I shake my head. “I’m sorry. I thought we were doing the right thing, but I think that maybe I misjudged. Maybe honesty isn’t always the best way to move forward.”
“I think you did the right thing in coming to me. You should have sooner. Make sure you forward me that email immediately. The sender needs to be dealt with. I’d like to offer you some reassurance, but unfortunately, this isn’t something that I can decide on my own. Ican, however, make a recommendation on the situation, and since you’re my employee, it will be taken into serious consideration. I will ask for the outcome you set forward. You have my support, Coach.”
I take a breath. “Thank you.”
“I’m going to repeat that I don’t have the final say, but I will absolutely bring up Brevan and Provost Kendrick.” He gives me a mischievous smile. “It’s hard to be hypocrites when the highest position in the school has done the same thing, no?”
“No offense, but that’s what I’m hoping.”
He laughs. One of those laughs that comes from the gut. “Me too. Get out of here. I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”
“Thank you, Dean.”
He waves me off, and whileeverything’sstill up in the air, I feel a whole lot lighter. Unfortunately, I don’t think Roux is going to feel the same relief that I do.
CHAPTER 34
ALKA
Ican’t remember the last time I paced because I was nervous. It was the right decision not to tell Roux about the email or talking to the dean while he was in class and certainly not over the phone after he was finished. I know that. But I have a feeling I know exactly how he’s going to react, and I don’t even blame him.
There’s a part of me that agrees with Harper. I want to cancel the season entirely, and if this decision wouldn’t affect the entire league, I would, but we have commitments to other schools. We have travel plans already in place and booked. We have teams counting on us to play.
Besides, it’s not right to punish the whole team for the actions of a few even though this entire situation leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Granted, I know that a third of my team is new, but it feels like I don’t know these kids at all. Like we haven’t bonded over the previous year in the same way I have with my returning players. I never would have guessed that they’d behave this way, not only toward me but toward one of their teammates.
I’m disgusted. Disappointed. And honestly, I think I feel a little bit betrayed. Those who acted the absolute worst weren’tnew players. This is Jeff’s third year on my team. Ineverwould have guessed he’d be the loudest gross voice.
Then again, I wouldn’t have thought any of them would have been. That’s why I trusted them with the truth.
I’ve never put a lot of stock into the saying “If only I knew then what I know now,” but it feels like those words are branded on my soul. This beautiful thing should have been kept between the three of us.
Fortunately, I don’t think it’s placed more stress or pressure on our relationship. As far as that’s concerned, we’re fine. Perfect. But itisan unnecessary worry because of the involvement of admin. Wewillbe fine. That doesn’t mean this isn’t going to be difficult to get through.
The front door opens, and I spin on my heel to look at Roux. He gives me a smile as he kicks off his shoes, closes the door, and drops his bag all at the same time. Then he’s across the space and in my arms. Or maybe I moved to him. It’s hard to say.
I hug him tightly, kissing him in a way that I’m sure he knows something’s up. I drop my hands down his fine ass and grab his thighs, pulling his feet off the floor and wrapping his legs around my waist. He grins against my mouth but doesn’t stop kissing me. Maybe he needs it too.
Oscar’s in the living room. He looks up when we enter and sets his laptop on the table. I place my knee between his legs and bring Roux and me down on top of him. He smiles and brushes a kiss along Roux’s neck.
Reluctantly, I pull my mouth from Roux’s. I love how his cheeks are flushed. “I need to tell you something.”
His brows immediately knit together. “Okay.”
“I received an email this morning that threatened to tell the dean about our relationship if I didn’t remove you from the team.”
Roux sharply inhales.
“So… I took the matter to Dean Cooke.”
Now, his eyes widen. “What?”
“I presented him with all the evidence that we met beforehand and didn’t realize we were heading to the same place over the summer. I told him that I’ve removed myself from the position directly superior to you so I wouldn’t unconsciously give you special treatment. I told him that I’m happy to remain in that position until you graduate. I also showed him the email.”
Roux shakes his head. “What did he say?”
“He said that he’d seen the video of Jeff’s outburst yesterday, and he supports whatever decision I make in regard to him even though he’d like to see that he’s removed from the team. He asked me to forward the email to him so he could take the matter to IT. They can track the IP and find who sent it.”
“It’s Jeff, isn’t it?”
