With a wrinkle in her brow and a pout on her lips, she said, “I need a clear head to help coach.”
Though he’d wanted to go to her place last night, Tess had phoned, informing him the meds had put Olivia to sleep. As it was, basketball practice went over the scheduled time. Plus he had work to catch up on.
Olivia now paced along the bench, making sure everything was in order. He could have suggested she stay home and rest, or at least insisted she sit with Rick, Tess, Kyle, and her family in the stands, but he knew she wouldn’t. Jacob stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.
“You’re a part of this team. We all need you here.” From the look on her face, he knew he said the right words.
He called to the boys warming up, “Bring it in.”
Tension was high during the first half, which ended in an eight-point deficit. During halftime Jacob made adjustments to the game plan. The team returned to the court with a new energy, quickly taking the lead. Jacob kept his cool when the refs called bad fouls or the other coach’s antics grated on his nerves. All the while, his little champion yelled encouragement from the bench. He suppressed his chuckle when the other coach grumbled at her outbursts; Olivia was apparently getting under his skin.
Improving the boys’ endurance paid off. They pressed, forcing the other team’s defense to become sloppy. Their players looked winded. When the seconds counted down to the end, the parents were already cheering over the win. Olivia, with one arm, hugged the boys who leaped off the bench.
The buzzer sounded, cementing their triumphant win. The faces of the players beamed with elation. Jacob couldn’t have felt prouder. They were the new champions of the ninth-grade division.
“You did it, Jacob,” Rick called, rushing the court to be the first to congratulate him. Pumping his hand, he said a bit quieter, “You took a mediocre group and transformed them into champions. And they maintained a ten-point lead nearly the entire second half—you should be proud.” Rick slapped Jacob’s shoulder. “I’d like to hear more about the summer program you mentioned. I think with the right sponsors—and we should get some good ones after this epic championship—we could get a good thing going for the Athletic Club. Let’s set up a meeting to discuss it.”
“Thanks. We’ll talk about it later,” Jacob answered.
The courts were abuzz with noise and excitement as he turned to shake hands with parents. Mentoring the boys was fulfilling and rewarding, but having them win the championship game left him ecstatic. And to top it all off, he had his girl at his side. Olivia’s adoring gaze filled his chest with pride.
Jacob called the team aside; the parents gathered by the bleachers nearby. “Congratulations. You worked hard and deserved the win. As planned, I’m hosting a gathering tonight upstairs in the Nutrition Media Center. I’ve arranged for the New Bridgeport House of Pizza to deliver food at five. See you in a couple of hours.” Sending out email reminders to the parents and ordering food had been a few of the final night’s tasks. He’d needed quiet time to mull over what he wanted to say to his team at dinner—whether they won or lost.
After the players left, he joined Olivia, who spoke with Kyle and Tess.
“Epic game,” Kyle said.
At Kyle’s side, Tess nodded. “Wow! Congratulations.”
“Thank you. You two are welcome to join us when we meet the team upstairs for pizza later,” Jacob said warmly.
“I appreciate the offer, my friend, but we’re eager to head out.”
“All packed and ready to go,” Tess said to Olivia. They hugged and spoke quietly to each other.
“Best of luck to you both. If you need anything, give me a call. I mean it—keep in touch.” Jacob made a fist, extending it toward Kyle.
Kyle grinned, not leaving him hanging.
The two couples headed outside, where the tiny house was hitched to a dented pickup truck. After taking the tiny tour, they waved them off.
Olivia turned to Jacob. “What an emotional rollercoaster. I’m elated from winning the championship game, yet very sad because my best friend moved.”
“After we celebrate with the team, let’s get a beer and then go to your place for some overdue us time.”
“Oh, I like the sound of that, Coach.”
Chapter Eighteen
Olivia
The basketball players finished the pizza and spent time lounging and swiveling in the conference room chairs. A few parents joined the group as well as Olivia’s parents. Jacob stood to speak to the crowd.
He started off by thanking the players and parents. “As for my team…” He nodded, looking choked up. “I’ve coached my fair share of youth leagues, but I’ve never come across a group of boys who’ve worked harder than you guys. You showed up, you stayed late, you made me very proud.”
This man had never been more attractive to Olivia than at this moment, showing his vulnerable side and how much playing a huge role in their success meant to him. Tears stabbed at the back of her eyes as Jacob revealed his character by offering heartfelt praise. Jacob, you are the man for me. I love you with all my heart.
“On another note, I’d like to recognize our assistant coach.”
Olivia sat straighter, anticipating his words. She exchanged looks with her parents, hoping they’d finally recognize the value she’d added to the coaching.
“Olivia has not only remained positive, always quick with words of encouragement, but she took the time to study the playbook and memorize and execute the calls. She helped shape this team. Also, you may not know this, but she is an amazing baker. On her own, she developed numerous healthy snack options and at every practice and game nourished our boys. I speak on behalf of myself and the team when I say you’ve made an incredible difference. So thank you, Olivia.”
The boys clapped and hooted.
Deeply touched, she stood to say a few words. “Thank you, Jacob.” But before she could address the group, a gym employee stepped into the room, his young face perplexed as he pointed in her and Jacob’s direction. Two police officers followed him in and approached the table. The employee slipped away.
“Miss Ward?” the female officer asked.
“Yes. I’m Olivia Ward. Can I help you?” She searched her brain for a clue as to why they could possibly be asking for her.
“We’d like to speak with you in private,” said the woman.
Their somber expressions made her nervous. “Of course,” she said, before she turned and said to the group, “Excuse me.” She caught the confused expressions on her parents’ faces and held up a finger to them, her way of ensuring they didn’t follow.
The male cop spoke. “Are you Jacob Dodge?”
“Yes—what’s this about? We’re kind of in the middle of a celebration here.” Jacob indicated the families.
“I see, sir. But we need to speak with you too.”
“Will this take long?” Olivia asked. “We’re nearly done.”
“I’m afraid so,” said the woman. “But take a minute if you’d like. We’ll wait outside the room.” The officer tipped her head toward the door.
Olivia’s eyes darted toward Jacob, who appeared just as confused, and she shrugged. Distractedly, she began, “Um, I wanted to thank Coach for all his hard work and dedication to the team. He had a huge hand in helping me as well. I’m glad he didn’t give up on me.” She smiled at Jacob. “And congratulations again, boys, for an awesome season!” She clapped, ending her speech more quickly than she’d intended. The audience of parents and players clapped, following suit, until Jacob wrapped up the gathering.
“Thanks again for coming. I hope to see all of you here at the Athletic Club, staying in shape for next season.”
The officers scrutinized them as Jacob and Olivia crossed the room.
The cop said, “Mr. Dodge, why don’t we step into the hallway.”
Jacob and the officer moved down the corridor, Jacob’s voice fading with distance. “What’s this about?”
The female officer spok
e to Olivia, jarring her from her speculations. “Miss, we can talk here. If you prefer more privacy I can take you down to the station.”
Olivia saw Jacob come to an abrupt stop after the officer told him something. They were out of earshot, but Olivia kept them in her peripheral vision.
“Miss?”
“Here is fine.” She focused on the woman’s makeup-free face and shrewd eyes.
The officer collected a pen and notepad from her shirt pocket. “My name is Officer Raven.”
Olivia nodded, more interested in what was happening with Jacob.
“Do you know why we’re here?”
She shook her head.
“Officer McGill and I are following up on a possible domestic violence case.” Officer Raven glanced at Olivia’s bandaged hand. “I understand this was the second time Mr. Dodge took you to the emergency room in approximately…” she glanced at her notebook, “the last two months. First time was for a concussion.”
“What?” Domestic violence?
“Can you tell me why you think the police were contacted?”
“I have no idea. This,” she lifted her hand, “was an accident. I fell. And the other time…he hit me—no! I mean, he didn’t hit me—he was shooting a basketball and it bounced off the rim and hit me. I don’t understand. You think there is a case of domestic violence between Jacob and I?”
“I need to ask you a few questions. Unless there’s anything you’d like to tell me? It will be completely confidential.”
“There’s nothing to tell. Who reported abuse?”
“It’s at the hospital staff’s discretion to file a report. Apparently your file is documented with a long and extensive history of hospital visits. We are required to follow-up within forty-eight hours of a reported incident.”
Olivia leaned in, whispering, “So someone at the hospital thought Jacob hurt me, twice? No, wait—a long history?” Her eyes shot to Jacob, trepidation rising in her gut. Oh my god, he’s being falsely accused. Again!
Jacob stood rigidly, his fists on his hips, head down. He appeared to be answering with one-line responses.
“Please, I swear to you, this is all a misunderstanding. There’s been some kind of mistake.” Olivia pressed her knuckles to her lips, glancing at the team and parents beyond the window wall of the Nutrition room. They hung around in quiet conversation, sending sidelong glances in their directions. This can’t be happening. A week ago he broke his rules because he cared about me and trusted me. Until then, she’d respected his rules. How is he going to react to this?
“A few questions, okay?” The officer interrupted her horrified musings.
She nodded, crossing her arms over her twisting, aching stomach, praying this would be done soon so she could talk to Jacob.
“Do you feel in immediate danger?”
“No, of course not.”
“Do you feel safe returning to your home?”
She bit her lip when Jacob pressed a hand against his temple.
“Miss, do you—”
“Yes, I feel safe,” she responded hurriedly.
At the tenth question, Olivia fidgeted as she watched Jacob debate with Officer McGill. He still hadn’t looked in her direction. He must be very hurt. This must churn up old painful memories. Obviously he must realize this is a misunderstanding.
She gasped, realizing what a very public place this was—as well as his business, parents and the boys he’d mentored observing the whole charade.
Jacob moved out of sight as the officer jotted in his notebook.
“Are we almost done?”
Officer Raven seemed to take pity on her and appeared satisfied with the results of her questioning. “Yes, Miss Ward. I’m sorry to have disturbed you. If you have any questions or concerns, here’s my card. You can contact me anytime.” She tucked the notepad into her pocket.
As the officers retreated down the corridor, Olivia’s mother reached her elbow. “Is everything okay? What was that all about?”
Dylan and her dad circled her, their anticipation of a good story written on their faces.
“Something about a case at the hospital. They wondered if I saw anything, but I didn’t.”
“Wow, what case?” her dad asked.
“Don’t know. She couldn’t say.” As she brushed them off with a vague lie, all Olivia wanted to do was run after Jacob.
“Honey, your mother isn’t feeling well. We’re going to head home. Do you need a ride?”
“No, my car’s here. You go ahead. I’ve got to find Jacob.”
“I think he left,” Dylan said.
“I’ll catch up with him. Talk to you later. Great game, Dylan,” she said as she gathered her coat and purse before rushing down the hallway. She waved to the other players, who were slipping on their coats and preparing to leave, through the window.
Olivia stopped at Jacob’s office and then searched every nook and cranny of the gym before she left the building. She ran nearly around the entire block looking for him or his SUV. Stopping to catch her breath, she dug her cell phone out of her purse and called him. It went to voice mail.
Olivia: Please call me! We need to talk!
She tapped her foot for a minute. When he didn’t respond, she decided to drive to her apartment, hoping maybe he’d be there waiting for her. Yes. He’s probably waiting. She quickened her pace, but her heart sunk when she rounded the building and saw no sign of him.
The last time anything like this happened to him he moved across the country. Shit!
Olivia waited in her apartment for an hour, calling Jacob every fifteen minutes. She texted him every five. When she couldn’t stay cooped up any longer, she left. In her Beetle, she circled the parking lot at the New Bridgeport Athletic Club looking for his vehicle. She zipped to the highway and drove to Portsmouth. After she found nearby street parking, she entered the lobby of Jacob’s building.
“Can I help you, miss?” asked the man behind the counter.
“I’m looking for Jacob Dodge. Can I go up?” She recalled Jacob had used an elevator code.
“I haven’t seen him since this morning, but I’ll try him.” He lifted the phone at her nod and pressed a few buttons. After a few moments, he pulled the phone away from his ear. “Sorry, I don’t think he’s home.”
In her hand, her cell phone buzzed, sending every nerve firing. “Jacob?”
“Ah, no—it’s me.”
“Tess,” she sighed with anguish.
“You okay?”
“No. I’m trying to find Jacob.” Olivia paused, considering where to begin.
“He’s with us,” Tess said, sounding bright.
“What? Where are you? I thought you left town?”
“We did, but the house trailer had a flat, and we didn’t have a lug wrench. Kyle called Jacob about an hour and a half ago. He drove all the way to Worchester to help us. I thought you’d join him.”
“Oh, Tess. Can I talk to him?”
“Er. He’s a little busy at the moment. Why? What’s going on?”
She left the building before her tears fell. On the way to her car, she retold the painfully public police incident to a shocked Tess.
“Ohh girl, I’m so sorry.” Tess made a sad grumbly sound. “And he hasn’t returned your calls or texts?”
Olivia unlocked the car door and slid behind the wheel, resting her face in her hand, squeaking in response.
Tess asked, “Where are you?”
“At his place, parked on a side street.”
“Honey, go home and get some rest. Stop trying to contact him. I’ll talk to him—talk some sense into him. He’ll call you later. Everything will be fine.”
She sniffed. “Okay. You’ll tell him I’m sorry, right?”
“Don’t worry. It’s a misunderstanding. I mean, it’s a shame. The cops couldn’t have arrived at a worse time, but Jacob knows you’re not a stalking psycho-bitch.”
Olivia swallowed at the mire thought.
“Call me later,
Tess. And thanks. What am I going to do without you? You’re gone for two hours and look what happens.”
“Love ya, Liv. I’ll call you later.”
Chapter Nineteen
Jacob
“All right, babe, we are back in business,” Kyle said to Tess as she slid down from the front seat of the pickup truck. “All thanks to his guy.”
“You can keep the lug wrench. Eighty miles is my limit.” Jacob smirked.
“Seriously, thanks for coming all this way.”
“No problem. Safe travels.” He’d been happy for the distraction.
“Hey! Jacob, wait up,” Tess called, stopping him midway to his vehicle. “Give me a second, Kyle.” With Kyle out of earshot, she stood close to him. “I spoke with Liv. She’s very upset.”
He considered the lovely Tess with her dark, wide-set eyes, full of loyalty. He’d told Olivia about his past in private, but he suddenly realized it was likely she’d shared that information with her best friend. Normally he wouldn’t want his business spread around, but he surmised it hadn’t gone further than the two of them. Still, the whole situation irked him.
Old feelings of injustice and anger rushed in. Annoyed, he said, “I knew I shouldn’t have let my rules slip.”
“What happened at the hospital was a misunderstanding.”
“I don’t know, Tess. She obviously said something to that nurse to make her think I’d hurt her.” He pulled his hand over his face. “Look, whatever happened just reaffirms my judgment about dating in the work-place. Now things are awkward with not only Olivia but with the boys I was coaching. Did she tell you the cops showed up in front of the team and their parents? It’s a mess. I tried to avoid this…” Jacob walked away, but Tess followed.
“Wait. Please! Jacob, call her after you calm down and talk about it.”
“I can’t.” He walked to his vehicle, opened the driver’s door, and slid inside.
Defying Gravity (Landing in Love Book 1) Page 14
