A Different Side (University Park #4) (55 page)

Her lips and tongue dropped to my abdomen, traveling past my navel with deliberate intent. I sucked in my stomach, not wanting to shake. Guys aren’t supposed to tremble, but damn, Lexi had me ready to explode. Not holding back, Lexi willingly threw herself into my trap once more, diving in headfirst.

∑

Chapter 36

To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you,

Something to inspire you.

~Tony Dorsett

My unfortunate circumstance had become the most talked about and publicized college athletic topic. Every TV and radio station had something to say, whether good or bad. From what I could tell, it was a split down the middle. Some fans were rooting for me, while others wanted me out. All it did was make me more nervous about Wednesday’s hearing.

I met with Mr. Marshall and Steve a few times, preparing myself once again on what to say and how to answer questions they might ask. Mr. Marshall asked if I wanted to press charges against Jared, but since I had done a few drug runs for him in the past, we decided it would be best to leave it alone. More than likely, Jared would rat on me and I’d go down with him. Even though I was no longer involved in illegal activities, I’d made a deal with him and split the profit sixty-forty, earning me a nice chunk of change. I was honest with Mr. Marshall and told him the truth, and under attorney-client confidentiality, he told me to get rid of the money and any evidence as soon as possible.

I just wanted to get the meeting over with so I could get on with life. So much was resting on that decision and no matter what I did, it all circled back to the hearing.

Wednesday arrived quicker than I thought and I was getting dressed, ready to face how the rest of my life would go. Lexi remained by my side, supporting and encouraging me in the best way she knew how. It made me appreciate her even more. There was nothing this woman wouldn’t do for me and I would be forever grateful for her. I just hoped her parents didn’t ruin it for us. Recalling what her mother told me had me concerned that she was planning something on her end.

“Everything is going to be alright, man. Trust me.” Josh hooked an arm around my neck. “Just be honest with them. They’ll see that it was a slip and that you’re going to keep on the right track.”

I stared at the floor, trying to soak in his words, but nothing was helping me feel at ease. “I know. Your uncle feels that they will believe me and I’ll get another chance.”

“That’s right.” He patted me on the chest and squeezed me in a tight hug. “You’re going to be back on the field for spring training. Mark my words.”

Josh had a good sense of judgment, something I obviously lacked. I just hoped he was right.

Lexi handed me my suit jacket. “We better go. You don’t want to be late.”

I noted the time on my watch. “Yeah, that wouldn’t be good.” Being late would definitely place a sour taste in their mouths. I needed to make a good impression whenever and wherever possible.

Josh grabbed his keys from the coffee table and walked toward the door.

“What are you doing?” I asked, sliding my arms through the sleeves of my jacket.

He stopped and turned around. “I’m driving you up there. We’re going to wait with Lexi and your mom. Is that okay?”

“I think that’s a good idea.” My mom gave Josh an approving nod before adjusting my tie and straightening my collar. Between Lexi and my mom, I was sure every button was fastened, my collar was flipped down, and everything lined up perfectly. I knew they had good intentions, so I didn’t complain.

“Sure. I guess I need all the support I can get.”

“It never hurts.” Mom leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my cheek. I hugged her and let out a silent sigh. I hated that I had put her through another round of unnecessary shit. None of us needed it — especially her. Time after time, she stood by my side, her love and support not wavering for one minute regardless of the stupid mistakes I’d made.

We left the apartment and piled into Josh’s truck. He dropped us in front of the Wilson building, where the admissions’ offices were located. The grounds were media-free and I was glad Coach Anderson asked that we keep the meeting confidential. After a week of being in the spotlight, I needed a break.

Holding on to Lexi’s hand, we entered the newly renovated building and took the stairs to the second floor. The muscles in my legs weakened with each step and my hands moistened with sweat. I was positive Lexi could feel the tremors leaving my body. No matter how tightly I held on to her, I couldn’t stop from stressing out. By now, you’d think I’d be a pro at these situations, but I just wanted this shit to go away and be done with it.

Mr. Marshall and Steve were waiting in the hallway along with Shawn, Luke, and Delaney. Shawn promised he’d be here no matter what and like a good friend, he held true to his word. “Don’t worry, man.” Shawn hooked an arm around me and gave me a hard pat on the chest. “I’ve got a good feeling about this.”

“I hope you’re right.” I cracked a half smile.

“Good mornin’,” Mr. Marshall said, with his deep, Texas accent.

“Hello.” Mom extended her hand. “Thank you so much for helping my son. It means a lot to me…to us.” Her voice squeaked and tears pooled in her eyes. It sucked to see her cry over me.

“No worries.” Mr. Marshall gave her a heartfelt shake. “I care about your son. He’s a good kid and I want to see him succeed. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

She blotted the tears from her eyes with a tissue. “We will pay you back. It might take me a while to do it, but I promise I will pay you for every penny of your time.”

“Nonsense.” The attorney waved off my mom’s pledge. “You owe me nothing. I believe in giving back to the community and those in need. God always seems to reward me more when I do that. Besides, this is my Alma Mater. We need this guy.” He placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Well, I don’t know what to say…thank you.” She hugged the big guy and he returned the gesture. Mom then turned to Steve. “Thank you so much.” Grabbing his hand, she shook it. “I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” Steve adjusted his glasses while keeping a straight face. “Raven’s a good guy.”

Mom nodded, agreeing.

“Well, son, you ready to get this show on the road?” Mr. Marshall adjusted his purple and white bowtie.

I shook my head and inhaled a full breath. Lexi turned toward me. “Good luck, babe. I know everything is going to work out for the best.” She placed a soft kiss on my lips.

“Thanks, baby. Thank you for everything.” I hugged her and then captured her lips. With one long kiss, I showed her just how thankful I was. I hoped she felt my sincerity and gratefulness because without her, I wouldn’t be able to survive this. Slowly, I parted our lips and released her from my embrace. Her eyes glazed over and she pressed her lips together, as if trying to hold back tears.

I quickly turned toward my mom, fearing I might start crying with her. “Thanks, Mom, for being here. I love you.”

“Love you, too.” She threw her arms around me and squeezed me tightly.

We hugged for a moment and then I kissed her forehead.

She patted my chest and then pulled away. “Stay strong, son.”

“I will.”

Luke came up to me and shook my hand. “Good luck.”

“Thanks for being here.” I was a little surprised to see him, even though he told me to expect him. Lexi had mentioned the idea of inviting him and Delaney to watch the Lone Star Bowl game with us and I had agreed. It was a good start at smoothing things over and allowing him to get to know me on a different level. It took him a while to get used to seeing me with his sister and I still wasn’t convinced he’d accepted the fact that we were together.

I took in another deep breath and rolled my shoulders. “Let’s do this.”

Steve approached the heavy oak door and turned the knob. We walked into a large boardroom set up somewhat similar to a panel interview. A row of curved tables, positioned at the front of the room, faced a single table — the table I’d be sitting at while my fate was decided.

A side door opened and in flowed a steady stream of people, along with Coach Anderson. I immediately recognized Ralph Kenney, Director of Athletics. His tall, slender build and thick head of jet-black hair made him hard not to miss. At his age, the guy had to be dying it. They shuffled to the front of the room and took a seat at the long table.

“Good to see you, Raven.” Coach Anderson walked over and shook my hand.

“Nice to see you, too. Congrats on winning the game.”

He pursed his lips together and his head lowered. “It would’ve been even better if you had played.”

I agreed with a headshake. Missing one of the best games of the season sucked. I just hoped I’d be back for spring practice. Coach acknowledged Mr. Marshall and Steve before walking to the front table, visible disappointment in his stride.

“Good afternoon, Raven. I’m David Flores, Director of Admissions.”

Immediately, I sprinted to the front of the room and extended my hand. “Nice to meet you.” The guy looked somewhat familiar, late fifties, Hispanic with dark skin and brown eyes. I didn’t recall him in the first hearing I went to, but maybe I had seen him around campus or at the games. Mr. Marshall and Steve introduced themselves to Mr. Flores as I worked my way down the table, hoping to set a favorable impression among the university leaders.

“Mr. Kenney, always nice to see you.”

The director tugged on his suit jacket, making sure it was straight before offering his hand. “Likewise.” He gave me a firm handshake, but kept a twisted expression on his face. The less than friendly welcome told me he wasn’t happy to see me under these circumstances.

I turned to the last two people at the end of the table. “Hello, I’m Raven Davenport, nice to make your acquaintance.”

The elderly man adjusted his glasses and extended a shaky hand. “I’m Paul Turner, Representative for the Board of Ethics, and this is my colleague, Nancy Contee.”

Mr. Turner had a blank face while Ms. Contee wore a stoic expression that told me she didn’t care if I stayed or went. I greeted them, making sure to keep eye contact and a firm hand. After a few awkward minutes, Mr. Marshall, Steve, and I, returned to the table facing them.

“If you men would please have a seat, we can begin.” Mr. Flores opened a folder and picked up a stack of papers. Papers that probably had my life story on them, along with what happened the last time I was called to this room. A sickening shiver shot through me and my stomach twisted. Like it or not, this was it. I pulled out the hard wooden chair and sat, ready to test my fate once more.

***

“Do you have any questions, Mr. Davenport?” Mr. Flores asked, snapping me out of my daydream. I still couldn’t believe the decision. It was more than I prayed or asked for, yet still hard to believe.

“No, sir. I understand what’s required and expected of me.” I handed Ms. Contee a copy of the signed contract, outlining all the requirements we had discussed. She took one copy, slipped it in a folder, and handed it to me.

“That is for you to keep. There is information about the counseling center and pamphlets for rehabilitations centers if that is deemed necessary. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Feeling the thickness of the folder, I peeled back the front cover, noticing a slew of pamphlets. A decision might have been made, but the hard part was just starting. “Thank you.”

Everyone stood and I pulled myself to my feet. My legs wobbled, but it felt like a ton of bricks had been removed from my back. I stretched, turning my head from side to side, popping my neck. I was amazed at how much lighter I felt. I began to follow Mr. Marshall and Steve out of the room when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“We’re counting on you for another winning year, Raven.” I turned around to see Mr. Kenney.

I smiled at his comment. “Of course. I can’t wait for spring practice to start.”

“You’re not the only one.” Coach Anderson quickly interjected. “We’re going to have a great team this year. And I need you to be a part of it.” He squeezed me in a tight hug. I could tell he was happy with the outcome. Then again, the entire room seemed to be pleased with their decision.

“You’re damn right we do.” Mr. Marshall chuckled as he opened the door. “I’m making sure PHU athletics has what it needs, too.” He made a clicking sound with this mouth and winked at the coach.

“We appreciate Marshall Law Firm’s gracious support to the football program.” Mr. Flores promptly shook Mr. Marshall’s hand.

“What can I say?” He held up his briefcase. “I have to support my team.”

Everyone laughed as we made our way out of the room. I stepped into the hallway and immediately met Lexi’s gaze. She held on to her bottom lip, waiting anxiously for the news. I smiled, extinguishing all traces of worry. She ran to me and I caught her, lifting her into my arms.

“They’re giving me another chance,” I announced loudly as I spun her around. Everyone screamed and yelled, excited about the news. This was definitely one of the best days of my life. My football days weren’t over.

Yeah!

“Oh, babe, that’s wonderful!” she squealed as I planted kisses all over her face. “What about the team?”

I stopped turning and then lowered her to the ground. “I can still play,” I choked out, trying to hold back the flood of emotions filling me. I couldn’t believe they weren’t suspending me for the rest of the semester — or worse.

“You can?” She bounced with excitement.

“Yep!”

“Oh, Raven, I’m so happy for you!” She planted a big kiss on my lips, smiling as tears streamed down her cheeks. It didn’t take long for our family and friends to bombard us with hugs and cheers.

“Thank you, Mr. Marshall.” I shook the attorney’s hand. “For everything.”

He palmed me on the back with his other hand. “Don’t worry about it, son. Just stay clean, follow the rules I told you and Lexi about, and use your common sense for Pete’s sake.”