“If she tried to take any while we were in the SUV, they couldn’t have turned out well. Her boyfriend said he gave her access to whatever she wanted at Griffins’ Nest.”
“Any word from the Journal?” she asked.
“A new reporter there would like to run a story apologizing for any trouble that article has caused us. Normally, she’s a crime reporter, but is worried that Brenda’s gossip might have dangerous consequences for you. She was made aware of the ramifications against your teaching job and the phone calls. I haven’t consented to that.”
“Not sure I trust anyone there,” Anna said. “I mean, they let Brenda run the article without checking with either of us to verify anything. She had time to follow us, type up the story, get some facts on me and get it into print by the morning edition. That’s fast.”
“See, that’s what bothers me. A reporter has sources, sure. But it’s almost as if she’d already had information on you.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Thought you read the continuation of the article in the sports section,” he said.
“Couldn’t look past the front page,” she admitted. “I haven’t looked at it since.”
“She put in the fact that you’d once been questioned by school authorities in connection to a stolen cell phone and improper use by a student. She didn’t name your school specifically. She did give enough that anyone with a decent computer can find private information about a Baltimore County teacher who’d had a problem in the past.”
“Oh my god, that was last year! I was cleared right away. The phone was stolen, pure and simple. The kid that took it stole a bunch of phones, did the same thing with them. Called 900 numbers because he thought it’d be funny.”
“Thing is, I didn’t know about the phone until Friday night. I suppose she could have found meeting minutes or something,” Kyran speculated. “Still doesn’t feel right. I’m not going to trust her ever. Until I know she’s done writing about us, we’re staying with the plan and away from her.”
“Tracey stays with me during the week. I stay with you on the weekends,” Anna said. “Neither of us speaks to the press.”
“For now,” he replied. “Sure am hoping that come September, my baby agrees to live with me full time. Once you do, I don’t give a damn if everyone knows we’re together.”
“Yours, huh, seems like you have a lot of nicknames for me.”
“You called me baby first. Name kinda stuck with me, it fits you.”
“I did?” If she had, she didn’t remember.
“I didn’t mind. I tend to do that, use nicknames.”
“I know. Don’t mind either,” she admitted.
“Good, we better go. I’ll follow you.” He’d cleaned up the dishes after he’d taken his turn in the shower and gotten dressed. He wore khakis and a nice shirt for the meeting.
Anna wore a green dress and ivory pumps. After the meeting, she hoped she had a job. She wanted to start preparing her office for classes to start in September and work on offensive plays for the JV team. She also needed to take her costume to have it repaired. The Griffins used a tailor and dry cleaner in Alexandria. It was her obligation to make the costume right before the next preseason game, no matter what they decided about her part-time job.
Finally they had to go. Kyran helped her into her car, looking around the neighborhood for unwanted spies. Satisfied that most milling about were on their way to work, he leaned in. “Drive carefully, Anna. I’ll be right behind you.
“Okay, you too,” she said, waiting for him to make a move.
Like he always did, he gave her a kiss that sent her heart skyrocketing. He closed her door after withdrawing, waiting until she turned on the CRV before going to his bigger vehicle.
His SUV was huge compared to hers, but it was nice to see it in her rearview mirror. The drive to school took ten minutes, like before. This time when they parked there were ten cars in the back lot. Manny had told her to report to the coach’s office before the meeting.
The meeting itself would take place in the administrative office of the school. Anna wasn’t sure why they weren’t meeting at the superintendent’s office or board of education building down the road. She found going to the principal’s office at age forty rather ironic.
Not once in her life had she done anything to deserve getting sent to the principal’s office. Here she was about to answer for a photograph that was taken by a spiteful, gossip-hungry reporter.
Anna and Kyran found Manny and Brian in the coach’s office. At first, they eyed Kyran like he had a disease. Fortunately, he charmed them with ease, shaking hands, including Anna in their conversation about football.
“Let’s go to the principal’s office,” Manny suggested a few minutes later.
“You two realize that the next big headline is going to wash Saturday morning’s edition off the public’s radar?” Kyran asked, falling into step beside Anna.
“We trust Anna’s judgment where you’re concerned,” Manny said. “This meeting was called because someone on the board wasn’t happy with the article. He wants answers.”
“Someone being Will Simmons,” Anna guessed.
“That’d be the guy,” Brian answered. “Superintendent isn’t coming, by the way. He thinks this can be cleared up without much trouble.”
“Thank God,” Anna breathed out.
“Karen Donnelly and the school’s administrative staff will be there, along with Brian and me,” Manny said. “There’s a chance our alarm on Saturday was misplaced, Anna, apologies.”
“Accepted as long as I can keep working,” she replied.
Relieved that things were better, she let Kyran take her elbow and walk her alongside her co-workers. They entered the administrative offices, heading straight for Karen Donnelly’s office. The principal of the school, Karen was a fair person.
Brian was right. The superintendent of Baltimore County Schools was not present. But the two assistant principals were there, along with Karen and the board’s representative, Will Simmons. Appointed to his position when they were engaged, Anna wished he’d have resigned.
“Ms. James, thank you for coming to see us today,” Karen welcomed with a generous smile. “I believe we haven’t been introduced to your…um…friend.”
“Kyran Black,” Anna supplied, looking at the man she was dating. “This is Karen Donnelly, the principal here at Central Technical High School. Our school features specialized, technical studies for students, such as mechanics, carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts, that sort of thing.”
“Nice,” Kyran said, turning his focus on the principal. “Ms. Donnelly, pleasure to meet you, although I wish it was under different circumstances.”
Karen Donnelly smiled. “It seems the two of you created a bit of a stir.”
“Because of an article that had no business reaching the eyes of our students,” Will interjected.
Anna glanced at her ex. She was glad things ended when they did. Will was a good-looking man. Polished, professional, looking every bit the college professor in his gray pinstriped suit, he barely managed to blink for all the staring he was doing at Kyran. He was jealous. But what surprised her was the fact that she could now see Will lacked character and depth.
“That was not our intention,” Anna told him. “A reporter caught Kyran and I sharing a moment alone. I’m never named specifically, just labeled unfairly.”
“A moment caught on camera that gives enough to show us all who you are,” Will added, nostrils flaring when he said “moment”.
“The problem isn’t so much the article, it’s how much the reporter knew about you as a teacher here at Central Tech,” Karen explained. “It’s true the school isn’t named, but the county, your job title and assistant coaching job allowed people to find out who you are. The fact that the Alexandria Journal was deliberately sent to Manny, Dr. Will Simmons and the superintendent worries the administration. Are the students going to care? Will it impact them or cause
trouble?”
“Ms. Donnelly, they are high school students. They apply here and the boys I coach are in the tenth grade. They’ve seen sexier images on their laptops and TVs,” Anna said. “It would be a mistake to make more out of the newspaper than what it was, a gossip piece. If we all settle down, the photo and article will be forgotten,” Anna insisted.
“When it comes to teenagers, it’s best not to make a mountain out of a molehill,” Karen agreed. “I’m still concerned for student safety, as well as yours, Ms. James.”
“As am I,” Will complained. He’d aged a good bit since she’d seen him last. Forty-five to her forty, he looked at her and Kyran like they were beneath him.
Kyran faced Anna’s ex-fiancé, keeping his attention focused. “Its meetings and questions about Anna’s conduct that allow story hunters to find out who she is. Fact is, Dr. Simmons, I’m dating Anna. That’s not going to change because you brought her into the principal’s office.”
“This isn’t a personal vendetta against her,” Will remarked, looking irked that anyone would think otherwise.
“Isn’t it?” Kyran challenged, stepping toward the man.
“Easy, hero,” Anna whispered. “It’ll be okay.”
“Don’t like the guy, can’t help it,” he confided so only she’d hear him.
“Listen, Kyran has lawyers taking steps to assure something like this doesn’t happen again,” Anna said to everyone. “Will more articles come out? We doubt it, but we don’t know. If another comes out, Kyran and I will deal with it. We won’t let anything jeopardize the students here.”
“I’m making sure Anna is safe,” Kyran added. “Her job and ability to do that job should not be in question.”
“We assure you, it’s not.” Karen Donnelly remained firm on that. “Ms. James, you’ll be able to resume your coaching duties and preparations for the start of school.”
“And if the board objects?” Will questioned.
“Then the superintendent can address the situation, if it comes to that,” Karen decided. “It’s a ridiculous waste of time to give gossip a reason to stick. That’s all the article was, Dr. Simmons. These two are together, can’t you see it?”
“What of the personal information exposed about Ms. James?” he insisted.
“We’ve taken that into consideration,” Kyran answered. “Anna is taking precautions with her phone number and staying with a friend when I can’t be with her. We’ve got it under control. My lawyers and my agent will make sure this school stays unaffected by a story.”
“Is it possible that you’d come and speak to our team?” Manny asked Kyran. “I mean, if they see you interact with Ms. James in a professional manner, they may forget the article altogether.”
“They probably won’t care as much as you think. Sure they’ll speculate. They’re teenagers. Wouldn’t you have at their age? Whatever, I’m more than glad to talk to football players. The more they see me with their coach, the sooner they’ll see that we’re the real deal.”
Will perked up from where he’d been sitting behind Karen Donnelly’s desk. Everyone else was standing. “Real deal, you say? How long have you two been dating?”
“That is not the purpose of this meeting, Dr. Simmons,” Karen jumped in. “After viewing the article, I can understand safety concerns for Ms. James. I’m satisfied that Mr. Black is looking out for her.”
“Does that mean I can go back to work today?” Anna asked, making sure she wasn’t in further trouble.
“It does. If an issue arises with the students, we’ll have to deal with that. They must not be dragged through the mud or exposed in any articles.”
“That article was about me and Kyran. No one here should be affected by it,” Anna said. “Truth is, I don’t think the reporter who wrote it meant to cause harm to the students.”
“Good enough for me,” Karen replied.
The vice-principals agreed, leaving only Will Simmons unhappy.
“Dr. Simmons, your concerns seem to be grounded in personal grievances with Ms. James,” Karen observed. “Knowing your history, it would be best that either the superintendent or another board member address any further situations that might arise regarding Ms. James and Mr. Black.”
“If more comes out about them, what will the school do?” Will asked.
“You’re like a dog with a bone. If more comes out, we’ll deal with it,” Kyran stated.
“Does that mean you’ll stop seeing each other if it comes down to it?” Will questioned.
Anna had enough. “Hey, that’s too much. Ms. Donnelly is right. You brought me here today as a personal gripe. You’re not concerned about student safety or mine.”
“That doesn’t answer the question,” Will remarked, standing and bracing his hands on the desk. Kyran took another step toward him.
“It’s the answer you’re getting. I’ve nothing further to say in the matter of the article. It was written and it’s done. Let’s not give it more than what it deserves.” Again, Kyran came to her rescue. She loved him for it.
“I can’t agree more,” Karen decided. “We’re done here. Dr. Simmons, if you’ve nothing further, we all have things to do today.”
Will looked like he wanted to vent. He was known for long-winded lectures and manic blowups with university staff.
Kyran shifted closer to Anna, deliberately placing his arm around her waist as a show of support. She believed it was genuine.
One by one, the administrative staff left, leaving Anna and Kyran alone with Will. He hadn’t moved from the desk. “I’m really concerned for you, Anna,” he finally said. “Are you sure this guy you’re seeing is going to watch out for you?”
“I’m sure,” she said.
Kyran kept his arm around Anna’s waist. “In the future, Dr. Simmons, don’t question Anna like she’s a kid caught shoplifting.”
“By the looks of that photo, it’s more like she was caught with her pants down,” Will remarked. “Think teenage boys aren’t going to notice?”
“Probably,” Anna answered. “Like Kyran said, they’re teenagers. But if you look, Will, you’ll see that I’m wearing a leotard. All the public really saw was the two of us kissing, that’s it.”
“Anna, you don’t have to explain anything to him,” Kyran assured.
“But you see, Kyran, I want Will to know that we’re together now.”
“That serious already, wow,” Will said vindictively. “You’ve learned to work fast, Anna. How long did it take me to get you in bed, four months? What’d he do? Get you off by making you feel young? A pro athlete, that’s a coup, especially for you.”
Kyran was across the office before Anna could speak.
Refraining from actually touching Will Simmons, Kyran stood so close that her ex had to look up. “You have something against me, fine, take it up with me. Disrespect my woman and we’re going to have a problem, you get me?”
“Understood,” Will answered, backing off. He had to know he was way out of line.
“Good call,” Kyran said.
Will bent behind the desk and got his leather briefcase. He barely looked at them until he was at the door. “I’ve got to warn you, Anna. This guy might have broken my jaw if I’d pressed you too much. Let’s hope he means it when the sex gets old and you can’t keep up with him anymore. Whatever happens, don’t expect me to sit back and let him drag you through the mud if he ends up tossing you aside for another underwear model.”
Anna stared after Will Simmons, genuinely shocked. Kyran started after him. She caught her man and brought him back. “Let him go. He can’t hurt us.” She wasn’t worried about Will’s comment.
“Thank you, Kyran Black,” she murmured into his shoulder blade the second Will disappeared. “You are a hero.”
“Say that again later.” Turning around, he remained a respectful distance in the principal’s office. “After practice, I’d like to swing by your place, make sure you’re okay and Tracey gets there safely.”
&n
bsp; “Okay, I’ll make spaghetti for the three of us,” Anna agreed.
“Sounds good, how about I walk you to your office, Coach James?”
“I’m still a coach, still a teacher. I was worried about my job until we spoke with Manny earlier,” she admitted.
“That’s why I wouldn’t let you come here alone, love.”
“How’d I get so lucky in finding you?” she pondered.
“Think we’re both lucky,” he insisted. “Come on, time to work.”
Kyran walked Anna down the hall, waving to Manny and Brian as she waited outside the coach’s office. She was still wearing her dress for the meeting, but had brought a gym bag with a change of clothes. The JV team had football practice at noon.
After practice, she’d work on inventory of gym equipment. Anna still had her job and things were right again in her world.
At least one problem was nipped in the bud. She still had to speak to Griffins management. “You know, I’m surprised the Griffins haven’t contacted me again after all this.”
“They might have,” Kyran said. “We turned off the phone so any calls would go straight to voice mail. Did you check your cell?”
Anna had forgotten. “Can you wait while I do?”
“‘Course, baby,” he assured.
They went inside the office where Anna had stored her things in a locker. She opened it and got out her purse and phone.
The Griffins’ manager had contacted her again that morning, asking that she call and make an appointment within the week. She also had a new message dated this morning from the phone company. They were going to switch her home number and she needed to contact them as soon as possible.
Anna made an appointment for Tuesday morning with the Griffins. “I think I’m going to lose the mascot job,” she speculated to Kyran when she put the phone down.
“Try not to worry. I’ll have Alex go with you.”
“I’m not supposed to fraternize with the players. Anyone who read the article will know I’m the mascot.”
“Then let Alex help you,” Kyran insisted. “At least let him see your contract.”
“Okay, I’ll do that. Can I call him?”
Quarterback Blitz Page 20