Page 17

We’ve made it to the end of the regular season. It’s been quite the season, I gotta say. Lots of change. Mostly for the good, definitely weeded out some bad seeds, and a better tomorrow for all of us is on the horizon. But it’s been hard won. Painful, though growth often is.

After talking it over the morning after with Mary, Dennis, Edee, and of course, Lyndell, we decided to press charges against Matt.

He violated Lyndell, and his actions should have consequences.

A lesson to others, perhaps. Lyndell has had nightmares since, and the university provided a therapist for him to help him cope.

I sat in on a couple sessions. My brother is an amazing creature.

I’ve always known that, but his heart is so damn big.

I hear Edee laugh in the other room and it makes me smile. I’m sitting in the living room of Phia and Prib’s apartment, hanging out with Prib while Phia gives Edee a tour. There are only a few rooms, not sure why it’s taking so long, but it probably involves spilling the tea.

“Ty? How are you doing?” Prib asks from his spot on the couch.

“I’m good,” I answer, my eyebrow cocked in question. Why is he asking?

“You sure? We’ve been sitting here in silence for 10 minutes.”

“Shit!” I lift my wrist and am surprised to see he’s right. “Well,” I rub my hand over my neck, “I guess, I’m wondering…how do you deal with it?” We’re spilling the tea out here too, it seems.

“Deal with what?”

“The pressure? The disappointment from people you’ve never met?”

Prib shrugs with a grin. “Who cares?” He points to the bedroom, “The only opinions that matter are Phia’s, our families’, and…Beiler’s for some reason.”

“I know.” I shake my head. “That fucking guy.”

Prib sneers, “Always so nice and supportive and helpful.”

“What a fucking asshole.” He nods in agreement. My smile drops. “Edee and Tilly want to release a statement to the media, probably a small press conference.”

His head tilts. “You aren’t a player.”

“No, but I’m going to be a coach next season. And Lyndell is a valued and beloved member of the staff.” I pause, taking a deep breath. “And the shit Phia went through with Heacock…something’s gotta change, man.”

Prib sighs, “Fine. We’ll change the fucking world.” He drops his leg to the floor and sits forward with his elbows on his knees, looking me directly in the eye. “Can I have dinner first?” I laugh, tipping my head back.

“Sure. Heroism can’t happen on an empty stomach.”

The girls come out of the bedroom, grinning at the two of us. Phia walks by Prib to join him on the couch, but he pulls her waist and plants her in his lap. Edee runs her hand over my head as she perches on the armrest of the chair I’m in.

“You two ready for dinner? We have important superhero shit to do, and I’m hungry.” They don’t look surprised, so I’m assuming they overheard our conversation.

“We’ve been waiting for you two to finish your little gab-sesh,” Phia teases Prib, giggling when he starts tickling her.

Edee and I stand, waiting for them to finish.

I drop my arm over her shoulder and draw her close to kiss the top of her head.

She fits perfectly against me. Phia escapes, grabs her purse and rushes to the front door.

Prib slowly gets up, not so subtly adjusting his crotch.

I slap my hand over Edee’s eyes and growl at him. He shrugs, the smug bastard.

“Hey, I forgot to ask. Phia, why do you have a mirror on your ceiling?” Phia squeaks, throws open the door and runs for it. Edee chuckles as she follows at a normal pace. Prib looks at me with a wicked grin. When he holds his hand up for a high-five, I oblige. Gotta respect the man’s game.