Page 15 of The Save

"Only if you want to give it." So far, this conversation felt like trying to peel gum off the bottom of my shoe.

"I didn't invite you to be on the committee because, A, I wasn't aware we were inviting students, and, B.” He heldhis breath, then exhaled in a rush. “I think the committee is bullshit."

I raised an eyebrow. "Again, you're the compliance coach?—"

"My job is to get these kids playing." Chase leaned forward on the couch, resting his elbows on his knees and steepling his fingers together.

"Right. By helping get their grades up?—"

"No. By badgering administration until they lower their expectations."

My brows pinched. "What?"Was he messing with me again?

"I get that to an idealist like you?—"

"I'm not an idealist."

"Maddie—sorry, Madelyn—you offered to tutor students for free, out of the goodness of your heart."

I wet my lips. "Yes."

"And?"

"And what? Did you really not listen to a word I said when I came into your office?"

"I was a little distracted. It was unexpected?—"

"Okay, whatever. I was trying to explain to you that I was looking for an opportunity to serve and lead here at Douglas because I'm applying for a scholarship."

He gave a slow nod, relaxing back in his seat. "Right. Okay. So you're not altruistic?"

"I'm notnotaltruistic. I still want to help them. Axel and Rory are my friends. And don't change the focus here. Are you saying that your job is to try and skirt the rules instead of supporting the players?"

He glanced around like I’d yelled it. "You won't find it in my job description. But that's what compliance coaches do."

"And you're okay with this?"

"It's my job."

"What, you had no other options?"

Something flickered behind Chase's eyes, and my stomach dropped. Maybe hedidn'thave any other options. I knew nothing about Chase's life. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean?—"

"I had plenty of options, and I chose to take this one, where I get to be an asshole and fight with school administration. Is that what you want to hear?" He flipped open the cover on his notebook. "What can I write down that will make the committee feel as if we're supporting our student athletes? You should know since you're so good at brownnosing."

I ignored the immature dig. "Why don't you care about them getting their grades up?"

"It's not that I don't care."

"Then what? It seems like this committee could be a great thing."

"A great thing for who?"

I scoffed. "For your players. Their whole life isn't just going to be hockey. This education could be life-changing for them."

"Assuming they want it to be."

"Who doesn't want to have a good education?"

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