“Fired?” I exclaim. “In what world do I even have the authority to do that? I work for you.”

Coach purses his lips. “Would you play for me, Fitz?”

I think back to the day in Heath’s office.

“They work for him but play for you.”

Even when he wasn’t my coach, I played to makes James Foller proud—proud he developed my talent, proud that he pushed me, even if that means he drove me deep into the ground.

“What are you talking about? Of course I do.”

Coach nods. “Then you’re going to tell the world that at the interview.” When I look confused, he clarifies, “I’m not an idiot, Fitz. I’ve got a sit-down with the League commissioner and his friends on the ethics panel first thing Monday morning.”

I cock my tongue against my cheek.

“I know the League is investigating me. And I’d bet good money that Heath or one of the higher-ups let you in on that little fact and that’s why you’ve been dodging my messages about the interview after our preseason game.”

“I haven’t been dodging anything. I’ve had a full plate since camp. And I’m taking my one weekend off for the next six months to spend with my wife.”

Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say. “Parker, hm? Got married and handed her your balls?”

My eyes flick up to the second-floor landing, where I find the door closed.

“I told you,” Coach continues. “That girl? She’ll⁠—”

I stop him before he has a chance to continue, taking two steps so I’m as in his face as I’d ever allow myself. “Let’s get something straight, Coach. That girl? She’s my wife. I play for you. But this is going to be the last time I ever remind you I ride or die for her. You might not like that, but you’re going to have to respect it. Because I’ll say this. There sure are a hell of a lot of things you do that I don’t like. But because of who you are to me, I respect them.”

Coach’s face hardens. I don’t think I’ve ever come at him for anything apart from one shitty play during a tough game in college. And man, did my legs pay for that the day after when he made me run the bleachers until I threw up. Have I wanted to other times when I felt he was being too harsh on me? Sure. They just never seemed worth the trouble. But Parker? She’s worth all kinds of trouble.

“And to prove my point,” I conclude, “I’ll do the damn interview, alright? If anyone has any issue with that, they can deal with me. But right now? I’m done talking.”