“And if they don’t?”
“Then you lay out the things we just talked about: He began his transfer before meeting you. You met six weeks before school started. Neither of you knew you’d have RDU in common, never mind that he’d be your student athlete. Your relationship is serious, and you’re not willing to end it. You’ve already made accommodations, so you’re not showing him favor,” Quin says. “Stay calm. Don’t let emotion make you crazy. Stick to the facts. Have supporting documentation. I think it’ll be okay.”
“Worse comes to worst, you step down for a couple years,”Declan says. “But make that your very last resort, short of them threatening termination.”
“Which you also won’t let them do because there isn’t any quid pro quo involved and there are other relationships that have happened between staff and students that didn’t result in termination,” Zarek says. “Yes, different, but nonetheless, make sure you point it out.”
I take a breath. “So my team first.” My stomach rolls. Fuck. “Okay.”
“I can be there with you if you’d like,” Declan offers. “Showing support.”
“I can too,” Zarek says.
Quin nods. “As will I.”
My shoulders relax. “Thank you. That means a lot. I’d appreciate it.”
“Just let us know when.”
“First, I need to talk to him and Oz, then I’ll let you know when.”
“Sounds good.” Zarek leans across the table and rests his hand on my arm. “Everything’s going to work out. You’ll see.”
I smile.
“Also, we’re really happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
He sits back. “Now you can stop drooling over my man.”
I huff, rolling my eyes. Yeah, that’s fair.
CHAPTER 30
ROUX
I’m trying not to look suspiciously nervous. I understand the reasons Alka wants to be honest with the team, and I don’t even disagree. Honestly, I think he’s right, but I haven’t been here long enough to make a guess as to how the team will take it. I’d like to say the guys that I talk to the most—Jeff Doherty, Greer Ikaika, and Reeve Gupta—will all be cool with it.
Alka has stepped back and let our assistant coach take over a lot of coaching aspects lately. I get why, but I’ve been hearing grumbles about how they miss Coach coaching. I think Harper’s doing a good job. I haven’t even heard complaints about her taking the lead. They just miss Alka’s coaching.
That’s the part I’m most worried about. They’ll know I’m the reason he took a step back. Are they going to resent me for it?
“Hey,” Greer says, stopping beside me as he pulls his shirt over his head. I glance his way while taking a drink of water. Maybe that’ll mask any signs of my nerves.
He meets my eyes when he has his shirt down. “Your roommate seeing anyone?”
Okay, not what I was expecting. “Booker?”
“Do you have another roommate?” Jeff teases from behind me.
“No. Sorry. I didn’t know you knew my roommate.”
“We have a class together,” Greer says. “When I said something about soccer, he said his roommate was on the team, and ta da! Connection made.”
I smile. “I see. I don’t know if he’s seeing someone. Sorry.”
“Really? You sleep there, don’t you?” Jeff asks.
