19. Tessa #2
Martinez leans forward. "Dr. Bennett's performance metrics exceed every mental performance coach we've had in my ten years here.
Player trust is at an all-time high, psychological preparation is more effective than ever, and team engagement has improved dramatically.
Her relationship with Kingston hasn't compromised her professionalism—it's enhanced her understanding of athlete psychology. "
"Mr. Kingston," Chairman Ashford turns to Dax, "how has this relationship affected your leadership responsibilities?"
Dax stands, and Jesus Christ, the man looks like he was born to command a room.
"It's made me a better captain. Better at understanding what my teammates need, better at communicating, more invested in their individual success because I understand how personal happiness affects professional performance. "
"Are you concerned about perceptions of preferential treatment?" another board member asks.
"No, because there hasn't been any. Dr. Bennett has held me to the same standards as everyone else—sometimes higher standards because she knows I can handle it. The team respects that."
"What if the board required you to choose between your captaincy and this relationship?"
Dax doesn't hesitate. "I'd choose the relationship. But I don't think that choice serves anyone's best interests—not mine, not the team's, not the organization's."
Harrison finally gets his chance to speak, and he's clearly been building up steam.
"This board needs to choose between maintaining professional standards and allowing personal favoritism to undermine our organization.
Dr. Bennett violated clear policy, compromised her objectivity, and created a dangerous precedent.
If we allow this, where does it end? What message does this send about accountability? "
"It sends the message that we trust our employees to maintain professionalism while acknowledging their humanity," I respond. "That we make decisions based on performance and results rather than outdated policies that treat women differently than men."
"I recommend immediate termination for Dr. Bennett and exploring trade options for Mr. Kingston to remove this distraction from our organization," Harrison continues, his voice getting more heated. "We cannot allow sentiment to override sound management principles."
The room goes silent. You could hear a pin drop, or in this case, the sound of Harrison's career imploding in real time.
Chairman Ashford looks around the table at his fellow board members. "We'll take a fifteen-minute recess to deliberate."
As the board files out, Dax appears at my side immediately. "You were incredible up there."
"We're not done yet," I whisper, but his proximity is making it hard to think about anything except how good he smells and how much I want to kiss him senseless.
"Whatever happens, we face it together," he murmurs against my ear, and the warmth of his breath makes my knees weak.
Fifteen minutes feels like fifteen hours, but finally the board returns. Chairman Ashford’s expression is unreadable as he takes his seat.
"After reviewing all evidence and testimony, the board has reached several decisions." He pauses, and I swear my heart stops beating. "First, Dr. Bennett's termination is hereby reversed. You're reinstated immediately with full back pay and benefits."
Relief floods through me so fast I nearly slide off my chair.
"Second, we're implementing a new relationship policy developed with input from staff, players, and legal counsel that focuses on transparency and performance rather than blanket prohibitions."
Harrison's face goes white.
"Third, effective immediately, Mr. Harrison's employment as general manager is terminated due to discriminatory practices, policy abuse, and actions detrimental to team morale."
"This is a mistake," Harrison snaps, standing abruptly. "You're setting a dangerous precedent. I'll be consulting with my legal team about wrongful termination, and don't think this won't get out to the media. The league will hear about this."
He storms out, slamming the door behind him with enough force to rattle the windows.
"Finally," Chairman Ashford turns to Dax, "your captaincy continues with our full support. Your leadership during this situation has been exemplary."
I'm about to say something gracious and professional when Dax's phone starts buzzing. He glances at it, frowns, and then looks at me with an expression I can't read.
"Everything okay?" I ask.
"It's my agent," he says quietly. "He says Russo’s front office is already talking about sweetening their offer. Word is, they don’t want to lose me."
My stomach drops like I just fell off a cliff. "Now?"
He holds up the still-buzzing phone. “He says they’ll want an answer soon.”
Chairman Ashford overhears and raises an eyebrow. "Mr. Kingston, I trust you’ll consider what’s best for your future—both professional and personal."
As we leave the conference room, the phone won’t stop buzzing, each vibration a reminder that our win might already be unraveling.
“Ready for that celebration?” I try to joke, though my voice comes out thin.
"Rain check?" Dax says, eyes on the screen. "I think we need to have another conversation first."
Fuck.