Page 118 of Catch
“I’m filing a harassment complaint against Renner. I’ll tell you all about it once you get changed.”
I cup his face and kiss him again, feeling proud and protective.
“You’re doing the right thing,” I reassure him. “I’ll change up quick and then we can talk.”
But somehow, that talk never happens. I press Jett about Renner, but he insists we leave it until another time, so I let it go.
The rest of the day is a blur of hugs, drinks, and more celebration. We cap the night off at the concert on the quad. All our teammates and friends, along with the visiting students,are gathered for one massive party to close out the week. I’ve got Jett wrapped up tight in my arms, his back to my chest as we grind our bodies to the music. The buzz from both our wins hasn’t begun to fade, but even if the outcomes had been different, I’d still be ecstatic. I’m with Jett and that’s reason enough.
It feels like here, now, nothing can touch us.
But when I look around at my friends, I see another truth staring back at me. Jace will be gone tomorrow and Finn after that. Off to their respective training camps. What happens when it’s my turn? If I go pro, it’ll mean a new city, and travel, and I don’t know anything about being a long-distance boyfriend. Hell, before Jett I was allergic to the very idea of any relationship.
And worse case, if playing pro hockey doesn’t happen for me, will I go back home to New Hampshire? Where does that leave me and Jett?
I pride myself on having a quick reply for everything. But right here, in this moment, I have more questions than answers.
CHAPTER 26
JETT
OCTOBER
Ididn’t realize that making a formal complaint against another student would end up occupying most of my life.
It’s been two weeks since I contacted my student HR rep, and since then I’ve endured interviews, questions, and more questions. But I haven’t seen or heard from Renner since that scene at the hockey game and it’s making me doubt myself. Should I have gone through all this? Maybe he’s finally let it go? What if this is all for nothing?
I know I’m doing the right thing, but it’s still a lot.
And I’ve been called back to HR today for what I hope is the final meeting. Only this time, Ethan is with me.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I want to be here,” Ethan reassures me. “It’s been a lot for you. You’re stressed.”
It’s true. I’ve had a few nightmares, and my sleep has been hit and miss. My depression’s reared up too. I’ve talked to my online therapist about it, and to Ethan, but I know I won’t feel better until this thing with Renner is over with.
My boyfriend is steadfast through it all.
Ethan came with me when I filed the initial complaint and he’s been by my side ever since. And the past two weeks haven’t been easy for him either. Jace and Finn left for their respective training camps, and Ethan’s missing his friends something fierce. When we’re out with a group, Ethan tries to cover up his feelings with his usual jokes, but I know from how quiet he is when we’re alone that it’s been difficult for him to adjust. Despite these changes, Ethan and I have grown closer as a couple. I’m practically living at his frat house, and our friends have formed a tight circle of protection around me.
“Hopefully it’ll be over soon,” I whisper.
Ethan squeezes my hand, but when I glance at him, he won’t meet my eyes, and my stomach starts to churn. Maybe there’s more going on than him missing his friends. Is it us? I thought things were good. Better than good; I’m in love with him.
God, this stupid thing with Renner has me questioning everything and I hate it.
Ethan’s nervous for me. That’s all.
The office door opens and Iris Down, my rep, enters the room. She’s unusually blunt for someone who works in human resources, but I like her. Iris doesn’t waste time getting down to business.
“Morning, Jett.”
“Morning. You remember my boyfriend, Ethan Walker?”
She nods and takes a seat opposite us.
“Yes, nice to meet you again, Ethan.” Iris opens a file folder on her desk and glances up. “I’ll make this meeting brief since we now have all the information required. We’ve compiled your statement, evidence, and the witness statements as it pertains to the harassment complaint against Renner Whitner. As you’re aware, the college takes these complaints seriously. Local police and campus security havealso completed their investigation into the break-in at the boatshed at Lake Kinnear. While I can’t comment on that directly, I can say that it does impact your case. Given all this, the school has confirmed that Mr. Whitner will be given an interim suspension, effective immediately, to ensure campus safety pending the final investigation. If it’s deemed that he violated Sutton U policy, further actions will be taken.”
