David held up a finger. “I actually think it’s a brilliant plan.”
“No, it’s not,” Kevin argued. “It solves nothing long term.”
“There could be another way,” I agreed. “We just have to stop and consider.”
“Consider?” Lawrence laughed. “Sweetheart, there’s only one language these types of guys speak. And it sure as hell isn’t a language that’s going to come from pretty lips.”
I scoffed. “Excuse me?”
“Lawrence,” Weston said with fire in his voice. “Need a reminder on who you can and can’t talk to like that? I’m short on time, but I can make some.”
They stared off for a minute. Lawrence leaned back after a while. A shadow of a grin still lingered on his lips as he replied, “No need. I remember.”
“We’re doing this on Wednesday,” Weston said sternly. There would be no arguing. “Keep Dakota away from any of the coaches until then. David, you stay low too. Bill might suspect you told us if you hang around.”
David gave him a joking salute. “Aye, aye.”
“Covee,” Weston said. His address surprised me. “Can you get me that research you were talking about?”
I nodded. “Of course, I didn’t think-”
“I’m not,” he confirmed with sadness in his eyes. “I’m sorry. Your way will take too long and won’t work. Lawrence is right, these guys only hear blood and bruises.”
“How do you know that for sure?” Kevin stepped closer to Weston. “We could at least try another way. The right way. You will get suspended for this. And so will anyone who helps. I can’t do that. You know I need this team.”
“I’m not asking you to give it up.” Weston placed a hand on Kevin’s sagging shoulder.
“None of us will think less of you,” David said in a low voice. He sounded sincere when he added, “Do what you have to do.”
Kevin looked at all of us. His eyes softened when they fell on the silent Dakota. Kevin let out a heavy sigh before nodding.
“I’m sorry,” he directed the words to all of us, but it was really for Dakota. “I wish I could help. You guys know I need to go pro. Myfamilyneeds that. I can’t jeopardize it.”
“Alright.” Weston nodded. “You should go before we discuss our plan. Deniability.”
Kevin gave us one last look before heading to the door. He whispered one last, “I’m sorry,” before letting the door click close behind him.
“Covee.” Weston looked at me with pleading eyes. “You too? You can email me the research.”
I shook my head. “I’m fine. If they question people, I’ll be looked at regardless. People know about me and you being together. I already know what’s going to happen and I’m not stopping it. I won’t lie.”
“Are you sure?” Weston asked.
“I’m sure,” I confirmed in a steady voice. A warm hand suddenly took mine. Dakota’s fingers entwined in mine. I glanced at him. He didn’t smile, but his eyes showed gratefulness. Wordlessly, he thanked me. I squeezed his fingers.
“I’ll get you guys everything I can find,” I promised while still looking at Dakota. “Just promise me, you’ll make it count.”
“Your boyfriend’s in the business of making it count,” Lawrence informed while smiling at Weston. “Aren’t you, champ?”
“Yeah. It’s what I’m good at,” Weston confirmed and finally took a seat at the head of the table. “Now, for this to work, I need everyone to pay attention. Here’s the plan.”
Chapter 38
“It’s a matter of privacy,”Lawrence said.
David and Dakota left only minutes ago with their jobs laid out by Weston. I’d pulled out my phone, focused on trying to gather as much information as I could on the small screen. I wanted to get back to my dorm or Weston’s as soon as possible to get some actual work done.
“And staying with you will afford us that?” Weston scoffed.
