Page 64 of Rivals

“It is truly an amazing place. The atmosphere, the four seasons, the eager and learning minds. There’s something magical when you mix it all together. I’m lucky to have a spot here,” he tells me and I nod in response.

“So, tell me a little about yourself, Ms. Conrad. Why are you interested in Michigan?”

“Can I be honest with you?” I ask, my fingers digging into the armrest on the chair.

“Of course.” He laughs and crosses one leg over the other, settling into his seat. I notice he isn’t holding any papers or a pad of paper taking notes.

“Honestly, and I know how bad this sounds, I haven’t given any thought to college. My mom had me young and didn’t go. My dad was in the military. I don’t have an extended family that spent time talking with me about these things. I do have friends who are making plans and have been thinking about this choice for years. I just never put any thought into it. I guess I figured until I know what I want to do or get out of life that I didn’t really have to decide and when I did, there was always community college and places close to home,” I explain. The whole time I talk, he doesn’t interrupt me and there is zero judgment on his face.

“It is important when we talk about the things we want in life and the things that make us happy when considering college, Ms. Conrad. You are right in this. Especially in this day and age with the commitment it requires both mentally and financially. Therefore, it also requires logic and reasoning,” he agrees. “What makes you happy?”

“Hockey,” I answer without thinking. “My family. My friends. Learning. I do like to learn. Reign always says I’m the happiest at the arena or the library. He makes me happy too.”

A ghost of a smile appears on the dean’s face. “Well, I can already tell you, I am a hockey fan. We have a great program here and it grows more and more every year. Women’s sports in general on this campus are getting the recognition they deserve. The competitiveness and also the moral and sportsmanship among this group of athletes on this campus is remarkable. So I don’t think it would be too hard to sell you on that. What do your friends and family think about you being here?”

“Well, my friends all have their own plans I guess. I know Michigan was on their lists but they have a few places they were looking at too. And my dad…I think he would be happy. But I feel guilty leaving him,” I admit.

“I think your father sounds like a man who would want the best for his daughter no matter what she chooses. It’s fair for you to be worried or concerned. He sounds like he is a very integral part of your life. I can tell you though as a father, I have three boys and two girls, I would want my child to do what makes them happy. To be where they can achieve their dreams.”

“Yeah, he’s pushing hard. Pete, I’m thrilled to be here and it’s an honor to talk to you, but I also know this has something to do with Reign. I don’t want to be the girl that rides her boyfriend’s coattails to a university either.”

The dean makes a noise between a cough and a laugh before he’s full on shaking in his seat laughing. He holds up a hand. “I’m sorry,” he croaks out. The sight feels oddly refreshing and eventually I’m smiling too.

“Let’s leave Mr. Thorn out of this while we talk, shall we?” The dean finally catches his breath and wipes the corner of his eyes. “I won’t lie to you, Ms. Conrad. I was approached by Reign and his father to meet with you; however, we have all been up front and over the table that if you want this, you have to make the choice to do so.”

“I bet that made Reign really happy.” I smirk and finally I relax into my seat.

He smiles and shakes his head. “Mr. Thorn has good intentions. And as much as I want him to play hockey here, I also do not want to coerce someone who isn’t sure if they want to be here. You sound like a very intelligent young woman. I’ve seen your transcripts, and I was slipped a video of one of your most recent games —”

“I’m going to kill him,” I huff and my hands cover my face.

“Before you go committing any crimes, Ms. Conrad, I do want to say, that I am impressed. You have talent. You’re smart and we would welcome you here should you decide to apply. That being said, there are about ten other campuses I could name off the top of my head who would look at you the same way.”

I let my hands drop from my eyes. “Really?”

“Truly.” He nods and gives me only what can be described as a fatherly smile. “Is your father’s well-being your biggest barrier to attending college out of state?”

My face flushes and my eyes fall to the ground. “No, sir. I would consider the expense the bigger issue. I would need to apply for a scholarship or I would need a loan, which I’m also not ready to take on.”

He hums and gets out of his chair, moving to the desk. He grabs a paper from his filing drawer before coming back to sit, and hanging it to me. “This is a list of the scholarships we offer. The qualifications and deadlines for admission. Take a look at it.”

“I will,” I reassure him, tucking the paper close to my side. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for your time today, Ms. Conrad. I hope whatever you decide that it brings you happiness. May I offer some advice?

“Sure.” I nod.

“Apply to a few places. Test it out. Just because you apply doesn’t mean you have to accept. Pick the one that makes your heart race. And don’t let Mr. Thorn bully you,” he tells me, his eyes crinkling with another smile.

“I won’t,” I assure the man before leaving his office. “Thank you. Thank you for your wisdom.”

My way back to the main building goes quickly, and I can’t help but look around the campus. Even covered in snow, it is a beautiful sight. I can picture the image that Reign is selling me. I just wish I could get over this feeling of inadequacy. With the dean’s parting advice in my ear, I feel lighter. He gave me a plan. Something I could build off of with the limited experience I have. Talking with someone else other than Reign or my dad shouldn’t give me the independent feel it does, but I can’t help it. For all I know, maybe that was Reign’s plan all along. I can’t picture any other heads of a college taking time off their winter holiday to interview a high school kid.

“How did it go?” Reign meets me at the hotel door the second I arrive. He looks anxious and excited. I don’t have it in me to break his heart. I also feel conflicted knowing that I can see his dream for us too.

“It was good. He gave me solid advice and a list of their scholarship opportunities.” I shrug and set my things down. I really want to get out of these pants and blouse. I want to be comfortable before our plane ride home.

Reign follows me into the bedroom area and sits on the bed. His leg bounces lightly. “Did he say anything about your admission?”

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