I saw worry flash through his eyes and I knew right at that moment that Caspian was secretly freaking out just as much as I was.
I leaned over, kissing Caspian gently as we sat there for a few moments in silence.
For some reason this felt even more nerve-wracking than the day we got married..just knowing that this dinner could decide Caspian’s fate in hockey..it was a lot of pressure.
“Wait here baby, let me get your door.” Caspian ordered and narrowed his eyes before getting out and swiftly running around the car and opening it for me.
The moment I stood, he wrapped his arm around my waist and began guiding us towards the house.
Then I saw Coach Marks standing on the porch, surprising me.
He seemed to be in his early forties and had black hair with tan skin. His eyes were a cold green color and his arms were crossed in front of his chest as he studied us intently.
“King, you’re late.” He stated, making Cas chuckle while guiding me up the steps.
“Me being ten minutes early is late to you?” Caspian responded playfully as Marks narrowed his eyes at him.
“Took you ten minutes just to get out of the car. So yeah, now you are late.” He stated as my cheeks started to burn..he was standing here the entire time?
“Come on, it’s just going to be us tonight. Debbie took Michael to go see a movie.” Coach Marks explained as Caspian nodded once while squeezing my hand and pulling me along.
That must’ve been his family he was talking about.
“Janie, would you like something to drink?” The man asked, getting my name wrong right off the bat as I cleared my throat to speak.
“It’s Johnnie, and she will have a water.” Caspian spoke up for me, making my eyes dart to his.
Okay..would I have let the man call me Janie all night? Probably..but that’s just because I don’t want to rock the boat.
“Ah, that’s right. Janie was that other girl you dated last year.” He quipped, making my stomach drop as Caspian stiffened. I could see the annoyance flashing across his face.
“It’s okay.” I mouthed to Caspian, seeing that Coach Marks didn’t plan on making this easy..but I wasn’t going to break down..I wouldn’t ruin this for Caspian.
“Here you go.” The Coach stated while handing me a bottle of water before glancing at Caspian and smiling.
“Now, why don’t we sit down so you can tell me what the fuck you were thinking King to get married this young.” Coach Marks stated bluntly as I felt my chest tightening…this was horrible.
“Excuse me?” Caspian scoffed, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at the man before us. I guess this was even surprising for Caspian, even thought he warned me.
“Well, did she threaten to break up with you? Or perhaps there is something else you need to tell me about?” He asked while dragging his gaze to my stomach as I looked away in embarrassment..he thought Caspian married me because he got me pregnant.
“Hey!” Capsian yelled and went to step forward.
“What? I don’t see why this girl is any different than the others..so tell me King..why is she worth jeopardizing your entire future? I told you if you wanted to be the best..you needed to eat breathe and shit hockey for the next four years..” Marks spat, his anger rising as I looked between Caspian and this man in shock..this isn’t going how I thought it would..in fact..this guy is a complete asshole.
“Well, maybe I don’t want that anymore..” Caspian retorted as I gasped, my hands reaching out and gripping Caspian’s arm…okay, this was going too far.
“Caspian..don’t say that.” I stated softly.
“No, you know what? If this is how it’s going to be..then I don’t want to be on a fucking team where the man I’m supposed to look up to disrespects my damn wife. He crossed a line and I’m close to beating his ass!” Caspian shouted while pointing to the coach, pure rage coursing through him as I placed my hands on his chest gently.
“Baby, you need to calm down.” I said as gently as I could, my words causing Caspian to glance down at me as he began panting heavily.
“I refuse to let tonight go like this..you and I both know Hockey is everything to you..” I began, seeing he was about to interject.
“I know..I know you love me..but this baby..this is your life..I won’t be going anywhere, but to see you give up your whole future like this..I can’t let you do that.” I whispered and turned my head towards Coach Marks who was watching me intently now.
“And sir, with all do respect, I have known Caspian my entire life..yes our relationship is different now, but if anyone knows how badly Capsian wants this..it’s me..and I won’t let anything ruin that. So you can judge me all you want..you can think the worst of me without so much as hearing me speak once..but you know what this man is capable of..you obviously see it for you to be reacting this way.” I ranted, forgetting who I was for a moment as I let my walls come down. I was furious that he was treating my husband this way…not even giving him a chance.
“So if Caspian means as much to your team, as I think he does..I would hate for it to end this way just because of the stereotype you have from the women he dated before. I am nothing like those women..and I will prove it to you.” I ended, my hands clenched into fists now as Caspian just stared at me intently.
Then Coach Marks stood, his hands sliding into his pockets before glancing at Caspian and back towards me..the room filling with silence as I wondered for a moment if I messed everything up even more.
“Well, are we going to eat? The foods getting cold..” He said and walked past us, going straight into the dining room as I blinked my eyes rapidly..wait..what just happened?
I felt Caspian’s hands wrap around my waist before hugging me tightly as he peered down into my eyes. The soft smile pulling at his lips leaving me more confused as he bent down and kissed me deeply.
“Well, I guess you proved yourself. You just saved my ass baby.” He breathed against my lips before kissing me again.
“And I will be thanking you later.”
“Wait..so..that means he is okay with it now?” I asked, feeling completely baffled.
“Yep…that was coachs way of apologizing..” He chuckled, making me just blink up at him.
“Come on, we better not make him wait..”
And with that..we ended up eating dinner and he eventually did really apologize at one point..which made Caspian almost choke on his water.
They ended up talking about the upcoming season mostly and I sat back and listened..hearing Caspian speaking about something he is so passionate about..it made my heart explode with happiness.
I’m glad it all worked out..even though I’m still slightly scared of the coach..but I feel like Caspian is too..so it’s okay.
I guess that is one less worry..now we just have to get through this Dave thing and find my dad..that shouldn’t be too hard…right?
(Dave)
About fucking time these kids come to their senses. I was worried for a moment I might have to do something drastic..It’s been done before and I got away with it..I’m sure it would be easy again.
I glanced over at Heather, frowning as I watched her about to apply bright red lipstick to her pouty lips while looking in the mirror.
“Don’t you think that might be a little much? We want the Winfields to be impressed, not think I have a prostitute for a wife.” I snapped, feeling stressed about this whole dinner..it has to go flawlessly.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.