Page 77 of Campus Heat

For a moment we stood together quietly, with the muffled noise of the fundraiser spilling through the doors between us. Then I took a chance and told him about the discussion I had overheard. About the questions and the way Harris answered them. I expected him to feel encouraged, like I was, but instead he gave me a short, humorless laugh.

“Of course he did.”

I blinked, confused by his response. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that he knows what the donors want to hear, and he’s playing into their hands.”

I understood where he was coming from with that comment, but I knew he was wrong. What I saw wasn’t an act. It was a man who kept smiling while he was being insulted.

“That didn’t sound fake,” I protested. “He seemed very serious.”

Ethan shook his head. “You didn’t hear what he told Pine.”

“Then why don’t you tell me.”

Ethan took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair, and rested his elbows on the railing. I could see that this was hard for him, so I just waited until he was ready.

“At the pep rally, Pine was chewing him out about the record, alumni pressure and donations.”

He took a deep breath, and I put my hand on his, listening carefully.

“What was Harris’s response?”

“He told Pine that he never wanted this team in the first place.”

I frowned. The man I just heard speaking didn’t sound like the same guy he was describing. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“But it’s still a fact. Coach doesn’t want this team. He doesn’t believe in us, and if he doesn’t give up on us now, he’s going to lose his job.”

“Just look at the way he’s working you guys up in practice—”

“He has no choice!”

I wanted to understand what he was saying, but I just couldn’t believe it. Harris wouldn’t do all he has done for no reason. There had to be more to it.

“No,” I said, shaking my head. This isn’t about commitment. I’ve seen him with you guys. No one can fake that kind of commitment.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened and his eyes darkened. “So where do you think I got this? Do you think I’m just making it up?”

I stepped closer, not knowing what to say. “Maybe it was just a misunderstanding?”

“It wasn’t a mistake. I stood there listening to everything. He said it loud and clear.”

“Then why did he act this way tonight?”

Ethan straightened himself out and pulled at his suit. He was clearly angry with my response, but I had hoped there was still a chance for me to talk some sense into him.

“Because that’s what coaches do in front of donors.” He took a few steps back. “And if you’d rather believe that over me, there’s no reason for us to continue this discussion.”

“That’s not fair,” I murmured.

“It feels pretty fair from where I’m standing.”

“I’m just trying to understand.”

“No, you’re trying to explain it away. I did the same, but after hearing what I heard, I can’t do that, as painful as it might be.”

I wanted to believe him. I really did, but it didn’t match what I had seen. And I wasn’t there to hear the words that upset him this much. I didn’t know what to do or where I stood with him, but neither of us could take this at face value.