XXI. THE PERFECT DUO.

2019.

Carmen didn't know why she agreed to be Patrick's coach. Maybe it was out of impulse, maybe she enjoyed the short-term thrill it gave her. But for some reason, she'd always find herself in battle with Tashi. But this time it was different and she didn't hate it so much.

Carmen being Carmen wasn't going to back down despite the inner dilemma she faced. With her legs crossed and shades covering her eyes, she made use of her time and that was observing Patrick's practice match — scanning for things to critique him on.

Still, she couldn't find exactly what to pick apart and use it for her benefit. And that bothered her because she always saw the worst in people but somehow never in herself.

His form was almost too perfect and she was starting to wonder that maybe her harshness in the past worked since even though she hadn't declared herself his coach, she was still coaching him to an extent.

As he scored another point with ease, a sigh escaped her stained lips. Shit, he's really good. But is he good enough for finals?

When Patrick looked up at her with that winning smile, that was all it took for her to realize that this wasn't a bad idea at all. After all, he could become champion later on and if that doesn't happen Carmen could simply consider quitting right then and there.

"Let's be honest." Began Patrick, a hand reaching in to grab an energy drink from the cooler, "I was untouchable on that court. You saw it too."

Carmen could only shake her head at Patrick's proud boast, "I did. And I'm pretty sure you crushed that boy's heart. Even if it were for practice."

"Yeah, I mean no matter the person I will play to the point where you might hate me." His confidence remained strong, eyes gleaming with a twinkle of pride, "It'll be different later on I can feel it. It's a challenge but I'm the kind of person who enjoys challenges."

"Different as in you winning against your ex-best friend." Tilting her head she looks at him. "Because if you mean by that then I'll take it any day."

"Speaking of challenges. There's something I need to tell you." There's a bit of skepticism in Patrick's voice which only makes her look at him through a worried gaze.

"Which is?..." Gesturing for him to say what he needed to say, Carmen took a slow sip of her drink and ultimately almost choked on it from what Patrick decided to tell her.

"I slept with Tashi." He admits rather bluntly instead of just jumping around the bush. Running a hand through his messy thrill of curls, he continued, "Last night actually."

Sitting back, Carmen gives herself some time to process what Patrick had just revealed to her. And surprisingly she wasn't mad. Why would she be mad since she'd just slept with Art the very same night and possibly hour that Patrick did with Tashi? So what? Were they mutually cheating now? What that the case? Nonetheless, she found it somewhat amusing that Tashi even gave Patrick the time of day.

Maybe that's what Tashi kept hidden from her in the elevator. Who knows. Carmen had a feeling that it was something but wasn't expecting it to be that.

But they always did say that you could never fully escape your past. Look at where it led all four of them.

Rubbing her temples, Carmen looks at Patrick with a blank stare. "Well, congratulations."

Just when she and Tashi somewhat made up he just had to come with the bull.

Patrick looks at her with a puzzled expression. He wasn't expecting her to say that at all — if anything he preferred it when she went off on him. At least it'll give him a reality check. But this — it was surprising. "You're not mad?"

"Patrick you're a grown-ass man. I'm not going to tell you who you can and can't stick your dick into." Looking at him one more time before deciding to close the door she finishes off with an, "I'm your coach, not your mom."

If Carmen were to sit there and get mad about Patrick sleeping with Tashi she would look like a hypocrite — a big one too since she slept with Art. Neither of them had any morals and were fucked up as the rest. Besides they might have broken up a marriage that was already broken.

Sitting back Patrick allows himself to let her words marinate for a bit. "Right. You're my coach." He knew that there was something she wasn't telling him but decided not to press on it.

"And as your coach, I'm telling you to focus on finals and winning. But knowing Tashi she might've told you something and my question is would you do it?"

Leaning back, Patrick looks at her with an unreadable expression. "I don't know."

authors note
Not them mutually cheating on each other on the same night.

Letting you guys know that there's a possibility that the next chapter is the last chapter of this book (it's a possibility) but I might stretch it out to two who knows?