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He shook his head trying to get her to stop.
“Let’s just say that this would have never happened if I hadn’t been such a stubborn, prideful man who let her get away five years ago. I’m determined that’s not going to happen again.”
What did he mean by that?
The two men were smiling at them.
“We just wanted to warn you that the students have noticed and it’s time to get whatever this thing is between you under control,” the superintendent said. “And Miss Martin, the school board canceled tomorrow’s hearing. You were not at fault and should not be punished. Our parents need to realize you are a victim.”
Relief filled her. “Thank you. And thank you for not firing me this morning.”
“No chance of that,” the superintendent said. “Unless, of course, you get caught running the statue.”
“Who returned our clothes?” Zach asked.
The superintendent grinned. “My daughter. She went to the sheriff’s office and convinced them to let her have them. Miss Martin, you’ve made quite the believer out of my daughter. Thank you. She’s becoming a much better basketball player.”
Emily grinned. “She’s a delight.”
“All right, you are free to go. We’ll be at the game tonight and can’t wait to see if you win,” the superintendent said.
The principal nodded. “Have a great day and good luck dodging the reporters.”
When they stepped outside, Zach gazed at Emily as the reporters came rushing up. “I’ll talk to you later tonight after the game.”
Disappointment filled her, but she knew there was no way they could have a conversation with reporters screaming at her and asking her questions, and at school, they would both be busy.
“All right,” she said. “We’ll talk tonight.”
All day, she looked for him at school, hoping for just a moment to say hello. Talk about what the superintendent and the principal said to them this morning, but she never saw him.
Later that afternoon, her team arrived for their last-minute game instructions, and brought her flowers.
Georgia came up to her. “We watched the press conference and just wanted to tell you we’re so sorry that happened to you.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Ladies, I hope something like this never happens to you. But I want you all to learn how to protect yourself.” Wiping her eyes clear of her tears, she continued. “Now, we have a big game tonight. I’m hoping we will beat the number one team in our division and get invited to the UIL championship.”
The girls gave a whoop and holler as she turned on the big screen for them to watch the team they were playing. She would stop the film and point out weaknesses.
“All right, girls, suit up, it’s game time,” she told them.
An hour later, she paced frantically in front of the bleachers. She had not changed into her coaching attire but wore the nice suit she had worn to be fired in this morning. Her girls were playing exceptionally well tonight and she couldn’t be prouder.
The gym was packed with parents, teachers, reporters, and students. Their game tonight would receive national attention all because of her lawsuit.
At the half, she ushered her girls into the locker room. She noticed they were excited and giggly and even whispering amongst themselves and she wondered what was going on.
“All right, ladies, pay attention,” she told them. “We’ve got to get better at stealing their ball. Georgia, I want you to take the ball from them more. Riley, get the ball to Georgia whenever you can because she’s the tallest. She can hit the basket from almost anywhere on the court. You’re all doing very well. I’m so proud of you. Now go out there and show them that the Cupid Girls are capable of playing in the UIL tournament.”
The girls cheered and ran out of the locker room before she could do their chant. They were acting strange and she didn’t understand what was going on.
“Miss Martin,” Georgia said. “I have a question for you.”
“All right, but we need to go. We have a game to play,” she told the girl.
“Are you in love with Zach?”
How did she answer this? Of course, she was in love with him, but did she want her team to know? She was tired of trying to hide from the truth. It was time to be honest.
