‘Ms Conway, perhaps we should address the elephant in the room,’ Harmony says to my right. ‘The matter of clause five in the CMC contract. We’re all adults here. It shouldn’t matter if a cheerleader and a football player fraternize with one another, or date, so long as both parties are consenting, and they behave in such a way that doesn’t bring the Mutineers brand into disrepute. Jake and Serenity have done nothing wrong, surely, it doesn’t—’
‘She broke the rules, Ms Rees,’ Sam Conway snaps. ‘There are expectations. On all of the girls. Especially you.’
Harmony doesn’t hesitate. ‘How about we start by referring to them aswomen?’
Samantha grits out every syllable. ‘Thegirlsuphold and maintain a certain standard, which is in line with the Mutineers brand. There are expectations about how they carry themselves, and that does not, and will never include, cavorting with football players.’ She looks to me and adds, ‘No matter their worth.’
‘What about your standards?’ I query. ‘Your chosen theme song for the CMC? The music video takes place in a strip club. And how about calling on the paparazzi when you’re trying to force me to date your daughter? How about you try holding yourself to account?’
‘Enough!’ Samantha Conway hollers, hammering her balled fist down onto the glass surface of the table, in a way that reminds me of Kale McCoy. ‘You may date Miss Harper, Mr Walsh, if you so wish, now that she is no longer a cheerleader, though given her history, I’m surprised that you would want to. She will not be getting her job back as a member of the cheerleading squad. There is no appeals process in such circumstances. She knew what she was doing. And you, Mr Walsh, are fined one thousand dollars for misconduct. You were aware of the terms of the CMC contract. You defied them anyway.’
‘One thousand?’ Dalton says and shakes his head. ‘The NFL fined him more than five grand for tossing his helmet. Let’s face it. You’re afraid of pissing off your MVP. And clearly anyone here who’s not a football player is expendable.’
‘I agree,’ Harmony echoes.
‘Rules are rules, Mr Briar,’ she says tersely. ‘Like it or not.’
My rage hasn’t abated. My gaze shifts to Coach Holland. He can’t look me in the eye. This guy eats, lives and breathes football. He’s coached here for more than ten years. He knows that Samantha Conway could fire him in a hot minute. He has a reputation for never getting involved in players’ personal lives. Kathleen Lafferty, too, hasn’t said a word, maybe for similar reasons. Fear of the Mutineers’ matriarch.
I get to my feet and the chair legs scrape across the floor. Dalton and Harmony follow suit.
‘Then we’ll consider the matter closed?’ Samantha says.
I fix her with my stare. I can’t remain in her presence a moment longer, else I’m gonna lose it.
‘Guess there’s not a lot more I can do,’ I say, and head for the door.
I head straight from the Danube to The Bounty parking lot. At just after four, I watch as Serenity walks out the door. I get out the pickup and she comes running straight into my arms. I capture her lips in mine, not caring who’s watching. Her arms go around my shoulders. I’m starting to think I should have arranged for my own paparazzi, specifically for this moment, just so it’s clear to the whole of Canyon who I’m interested in.
We talked last night on the phone, for the first time since she was fired, and again this morning.
‘How did it go?’ she says, breaking the kiss, glassy eyes searching mine.
My mouth set in a grim line, I shake my head.
Her shoulders slump. ‘I appreciate you trying for me.’
‘It’s alright,’ I say. ‘I spoke with Cap and Harmony after. We’re moving to plan B.’
She raises concerned eyebrows. ‘You’re sure about that?’
‘With what the CMC has planned, it should send a clear message.’
She swallows hard. ‘I don’t want you to lose your job for me.’
I stroke her hair. ‘You lost yours for me.’
‘I’m not the one headed for the playoffs.’
‘That’s not the point.’ I kiss her again. ‘I do know where you are headed though.’
Her eyes widen again. ‘We’re going right now?’
I’m taking her to meet my parents and River. Gramps headed home already. Mom’s cooking dinner, and I’ll be damned if Serenity’s not staying over. ‘Are you cool with that?’
She smiles and nods her head, holding onto my waist. ‘Is your Mom…?’
‘She’s excited to meet you.’
