Chapter 22When Coach said nothing, Ben turned and headed back for his bag.
“Did I tell you to walk away, Thornton?”
Ben took a shaky breath, but he didn’t dare turn around. No way was he going to let Coach Strong see tears of frustration. Happiness? Yes. Grief? Sure. Not for this s**t. “No, sir.”
“Then get back here.”
After wiping his eyes and nose on the hem of his shirt, he did.
“Listen. I owe you an apology.”
“You don’t.” Ben shook his head. “I owe you one, Coach.”
“You gonna argue with me Thornton?” Coach Strong took Ben by both shoulders.
“No, sir.”
“Look at me.”
Ben tried.
“Do it. It’s no excuse,” Strong admitted, “but a coach always feels like he’s out on that floor with his men. The monkey wrench thrown into the works caught me off guard, and I ran my mouth…”
“It’s okay
