The Failing Hours (How to Date a Douchebag #2)(16)

I rack my brain, trying to recall any Nancys I’ve met recently, but none come to mind.

“Nancy from the Center, where you’re volunteering.”

Oh, that Nancy. “That chick doesn’t say dick to me, Coach.”

“No, I don’t suppose she would.” He chuckles, low and deep.

Actually fucking chuckles.

Whose side is he on? “What does this have to do with me?”

“They have a fundraiser,” Coach repeats. “It’s in a couple weeks. We have no meet that weekend and I’ve excused you from practice, so I fully expect to see you there.”

“See me there?”

“Yes. I take my wife, Linda; we buy a table, eat.” He leans back in his old, rickety seat, the springs squeaking with every movement. Coach scratches his chin. “It’s actually a really nice date night.”

Coach is married? This is news to me.

“But Coach, a fundraising gala?”

“Yes. I’m sure with all your parents’ money, you’re quite familiar.”

“Yeah, but—”

“Good, then it’s settled.”

“Yeah but Coach, I’ve literally only spent two days with the kid I’m mentoring. I just started the program.”

“Well. There are two weeks until the gala. I’d say that’s plenty of time to step up. Jump in with both feet, eh?”

I can see by his stalwart expression this subject is closed.

“I’ll see you there. Make sure you’re wearing a suit. I know you have one.”

Yeah I have one; we’re required to wear one when we travel to away matches.

“Are we done?” I huff, rising, hell bent on the brink of insubordination.

His reply is a dull chuckle.

“Yes, we’re done.”

“Oh, and Daniels?”

I turn.

“Feel free to bring a guest. In fact, I’d recommend it.”





“I have this thing I’m being forced to do…”

“You mean besides bugging me while I’m at work and hanging out with Kyle?” she teases, interrupting me.

For a moment all I can do is stare at her, so surprised am I by her smartass comment. It’s the last thing I expected.

“I-I’m sorry. I was kidding,” she stutters.

“I know.” I roll my eyes. “I can take a rash of shit when it’s being handed to me.”

Violet recovers, propping her elbows on the circulation desk and leaning forward. “Okay, so what is this thing you’re being forced to do?”

“The Big Brothers program apparently has this fundraiser every year.” I use air quotes and Violet cocks her head, confused, and narrows her eyes.

She frowns. “Why are you using air quotes?”

“Because it’s lame?”

Her brows go up. “I-I don’t think raising money for underprivileged children is lame, Zeke.”

“Would it make you happy if I called it boring instead?”

“Slightly better.” She uses air quotes.

Whoa. Mousy Violet is showing her spine.

“I thought we could strike a deal; if you come to this thing with me, I’ll bring Kyle on a play date with you and Summer.”

“Why would you want to go to a big fundraising event with me? I heard it’s formal.”

“My coach expects me to show up with a date. He didn’t come out and say it, but it was implied.”

“I see.”

“And if I invite some random chick,” I continue. “There will be expectations.”

“Oh.” Her voice sounds oddly disheartened. “When is it?”

“The twenty-eighth. It’s a Saturday, two weeks from this weekend.”

“I guess I can look and get back to you.”

“Can you check right now?”

“I-I suppose, but I don’t have my phone on me.”

“Come on Violet, we both know you want to come with me.”

“I don’t understand why you wouldn’t rather just go by yourself. It’s not like you enjoy anyone’s company.”

“That’s partly true,” I say with honesty. “But I figure we’re in this kid thing together, since you’re stuck with Summer and I’m stuck with Kyle, and none of my friends know any of the details cause it’s none of their damn business, and there is no way I’m taking a wrestling groupie who only uses me for sex.”

She stares at me, flabbergasted, so I continue.

“So if I have to go, I’m making you go with me.”

“I-I don’t know what to say; should I be flattered or insulted?”

I think about this, dole out the truth. “Probably a bit of both.”

Violet’s lips part.

No sound comes out.

Then, her lips press together in a thin line of displeasure. “And just so you know, I’m not stuck with Summer, and you’re not stuck with Kyle.”

I roll my eyes. “You know what I mean.”

She crosses her arms and I swear to fucking God her nostrils flare. “No, I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Oh come the fuck on Violet. Summer is just a job.”