Susan nods once. “Another licensed professional has taken over his case.”
“And you will not attend any session involving Mr. Calloway,” the league rep confirms.
“I won’t,” I say firmly. “I will not evaluate him, document him, or participate in any confidential treatment involving him.”
“And if there is a concern involving him?”
“I will report it to Susan or another designated professional,” I reply without hesitation.
They exchange another look.
Coach Carson leans forward. “This can’t become a distraction.”
“It won’t,” Wilder says evenly.
The older rep turns to me. “Miss Bronwyn, you understand that if performance metrics decline, or if there are additional incidents, this decision will be revisited.”
“I understand,” I say. “But I would also like to note, like I previously said, that during the period in which Wilder and I were together, his performance improved. There were no behavioral violations. No missed obligations. No discipline issues.”
Wilder’s hand shifts slightly on the table, like he wants to reach for me but won’t.
“My personal relationship did not compromise my professional responsibilities,” I continue. “And I will not allow the narrative to imply that it did.”
The woman who sat in on my last meeting, tilts her head. “You are capable.”
“I am,” I reply. “Because I worked for this. I earned this internship. My career is not an accessory to his.”
Silence again.
Then Wilder speaks.
His voice is low but clear.
“I love her.”
Every head in the room turns toward him.
“This isn’t some fling,” he continues. “This isn’t reckless or impulsive. She makes me better. Not distracted. Better.”
I feel my throat tighten.
“If anyone thinks this is a liability,” he says, looking directly at the league rep, “then look at my numbers over the last month.”
Coach Carson’s brow furrows slightly.
“I’ve never been more focused,” Wilder says. “Never more disciplined. Because I have something real in my life.”
He turns slightly toward me, not fully, but enough that I feel the warmth of his conviction.
“I’m not choosing between baseball and Amelia,” he continues. “I’m choosing both. And I’m capable of doing that.”
The room goes quiet again.
“I will not jeopardize her career,” he says firmly. “If at any point you believe I am doing so, you can hold me accountable.”
My heart feels too big for my chest.
He’s not loud.
