“Coach, good morning. How can I help you?”
Always to the point. Nikki charged in and hoped he wasn’t too upset with her unexpected visit.
“Well Richard, I think I made a mistake.” When Richard didn’t jump in she continued, “Mason is a fine counselor, but I see more and more every day that you were right about Mia.” Richard leaned back in his chair and smiled, “She is something special. Not only has she suggested the progress reports, but she has been checking in with Madison since her accident and trying to work with her so she doesn’t feel disconnected from the team. With your permission, I would like to go back to working with her. I have asked Mason if this change would be acceptable and he has assured me there are no hard feelings.”
Richard was oddly silent. He seemed to be studying her. Making up his mind about something that Nikki perhaps did not know about. After a minute Richard’s face altered entirely. The earlier concern completely washed away. His smile was almost a little smug. Of course he knows he was right. Richard always thought things through before making any decision.
“Well, Nikki, I will have to speak with the other coaches and make sure it is acceptable to them. I had a feeling about her from the start, you know. What she lacks in experience, she makes up for in heart. Glad to know I haven’t lost my touch.” Richard stroked his goatee a minute. Seeming to ponder Nikki’s request, “Okay, pending the other staff members are on board. However, this is the last time I am changing it. I hope you’re sure.” He searched her face for any uncertainty.
“Yes sir, I am”
Evidently finding the answer he had been searching for.
“Good, I’ll give you a definite answer by this afternoon.”
Richard picked up the ringing phone and effectively dismissed her. Nikki left the office with a wide smile. She was sure the other coaches would not have any qualms about switching back to Mia. Nikki was the only one to have any disagreements with her.
Now all that was left was Sam. Nikki knew she would need to wait until after practice. Sam’s reaction was unpredictable at best. Nikki didn’t know if Sam would get upset or mad. Would she blow up? Yelling or crying would not be acceptable in a classroom environment. It was hard to know what to anticipate. It isn’t like they had ever hung out to get to know each other. If Sam was going as far as scaring away potential dates, who knew how far this infatuation had gone. Without a doubt the longer she waited, the closer Sam was to completely running Mia off. What a mess.
Mia went to lunch hoping to talk to Nikki. After this morning she got the feeling Reed was purposely not listening to the word NO. Particularly when it came from Mia and undeniably when pertaining to their “relationship”. Mia waited almost ten minutes. Sam was sitting at her normal table with no sign of Nikki. She searched the tables filled with students and then scanned the lunch line, no Nikki. Mia got up, dumped her tray and walked out. She headed down the hall, straight to Nikki’s office. At least I know Sam won’t be there.
She shouldn’t have skipped lunch. Nikki knew she shouldn’t be dodging Sam, but she still didn’t know what to say. How to explain things so as not to lose her assistant. Maybe it was inevitable. She saw how badly Sam took her brief flings when they ended. Nikki was a more permanent facet in her life. There was a knock on the door. Oh no, I’m not ready to deal with Sam. Nikki got up to answer the locked door.
“Richard, come on in. To what do I owe this honor?”
“I have spoken to the other coaches and conferred with Mason. We all agree Mia will make an adequate fit to fill the athletic counselor position. Glad I hired that one before she got away. I knew once I interviewed her that she would make an excellent replacement for Jefferson.”
Wait? Richard’s words seemed off to her. Something didn’t sound right.
“Sir, can I ask you a question.”
“What’s on your mind Nikki?”
“Well, if you were so sure of Mia, why did you only hire her for this marking period?”
Richard gave the impression he was uncomfortable and motioned Nikki to sit down. He looked out the door before closing it. Once he settled into the chair he took a deep breath, looked at the ceiling and finally focused on Nikki. Clearly searching for the proper words to explain the current predicament. Nikki felt uneasy already, Richard always knew what he was going to say and precisely how to say it. Whatever was going through his head, it seemed like he was trying to find a way to share without over stepping. What could possibly have prevented him from hiring someone as remarkable as Mia?
“Mia went through a difficult loss while working at Sayre Middle School. I won’t go into too much detail. Her past is her own and not mine to tell. But I knew after speaking with Principal Butler she would not be looking for something permanent. I was hoping she would find a home here. I do plan on offering her a more permanent position, if she is ready. The board was not happy about my decision to hire a temp, but I knew it was the right thing to do.”
Again Nikki felt as though Richard knew more than he was letting on. It was not in her nature to just let it go.
“You knew we wouldn’t get along from the beginning. Didn’t you?”
Richard laughed, “Yes. I did think it a possibility. You are both exceedingly strong willed individuals, but I was sure you would eventually see what I do. Mia is the best person for this job.”
Mia saw Richard close the door to Nikki’s office as she rounded the corner and stopped in her tracks. Clearly whatever they had to talk about was private. Mia tapped her leg a couple times as she stood in the hall, trying to decide if she should wait. She didn’t wish for anyone to discover her standing outside Nikki’s door, so she turned on her heals and went back around the corner. Without thinking about it, Mia took her cell from her pocket and sent Nikki a text. She can answer when she isn’t busy.
“Is everything okay?”
Mia didn’t know where the concern came from, her mind telling her the principal’s presence in your office didn’t seem like it was usual business. Richard had come to her office, however it was always unannounced and never with good news. She couldn’t fathom the cause and was about to walk away when her phone buzzed.
“Yes, why?”
Mia was not expecting her to text back while Richard is in there. Not knowing what to say, Mia put her phone away. She didn’t even know if she wanted to tell Nikki she saw Richard go into the office. Anyone behind closed doors clearly didn’t want others to know what they were talking about. Otherwise they wouldn’t have shut the door. Mia leaned against the wall next to the fountain and waited for time to pass, for the bell to ring.
Richard suddenly appeared from around the corner and startled Mia. The halls were quiet and she had gotten so lost in her mind, she was sure the sound of a fly could have made her jump.
“Hello Mia, how are you today?”
Mia rushed to answer. She felt like a child trying to avoid getting in trouble. As if she was caught doing something iniquitous.
“I’m good Sir. Just stretching my legs.”
“Get a little stiff being behind a desk, huh? I understand that. I was just out for a walk myself. I imagine I should head back though. Good to see you.”
“You too Sir.”
Mia watched Richard’s back as he headed towards the main office. How odd.
When she turned around Nikki was watching her intently. Mia stared at the lithe figure moving down the hall, making a B line for her. Her steps were slow and measured or was reality moving in slow motion? Mia’s heart was pounding. The anticipation was unbearable. The bell rang and students flooded the halls. Nikki stopped in her tracks, separated from Mia by the sea of students. The bell broke their gaze and allowed Mia to regain her equilibrium.
Standing outside the gymnasium, Nikki watched Mia disappear into the crowd. What was she doing down here? Mia never came down by the gym unless it was to yell at Nikki. Did she overhear my conversation with Richard? Was she worried I wasn’t at lunch? Why the text? Nikki didn’t kno
w what she was doing. They were in public, at work. What would she have done if the bell hadn’t sounded? The tootsie roll pop commercial flashed through her mind; the world may never know. That’s weird. At least my sense of humor is still intact. Either that or I’m completely losing my mind. Nikki looked back towards the direction Mia had disappeared. Yep, definitely losing it.
Chapter Fifteen
Nikki was running a scrimmage with the girls. Connie needed more live experience. Pitching to a catcher would not get her used to the mound. Madison was on the sidelines keeping score and watching Connie. Nikki sat her down before practice today to go over her new responsibilities. She was more than a team manager. Her job was to instruct Connie. Help her pitch at a level she had yet to achieve. Madison was observing, instructing and reporting Connie’s progress to Nikki. Madison would give suggestions on how to quickly advance her skill. She was a “mini” coach. Almost like the team’s personal pitching coach. She could give Connie her undivided attention and would be able to catch a mistake faster. Prevent problems from getting bigger by addressing it sooner. Nikki was hoping that having a peer coach would also assist Connie with her nervousness.
Nikki had not heard from Mia since the text this afternoon. The girls finished up and headed to the locker room. Nikki hadn’t wanted practice to end. The players were working hard, but they were also having fun. Madison joined in and cheered on her teammates. It was nice to see them all smiling after the accident. Unfortunately, it couldn’t go on forever and there was no more avoiding Sam. Nikki stayed back as usual to make sure the field was cleaned up and spoke to Madison about her assessment. By the time Nikki made it into the office, Sam was finishing up her shower. She stepped out fully dressed and toweling her hair. Nikki started picking up the bases and equipment, moving it all into the small room.
“I don’t know how you do that every day. All of the equipment is covered in mud. If you didn’t put it in there, I would wait for my shower and just have the girls put the equipment straight into the bathroom when they drop it off.”
You have to tell her. No small talk.
“Sam can you come sit for a minute?”
“Sure, what’s on your mind?”
Nikki took a deep breath and exhaled. Waiting until Sam was seated to begin, “I would like to talk… about us.”
Sam gushed, “Oh, Nikki, I thought you would never…”
Nikki held up her hand, ceasing Sam’s heartfelt misguided ramblings, “Sam, this has to stop.”
Nikki saw the change in Sam’s demeanor instantly. One second she was ready to jump into Nikki’s arms and the next she was avoiding eye contact.
“I don’t know what you mean?”
Nikki braced herself, “Sam you have to stop hitting on me and saying inappropriate things. You have to stop telling people we are together. It has to stop. We are coworkers that is all. I don’t want more.”
She refused to break eye contact. Nikki didn’t want Sam to misunderstand her in any way. She had to be firm and stand her ground, no matter what. Please don’t cry.
“Nikki I don’t know what you’re talking about. I thought we were able to joke around. Who thought we were together? Are you sure it isn’t because we spend so much time together? Not that I am not curious, I mean who wouldn’t be? I’m, hurt that you think I would lie. I would never do anything to ruin our friendship.”
Nikki couldn’t believe her ears. After the way Sam reacted when she thought Nikki was asking her out, she had the audacity to lie again. How does she still manage to hit on me while I’m asking her not to? Like I wouldn’t pick up on it. I can’t believe anything she has ever said to me. How many times has she lied? Nikki had been afraid of losing an assistant coach; she now realized it was just that. She wasn’t losing a friend, relative or lover. Sam was only a colleague and could be replaced if it came to that. Nikki picked up her belongings. She couldn’t look at Sam anymore. She had lost the only thing Nikki had ever given her, respect.
“Good night Sam.”
For once Sam was left sitting in the office. There were not many nights Nikki was the first to leave, but maybe that had been a mistake. She spent way too much time in the office, tuning everything and everyone else out. Now she wondered if she had been wearing blinders the entire time. She had presumed Sam would be upset, but denying it entirely and lying to her. How could she be so wrong about a person, someone she trusted? Had she known enough about Sam to really trust her? Giving someone trust doesn’t necessarily mean they earned it. Nikki now knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Sam had never earned it and most likely will never regain any shred of respect from her again. Why did I just assume she was an honest person? Nikki’s mind was rattled, she just couldn’t wrap her mind around the truth. How did I not see it?
Nikki pulled out her phone as soon as she was seated in her vehicle, putting it on the truck speaker as she dialed. Mia picked up on the second ring, “Hello.”
“You know, it’s amazing. Absolutely amazing.”
Mia’s light hearted laugh could be heard through the speaker, “What’s that?”
“Just hearing your voice makes my whole day better.”
“Oh really? Was it that bad?”
Thinking back over her busy day and her conversation with Sam, “Parts of it were. I know you said no earlier, but I was hoping I could see you. I have some news and kind of need a friend tonight.”
“Where is Sam? Couldn’t you tell her?”
There was a silence on the line. The mention of Sam was like a knife. She pushed the memories and pain away. It is worth it, if I get to see her. It’s not like Mia is trying to hurt me, she didn’t know. But she will.
“Nikki are you there?”
“Yeah, sorry. Just a lot on my mind. I’m really not having a good day. I don’t want to talk to Sam. She is… Please Mia. I’ll only stay long enough for one drink.”
Reed was already driving to Mia’s apartment, hoping she would be let in. She pulled into the parking lot, her gaze drawn up to Mia’s living room window. Nikki could see a silhouette through the shades. The shadow was pacing back and forth. Even when Mia stopped walking, Nikki could see her shifting her weight from side to side. Obviously Mia was at war within herself. Afraid the wrong side would win, Nikki continued her appeal.
“Please Mia.”
“Oh, I guess one drink would be okay. What time?”
“Six,” Nikki said getting out of her truck.
Mia looked at the clock, “It’s six now.”
“Okay, so I will be one minute late.”
“What?”
The line went dead as Mia walked to the window. She could see Nikki’s truck. Then she heard a knock on the door and laughed. Still smiling, Mia opened the door.
“What took you so long?”
They laughed together as Nikki stepped into the apartment.
“You have a way with greetings you know.”
“Haha. So what was so urgent?”
She had forgotten everything the instant Mia opened the door and only Mia had existed in that moment. She didn’t even notice that she had started gravitating towards Mia.
Not until she heard, “Oh no you don’t. You said talk.”
Nikki felt as though she was being drawn by a magnet, an irresistible force.
“I did want to talk, but now that I’m here I can’t remember why,” Nikki said. “Now all I want is you.”
Nikki stopped herself before cornering Mia by the door. Look at the floor, the ceiling, anywhere but at Mia. You promised!
“Sorry, I told you I wouldn’t kiss you if you don’t want me to. So I won’t. We’ll just talk.”
Nikki reluctantly walked away and sat on the couch.
Mia released her breath. All her nerves danced with anticipation when Nikki was near. Mia wanted that kiss more than she was willing to admit. She fetched them each a drink and sat on the other end of the couch. As far away from Nikki as she could get. Like that would make a difference. She was still
just a heartbeat away from being in Nikki’s arms, with nothing to stop it except her willpower. I’m doomed.
“So. What happened? Or was that just your way of getting me to say yes?”
“You know, you are always straight to the point. Must be why Richard likes you so much.”
Mia nearly spit her beer all over Nikki.
“Excuse me? He never even lets me finish a sentence and you think he likes me?”
Nikki chuckled, she could picture how well Mia dealt with being cut off. Having to keep her mouth shut, so as not to lose her job.
“What do you think you are laughing at?” Mia asked as she threw a pillow at Nikki.
“I was just thinking of all the built up anger you must have. Being as you cannot yell at him like you do to me.”
“I do not yell!” Mia said, her voice escalating slightly.
“Yeah, you’re right. You’ve never raised your voice at me.”
Nikki had a broad grin, but watched for a second pillow. Mia sat glaring, her annoyance clearly growing. Even when she was frowning, Mia was adorable. The more she frowned the wider Nikki’s smile was.
“Well? What was this news?”
Right. Stop worrying. You told her you were doing this.
“So, I spoke to Richard today.”
“Nikki, why do you keep getting involved? Just let it be. I told you I can just get another job if he doesn’t want me here. With how things have gone on between us, it might be a good idea anyway.”
NO! It can’t be too late. Nikki was sure this was all fixable. There was no other option. She just doesn’t know yet. Explain and everything will be better. It has to be!
“Please let me talk first. It’s important,” Mia sat in silence, giving Nikki the floor. Taking a deep breath she continued, “The reason I was in the guidance office this morning was to ask Mason permission to go back to you as the athletic counselor.”
Trusting Again Page 13