Chapter Forty-Seven RHETT

We’re in a neutral space—my dad, mom and me, along with Westscott and a representative from the Lancaster family—Whit Lancaster, Iris’s dad.

He’s an intimidating motherfucker, sitting at the head of the table in one of the meeting rooms in the admin building. Mom and Dad are completely unfazed by him, making small talk while Westscott sits on the other side of the table, looking like he’s sweating profusely. His face is red and his lips are tight, like he might have trouble speaking.

Whatever. I’m still so pissed at him I can hardly see straight when I look at him, so I avoid doing that at all costs.

Lancaster checks his phone, frowning as he taps out a quick response before he smoothly puts his phone in his pocket. Dude showed up in a three-piece suit while Dad is in his Nike track pants and a polo shirt with the NFL emblem on both. Not sure if he wore that on purpose or left work looking like this, but I don’t mind. I like the reminder. My dad is a badass. So is my mom. She told me before the meeting that she was mad at Westscott and he took things too far.

Glad to know my parents are on my side.

“I thought my cousin Grant would be able to make the meeting, but it turns out he had an unexpected meeting, which means I’m the only Lancaster representative here today.” He sits up straighter, a single brow rising as he contemplates Westscott. “Would you like to explain yourself, Claude?”

Damn what a shitty name. I’d want to be known as Westscott all the time too.

“You already know how I feel, Whit. This young man is important to our athletic team and the school in general. And while I understand that he believes I overstepped my boundaries and spoke to him in an inappropriate manner, I sincerely had his best interests at heart. Nothing more,” Westscott explains.

“I believe you overstepped your boundaries as well,” Dad tells him. “You have no business asking my son those personal questions. You can’t tell him what to do during the weekend either.” “That’s incorrect,” Westscott says, his voice cool. “Any time a student is on the Lancaster Prep campus, I have the authority to discipline them as I see fit.”

“You see, Claude, that’s part of the problem. Mr. Bennett here was on my property for the weekend,” Whit says, inclining his head toward me. “When he’s off campus, he’s not your issue.”

Westscott clamps his lips together, like he’s trying to prevent himself from saying something stupid. “Can’t you see that everything I’m doing is for the betterment of this establishment? I’m trying to turn this place around and make it a better school. You are a part of that plan, Rhett, and you’re an excellent athlete and student. You’re a great representation of this school. I’m only trying to watch out for you.”

I dare to look at him, fighting the disgust I feel when I do.

“You told Willow that my parents asked you to do this,” I throw at him, letting my anger show. That’s one of the many things he said that bugged the shit out of me. “Which is a straightup lie.”

“I spoke with your parents privately, right before the school year.” Westscott’s gaze goes to my mom and dad. “Back me up here. This conversation did happen.”

Dad exhales roughly, rubbing along the side of his jaw. “Yeah, we spoke to you. But you initiated the call and you told us, you assured us, you would watch over him. We didn’t tell you to be his watch dog and decide who he can and cannot spend time with.”

“You lied to her,” I say again, because it makes me so fucking angry he tried to intimidate her. Actually, there’s no trying about it—he did intimidate her. And that’s some straight-up bullshit. “You said Willow was just some girl who would spread her legs for me. And you threatened her by practically daring her to go to her parents and tell. That they would do nothing anyway because all the Lancasters care about is the bottom line and you were delivering exactly what they wanted.”

“You threatened Crew Lancaster’s daughter?” Whit Lancaster’s voice is casual, but I see the flash of anger in his blue eyes that are like ice. “You know her father is here on campus. Want me to pull him into this meeting?”

Fuck, this guy is cold.

Westscott’s face turns pale. “I didn’t threaten her.”

“Sounded like what Rhett repeated was a threat. Are you calling him a liar? Are you calling Willow Lancaster a liar?”

I can practically feel Westscott scrambling to come up with the right answer. “No, of course not. They just—she just misunderstood me.”

“Seems like there’s been a lot of misunderstanding from you lately,” Dad says, leaning forward to prop his arms against the edge of the marble boardroom table. “You know, I thought my son coming to this school would be good for him and everyone else too. Looks like that has come true, but I’m guessing with all of this attention the school is getting, you’re power-tripping. Believing you’re solely responsible for all of it.”

“I do believe it,” Westscott says with a sniff.

“And that just goes to show me how you don’t know what it’s like to be part of a team. You can’t do this alone. There are so many moving parts. So many members of this team who’ve made this school better. But you can’t even give them any credit. You want all the accolades and fuck everyone else.” Dad shoots a look in Whit Lancaster’s direction. “Sorry.”

“No need. That was perfectly said.” Whit leans back in his chair, his gaze never straying from Westscott. “You’ve really stepped in it, Claude. I’m afraid we’re going to have to put you on administrative leave while we finish this investigation.”

“Administrative leave? Investigation? What the hell are you investigating? What a great job I’m doing? How much attendance is up? How much more tuition the school is taking in? Don’t even get me started on alumni donations. The money is pouring in by the millions every month. We’ll be able to start construction on the new stadium in the spring!”

“Keep this up and there won’t be anything else to investigate. You’ll be fired.” Lancaster glances over at us. “I’m sorry this happened, and that you just had to listen to that little tirade. The board of trustees will investigate this matter further and let you know what we’ve decided. Rhett, you’ll still be on the football team if you want to be.”

“I want to be,” I say without hesitation. “But am I going to get into any trouble?”

“Trouble?” Whit asks. “Why would you be in any trouble?”

Mom sends me a look, one that says don’t open your mouth, and I take it to heart.

“Just asking.” The relief that hits me has me slumping in my seat. “I’m good. We’re good.”

We all shuffle out of the meeting room, leaving Westscott in there alone with Whit, and the moment we’re outside, Dad is breathing a sigh of relief.

“I wouldn’t want to be that guy, alone with Whit Lancaster.” Dad mock shivers. “He’s scary.”

“He’s not that bad,” Mom murmurs. “Very handsome.”

“Oh, you like that type now?” Dad wraps his arm around Mom’s shoulders, hauling her in close. She digs her elbow into his side, pretending to try and get away, but she gives in quickly, letting him wrap her up in his arms. “He’s intimidating.”

“He is,” I agree, ignoring my parents. They always do this sort of thing. I just never expected them to act like this while we’re walking across campus, but whatever. “I seriously thought I was going to get suspended.”

“Glad you kept your mouth shut.” Mom sends me a pointed look.

“Yeah, good call.”

We make small talk as I walk with them out to the guest parking lot and Dad promises to talk to my coaches. Mom gives me a big hug when we stop by the rental car they drove over. They have a flight they need to catch in about four hours so they need to get going.

“Are you sure you’re okay with us leaving?” Mom stands in front of me, standing on her tiptoes to brush the hair away from my forehead since she’s such a shrimp.

“Yeah, Mom, I’m not a baby.” Though I gotta admit, I kind of like it when she babies me. “I’ll be fine.”

“You like this girl, don’t you?” Mom murmurs. It’s not a question. She can see it. Feel it.

“I do.” My chest gets tight just thinking about Willow. “I hate how he talked to her. And about her.”

“It wasn’t right,” Mom agrees. “I like seeing you rush to her defense. How protective you feel. Reminds me of your father. He was the same way. Still is.”

“I’m what?” Dad asks, approaching us. “The love of your life?”

“Yes, that’s true, but you’ve always been very protective of me.” Mom circles her arm through Dad’s, leaning her head on his shoulder. “And I’ve always loved that.”

“I protect what’s mine,” Dad says, his gaze sliding to me. “I’m guessing you’re feeling the same way about that girl?”

Mom lightly slaps his arm. “She’s not just that girl. Her name is Willow.”

“I care about her, yeah,” I say, my throat thick with a weird emotion. I swallow it down, rubbing at my chest. “I care about her a lot.”

“Have you told her that?” Mom asks.

“No.” I’m a little uncomfortable talking about this—about Willow. Maybe because I never really have yet. “It feels too early.”

“It’s never too early,” Mom says. “If you feel a certain way about her, you should tell her.”

“Are you for real right now?” Dad asks, sending her a questioning look. “You were always trying to push me away at first.”

“You scared me with your big feelings and I didn’t know how to tell my family we were seeing each other.” Mom shrugs. “It’s mostly Jake’s fault. I didn’t want to make him mad.”

“Motherfucker,” Dad mutters, shaking his head. His so-called rivalry with my uncle is family legend. They still play it up all these years later and I think it’s kind of hilarious.

“Look, I’ll talk to Willow when it feels right,” I tell my parents. “That might be soon. That might be later. I’m not sure yet.”

“Don’t wait too long,” Dad says, his demeanor turning serious. “Listen to your mom. It’s better to be straight up from the start than keep things from her. What if you miss your chance?”

His words send a streak of terror through me and I stand up straighter, having a total realization. “I’m not about to lose my chance with Willow.”

Dad smiles, and for a second there, I feel like I’m looking into a mirror. “That’s my boy.”