Chapter 7
Taysom
Natalie frowns but lowers the camera and focuses on manipulating switches and knobs.
“The Institute already has the funds from us, Taysom,” Raj says. “We can’t ask for them back.”
Charlotte blinks. “It’s fine.” She shakes her head. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
Raj chews his bottom lip. “Look, I know you think sports are the big, bad wolf here, but the revenue generated from the sports on this campus subsidizes a lot of what goes on in this school. They’re vital to the university.”
She nods, but there’s a steeliness in her eyes.
“And you had the nerve to ask how he can sleep at night?” Raj takes a deep breath.
“Listen, the funds from his foundation, which he started himself using his own money, aren’t going towards ice baths.
They’re going towards concussion research and testing.
I’d say that’s pretty important, wouldn’t you? ”
“Raj, that’s enough,” I say.
He dashes me a look. “It would help if she were more informed.”
“Just don’t take that tone with her.”
He rears back, probably surprised at the sharpness. “Sorry.” Raj shakes his head. “I apologize, Ms. Mercer.” He rests his hands on his hips, his suit coat falling open. He nods towards Natalie, who nods back and begins putting her equipment away.
Raj is a decent guy with experience and connections. I’m lucky he agreed to come and work for the foundation. He does such a good job with it, I hardly know what’s going on half the time.
I study Charlotte and am happy to see she smiles a little at that. “I want this center in my documentary. Getting the word out can only help, right?”
Something in Charlotte’s posture straightens. “Please don’t humiliate me.” She turns to Natalie. “Can we redo the interview?”
“We’ll cut it the way we think is best,” Natalie says with a sympathetic smile.
I look at Charlotte. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
Her features soften and she blows out a breath before she knits her brows together. “That’s cool about the concussion thing.” She looks at the floor before returning her gaze to Raj. “I didn’t consider concussions. That is important work.”
“It’s for my mom, really,” I say. “She was always worried about me playing football.”
“Have you had a concussion?”
I nod. “Two minor ones. I’m lucky, actually. It could have been worse.”
“How is your mom?” Charlotte smiles a little.
“She’s doing well. Still working as a nurse in Mother Baby. Still loves it.”
“I remember her dipped chocolates at Christmas time. To die for.”
“She’s got a talent for it.”
We’re packed up and ready when a little boy who can’t be over two and his dad come into the room.
“Jarrett!” Charlotte cries. “So good to see you today.”
I can’t stop staring at the way her face lights up at the kid.
“I better go,” I tell her. This whole thing was just…weird. I didn’t peg Charlotte as someone who would go out on a limb like that and cut me down to size.
Looks like maybe I underestimated her.