We’ve been called into a meeting with HR, Coach Anderson, Mike, and PR.
"Mr. Black. Ms. St. Pierre." One of the HR reps, Linda, I think her name is, looks between us. "Do you understand why you're here?"
"Yes, ma'am," I say.
"We violated team policy," Jo adds. "By engaging in a romantic relationship without disclosure."
Linda nods. "That's correct. This puts the organization in a difficult position. The optics alone …"
"Are terrible," Coach cuts in. "The media is having a field day. Player-staff relationships. The captain, no less. And one of the St. Pierre brothers' sisters."
"We know," I say. "And we're sorry. We should have come forward sooner."
"You should have come forward immediately," Mike says. His voice is hard. "The moment it became serious."
Jo flinches beside me.
"You're right," I say. "We were wrong. We were trying to protect everyone, but we ended up making it worse."
"Much worse," Linda agrees. She opens a folder. "Ms. St. Pierre, your position as team physiotherapist puts you in a position of power over the players. Any relationship, romantic or otherwise, creates a conflict of interest."
"I understand," Jo says quietly.
"Do you?" Linda looks at her. "Because if this had been anyone else on the team, you would have been terminated immediately." Jo goes pale. "However," Linda continues, "given the circumstances and the fact that you disclosed the relationship once it became public, we're willing to offer an alternative."
"What kind of alternative?" I ask.
"Suspension. Six weeks. Paid. During which time you will be Mr. Black’s personal physiotherapist for his recovery."
Wait. What?
“Did I hear that correctly?” Jo says.
“Because of your relationship with Mr. Black and the fact that you live so close to each other,” Mike states, “we think it would be in the best interest of Mr. Black’s recovery if you were the one looking after him. He needs full-time care to get better.”
I can’t believe this, it seems too good to be true.
“I can do that.” Jo nods.
“Good, we need him fighting fit for the end of the season and the playoffs,” Mike adds.
"That's not it," Coach says. "You'll also be signing a disclosure agreement. Acknowledging your relationship. Any future conflicts will need to be reported immediately. And ifthere are any concerns about professional boundaries, you'll be reassigned."
"Reassigned?" Jo asks.
"To a different role or off the team entirely."
Silence.
"We understand," I say. "We'll sign whatever you need."
Linda slides papers across the table. "These documents acknowledge your relationship and outline the conditions of Ms. St. Pierre's continued employment."
We read, and then sign them.
When we're done, Coach looks at me. "Emmett. You're one of the best captains this team has had. But this? This was a mess."
"I know, Coach."
