Fallen Crest Forever (Fallen Crest Series Book 7)(4)

“I’m good as long as no one knows about it or gets upset about it?” Mason’s jaw clenched. “Otherwise you’ll have to punish me to save face. Is that what you’re saying?”

Broozer’s eyes twitched before he nodded. “Yes.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“It’s the hand you’re dealt. You haven’t helped. That video was horrifying to watch. I know your reputation, and if a reporter starts digging, you could be made into an example.”

“An example of what?”

Broozer leaned forward, his eyes no-nonsense. “Of every other rich prick who gets away with murder.”

“I was protecting my girlfriend.”

“That’s not what they’re going to think.” He pointed out the window. “All those people who hate the wealthy and privileged. They ain’t going to see you as a guy who steps up and protects his loved ones. They’ll see your pretty face, find out how rich your daddy is, and see your record of violence. You’ll be slapped on the front of a magazine as the asshole who ‘got off.’ They won’t take the time to be educated about the real issue.”

Mason leaned back in his chair.

I eyed him. He didn’t look upset, but he didn’t show anything. He was closed off. Coach was being honest, and I knew Mason appreciated that, but I understood his frustration. It sucked. He couldn’t relax, knowing Caldron and Adam were behind him. Both douchebags from the summer were still hanging over his head.

I touched his leg under the table, and he looked at me from the corner of his eye. His hands remained locked together on top of the table, but his leg angled closer to me.

We heard car doors slam outside, and all looked over. We couldn’t see through the window from where we were, but Logan’s voice quickly carried over the distance.

“Look.” Coach Broozer straightened in his seat. He pointed toward the table and jabbed it twice. “I know what kind of kid my daughter is dating, and I know the lengths he’d go to for his brother. You can’t say a word of this to him. This could all go away if we don’t do a damned thing. You got it? If Logan knows, he’ll do something. He won’t be able to help it. He means well, but he could really fuck up your life if you don’t handle him right.”

Mason didn’t have time to reply.

The door opened, and Logan’s voice boomed through the house. “Mason! Sam! You guys beat us.” He was trailing behind Taylor as they walked around the corner. His arms spread wide. “So, what’s up my compadres?” He clapped a hand on Coach Broozer’s shoulder. “What’s up, Pop-n-Lock?”

“Pop-n-Lock?” Broozer echoed, his eyebrows drawing together. He turned toward Taylor. “Do I dare ask?”

She rolled her eyes, going to the fridge. “He started off calling you Pop-n-Law. That turned into Pop-n-Lock somewhere.”

Logan barked out a laugh and smacked the table. “You guys are back. Broozer had good news for you, didn’t he?” He rounded on his Pop-n-Lock. “What did you say to my brother? I thought he was off the hook.”

Taylor’s father opened his mouth, but Mason spoke first.

“I am, if no one makes a big deal out of it.”

Broozer shot Mason a dark look. “There went that whole plan of keeping quiet.”

Mason sent a look back just as quick. “Like I’m going to keep something from my brother.”

“Wait.” Logan frowned. He held a finger up, pausing as he looked from Pop-n-Lock to Mason and back again. “I’ll ignore whatever that was about. No one? Like, no one no one?”

“The opposite of anyone,” Mason said.

Logan gave his brother a look. “You know what I mean. We’re fucked. Everyone gets pissed at us. What about partying tonight?”

“Here’s a thought.” Coach Broozer’s tone turned sarcastic. “Why don’t you try not to get in trouble?” He took his water over to the sink. As he passed his daughter, he ran a hand down her arm, and they exchanged loving smiles. “And on that note, I have football tapes calling my name.” He clapped Mason on the shoulder. “Keep your head down. Don’t listen to that idiot brother of yours—”

“Hey!” Logan called, but he didn’t sound like he minded the statement.

“—And I’ll see you at practice Monday morning.”

Mason nodded. “Thanks, Coach.”

“Anytime.” He pointed at Logan. “Protect my girl. She’s my soul.”

Logan’s chest puffed up. “Always.”

Then Coach left us alone, disappearing back into the house.