Page 7 of 4th and Goal (Season of Change #4)

“I shouldn’t have to tell you what a PR nightmare this will be if Heacock is left unchecked.

” And yet, here I am telling them. And are they listening?

Only half at best. I fight the urge to scowl at the older members of the board; the ones insisting that Coach Heacock is a part of this institution’s foundation and to insinuate he is anything but a blessing sent from above is blasphemous.

I BLASPHEME!

Adam, my boss and mentor, stands next to me when several start to argue.

“You heard him on that recording. You’ve seen footage.

Coach Heacock is a liability. Not just to the reputation of this university, but to the faculty, staff, and student body.

We can march any number of witnesses into this room to testify to his blatant disregard for the rules, disrespect for anyone who opposes his antiquated way of doing things, and the real danger he poses to the health and wellbeing of the students we are charged with protecting.

But we aren’t going to do that, because there are too many of you who either agree with him, or are afraid of speaking out against him.

Discuss amongst yourselves what kind of future you want for this university, because I can guarantee keeping Heacock around, there won’t be one at all. ”

I squee as silently as I can, because damn!

Go Adam! It’s your birthday! We gonna party like it’s your—Oh, we’re on the move.

If only there was a microphone he could have dropped to signal his intentions, I wouldn’t be scrambling to collect our stuff to follow him.

I wait until we’re outside, the sidewalk alive with activity of morning classes.

I felt it when I attended, and I revel in it as an employee; the energy is potent.

Makes me feel alive in a way I can’t describe or replicate in any other part of my life.

“That. Was. Epic!” I shift my bag over my shoulder so I can clap while badly beatboxing. Adam’s steps stutter as he starts laughing.

“You’re good for the ego, Lilly.”

“Glad I can help. I thought I was holding my own against the old cronies, but then you stand up and drop it like it’s hot!

” I touch his shoulder and hiss as I pretend to be burned.

He shakes his head fondly, used to my theatrics.

He sobers quickly, glancing back at the building we just exited as we walk down the pathway.

“By the time they reach a decision, it’s gonna be too late.

” His dark premonition skitters uncomfortably over my skin.

In my gut, I know he’s right. For as progressive as the university is, inclusive and supportive, several of those board members have been around since Heacock started decades ago and they seem dead set on clutching to the days of yesteryear.

Change is inevitable. To fight it is futile.

I wonder if they believe that admitting their “friend” is dangerous is tantamount to admitting to their own obsolescence.

I shake off the maudlin thoughts because there is nothing I can do about it.

Adam and I presented all the evidence I was able to gather and it’s up to them to decide the fate of Heacock and the university.

“I guess we’ll just have to work overtime to spin whatever catastrophe happens the best we can.”

“You can spin shit any way you want, it’s still shit.”

“Is that Socrates?” I tease, his eyes lighting up and making me feel better. I hate seeing Mr. Dion so defeated.

“Mediocrates.” I’m still laughing when I pull my cell phone out of the pocket of my bag.

“Shit.”

“What’s wrong?”

I’m shaking my head, already typing a response to the security guard. “Just more shit.”

“You need help?”

“Unless you’ve got a bottle of wine I can chug in that fancy briefcase, no.” I put my phone back and force a smile up at my mentor and friend. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

“You did really good in there, kiddo.” His praise is like what I imagine cocaine or meth would be. Addicting. My father loves me, don’t get me wrong, but he’s never been effusive or demonstrative.

“Thank you. Nothing’ll beat your closing arguments, sir.” I tip an imaginary hat to him and start walking backward off the path so I can get back to my office.

“I’ll keep you posted on anything I hear.”

“Deuces, pops!” I throw up two fingers and walk a little faster when he grunts. He hates it when I call him that, but his displeasure only makes me stronger.

Despite knowing I need to hurry up, I still drag my feet.

Conner is waiting for me. Ugh! I do not want to see him.

But I can’t have him causing trouble at my place of employment.

I wave and smile at everyone I pass on my way up to my office.

I take a deep breath and push my door open.

He’s not here. Did he leave? Did I take too long?

On a hunch, I place my bag down, put my phone in my pocket and lock my office on my way out.

I vacillate between hope and dread. Could I be lucky enough that he just left?

Probably not. But if he’s here, where I think he is, then Jenna was right, and no amount of wine and ice cream will cheer me up.

And there’s not enough hot water in the world to cleanse me.

On the main concourse of the athletic complex, I wander through the halls, slowly making my way toward the locker rooms. The door to the public men’s restroom pushes open and I step away in time to avoid contact.

Conner steps out, zipping up his pants. His cheeks are red, his breathing a little labored, and his hairline is damp. Oh, gross, was he taking a dump?

“Conner. What are you doing here?”

“You didn’t meet me last week. You’ve ignored my calls and texts.” He runs a hand through his hair, less put together than normal. “This is ridiculous, Lilly.”

“It’s not.” I argue. “We broke up.”

“No, we didn’t.” He steps closer, but I stand firm.

“Yes, we did. I was there.” Unfortunately.

“I do not appreciate your insolence.” He reaches out, his hand curling around my arm and tightening painfully. I make a sound, wrenching my arm to dislodge his grip.

“Let me go!” I’m not quiet, hoping someone close by will hear me. I have never been afraid of this man, but I am now. What is wrong with him? “STOP!”

I register the squawk of a walkie talkie.

Turning my head toward the sound, I open my mouth to yell, but Brody comes stomping around the corner.

I nearly sag in relief. “Let her go!” he growls, his steps thundering as he closes the distance between us.

Conner is momentarily surprised by the interruption, and I manage to pull my arm from his loosened grip.

I back up against the wall in time for Brody to stop in front of me, putting himself between me and Conner.

“Oh, look,” Conner sneers, leaning around Brody’s bulk to glare at me. “Is this why you broke up with me? You dumped me for a security guard?”

“He’s the Head of Campus Security, actually, but no.” I stand up straight. “I dumped you because you’re an entitled misogynistic ass.”

Conner settles back on his heels, putting one hand in his front pocket.

The other grabs himself obscenely between his legs and I throw up a little in my mouth at the crude gesture.

“I’ve got the only thing that will satisfy you.

” He smirks unpleasantly. “Big man here probably ain’t got more than a few inches under that gut. ”

Feeling brave, I cock a hip and stare pointedly at his disappointing crotch. “Just because someone has the equipment, doesn’t mean they know how to use it.” That feigned casualness drops instantly, an ugly scowl marring his face.

“And how would you know?” he spits out. “I’m the second man who’s ever fucked you!

” My stomach drops out, my knees wobble, but I manage to stay upright.

My entire body feels hot, like I’m sick, my face flames as tears well in my eyes before I can try to stop them.

This is beyond embarrassing. I’m absolutely mortified.

“Motherfucker,” Brody growls, his back broadening as he takes a menacing step forward. I need to stop this before it gets out of hand. Well, more than it already has.

“And yet you’re here,” I croak. “Please leave.”

Knowing he’s landed a hit, Conner grins victoriously. “We’re not finished.”

“Yes, you are.” Brody grabs his walkie and asks for assistance with a forcible ejection.

“You’re done here. Today, tomorrow, until you take your last miserable breath, which I’m hoping is any day now.

” Brody crowds him, corralling Conner and guiding him toward the mouth of the hallway without laying a hand on him.

He’s big and bad and really mad. Seeing he’s got this, I take the opportunity to run like the little bitch I am to the elevator and up to my office.

Behind my locked door, my body starts to tremble violently, and I slide down the wall to the floor.

What was that? If I’m so awful in the sack, why is he here?

Just accept the breakup and move on. I stop wiping away the never-ending tears and just sit there like a useless lump on the floor of my office.

I jerk when someone knocks softly on my door. “Lilly?” Oh, God! It’s Brody. Please, no! I can’t take any more embarrassment. “Please, let me in. I just want to make sure you’re ok, baby.”

“Ow!” I hiss when I smack my head on the wall. Did he just call me baby? No matter, I don’t want to see him right now. I don’t want him to see me. “Hey.” I clear my throat and speak again. “Hey, Brody. I’m all good. Just gathering my things to head home.”

There’s a long, pregnant pause. “Lils, it’s 11am.”

“Right. Well.” Think, girl, think. “It’s never too early to be prepared.”

He chuckles lightly, but I hear it. Is he laughing at my patheticness? It’s justified at this point. I feel like a little girl playing dress up. “Such a girl scout. I’ll be back later.”

“Ok. Thanks!” I call out. I’ll have to duck out before he comes back.