Page 110 of The Trophy

I know that my hunch about this not being good was spot on the second I spot Topher sitting on one of the chairs opposite Coach’s desk.

The smirk on our frat president’s face doesn’t promise anything good and I’m instantly in fight or flight mode.

Let’s face it, since running out of this office isn’t an option, I’m in total fight mode.

All I want is to sink my fist in Topher’s face to repay him of every douchy thing he’s done this year. I can’t believe that up to last year I considered him a good friend; to the point that I accepted his suggestion to run for master of ceremonies of Gamma Delta Tau.

“Gentleman,” Coach bites out with a tone that conveys that he thinks we’re anything but. “Take a seat.”

“I prefer to stand if you don’t mind, sir.” Cash says, his tone hard but respectful.

“Same,” I nod.

Luca is the only one who takes a seat. “What’s this about, Coach?” he asks.

Coach answers him with another question aimed to all three of us. “Before I tell you why I asked you to my office, is there anything you’d like to say?”

We look at one another, unsure about what he expects us to say.

“No, Coach.” I say for all of us, clearing my throat.

“Very well.” Coach Harrison’s tone is ominous as he stares us down. “Are you all aware that not only our scholarships, but also every program run by this esteemed higher education institution, including the athletic programs, contain a morality clause?”

That’s when I start to suspect the reason for this meeting. I get the confirmation by looking at Topher’s triumphant smile, even before Coach utters another word.

We all remain silent, waiting for the other shoe to drop, wondering how bad it really is.

When he doesn’t receive any answers to what I’m almost sure was a rhetorical question, Coach Harrison shakes his head. “Did you think I would never find out how you decided who was going to lead the Cove Knights? I’ve seen many despicable things during my hockey career, both at collegiate and professional level, but this? Using an unsuspecting girl as a pawn for your depraved games takes the cake. And I better not find out that you shared your disgusting dare on social media. If there’s any trace of this anywhere outside your locker room, I’ll see to it that you three are expelled from this team, this university and blackballed to the point that no NHL or AHL team will ever touch you with a hockey stick.”

I don’t know what’s worse.

Coach’s disgusted expression, the fact that Lakyn’s reputation is at risk, or the satisfied smile on Topher’s face.

I’m frozen in my spot, frantically looking for something to say, anything to begin explaining our position in this situation.

Luca gets there faster than me. “With all due respect, Coach, I think you might not have all the details of this story.”

Coach runs a tired hand over his face, resigned to continue this unpleasant conversation. “Are you trying to tell me that Mumford here is mistaken and the three of you haven’t been engaging in a sexual relationship with the same woman with the intention to turn the entire thing into a competition where the one who would ultimately win her favor, would become team captain? Believe me when I tell you that when at the beginning of the season, I said I’d observe your leadership skills, this isn’t what I intended.”

Luca attempts to clarify the situation. “Yes and no.”

“Yes and no to what?” Coach Harrison glares.

“Yes, we’re all in a relationship with Lakyn Woods. It isn’t just a sexual relationship however. And no, we haven’t been competing using her to decide who would be team captain.”

Coach opens and closes his mouth, as if he was trying to make sense of Luca’s words. “Lord give me strength,” he invokes. “What are you trying to say, son?”

Being called son by him is strange, since he’s less than twenty years older than us.

“Bullshit,” Topher snarls. “Coach, they’re clearly trying to talk themselves out of a sticky situation. I have proof of my allegations, as you can see.”

The motherfucker whips out his phone and shows Coach the social media profiles Bay created to make Lake’s ex jealous. There are several photos of Lakyn with each of us and in many of them we’re kissing her or have our arms around her in a way that doesn’t leave much doubt about the nature of our relationship with her.

“I’m dating Lakyn Woods’s twin sister,” Topher offers with an angelic expression that would probably fool an entire convent of nuns. “I felt it was my duty to report this situation to protect her, since she’s practically family.”

Motherfucker.

“Right, and I’m the Pope,” I snarl. “Coach, Mumford is lying. I don’t know why he’s doing it, but he changed the story to suit his narrative. What really happened is…”

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