Page 83 of Hate You, Maybe
“I’m sorry.” I shift my jaw. “I just meant that some of us do have integrity. So please don’t judge me by a past I had nothing to do?—”
My phone starts ringing in the cupholder. The contact for Mountain Valley School District scrolls across my screen. I glance at Sayla, not wanting to get cut off in this moment.
“That could be about the grant,” she says. “Maybe Mr. Wilford told them about his decision.”
“You want me to take the call?”
She gulps. Nods.
To show her I’ve got nothing to hide, I answer on speaker. “Dexter Michaels here.”
“Good morning, Dexter.” I can’t identify the woman’s voice, but it’s pitched high and flinty. “This is Elsa Dewey.”
I peek at Sayla. If the superintendent’s calling me about the grant money, this could be bad news for her. “Hey, Dr. Dewey. What can I do for you?”
“I’m more interested in whatIcan do foryou,”she says. “You may be aware of some rumors circulating about Jeremy Wright over at Harvest High. That he’s leaving the district?”
I squint out over the dashboard. Confused. Jeremy’s their head basketball coach and athletic director. But what’s this got to do about the FRIG? “Yeah, I heard some whispers,” I say. “But I try not to listen to gossip.”
“Well, the rumors are true,” she says. “He just got an official offer from UNC, and he’ll be headed there as part of their coaching team next semester.”
“Wow. So soon? Good for him.”
“Yes, well, we’re awfully proud of him here at the district.” She takes a beat. “We also think you’d be an excellent replacement for him as athletic director at Harvest High.”
I force a half laugh, half scoff. She can’t be serious. “Thanks. But I already have a job at Stony Peak.”
“And we sure do love our Gray Squirrels,” Dr. Dewey says. “But I’m offering you theBobcats,Dexter.”
“Why would I want to switch schools midyear?”
Or ever, for that matter?
“I hardly have to tell you that Harvest High has a stronger sports department right now. Superior athletes. Better coaches.”
“That’s because they’ve had a lot more money funneled into their program in the past few years,” I push back.
“Yes, and you’ve done a wonderful job with the more limited resources at your disposal.”
“Which is why I should stay where I’m needed,” I say.
“Dexter.” She clucks. “They’ve had you as their advocate for six years now. And frankly, Harvest High is due for their accreditation next year. So after Stony Peak earns a four-year revisit this fall, I’d love to see you over at Harvest High in the spring, helming their committee, and doing for that school what you’ve already done for Stony Peak.”
And there it is. This is for the district’s benefit.
Not mine.
Still, her thinking I’ve got that much influence is a compliment. And I can take the praise without taking the job. “I appreciate the support.” I run a hand over my beard. “But I’m happy at Stony Peak. And, more importantly, I’m loyal to them.”
“Just one of the many reasons why you’re so valuable to the district, Dexter.”
I blow out a breath. Man. She’s not making this easy on me. “It’s just that I have big plans for the department I need to see through.”
“I assume you’re referring to the grant money,” she says. “As you know, Larry Wilford insisted on controlling that decision. He’s got something to prove, I suppose. But that’s all part of the games we play.”
“I’m not a game player, Dr. Dewey.”
“Then move over to Harvest High and you won’t have to worry about the funding,” she insists. “Everything there is brand-new and state-of-the-art. There’d be no more competition for cash. Game over.”
