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“Youneed to go?”Sherubbed her hand along his arm in a comforting rhythm. “Ihope it’s good news.”
Spencenodded, turning away from her gaze as he gathered his thoughts. “Let’shope…”Hetook her hand and started to walk with her toward the campus.
“Youcan go on ahead,Spence.Idon’t want to slow you down.”
Thelook he gave her rivaledDave’sdisapproving expression. “I’mnot leaving you, and you’renotslowing me down,Kim.”Hepulled her against his side. “AsifI’dabandon you!”
Kimsuppressed a giggle. “I’verun this course quite often,ChathamJohnSpencer.IfIdidn’t have sandals on,I’drace you.”
Spencehuffed a laugh. “ItoldCoachIwas off campus.Noworries.”Henudged her shoulder, andKimsqueezed his hand.
Theconversation stalled on the trek back to campus, andKimfelt tension radiating fromSpencer.Shedidn’t speak, leaving him alone to process his thoughts, and said a quick prayer.Pleaselet the coach have good news forSpence.He’sbearing the weight of the investigation; he did nothing wrong.Hedeserves the chance to play for the championship—don’t take this away from him.
Whenthey reached her residence hall, he gave her a brief hug. “I’llcall you later, okay?”
“Wheneveryou can.”Kimtook a deep breath and impulsively kissedSpence'scheek—a silent gesture of support. “Positivethoughts, okay?”Hehugged her again for a long moment, then stepped back and met her gaze.
Kimsaw the tension etched into his face.Heopened his mouth to speak, hesitated, and finally shook his head.Hesqueezed her shoulder, turned, and set off for the opposite side of campus.
Spencejogged toward the athletic complex, scenarios rapid-firing through his brain.Coach’stone revealed nothing about why he wanted to meet.Surely, he’d have shared good news if the investigation had ended without sanctions on the university.Right?Didhe learn something new about the violations?
Heslowed when he spottedToddandEricmaking their way to the administrative offices, their faces solemn.
“Anyclue why we’re meeting?”Toddasked asSpencejoined them.
“Nope,Coachdidn’t give me a chance to ask questions,”Spencesaid with a shake of his head.
Ericgrumbled, “Same.Ifwe're going to get sanctioned,I'drather hear now than just before the tournament."
"Thatwould make the rest of the season meaningless,"Toddadded.
Spenceheld up a hand in protest. “Hey, let's not jump to conclusions.Staypositive.”
Theanxiety bubbled insideSpence, but he shoved it aside as he opened the door to the conference room.TheyfoundCoachRamirezalready there, talking withCoachDavis.Hewelcomed them warmly and motioned for them to take their seats.
Spenceexchanged a glance withToddas he took his seat. “Arewe the only team represented here?”
“Asfar asIknow,Spencer,”Ramirezanswered.
Henodded, taking a breath to quell the sudden surge of apprehension.Spencedidn’t want to see their dream and goals squashed.Someteam members, like he andTodd, had rolled the dice by declining the draft and signing on for another season.Thethought of continuing to play for a meaningless title sapped his energy and positivity.
Toddnudged his shoulder. “Keepthe faith, man.”
Spenceshrugged. “Sure.”Tensionthickened the air as they sat, absorbed in their reflections.Spenceleaned back, staring at a small dark spot on the ceiling.Waterleak?Explodingcarbonated drink can?Maybea celebratory champagne cork?
JoshMatthewsswept through a side door, his face offering nothing.
“Thanksfor coming on short notice.Youall deserve to hear this before it hits the papers," he said. “Asyou’re aware, the university self-reported the off-campus violations.FCUhas had no previous warnings or violations.Wealso emphasized the exemplary leadership you and other players showed throughout your academic and athletic careers atFCU.”
Matthewspaused, andSpence’sstomach clenched.Heconcentrated on maintaining a neutral expression as theAthleticDirectorcontinued.
“Theconference has decided that the team can compete in the conference championship.However, their recommendation to the national organization—make the team ineligible for theNationalChampionshipTournament.”Everyonearound him wilted at the news, yetSpenceforced himself to stay impassive.
Theroom was shrouded in an oppressive silence asMatthewsadded, “We’veappealed this decision, but to be honest, we don’t expect an exception from the national organization.”Hepaused and looked at each of the seniors. “I'mcounting on your discretion and leadership.I'llschedule a group meeting for five this afternoon—canIcount on you?”
Spencefelt his head nod in agreement asMatthews' voice faded into snatches of conversation.Spencestared at theAthleticDirector, but nothing except a gray mist shrouded his vision.HeheardCoachRamirez’svoice but didn’t absorb the words.Snatchesof conversation filtered through his mind…Necessaryto stay positive through the remainder of the season… win the conference championship… pump up teammates… pro teams will continue to scout… players not affected… thankful for their leadership…
“Whereis the meeting?”Ericasked.
