Page 32 of Shark’s Edge

“And your team needs a better coach. I have no idea where they get these screw-ups.”

“Hey, buddy, why don’t you ease up, man? It’s a kids’ league. They’re out here for fun.”

“Maybe your kid is, but mine is looking for a scholarship after high school.”

“She’s eight.” My brows hiked up toward my hairline in disbelief. “That’s ten years away.” I chuckled at his ridiculous answer.

“Show’s what you know. Scouts start looking as early as ten.” His authoritative tone made him seem even more ludicrous. Did people really think this way?

“How many adults make a career out of professional sports, do you think? And is that really the lifestyle you want for your kid?” Maybe a different approach would get through to him.

Now he was the one to laugh. “What? Should my kid idolize jackasses like you? Dipshits who have women killing themselves because they fell in love with them? It’s funny that you’re handing out career advice.” He shook his head and began to walk away.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. Asshole.”

He turned on his heel at the insult. “What did you just call me?” He stalked back to where I stood.

“You heard me.” I squared my shoulders, preparing for a physical blow.

Pia grabbed at my arm, but I moved from her reach.

“Bas, come on. Just let him be.”

“You’re a bully and a terrible example for your daughter.” I pointed my finger in his face. “If I hear you berate her or any of the girls on the team ever again, I’ll contact Child Protective Services. Mark my words. It’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun. Fun doesn’t end in tears, idiot. There are enough screwed-up adults running around this world. You don’t need to do your best to make another one.” I gave him one last head-to-toe scan, only moving my eyes. “Piece of shit.”

At that point, I was the one to turn and walk away, leaving him standing there with his mouth hanging open. I suspect he wanted to say something but couldn’t organize his thoughts quickly enough to muster a comeback.

“And a mental giant to boot,” I said to Pia as I took Vela’s outstretched hand.

Most of the team’s parents had stopped to watch the altercation. As I walked away, a few started clapping in appreciation for what I’d said to the man. Apparently a lot of people felt the same way but no one ever had the balls to put the guy in his place. By the time I cleared the throng of people, everyone was applauding.

Vela was jumping up and down beside me, having no clue what was actually going on but loving the commotion.

“Why’s everyone clapping, Mama? Because we won?” she asked as she bounced along.

“Yes, that, and because Naya’s daddy is going to try to be kinder to her. Won’t that be great?” My sister ran her fingers through Vela’s sweaty hair, brushing it back off her forehead.

“That would be the best thing ever!” She released my hand to clasp both of hers in front of her chest. “It’s really sad when Naya cries. Her dad is so mean. I just stay far away from him.” She shook her head and transitioned right into the next subject seamlessly, as only children can do. “Can I get a snow cone? They have them at the snack bar.”

I chimed in. “Snow cones for everyone. My treat!” Snow cones and a quick conversation with a certain redhead—how convenient.

Pia eyed me over Vela’s head, knowing the game I had in mind.

I shrugged unapologetically. “We have unfinished business.”

“You’ve got it bad, brother.”

“I have no such thing, thank you very much.”

“We’ll see.” She walked with Vela to the line that formed at the snack bar’s window while I went off to the side of the building where the service door stood propped open.

“Abbigail. Can I speak to you for a minute, please?” I asked, peering into the block building.

“No, you can’t. I’m swamped,” she said without looking up.

“You have a horde of volunteers standing around with nothing to do. It’ll just take a minute. Come.” I strode away from the door and around to the back of the building. There was glorious shade from a mature oak tree, and I took a minute to let the breeze waft over me and cool my skin.

Another minute passed. She still hadn’t come around the building. I was thinking of at least three ways to extract her from the concession stand when she appeared with a cold bottle of water in each hand.