Page 111 of The Rest is History

Reece hasn’t caught on that something is wrong.

Asher directs Reece with the sautéing of the onions and soon, the creamy chicken is on the stove, simmering on low.

We wash our hands and Ash leans against the counter looking at us. Only then does Reece catch on that something is up.

“What’s wrong?” he says. He casts his eyes between me and Ash. “Is something wrong?” A touch of desperation accompanies his tone.

Ash sighs.

“Come out with it, Ash,” I say, worry gnawing at my insides.

“I was waiting for you to get back, Sawyer, because I wanted to tell you both together. I talked to Principal Watson earlier today,” he says. “I’ve been accused of committing moral indiscretions and bringing the school into disrepute. I’m officially on suspension, pending an investigation.”

“What the fuck does that mean? Moral fucking indiscretions?” My voice comes out loud and bitter. “And suspension? What about the kids? You’re a month away from the playoffs.”

Asher sighs. He looks exhausted as he continues, “Section seven of the school’s Code of Conduct contains a morality clause. I’ll face a disciplinary hearing. I can’t coach, attend games. Neither can you, Sawyer. I can’t even talk to the boys.”

Reece looks stricken. “You could lose your job?”

Asher nods. “There’s more. The complaint got out, and there’s currently a petition with ninety-eight signatures requesting for my removal. There’s an actual petition and it’s probably election campaigners looking for something sensational. Principal Watson says I should just deny everything. If I do, I’ll be back at work next week.”

“Fuck.” I’m fucking dumbstruck.

“Reece,” Asher speaks softly. “It was your father who called the school district.”

Reece stares at the floor. I want to say that I saw the text from his father the other day, but I need to give him a chance to come clean.

He does. “My father texted me a few times over the last few weeks. I called him the other day—” He looks at me. “When I went for a walk in the woods?”

I nod.

“He started telling me that I’m just like my mother. That I run away when things get tough, and that I’m a third wheel with you and Asher and I just – I just lost it. I told him I wasn't a third wheel and that you wanted me. Both of you. And I wanted you back.” Reece’s shoulders slump and I’ve never seen anyone look so defeated. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry for all this trouble.”

Asher pulls Reece into his arms, holding him to his chest, the back of his head cradled in Asher’s hand. “You told him the truth. What your father is doing is not your fault, but I wish you’d said something before.”

Reece’s voice shakes. “I was so afraid to ruin everything and that’s exactly what I’ve done.”

“He can’t be allowed to bully people like this. I won’t let him get away with it.”

“But you can’t lose your job over this. He can’t take your career away from you a second time.”

“I won’t go quietly this time, Reece. I won’t walk away from you this time, and I won’t let you walk away from us. I’ll fight this.”

“Call him,” I say.

Reece’s head jerks towards me.

“Call him and ask him what the fuck he’s playing at.”

He nods and reaches for his phone. Taps, then lays the phone back down on the counter, the loudspeaker on.

His father answers after three rings. “Reece?” The man’s voice is thundering. Sharp and a little off-putting.

“Uh. Yeah.” He clears his throat. “Yes. Dad. Hi.”

“Oh, now you want to talk?”

Asher watches Reece, and for the first time, I get a glimpse of what Asher was talking about when he said that Reece was terrified of his father.

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