* * *
The rideto Director Skinner’s office seems to take twice as long as normal.
I texted Faulkner yesterday to see if he knew what it was about, but he wasn’t helpful.
COACH
NATE HAWKINS: Hey Coach. Been asked to go see Skinner tomorrow. Do you know what it’s about?
COACH: Do I look like his fucking secretary?
NATE HAWKINS: Well I’ve never seen you and his secretary in the same place…
NATE HAWKINS: So…
COACH: Come see me at my office after you’re done with Skinner.
COACH: Do not bring me bad news.
COACH: My life is going to be so much easier when you graduate in two months.
NATE HAWKINS: Gonna miss you too, Coach.
Skinner’s office isn’t in the sports building with the rest of the coaches and sports staff. For some reason, his is in the main building, right near the dean’s office. I imagine it’s easier for him to kiss the dean’s ass if he’s in the same building. He’s on the phone when I’m shown into his office by his actual secretary, which gives me the chance to look around and confirm it’s as grim as I was expecting it to be.
“Sorry about that. Nathan, hello, thank you for coming to see me. I’m sure you’re wondering what this is about.”
“Have I done something wrong?”
“Not exactly,” he says calmly, leaning back in his chair. “Two months ago, I was approached by a student regarding the incident involving you and Aaron Carlisle.”
“Okay…”
“She explained Mr. Carlisle had a vendetta against you and was injured off campus while drunk with his friends. He used the accident as an opportunity to tarnish your reputation.”
“That’s what I’ve been told by people who were with him, yeah.”
“Of course, you admitted to being the cause, which you should not have done…but I’ve been informed it was only after Coach Faulkner had put the whole team on the bench. In essence, you were doing your best to protect your team.”
Not one of my smarter choices. “That’s right, sir.”
“An independent investigation has been carried out and found everything the student had informed us was true. She was very thorough and was keen for your name to be cleared of any wrongdoing.”
“Was this student Anastasia Allen by any chance, sir?”
He shrugs, but there is a slight smile on his lips. “The student in question asked to remain anonymous, but I wanted to see you face to face to reassure you the incident will be cleared from your college records. I understand you’re graduating soon, but for your information, and any concerned parties, Mr. Carlisle has transferred to UCLA, effective immediately.”
Oh.
“I’m sure Aaron will be very happy there. Is that everything?” I ask carefully, keen to escape on a good note.
“Yes, that’s all. Oh, and congratulations on your championship win.”
I give him an appreciative nod and get my ass out of there as quickly as I can. I should have known Stassie wouldn’t let Aaron go unpunished.
UBER SLUT
NATE HAWKINS: You’re in trouble.