“Let’s give it a conservative, as long as it takes for me to look at youandnot strangle you. How’s that sound?”
Cory and I exchange side-eyed consolations. “Sounds perfect, Coach.”
He walks out, and I linger, hoping to squeeze one more moment with Cory out of this lemon of a day. There’s no hope though, not with David watching me like a hawk.
“See you tomorrow,” Cubby says
“Tomorrow.”
“You know I can’t let you stay with the Bears, don’t you?” Coach, I mean David says with a calmness once again that sends shivers up my spine.
Taking a sip of my coffee, I let the bitterness burn my throat and nod. “I do. Coach.”
“Conducting a sexual relationship with a student, consensual or not, is an unforgivable sin, James.”
“I know, Coach.” His ire then turns to Cub, who’s as white as the ice he glides so effortlessly upon.
“You too, Malkovich. The sky is the limit for both of you, but you in particular. Why would you toss it away for some … torrid affair?”
“It’s not an affair, Coach,” Cory replies, his voice meek. “I fell in love with James, and he’s fallen in love with me. We tried to keep it as friendship, but …” he pauses to rub his hand down his face, “after everything you’ve been through with Quinn?—”
Coach’s fists pound into the table top. “Don’t you dare compare your behavior to my daughter. Quinn is a good girl. She would never risk everything like this.”
“But she did, Coach. Had you not been the man you are, she could have lost you, and your wife. Pretty sure that would have felt like everything to her.”
Coach scowls, I can almost hear the man’s blood boiling. Pushing off the table, he stands, fists clenched at his side. “Cory you will be suspended for two games and your captaincy of the Bears will be reviewed. Now go. Get out of my sight.”
“No,” Cory snaps. “I’m staying with James. This is on both of us. Me more than anyone since I’m the one that pursued him when he told me to leave it. He’s helped me be a better person and player. He’s helped me be me and you can’t?—”
“He can, Cub,” I insert. “He’s right. Don’t make it any worse for you. It’s okay, I promise. Just go and I’ll meet you outside.”
It’s clear to all that he’s not ready to submit so I add the one thing I know will get him there. “Make your mom proud. Go be with your team.”
Slumping in his chair, he nods then slowly stands and exits, resembling a worn out sloth more than the elite athlete he is. The second the door clicks shit, Coach is on his feet, the palpable anger I expected from the get-go, raging.
“One snap and he’s off. You have him well trained, don’t you.”
“That’s not fair,” I protest, trying and failing to keep my tone dispassionate.
“Isn’t it? You’re in a position of power and you took advantage.”
“I disagree.”
“Of course you do. Most predators would.” I take a moment to absorb the impact of those words.
“You think I’m a predator?”
“If the shoe fits.” He shrugs, his expression so cold I could hardly recognize him. “Now did your sister know about this?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’re done here.” I resist the urge to correct his posture and he bends at the waist, and hoists a box onto his desk. “Coach White cleared out your things, and completed all of your paperwork.”
“Thank you Coach-David,” I correct after a scalding glare.
