Page 117 of Catch
“This is all on him,” I reassure her. “All of it.”
Hailey nods and offers a small smile, and then she and Willow head for the exit.
I make my way back to Jackson and tell him the latest news about Renner while we watch the rest of the game.
“I think you’re doing the right thing,” he says. “If you stay silent, he’s going to keep at it.”
I do a quick search for my student HR rep and draft an email explaining the situation. I didn’t delete Renner’s texts, so I attach what I have, and the dates and times when he confronted me. I have all my teammates and the Cougars as witnesses during the soccer game too.
As I’m typing and searching my phone for related messages and pics, I happen upon some photos I took on the day of the boatshed break-in. Something nags at me. Nothing major was stolen, so the motive probably wasn’t robbery. I didn’t think of it at the time, and I certainly don’t have proof, but is it possible Renner broke into our shed in anger to get back at me? Given his recent behavior, I wouldn’t put it past him.
I mention the incident in my email, copy campus securityand send a group text Archie, Hudson, and Lin, giving them the heads-up.
Hudson: We got your back, bud.
Archie: Always. Glad you’re making a formal complaint about Renner.
Lin: I’ll follow up with campus security about your suspicion re: the break-in. Stay safe and let us know if you need anything.
Jett: Thanks, guys, appreciate it. Jackson and I are watching the rest of the hockey game. TTYL
I pocket my phone and look up just in time. Ethan passes to Jace, and Jace winds up for what I know will be a wicked slapshot. In no short order, we’ll be watching him play in the NHL.
The puck whizzes past the goalie’s blocker and slams into the net, the buzzer lighting up.
“Holy shit!” I yell at the same time as Jackson, both of us jumping up and down and cheering as loud as we can. “4–3 Cougars!”
I forget all about Renner and soak in the celebration with my friend.
Ethan
We clinch the game over Boston, which means we clinch the competition final, and after hugging my teammates, the first person I look for is Jett. He and Jackson are talking to Damien, but I can’t wait another second and rudely interrupt their conversation.
“Sorry, Coach, I need to speak to my boyfriend.”
It’s all good because Jett can’t wait either. It doesn’t matter that I’m still in my uniform, padded up and sweaty as hell. Before I know it, he’s in my arms, and I’m hugging him tight. I’m so far gone for him that it still blows my mind.
My feelings have gone way beyond my initial obsession; I know right then and there that I’m in love with Jett. Only, I don’t know how to process that bombshell, except that I’m deliriously happy he was here to see the end of the game and to share this huge victory with me.
“You guys did it,” he whispers in my ear. “I’m so proud of you.”
I kiss him soundly.
“Not as proud as I am of you.”
“Are we competing about this too?” Jett teases.
“It’s my duty as your boyfriend to be your biggest cheerleader.”
A look of worry crosses Jett’s face, but it’s gone as quickly as it came.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want to spoil your moment. We’ll talk about it later.”
“Oh no, spill it, Sugar. I can handle whatever it is.”
As long as it’s not Jett breaking up with me.
