Perfect for You: A Blind Date Sports Small Town Romance (Annapolis Harbor Book 3)

by Lea Coll

  I woke before Dylan the next morning, calling Callie to come over so I could handle some errands. I didn’t like leaving Dylan after our argument yesterday. I had practice, workouts, my speech session with Quinton. I wanted to talk to Frank. I left a note for Dylan on my nightstand.

  Callie promised to spend the day with Dylan after she woke up, making sure she took pain medications, ate, then rested. Satisfied Dylan was in good hands, I went to the stadium to work out, then stopped in Coach’s office.

  I paused in the doorway.

  Coach was typing one finger at a time on the keyboard.

  “You have a minute?”

  “Of course. What’s going on?” Coach Ackerman pushed back in his chair, clasping his fingers together.”

  I sat across from him, wanting him to know everything before I agreed to Lena’s demands. “Lena wants me to be Kid Speak’s spokesman.”

  “She talked to me about that. It seems like a good fit. You bonded with one of the kids, you seem invested in the cause. If you want endorsements, the fans to identify with you, aligning yourself with a community organization is the way to go.”

  “The thing is I’ve always avoided being in the spotlight.”

  He gave me a pointed look. “There comes a time when we have to overcome our fears, whatever they are.”

  It was as good a lead in as I’d ever get. “I think you need to know why.”

  Coach waited patiently for me to continue.

  “I have a speech impediment. My r’s sound like w’s. I try to avoid saying them, sometimes I pause when I’m speaking. It makes me sound slow.”

  “I’ve seen you do press conferences.”

  “I’m not the best person to represent the team.”

  He scowled, leaning his elbows on the desk. “Why would you think that?”

  “I don’t sound educated.” That was the nice way to put it.

  “Don’t you think talking about this will make people sympathetic to your situation? Don’t you think admitting that to the boy you work with will help him overcome his struggles? It will give him the strength to conquer his fears.”

  I flushed. “I have talked to him about it.”

  “Then why aren’t you up front about it with everyone else? How many other athletes are in this same situation? How many people look up to you, athlete or not, who’d be inspired by your story?”

  “I kind of think it would be the opposite.” I was ashamed to admit it. It was important for him to know where my head was at.

  “There’s always going to be stupid people. You aren’t one of them. If you’re sincere, people will sympathize with your situation. The ones that try to tear you down are jealous of your success.”

  I hadn’t thought of it like that. Had my father been jealous of me? I’d always been athletic, coaches pushing me from a young age, saying I was destined for great things.

  “What matters more to you, the person who’s quick to say you’re slow because of the way you talk, or the child or young person who joins the debate team, who takes that interview, or does a podcast because you inspired them?”

  Everything came into focus. The only things that mattered were what people who cared about me or looked up to me thought. I’d block out the rest.

  “I think you’re getting it now.”

  “Yeah. Thanks Coach.”

  “That’s what I’m here for.” He turned his attention to his computer.

  I stood, slowly making my way to the door. “Coach?”

  “Yeah?”

  “How long have you known?” It wasn’t anything he’d said, just a feeling I had.

  “Probably since your first year. You do a shit job of hiding it when you’re upset.”

  I racked my brain trying to remember times when I’d slipped up in front of him. I figured it had happened. Now I had confirmation.

  “It never mattered to me. What matters is what’s in here,” he patted his chest over his heart, “what you bring to the field. You’ve got plenty of heart. Now you need to show it to everyone else.”

  I wanted to make him proud. “Thanks.”

  He nodded.

  I wanted to make sure he was okay with me representing the team.

  I had a few things to do before I attempted a speech in front of a crowd, one where I’d bare my soul.

  That afternoon, I met with Quinton and Mrs. Sweeney like I usually did. When Mrs. Sweeney asked if we were ready to begin, I held up my hand. “Actually, I have a favor to ask of both of you.”

  “Quinton, remember when I told you I never got to do this.” I gestured at Mrs. Sweeney.

  “Yeah.” Quinton looked from Mrs. Sweeney to me.

  “Well, I’m hoping Mrs. Sweeney will help me now. I have a big speech to give in a couple of weeks for this organization.”

  “You do?”

  “Yeah, I’d love it if Mrs. Sweeney would help me say my r’s correctly.”

  Mrs. Sweeney’s eyes widened at my pronunciation.

  “I’m hoping she’ll work with me after your lesson. Maybe you could stick around for a few minutes, give me some pointers.”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  “What do you say, Mrs. Sweeney? Can you help an old guy out?”

  Mrs. Sweeney smiled. “I’d be happy to.”

  “Great. I’d love if both of you could come to the party. It’s a celebration of this program and you guys.”

  “I’d like that,” Quinton said softly.

  Mrs. Sweeney beamed. “I’ll be there.”

  “Great. Let’s get started.”

  We ran through words to determine if some sounds were better than others. We discovered I was better with words like free or cream but needed help with air and are. We started with easier exercises like connecting the r sound to a vowel. Quinton helped me practice the fun exercises, roaring like a lion and saying argh like a pirate.

  I was determined to make some progress before the gala. I wanted to come out to Dylan, my fans. I also wanted to show everyone that even an adult can improve. I had a speech planned, a teacher to help me go over it until it was rote. If I made a mistake at least I was being true to myself.

  I talked to Quinton’s mom about the gala when she picked him up, and possibly mentoring him outside the program. I wanted to take him to the park, throw a ball when the weather warmed up. I wanted to be there when he had issues at school, with his friends. I wanted him to have a support system when I’d had none.

  Feeling lighter than I had in a while, I picked up dinner before heading to the nursing home. I needed validation that I was on the right path, doing the right thing. I wasn’t sure I was making the best moves for my career. When it came to Dylan, I knew I was. I needed to prove to her that I’d listened to her, that I loved her.

  On the way to see Mr. Goodwin, I called Callie to check in. She said Dylan was still in pain, she was resting in between watching TV. Satisfied they were okay for another couple of hours, I hung up.

  My body hummed with purpose, anticipation for what I needed to do. Normally, the only thing that got me this motivated was football. For the first time in my life I made plans that could have a negative impact on my career. Coach supported me but it didn’t mean the fans would react favorably.

  I pushed open the door to Frank’s room, having called ahead to let him know I was bringing dinner.

  He turned stiffly in his chair. “Didn’t you have practice today?”

  I set the take-out boxes on the table in front of him. “I did, actually. We have a Thursday night game this week. Then I met with one of the kids taking speech lessons.”

  I made sure he had everything he needed then sat across from him. “I wanted to talk to you.”

  He cocked a brow. “Is it about that woman you brought over for Thanksgiving?”

  “Dylan? Yeah. It’s about me too.”

  I opened the boxes, plating the food before sitting across from him. “You know Dylan runs the speech program, right?”

  He nodded.

>   “The PR person for the team wants me to be the spokesman.”

  He paused his fork halfway to his mouth. “You don’t like giving interviews.”

  Frank was nothing if not blunt.

  “You’re right. I don’t. I’m sure you realized I speak a little funny. My r’s sound like w’s.”

  Frank gestured as if I should go on, as if what I’d said was no big deal.

  “That’s why I didn’t want to speak in public. I sound like an idiot.” I leaned closer to him, emphasizing each word. I knew I sounded like a petulant teenager, but I needed him to understand where I was coming from.

  “Don’t speak then.”

  It wasn’t that cut and dry. I explained what Dylan wanted from me, how she expected it could motivate the kids, how I reluctantly agreed, worried about what my fans would think.

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “You’re doing this for Dylan.”

  “I’m doing this for me too.”

  He pointed his fork at me. “Be sure you are. This could have lasting effect on your career, your reputation. Don’t do something just to impress a girl.”

  For the first time in my life, I was doing something to impress a woman, not secure my career. I was making a commitment to my future. I couldn’t play football forever. After I retired, I wanted Dylan on my side. “I’ve always been afraid to talk about it, to admit I’m not perfect. I’m working with a speech therapist. She thinks she can help me.”

  “What’s your plan?” His face was filled with respect.

  His approval spurred me on. “I’m going to get some therapy, hopefully improve, then I’ll speak at Kids Speak’s holiday gala. I only have a couple of weeks to work on my speech.”

  “You’re sure a public forum is the best way to break it to the fans?”

  “That part is more about Dylan. I want her to know that she’s important to me, that I’m willing to be the best version of myself for her. No more hiding.”

  Frank leaned back in his chair considering me.

  “I was so closed off before I met her. I never would have agreed to do something like this.”

  “Women will do that to you. They’ll make you question everything. They’ll also make you change for the better. It sounds like she has your best interest at heart.”

  “I was so caught up in my belief that she only wanted me for what I could do for her, but she’s never been like that. She’s supported me. If anything, she’s the selfless one. She takes care of her parents, wants the best for those around her.”

  “What’s the deal with her parents?”

  I explained her family situation, her strong sense of responsibility, knowing she wouldn’t mind I’d told Frank. I trusted him.

  “It’s best you don’t interfere with her family. You can try to guide her to think of other solutions, like nursing care. You can’t tell her not to care for them. It’s ingrained in her.”

  A sense of contentment washed over me that I was doing the right thing. “I’m glad I came.”

  He leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach. “I’m a wise man. If only Callie would listen to me.”

  I probably should have asked why, but I was too wrapped up in my plans for the future. “Callie’s young. She has plenty of time to figure things out.”

  Frank tilted his head. “Shouldn’t you check on your young woman?”

  I checked the time, groaning. I’d stayed longer than I intended. “You’re right. I need to see her.”

  When I opened the door, Callie was watching TV on the couch.

  “She went to bed already. She was exhausted.”

  I hung up my keys, slipping off my shoes. “When?”

  Callie glanced at the clock over the stove. “It was about an hour ago.”

  I sat next to Callie on the couch, allowing myself to relax for the first time today. “How is she?”

  “She’s in pain but she’ll be okay. She talked to her dad a couple of times. I think she wants to head home. She probably thought when you offered to take care of her you’d actually be here.” Callie shot me a disappointed look.

  “I had practice and a few other things to take care of.” I didn’t want to tell Callie my plans. She was tight with Dylan and I wanted it to be a surprise.

  “I hope you know what you’re doing. That girl is hurting. I think she’s wondering why she’s here.”

  I hoped I wasn’t screwing things up. I wanted to surprise her. I wanted to show her how much she meant to me. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”

  Callie stood, gathering her things. “You need me to stop by tomorrow?”

  I stood to follow her to the door. “Yeah, while I’m at practice.”

  She pulled open the door. “I can be here during the day, but I have classes tomorrow night.”

  “That’s okay. I can be here then.”

  I closed the door behind Callie, turning off the lights before heading to my bedroom. Undressing, I slipped into bed, moving as close as I could get to Dylan without waking her. As close as I was, I still felt the distance between us.

  I should have called to talk to her today. I should have been home more. I hoped my plan to fix things didn’t make it worse. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was on the correct path even if it wasn’t the easiest, even if it could have negative consequences.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  DYLAN

  When I woke, I wondered if I’d imagined Reid’s hand on my hip last night, his lips in my hair. I swore I heard him whisper he was sorry. I could have imagined it. I wanted him here with every fiber of my being instead of his cold sheets.

  There was a glass of water and a bottle of over-the-counter pain meds on the nightstand. I took them since I was experiencing some pain in my neck with a dull headache. I dressed slowly, heading to the kitchen, hoping to see him. Instead, Callie stood by the coffee maker. She looked over her shoulder, her face filled with an apology. “He had an early workout.”

  I felt disconnected from Reid. He wanted me in his condo yet he wasn’t here. He’d left Callie in his place. Yesterday, he’d left a note saying he’d be gone pretty much the whole day.

  I needed him. I wasn’t sure where we stood after our argument on Sunday. Did he regret what he said? Were we okay? Or was he assuaging his guilt by having Callie look out for me.

  I swallowed the hurt, straightened my shoulders against the feeling that nothing was okay. “I should probably head back to Annapolis.”

  Callie shot me a panicked look. “I can spend the day with you. I think Reid wants to talk to you tonight.”

  “I need to check on my mother today. We can talk later.” I was feeling well enough to get back to my life, especially when I wasn’t sure Reid wanted me in his.

  Callie set her mug on the counter between us. “What happened between you guys anyway?”

  I sighed, remembering that awful fight, the one that left a pit in my stomach. I couldn’t bring myself to tell her he’d told me to leave. “He reacted like you said he would. He was angry, accused me of using him to get something I wanted.”

  “He’s an idiot.”

  I smiled at her show of support. “I don’t think his feelings have changed. I think he feels some sort of guilt that I was in an accident.” I felt oddly detached from what happened between us. A part of me was resigned to the fact that he wouldn’t forgive me. If so, it would be for the best. I could concentrate on my parents and my career. The other part of me was avoiding thinking about it because I couldn’t handle the thought of never seeing Reid again.

  “You love him.”

  My throat tightened.

  “Give him an opportunity to talk, to apologize.” Callie braced her hands on the counter, leaning closer to me.

  I opened my arms wide, frustration breaking through. “He’s not here. I can’t do this by myself.”

  Her brow furrowed. “His schedule is tight during the season. Please give him a chance to make things right.”

  I shook my head. I couldn
’t make any promises. He wanted me here when he wasn’t. I needed to be with my mom. “I’m going to shower then head home. He won’t be back until tonight anyway, right?”

  “I think so. I have class so he knew you’d be alone.”

  “I’ll tell him I’m heading to check on my mom. He’ll understand.” I’d text so I wouldn’t have to talk to him. If he expressed concern over my well-being or asked me to stay, I wouldn’t be able to say no. I couldn’t deny him anything.

  From the skeptical look on her face, he probably wouldn’t want me to leave. How long was I supposed to stay in his condo wondering what was going on?

  I had to protect myself. I’d never put myself out there for another person only for them to tell me to leave, then ask me to stay, then disappear. It was confusing.

  I started toward the bedroom. “I’m going to shower then head out. I’m sure you have other things to do than babysit me.”

  “It’s not like that. I want to be here for you too. You’re my friend.”

  I stilled. I figured she’d be on Reid’s side, not mine. “Is that how you see us?”

  “Don’t you? You came to me when you were worried about Reid’s reaction to Lena’s demands. I defended you when Reid flipped out. It feels an awful lot like friendship to me.”

  I liked that she thought of me as a friend, but I couldn’t help focusing on what she’d said. “You defended me?”

  “Yeah, we talked on the phone that night after you left. I told him how conflicted you were. How you didn’t have a choice.”

  I shook my head. “It didn’t make a difference did it?”

  “Reid is stubborn. You have to understand he’s been like this his entire life. It’s hard for him to change.”

  I chuckled without any humor. “I get that.”

  “On the way to the hospital, he was a mess. He wanted to get to you, to know you were okay. I don’t know what he would have done if you weren’t.”