Page 154 of If You Love Me

My future.

CHAPTER 46

LEXI

“Do you have a minute?” Shilpa pokes her head in my office.

“Yeah, of course. What’s up?” In the weeks since Roman and I have been married, the tension between Shilpa and me has dissipated—at least outside the office. She’s careful to keep things professional here. Which means in this moment I can’t read her at all.

She raises a hand. “It’s good news.”

My shoulders come down from my ears. “I like good news.”

“The internal review paperwork has officially been filed and you are completely cleared.”

“That is such a relief.” The rock that’s been in my stomach all these weeks finally dissolves.

“I know it’s been rough and the media will still have their feelings about you being married to Roman, but in the eyes of the league and management, none of the allegations had any merit. Every member of the team believes in you and values your role as their coach.” There’s genuine pride in her voice and on her face.

“That’s really good to hear.” I look away, working to keep my emotions in check.

While it’s been business as usual, knowing that the review is finally filed, and I’ve been cleared of all allegations makes everything feel that much better. Vander Zee and Boxer have been great, but Thomas has been frosty. He’s friends with Donnie, and I’m sure he’s conflicted, but all of Donnie’s allegations just made him look like a chauvinist asshole.

The relief is overwhelming. “The stress has been something else.”

“I imagine it has.” Shilpa rubs her rounded belly. She’s just started to show. She’s due in early fall.

“For both of us.” I motion between us.

She laughs. “You aren’t the first woman to fall for a player, and Roman is a special guy.”

“He really is,” I agree.

“It’ll be easier when he’s not playing next year.” She sighs and leans her shoulder against the jamb, fiddling with the end of her braid. “I know I was harsh?—”

I raise a hand. “You’ve already apologized, and you don’t need to explain.”

She looks at me a moment. “Well, then I’ll just say I’m so glad you’re as strong as you are and that you and Roman found a partner in each other. He has a huge heart, and he needed someone to share it with.” Her phone chimes in her pocket, and she glances at the clock. “I have a meeting offsite, but I’ll be at the game tonight.”

“I’ll see you there.”

She leaves me feeling a whole lot lighter. I would text Roman the good news, but I feel like this is better said in person.

Vander Zee knocks on my door twenty minutes later. “Shilpa gave you the news?”

“She did.”

“It came out as I expected.” He drops into the chair across from mine.

“It’s a weight lifted,” I tell him.

“I have some other news,” he adds.

“Oh?”

“Donnie has been relieved of his duties as equipment manager. We felt it best for the team climate that he no longer work with the Terror.”

“He’s been fired?” I might not like him, or the things he put me through, but he has a family.

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