“Yes, Coach.” He nodded and quickly disappeared.

I didn’t like being alone with Grayson, but I knew Jamal would be back soon. I didn’t know how to handle a grown man crying and I didn’t want to pry. “Look, whatever’s going on with you, we have people who can help you.” That only made him cry harder. When he started making a choking sound, I handed him the wastebasket just before he heaved. There wasn’t a lot, but enough to make me take a step back and pray he didn’t spew on my new couch.

“He didn’t drive here.” Jamal entered my office and was startled to find Grayson awake.

“Well, at least he didn’t endanger anyone.” I squatted so I could look into Grayson’s red-rimmed, teary eyes. “Grayson, how did you get here?”

He sniffled and wiped his eyes. “I think Matt dropped me off.”

“Who’s Matt?”

He shrugged and tried standing but wobbled and fell back onto the couch.

“We need to get him out of here,” Jamal said. We stood in front of him with our hands on our hips, not knowing the proper protocol.

“It’s lunchtime. If we can get him into my car without drawing a lot of attention, I can take him home,” I said.

“That’s right. You’re friends with his wife.” He looked everywhere but at me. Apparently, he knew about our past, too. I was sure the entire team knew, but nobody said anything because there wasn’t anything to say.

“I’ll text her and let her know we’re coming.” We had to get him off campus before rumors got out about his state.

“How are we going to get him to your car?” Jamal asked.

“I’ll get it and drive it as close to the building as I can. Meet me by the side door. Give me ten minutes.” It was lunchtime so most of the players and staff were in the cafeteria which was in a different building. I drove up on the grass and parked about twenty feet from the door. Jamal was waiting there with Grayson’s arm draped over his shoulder.

“Watch Crowbar for me. I should be back in an hour,” I said.

Jamal set a small wastebasket on Grayson’s lap. I’d texted Parker to meet us in case she was at the school or out doing whatever she did nowadays. A quick check showed me that she hadn’t seen my message yet.

“Be careful.” Jamal clicked Grayson’s seat belt into place.

I knew to drive slowly. I didn’t want him throwing up in my car. The office was bad enough. “Grayson, I need you to keep your eyes open.” I plugged his address into my navigation system and groaned. Nineteen minutes.

“Fresh air,” he said and fumbled at the buttons on the car door.