My stomach drops, bile rising up. I knew this was a big possibility, but now that I hear it, I’m trying to smother my inner freak out.
“However, I can assure you, they won’t be getting exactly what they want.”
“They won’t?” My brows pull together.
“Blake told me everything about what happened between Mickey and himself, not only throughout high school, but here at the school. I do not tolerate cheating, or bullying at my school. As well as harassment of any kind; sexual, physical, none of it. While I can’t do anything about what Mickey has done to Blake in high school, I can while he’s been enrolled at this school. Whether I was Dean while it happened or not. Thankfully, during two of the incidents, I was.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I can’t discuss private details about another student with you. All I can say is he won’t be getting away with it.”
“Good. He shouldn't. He’s been getting away with too much in his life. Someone needs to hold him accountable for it,” I mutter.
“Agreed. Now. You.”
“I’m getting expelled aren't I?” I ask, anxiety shooting through me.
“No.” He shakes his head. “You will be put on probation, but not expelled.”
“Really?” My eyes widen in surprise, a wave of relief settling over me. “Oh, thank fuck.”
“However,” he says slowly and my stomach sinks again.
“I’m off the team.” I don’t ask it as a question, but say it as a statement.
“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to remove you from the team. We have a strict no violence policy and I can’t give you special treatment. It would be different if you were defending yourself, but you started the fight.”
“He was hurting Blake!”
“I know. I know.” Theo holds up his hands. “That’s why he will also be removed from the team.”
Somehow, that makes me feel a hell of a lot better. Mickey was looking to go pro. With him getting removed from the football team, no one is going to want him, not when they find out who he is and the things he’s done.
“I’m sorry. I hate to do this but...”
“It’s okay,” I tell him. “I made my choices and now I have to deal with the consequences.”
“I wish there was another way.”
“Me too. But I’m grateful for the second chance. You won’t have to worry about my probation. I’m going to be a good boy.”
He snorts out a laugh. “You better be, Cooper. If you get kicked out of school, I’m going to get kicked out of my bed.” He glares at me. “You just had to be my girl’s best friend.”
“Sorry, not sorry.” I wink.
“Get out of here.” He waves me off, a hint of a smile on his face. “I’ll let you know what I can, when I can, regarding Mickey.”
“Thank you.”
“Cooper.” Theo stops me as I’m about to leave.
“Yeah?” I look at him over my shoulder.
“If what Blake says is true, and Mickey does have a tape like he says he does. If Mickey tries to press charges, I’d do the same to him.”
“I plan on it.” I nod firmly.
He nods and waves me off.
