Tackling Love - Kathleen Kelly Page 0,36
are eight members of the board, all of who I know by name. Not one of them can look me in the eye, so I’m guessing they’ve come to a conclusion. I clear my throat and look at each of them in turn. Projecting my voice, so each and every one of them can hear what I say.
“It has been my pleasure to work at this school. I’ve enjoyed every moment I’ve been here. The faculty, students, and parents have all made this a memorable and soul-satisfying employment. I understand why you’ve called me here today, but my personal life has not been a detriment to the school, but more a beneficial one. After all, if Mr. Anders had not entered my life, then the school wouldn’t be getting a new drama wing—”
“That’s not why we are here, Skye.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Wilson, I would appreciate it if you address me correctly, and is it not the very reason we are here?”
“Miss Hadley…” Tony pauses and looks down the line at the board members, all of whom to me look like they want the ground to open up and swallow them whole. “The matter we are here to discuss is your conduct. The way in which we conduct ourselves is a reflection on the school. You, yourself, admitted to me that it was you in the newspaper with Mr. Anders who was wearing nothing but a… smile.” I feel my face heat at the mention of the article. “You did sign an agreement with us when you began your employment as did all of the staff here. What makes you think you are any better than the rest of us?”
Dammit. As much as I feel like I’m the brunt of a witch hunt, he’s right, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.
“Does that mean, Mr. Wilson, that you and the board are not going to accept Mr. Anders’ generous gift?”
“As I have already stated, Miss Hadley, that isn’t why we are here.”
In a last-ditch effort to keep my job, I ignore Tony completely and address the board. “All of you know me. You know I’m dedicated, and I love my position here. All I ask is you remember that before you make any decision. I am willing to take a leave of absence and go abroad for a time if it will help keep my position here.”
My throat closes, and I fear the tears which are gathering may fall.
The oldest member of the board, Mrs. White, stands. She’s always been a formidable figure with her steel-gray hair which is pulled up into a tight chignon. Today her suit is charcoal with a red silk shirt underneath. “Miss Hadley, no decision has yet been made. We will take what you’ve said into consideration, and thank you for your time.” Mrs. White offers me the barest of smiles and with a head tilt, indicating I should proceed to the door.
Not wanting to embarrass myself further, I nod and leave.
The privacy of my car allows me to let the tears I was holding in overflow. A knock at my door causes me to look up, and standing next to my car is the last person I thought would be here, Colton Anders. Humiliated, I dry my tears and wind down the window.
“The meeting didn’t go well?” asks Colt as he kneels beside the driver’s door.
I stare straight ahead and nod.
“Skye, I’m so sorry. I wish things had turned out differently.”
“Me, too.” I force myself to smile and look over at him. “I-I haven’t heard from you.” To my own ears, I sound pathetic. Colt winces, and I instantly wish I could take it back. To cover up his obvious discomfort, I babble on, “Well, must be going, lots to do. Have an awesome game. Derek said he and Blaise will be at the game this weekend. I hope—”
“You spoke to Derek?”
“Ahh… yes. He came to talk to the board for me.”
Colt smiles, and my heart melts. “Damn! He said he would. I’m glad.”
“You and Derek had a conversation about me?”
“He apologized and said he wanted to make amends, he’s been different since he got out of rehab. Derek’s even managed to get himself a job. He is trying hard to prove he’s changed.”
It’s then I take in Colt’s appearance. Dark suit, white shirt, and a red tie with black and white stripes going through it. He, of course, looks to die for, and I realize he’s here for me too.
“You’re here to