Possessive Coach

“Yeah,” I say, smiling, even though I’m so nervous, sweat’s rolling down my back. If Frank takes this wrong, or if he realizes what I’ve done, this can all go up in flames.

“No offense, but maybe we should start with some weed. Smoke a little bit, relax a little bit, you’ll be right as rain.”

I wave that off. “I’ve smoked weed. I’ve done coke. I’ve taken mushrooms and gone to concerts. I want to drop acid.”

Frank lets out a breath and stares at me as he slowly realizes that I’m being serious. I stare back at him, a little bit of a smile on my lips, but I don’t back down.

“Okay,” he says finally. “Say I go through with it and get you some acid. What are you gonna do with it?”

“One weekend when we don’t have any games or practice, I’ll drive out to the canyon and take it.”

“Then what?” he presses.

“I don’t know. That’s the whole point.”

“Look, man, no offense, but it sounds like you’re way out of your depth.”

I let my smile slip. “Frank, I appreciate your concern, but I’m going to drop acid whether you hook me up or not. If you’re not about it, don’t worry.”

“Well, shit, hold up. I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it. I just feel like you should think. I mean, they’re drug testing the team, right?”

“That’s sort of what reminded me that I want to do this,” I say with a nervous laugh.

“Right.” He stares at me. “Okay, I can hook you up.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, man. I know a guy in town, he gets me weed sometimes. He’s offered some other stuff, but I’ve never taken him up on it… until now, I guess.”

“Can you get it for me tonight?”

He laughs and shakes his head. “What’s the rush?”

“I just want to be prepared.”

“Yeah, fine, I can get it tonight.”

“Frank, my man, you’re a dream. How much do I owe you?”

“Honestly, I have no clue. I’ll let you know after I buy it. I guess I’ll just get a few hits and go from there.”

“I really appreciate this, man, I really do.”

“Whatever, hey, maybe I’ll do it with you.” He grins at me. “Been forever since I tripped. Last time was… man, back in high school.”

I keep my smile plastered on my face. “Sure, that’d be cool. That’d be great.”

“Cool.” He stands up. “Look, I’m gonna go start harassing the guys.”

“Tell them about the drug testing.” I check my watch. “I want them to be broken out into positions in an hour.”

“You got it, boss.” He laughs and shakes his head. “Motherfucker wants acid…” He leaves my office, laughing to himself, and I slump back in my chair.

That was the most terrifying conversation of my life.

But it was just the first step, and probably the easiest. If Frank comes through tonight and gets me some acid, I think this might actually come together. But it all depends on what happens over the next day or so.

I pick up my phone and realize my hands are shaking. I have to take deep, calming breaths before they stop enough to dial. Chloe picks up on the first ring.

“Hey,” she says. “David. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to call and tell you that I have a plan.”

She’s quiet for a long moment. “You don’t have to. I can just…”

“No, listen,” I say. “I really do have a plan. It’s risky and dangerous, but I think it’ll work.”

“David—”

“Do you trust me, Chloe?”

She takes a breath and lets it out. “I trust you.”

“Good. Then believe that I’m going to pull this off.”

“What do you need from me?”

“I need you to meet me in the parking lot after practice tomorrow,” I say. “Bring Sara. Tell her it’s important.”

“Do we need to involve her?”

“We don’t,” I say. “But she can help. We’ll need another pair of hands to help deal with him.”

She’s quiet for a long moment. “Are we kidnapping Erik?”

“Sort of.”

“David…”

“Hey, it’s better than breaking his knees.”

“But how is this going to help?”

“Just trust me, okay? I promise, it’ll make sense tomorrow. Just show up and dress normal. Don’t come wearing all black and a mask.”

“Fine,” she says with a sigh. “Okay, fine. I’m not going to lie though, I’m a little freaked out.”

“That’s okay.” I laugh despite my nerves. “I got this.”

“I trust you.”

“Good. Look, I should get going, practice is starting to wind up. I’ll see you tomorrow. Meet right next to my truck.”

“See you then.”

I hang up the phone and stare at my desk, but this time, I’m not just spinning my wheels.

This time I have a real idea. I have a real plan starting to form in my head. It’s rough, it’s stupid, but it might actually work.

I get up from my desk, stretch, and head out to the locker room to check on the guys with a smile on my face.