Page 56 of Fierce Storm
Controversy with players needs to be handled delicately. We need to be seen as supporting our men. When it comes to staff behind the scenes, particularly women, it’s easier to cut ties and move on.
I learned that lesson the hard way. During my junior year at college, I interned with our college athletics department, working across a few different sports, including football. Vance was a senior and the star quarterback for the team. I didn’t have to meet him to know who he was. Everyone knew him.
From his freshman year, he was praised for his talent, touted by everyone like he was going to singlehandedly secure our D1 college the championship each year.
And he did. Once.
I couldn’t imagine the kind of pressure that comes with that tag, and I admired him for how well he held himself considering all that attention.
It didn’t take long after I started with the football team to befriend a few of the players, and through them, I officially met Vance. He was so focused on football that I was intrigued by him, and when he asked me out, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
Our date was fine but we didn’t click. It was apparent early on that we didn’t have much in common. I thought it was obvious we’d part ways as friends.
Vance didn’t feel the same.
He got angry and stormed off, calling me all the names under the sun before coming back and apologizing, insisting on driving me home.
I thought that was it. Names I could handle. And he apologized.
But I was wrong.
I reported Vance to my boss a few days after he assaulted me, needing some time to process what had happened, and within a few hours, I was being politely asked to leave.
It’s likely I only have a job now because they promised to give me a glowing reference if I let them deal with the fallout privately. Being a naïve twenty-year-old, I signed my rights away. But never again. That moment changed something in me. And I don’t plan on ever becoming that version of myself again.
“That’s great, Sal.” I widen my smile, praying my words sound sincere. It is great that they’ve found a solution to a problem we did not need right now, but not great that it’s Vance.
Sal nods a few times, running a hand through his hair, further messing it up. “Thank God, right?”
“Thank God.” I force another grin, nodding a few times in return before grabbing my phone and bag. “I’m going to head home. I’ll work on Gregory and his bullshit tonight. If I come up with anything, I’ll let you know. And if you come up with any brilliant ideas, feel free to send them my way.
I turn to leave but Sal rushes forward, grabbing my wrist. “Keeley, wait. We haven’t even eaten. About what happened… I’m?—”
“Don’t apologize, Sal. You’re entitled to feel how you want to feel. I promise to keep things purely professional from now on. The pizza’s all yours. The special tastes just as good reheated for breakfast.” I wink but it lacks the spark it usually has.
“Keels?” He pleads for me to say more, misconstruing my mood as something to do with us. But it’s not.
I wish it was that.
“I’m okay. We’re okay. I promise. Good night.”
Relief hits me when he lets me walk away, but it’s short-lived and I almost crumble on the way to my car. I’m going to have to find some way to tell him or Wes. Either way, I have to face it all again.
Chapter Sixteen
SALVATORE
I’m not sure how long I stared at the door after Keeley metaphorically slammed it in my face, but it must have been a while, because by the time I broke myself out of my trance, she was long gone and the pizza was cold.
When I finally peered out my door, her office was locked up, and the lights in the hallway were off.
It was as though she’d never even been there.
A little part of me wishes that were true becausewhat the fuck am I doing?And why am I constantly asking myself that very question when it comes to Keeley?
It’s been years since I let a woman take over my thoughts—not since Camilla, and look how well that turned out.
Yes, I have two amazing children, and an incredible grandchild because of that marriage, but while I don’t regret it, I’m the first to admit I am not cut out for relationships.
