Page 77 of I Want to Know What Love Is

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We’re on our way to the administration building and Shelby leans on the gas pedal, speeding because it’s imperative that I catch the meeting before it’s over. My phone buzzes and it’s Emily Winiski. I should never have given her my number, but I take the call.

“Emily, you don’t need to bother reporting Coach Lake because I’m on my way to Church’s office to report the truth myself.” Her response is a heavy whimper. “What the fuck? What’s wrong?” All my hairs stand on end.

“I tried to call coach to let her know I’m sorry, that I’m not going to say a word because it would be un fair and I was being stupid and self-righteous,” she pauses, sniffing. “But I couldn’t reach her. My calls all went straight to voice mail and I’m afraid… she’s already confessing and she’s going to ruin her career and it’s all my fault.” She cries full out now and I try shushing her, soothing her until she finally calms as we pull up in front of the building.

“I’m at the Administration building now, to meet with Reverend Church, Emily. Don’t worry about it. I’ll make it all right. She won’t lose her career.”

“You’re there? I’m going. I need to make sure—”

“Talk to you later, Emily.” I hang up as I run up the steps and inside the dark building. My footsteps echo as I trot through the hall and by the secretary. She looks up and calls my name as I rush by her, but she doesn’t bother telling me to stop as I push open the heavy wooden door to the conference room and barge straight into a meeting. The exact meeting I feared would be taking place.

Amanda sits at the large oval table with her back to me, but she whips around when I crash inside, the doors swinging back against the wall.

“Dylan” I meet her shocked eyes, no less unforgettable, no less stunning than they were when I held her in my arms as she flew apart into orgasmic ecstasy.

“I need to talk to you, Reverend. I hope I’m not late to the party.” I’m scared shitless that she’s already confessed and my heart pounds so hard against my chest wall I’m afraid it’ll crack, that I’ll crack in two if her career is ruined because of me.

“We were just getting started, Dylan. Have a seat. I take it you’re a party to the issue we’re about to discuss?” I nod my head and Amanda sucks in a breath.

“Reverend—” she says, but I cut her off.

“I wanted to let you know, that in spite of Coach Lake’s best efforts as my tutor and a staff person here, to talk me out of it, I’ve decided to transfer to Boston College. It’s official. As of the end of the semester I’m no longer a St. Paul University student.

Coach Radz pounds the table. “What the fuck are you doing? Are you crazy? All for—” I cut him off.

“I have my reasons.”

“What are they, son?” Reverend Church asks, his eyes compassionate, his tone calm and full of understanding. I glance at Amanda and she has her head in her hands.

“It’s personal, sir. I can’t say. I’m sorry.” I clear my throat because this is fucking hard. “I’ve enjoyed my time here at SPU and everything you’ve done for me.” I look around the room, but let my eyes skip over Dean Lassiter. Coach Radz shakes his head, his face red, his mouth grim. The silence lasts a few more beats until Lassiter speaks up. Of course he does.

“I think you owe the university an explanation or perhaps we should consider rescinding your scholarship for this past season—”

“No, Dean Lassiter,” Reverend Church says, “I can’t say I agree with that. Mr. Jones played football for us and maintained his grades and that’s all we asked him to do. He’s kept out of trouble, run the BMOC House without incident and I rather think he owes us nothing more.” He turns to me and smiles.

“I hope whatever led you to this decision is worthwhile and wish you nothing but good luck in your future endeavors.”

“This is ridiculous,” Lassiter says and stands. “He’s hiding something. I know he is.”

“Can it, Lassiter,” Coach Radz says. “You heard Reverend Church. Let it go.” He looks back at me and nods and I want to hug the man I never thought of as human before, because he knows the truth, he’s always suspected there was something between me and Amanda, and he’s standing up for me anyway.

And what have I done? I just sank his football team for next season. Fuck.

“If that’s all, we can end the meeting and look forward to the bowl game in two weeks.” Reverend Church dismisses us and I want to run from the room before he or Coach Radz changes their minds.

“I’ll see you in practice later.” He notices my hand. “What the—heck happened to your hand? Your throwing hand, Jones?” He glares at me as we walk into the hall and I confess.

“I punched an asshole.”

“Now who’s the asshole,” he says. “Is it broken?”

“No sir. I’ll be ready for the game.”

“Let me guess—you’re not ready to practice?” I shake my head, holding my breath as Amanda walks on down the hall. Shit. I need to talk to her, but I don’t dare move under Coach’s glare. I owe him big time.

“Well then, looks like you’ll have to run drills for Bane, fetch his balls, keep them cleaned, help the equipment manager, and then we’ll see if you’re going to play in the bowl game.” He nods and walks down a side hall and I let out my fucking breath. Then I take off after Amanda.