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“What can we do?” I look over at Evan as he leans up against his truck. I feel terrible about getting so drunk last night and having Callie see that. I never want her to think that I’m like her parents, but I hope it’s clear she knows that. We went through the abuse and neglect together for all those years. It was the first time in a long time that I felt relaxed enough with friends to let my guard down and really have a minute to deal with the bullshit that’s been going on with this coaching position. It feels good to have Evan in my corner, advocating for me, as he knows I would do for him.
“I’ve met with several other business owners and townspeople who are also sick of Hamilton’s shit. We called an emergency board meeting for tonight. Locals will demand the board explain their reasons for not hiring you. I think you should come. It’ll be hard for them to bullshit anything when you’re sitting right there,” Evan says, crossing his arms.
“What time?” I ask.
“Six.
“I’ll be there.” I don’t know if this will work, but I’m grateful he has my back again.
“This is going to end. We’re done with Hamilton and his bullshit,” Evan adds. “This is for you and for what he tried to do to the inn.”
I feel like I’ve spent my whole life fighting. Fighting was my job in the Army, and then I came home and am expected to fight for another job. But it’s hard to give up when they’re fighting for me. But if it was reversed? I’d fight for them, too. Sometimes I guess we have to fight for what we want even when we’re tired because people like Hamilton count on us getting tired and giving up. This time, I’m not giving up or walking away.
* * *
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into the high school auditorium and slid to the back to take everything in. Evan and about a dozen other business owners who I recognize stand with their arms crossed in front of the board at a long table at the front. The packed auditorium is standing room only. Allie, local attorney Preston, the bookstore owner Paige, and others. All looking like they’re angry and staring at the board for answers.
Goldie’s eyes light up when she looks back and spots me from across the room and waves. I nod and wave but stay in the back. Trying to blend in is hard when people are there for me, and I feel like the elephant in the room.
“Let’s get started,” Evan says firmly to the crowd. “I’ve gathered our community members who have questions about the way the school board has handled the recent hiring decision of SJ Reid. We intend to have a peaceful meeting and get answers with a resolution,” he says as he looks across to all the members sitting behind a table. A long table is set up with Hamilton in the middle and the remaining board members sitting on either side of him, all looking like they’d rather be anywhere but here right now. I don’t recognize most of them, which is interesting because this means that the decision of whether I got the job was decided by people who don’t even know me.
“The board doesn’t owe you an explanation, Harper. What you’re doing here is uncalled for and a waste of everyone’s time,” Hamilton interjects. “I don’t even know why you think you have the authority to call a meeting in the first place.”
“It’s not just me. The concerned citizens of Freedom Valley have called this meeting for accountability. Are you going to tell all of us that we have no authority over our town? I have no idea how you’ve been able to maintain a position on the board after you got fired from the bank last year. You should have been removed from this position last year.”
“You are out of line!” Hamilton fires, spitting as he speaks.
Someone slides in next to me, and I look up to see Callie. She smiles and scoots closer to me, reaching over to grab my hand. Her smile is so beautiful that my heart drops at the sight of it. Everyone’s eyes shift to us. This is probably wild to all of them, seeing us together and going up against her father.
I look up to see Hamilton staring at us with his eyes narrowed. And as right as I feel with Callie, there’s nothing he can do to tear us apart again. I won’t let it happen.
Evan continues, “Some people would like to say a few things. And we hope the board listens and considers what they have to say.”
I look over, and all the players file in and line up in front of the board wearing their jerseys. My chest gets tighter as I see them arrive.For me.
Our QB Matthews steps up and says, “Good evening. The team has shown up in support of Coach Reid because he has shown up for us.”
Soft murmurs go through the crowd, and another woman steps up.
“I want to tell everyone what Coach Reid has done for my son,” the younger woman says, and the crowd goes quiet. I look over and see one of our players step to her side. My heart warms as he smiles proudly at me.
“My family is new here to Freedom Valley. I’m a single mom working two jobs, and this is my son Charlie’s first season playing football. Football has helped him make new friends and fit in at his new school. My son is doing great in school and is happy for the first time in years. Coach Reid has been a big part of his success here, and he’s helped him on and off the field by encouraging him and mentoring him. He’s been an excellent role model for these players.”
“That’s nice, ma’am,” Hamilton dismisses her with a wave of his hand. “But we require more than that to be a coach here.”
“What are you looking for that Coach Reid doesn’t have to offer?” Evan asks, crossing his arms and waiting for Hamilton to respond.
“That’s none of your business,” Hamilton snaps, his voice rising significantly. “We don’t owe explanations for what we decide.”
“That’s the thing. You do,” Evan reminds him. “You are voting as a board member on behalf of our town, and we have a right to know why you think he’s not a good fit for the position. Especially if we feel like you have been using your position to manipulate this town for your own benefit.”
“You have no proof!” Hamilton says. “I have not done that.” He looks nervously at the other board members, who do not look happy right now, and a few are looking at him in dismay.
“I have something to add,” another man says, and I recognize him as another player’s dad. “I’m Malcom Morrelli’s father, also the head of the janitorial staff over at the high school. I have seen Coach Reid volunteer his time for months now in the hope that he will be able to get this position. How many people do you know who would volunteer their time for a job they aren’t getting paid for? That level of dedication and support to our kids is impressive. I think he needs to be back paid for his time and awarded the assistant position effective immediately,” he demands, turning to look at the crowd for support.
The crowd erupts in applause, and several dozen stand and clap approvingly.
“Now, Mr. Morelli, you are out of line,” Hamilton scolds him. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want this town to take a good look at your position in the Freedom Valley school district with such insolate behavior here tonight.”
