FORTY-SIX
I couldn’t sleep at all last night.
I tossed and turned, unable to rid my mind of the horror I saw in Torres’ eyes, or the shock in Hamilton’s as they looked at each other after that kiss.
I thought surely the situation with Foster would bother me more, but honestly, it hasn’t so much. I’m more worried about what Hamilton will say and do.
It comes as no surprise to me that I receive an email from her when I wake up.
Amber,
Meet me in my office at 11:00.
Hamilton
I draw in a breath as I shut off my phone screen. I wanted to call Torres and come up with a game plan with him, but I knew it wasn’t wise.
As he’d said before, this was his career, and he’d jeopardized it with me. I didn’t think we would be caught or seen. I always thought we would be safe so long as we kept a distance at school, and then that kiss happened. That fucking kiss that was never supposed to happen on campus.
When it’s nearing 10:30, I shower and dress. I leave immediately, glad Kendall isn’t around to witness my somber mood.
I walk across campus until I’m on the track, the soles of my shoes sticking to the rubber. When I’m at the tunnel, my heart is beating loudly in my chest, but I keep moving, ready to get this over with.
I take the wing down until I’m in front of Hamilton’s door. I give it a knock, and in a matter of seconds it’s opened, only it’s not Hamilton who answers it. It’s Torres.
I’m shocked to see him and am left speechless as he looks into my eyes. I start to smile, but he doesn’t do the same. What is he doing here?
“Come on in, Lakes,” Hamilton says, and I look past him at Coach Hamilton who is sitting behind her desk. I step inside, moving past Torres to stand in the middle of her office.
Torres closes the door and steps sideways.
“Have a seat.” Hamilton gestures to the empty brown chair on the opposite side of her desk.
I pull it back and sit, trying really hard not to look over my shoulder at Torres.
“So, as you know, we have very strict policies here,” Hamilton starts, her fingers clasped together on her desk. “I expect the girls on my team to excel at everything, but I do realize that my girls aren’t perfect and that they can make mistakes.”
I swallow hard.
“I also realize that…some things can happen that no one expects, but what matters the most is how it is handled.”
“Okay,” I whisper.
“First off, I don’t want you to worry about your position on my team. You will still be a runner for Bennett and will fulfill your scholarship. That will not change.”
I sigh, and the relief courses through every part of me.
“However, you will no longer be training with Coach Torres, or any other male coach for that matter.”
I frown then and finally look over at Torres who has taken slow, careful steps to stand beside Hamilton’s desk.
“Coach Torres put in a letter of resignation last night and, because he will no longer be serving the Bennett University Women’s Track and Field team, I see no need to escalate this issue further or take it to any officials.”
“What?” My mouth parts as I look from her to Torres. He’s avoiding my eyes, but I see the guilt and shame on his face as clear as day. “Why would you resign?” I ask feebly.
His head lifts and our eyes finally connect. “Because it’s the best thing to do. For you.”
“But I—”
“Amber, listen, this is the best thing that can happen. The last thing we want is a scandal breaking out about a coach with a student here at Bennett. By having Torres resign, this ends the issue immediately. He’s leaving by choice, and there is nothing wrong with that.” I hear Hamilton, but I can’t look at her. I can only focus on Torres—on a man whom I’ve come to know. This isn’t what he wants. He’s resigning to spare me. Why is he doing this? I don’t need him to save me.
“Is there no way he can stay and we just keep a distance from each other?” I ask, turning my head quickly to look at Hamilton. It’s so naïve to ask but I don’t care. He can’t lose this job because of me.
“I’m sorry, but no.”
“But he’s—”
“Freya, can I have a word with Amber, please?” Torres asks.
Hamilton swings her gaze over to him. “I’m sorry, Joaquin, but no. I cannot leave you in here alone with her.”
Torres rakes his fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated.
“Listen, this is the way it has to be. Unless you want me to contact the dean of the school and tell him about this—which won’t look pretty on your record, Joaquin—then you both have to accept that this is the consequence. My team and my girls come first.” She sighs and then brings her hands up to drag the pads of her fingers down her face. “I think it’s best if you go for now, Joaquin. Pack up your office and take care of the loose ends.”