Chapter 9

At dawn, West lies awake replaying Skylar’s unexpected kiss and, more importantly, her painful family revelations. Comparing her experience to his supportive parents, he resolves not to take advantage and instead to offer friendship and space, recognizing Skylar’s low trust and need for safety.

Morning with Emmy and Oliver grounds West, but texts from both assistant coaches canceling leave him solely responsible for a chaotic youth soccer game. Feeling the weight of giving the kids a good experience, he decides to ask his “new friend” Skylar for help.

West finds Skylar on the bunkhouse porch wrapped in a blanket with her parrot, Cherry. She looks fragile, and talk of the bird’s clipped wings becomes a metaphor for freedom and fear. To dispel the heaviness, West jokes about their kiss until Skylar laughs, easing last night’s awkwardness.

With time short, West presses Skylar to come as an impromptu assistant coach, ribbing her affectionately until she agrees. Their teasing—“Coach Plain Face” and “Coach Thick Thighs”—and Cherry’s menacing echoes turn sad tears into laughter. They head out together for Emmy’s game with the tension between them lightened and a friendly dynamic established.