“We have practice,” Landon says, his eyes not leaving mine as he moves into the room and sits. “We’re going to be late.”
“This won’t take long.” Harrison clears his throat. “You’ll be taking over Ainsley’s spot as head coach of varsity for the foreseeable future.”
His chin jerks back like he’s been struck. “What?”
“They’re putting me on paid leave,” I say, my voice shaking as I push out the words. “Because of Jayden’s psycho mother. I’m not allowed near the team or the field.”
He shakes his head before the words are out of my mouth. “No. No way. I’m not taking over for varsity. That’s Ainsley’s team, and she deserves to be there. This isn’t right.”
“It’s only temporary until?—”
“I don’t give a shit,” Landon spits. “If she goes, I go.”
I gasp. “Landon, no. What about JV?”
“We can’t let them do this to you. Either it’s both of us, or neither of us.” Landon crosses his arms. “This is bullshit. Ainsley didn’t do anything wrong, and you’re just sitting back and letting this woman take control.”
“This is protocol,” Pricilla says. “Until we conclude the investigation, Ainsley cannot be on school premises.”
“Don’t abandon the team,” Danbury says. “You’ve been doing a hell of a job with the JV squad. I know you’re the best candidate to take over for varsity while Ainsley is on leave. Think of it as being her substitute.”
“Let Raymond do it.” Landon pushes out of his chair. “He knows those girls and is perfectly capable of leading them into the playoffs. I won’t play into Morales’ little game and give her what she wants. She came to my place of work, did you know that? She showed up while I was at work and threatened me. I have a video recording of it.” He reaches into his pocket, and pulls out his phone.
My eyebrows pinch together. “When was this?”
“The other day. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to upset you, and have you get all hot-headed about it.” He taps around on his screen until he finds the video, and places his phone on the table before pressing play.
Mrs. Morales’ shrill voice fills the room, and we all lean in to watch.
I roll my lips between my teeth. “See? This is all part of her plan. Force me out and have Landon take over my position.”
“And you’re handing it to her on a silver platter.” Landon shakes his head. “I won’t be a part of that.”
“Or we let herthinkshe’s getting what she wants, and Ainsley needs to bide her time until it’s over and she can return to school.” Pricilla leans her elbow on the table as she flicks her green eyes to Landon. “Please send me that video.”
Landon picks up his phone, his thumbs flying across the screen as he taps out an email. “The girls said Jayden hasn’t been to school in days. That’s truancy. You should have the police check up on him to make sure he’s okay. This school should be doing everything in its power to protect that child.”
Guilt burns a hole in my chest. Landon knows more about the ins and outs of truancy than anyone. He’d often stay home after his father hurt him, until the marks faded and he wouldn’t be questioned about it.
“Rest assured, we’re doing everything we can to help Jayden,” Harrison says. “Sh—He’s our number one concern.”
“Which is why we’re following protocol.” Pricilla leans back in her chair. “We have to dot our I’s and cross our T’s.”
I heave a sigh, and my lungs deflate along with my spirits. “Fine. But Raymond takes over my position if Landon won’t.”
“Deal,” Danbury says, nodding.
I sign the paperwork, and stand to leave with Landon.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you at states.” Pricilla shoots me a wink, and then walks out of Harrison’s office.
Landon and I exchange a glance.
He wraps his arm around my shoulder, and leads me out of the building. “You okay?”
“This is such bullshit.” I reach up and yank on my pony tail. “I know they can’t tell us everything, but it’d be nice to know what their plan is while I sit at home with my thumb up my ass.”
We stop at my Jeep and I look up at Landon. “You should’ve taken my position.”
