Page 172 of Forever Relentless

“I will let you know when you can speak, Matthews.”

I bit my tongue.

He held up his hand and made sure he had my whole attention. I don’t know where else he thought it was right now. I was rigid and locked on him.

“I had a puzzle I couldn’t solve,” he told me.

I said nothing because I had no idea where this was going.

“I lose five of my guys,” he dropped a finger. “I have QB10 giving me fucking attitude, and then he starts dating the dean’s daughter.” Another finger down. “Then that journalist girl lures my wide receiver into bed, and suddenly, social media is full of bullshit.” He dropped another finger.

He scowled at me.

“And then you, my versatile linebacker, walked out of the dean’s residence with my hotheaded QB.” He held up one finger. “And then today, I see the way you looked at the media girl, and I saw the way she looked back, and well, the pieces all just fit.”

“How’s that, Coach?”

He leaned onto the desk. “I don’t like people who spy.”

“Says the guy who knows I was at the dean’s residence yesterday?”

He laughed.

“Good one.” He watched me like a hawk watches a mouse. “Tell me why you were there.”

“My brother Tate is at Cedar Hill in Texas, and his high school bully is there too. Tate’s been having trouble, and I offered to help, but he didn’t want my help. He challenged the guy, they tussled, and unfortunately, he broke the guy’s arm. Tate got suspended for a week, and that will be on his record. I went to the dean to ask for advice on how to appeal to Tate’s school for leniency.”

Coach Sutherland made a face. “It’s easier when it’s true, isn’t it?”

“Coach?”

“To be righteous.” He sat back again. “I know why you were there, I know all about Tate’s fight. I know you told the truth.”

“Okay?” How the fuck did he know? “Because you trust me, Coach?”

He snorted. “Because I keep tabs on all my players, and their . . . wayward siblings.” He smiled, and it was pure malice. “It’s a small world, Matthews. Cedar Hill’s dean used to coach with me.”

And their siblings? He knew about Dante’s sister? He knew about Tate? Fuck, he knew so much more than he let on. He was keeping tabs on us.

“So why don’t we try this. Tell me about you and the media girl.”

“There’s nothing to tell, Coach.” I kept my posture the same, my tone, everything.

He nodded slightly. “Let’s do that one more time, make me believe it.”

“I really don’t have anything to say.”

“See, I have an issue with that. I think you have plenty to say.”

“Coach Sutherland, I’m here to play football.”

He pointed at me. “I believe that.” He drummed his fingers on the desk. “But unfortunately for you, Matthews, I am also not blind.”

“Coach?”

“I hate the after-party.” He didn’t hide his glee. “I despise the schmoozing and the idle chitchat. It makes me nauseous.”

“That’s a pity, Coach. I imagine you have to attend a lot.”