-bye.” Xander clicks disconnect on the phone and the line goes dead. Predictably, Charles calls back multiple times, but I send him directly to voicemail.
“He won’t bully you anymore, Rach.” Xander rubs soothing circles on my back, and I relax under his touch.
“Thanks, Xander. I like the plan in place now, with no contact between me and Charles and supervised visits once a month. But what happens when he jumps through the hoops the court set up? He’ll do anything to get revenge.”
“He’ll learn from his mistakes, like you said. I’ve got your back, no matter what. He’s one dumb son of a bitch if he messes with me.” Xander cracks his knuckles, the sound echoing around the spacious kitchen, and I laugh.
“That’s true. Although the man’s not widely known for his intelligence.”
“He’ll get it together. Or he won’t see Jett.” Xander shrugs and I know he’s right.
The phone rings again, but this time it’s not my cell. Xander checks the caller ID and snatches the phone up.
“Hi, Coach.” Holding up his index finger, Xander wanders away to take the call in private.
The sense of calm from moments ago vanishes, anxiety chugging through my veins. I’m not sure what Xander’s coach will say, but I know our cozy cocoon will be rocked either way.
Pacing the kitchen, I’m glad Jett’s with Harper and Jackson right now. I open the fridge and pour myself a glass of wine, take a long sip.
Finally, Xander wanders back into the kitchen.
“You want the good news or the bad news?” He spreads his open palms and I point to his right hand.
“The good news first.”