Chapter 26
JETT
OCTOBER
Ididn’t realize that making a formal complaint against another student would end up occupying most of my life.
It’s been two weeks since I contacted my student HR rep, and since then I’ve endured interviews, questions, and more questions.
But I haven’t seen or heard from Renner since that scene at the hockey game and it’s making me doubt myself.
Should I have gone through all this? Maybe he’s finally let it go? What if this is all for nothing?
I know I’m doing the right thing, but it’s still a lot.
And I’ve been called back to HR today for what I hope is the final meeting. Only this time, Ethan is with me.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I want to be here,” Ethan reassures me. “It’s been a lot for you. You’re stressed.”
It’s true. I’ve had a few nightmares, and my sleep has been hit and miss. My depression’s reared up too. I’ve talked to my online therapist about it, and to Ethan, but I know I won’t feel better until this thing with Renner is over with.
My boyfriend is steadfast through it all.
Ethan came with me when I filed the initial complaint and he’s been by my side ever since.
And the past two weeks haven’t been easy for him either.
Jace and Finn left for their respective training camps, and Ethan’s missing his friends something fierce.
When we’re out with a group, Ethan tries to cover up his feelings with his usual jokes, but I know from how quiet he is when we’re alone that it’s been difficult for him to adjust. Despite these changes, Ethan and I have grown closer as a couple.
I’m practically living at his frat house, and our friends have formed a tight circle of protection around me.
“Hopefully it’ll be over soon,” I whisper.
Ethan squeezes my hand, but when I glance at him, he won’t meet my eyes, and my stomach starts to churn. Maybe there’s more going on than him missing his friends. Is it us? I thought things were good. Better than good; I’m in love with him.
God, this stupid thing with Renner has me questioning everything and I hate it.
Ethan’s nervous for me. That’s all.
The office door opens and Iris Down, my rep, enters the room. She’s unusually blunt for someone who works in human resources, but I like her. Iris doesn’t waste time getting down to business.
“Morning, Jett.”
“Morning. You remember my boyfriend, Ethan Walker?”
She nods and takes a seat opposite us.
“Yes, nice to meet you again, Ethan.” Iris opens a file folder on her desk and glances up.
“I’ll make this meeting brief since we now have all the information required.
We’ve compiled your statement, evidence, and the witness statements as it pertains to the harassment complaint against Renner Whitner.
As you’re aware, the college takes these complaints seriously.
Local police and campus security have also completed their investigation into the break-in at the boatshed at Lake Kinnear.
While I can’t comment on that directly, I can say that it does impact your case.
Given all this, the school has confirmed that Mr. Whitner will be given an interim suspension, effective immediately, to ensure campus safety pending the final investigation.
If it’s deemed that he violated Sutton U policy, further actions will be taken. ”
I feel an immense wave of relief wash over me—for myself and for Hailey and Willow too.
“Do you have any questions?” Iris adds.
“I don’t think so. Ethan?”
I glance at Ethan, and he shakes his head.
“I might have some later,” I explain. “I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest.”
Iris leans forward.
“I know the past two weeks have been a lot for you, but the hardest part is done. We’ll update you when we complete our investigation, but keep in mind that it may take another month or two.”
“Alright, thank you. For everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
We stand up to leave and shake Iris’s hand.
As we step outside her office, Ethan’s phone begins to ring. It’s the third time today. Someone’s been trying to call him—I don’t know who—but he keeps ignoring it.
“I better take this,” he says with a heavy sigh. “It’s my dad.”
Ethan taps his phone and places it to his ear.
“Hey, what’s up?” he answers.
I wait back and let him walk ahead so he can have privacy.
When Ethan realizes I’m not by his side, he turns around and motions with his free hand.
“I was trying to give you space,” I whisper.
“I don’t need it,” Ethan replies. “Sorry, not you, Dad. I was talking to Jett—”
Ethan came out to his parents, but I get the sense they’re not thrilled. Not about him dating a guy, but about him dating, period. I don’t know if that’s because of their relationship trauma or Ethan’s past insistence that he didn’t want anything to do with dating.
“I already told you, I’m not coming to Maine for Thanksgiving… I don’t care if your new girlfriend will be there, I’m not up for it… no, it’s not because I want to spend it with Mom and not you… Jesus, it’s not all about you, for fuck’s sake!”
Ethan pauses and runs an agitated hand through his hair. It’s grown back now, but I kind of miss the shaved look, or maybe that’s me being sentimental. My boyfriend is handsome no matter what.
“I’m going to stay here in Vermont,” Ethan declares as he stares at me. “Why? Because I want a peaceful holiday with no fighting… no… no, nothing you say will make me change my mind—”
There’s angry shouting on the other end and Ethan holds the phone away from his ear. I grip his shoulder, offering my support.
“I’m sorry you’re upset, but I’ve made my decision,” Ethan snaps. “Look, I have to go, I have class… no, I don’t know what Harry and Cate are gonna do, that’s up to them. Maybe they’ll spend Thanksgiving with me.”
Ethan winces as more shouts echo from the phone.
“I’m not trying to be difficult. I’m fucking tired, alright…
Why?” he scoffs. “Holidays are always a disaster, with you, with Mom. Wait, not just holidays, every time I go home. Sorry if the truth hurts, but there it is. Every visit is the same damn thing. Me, Harry, and Cate run from your place to Mom’s or vice versa and neither of you are happy about it.
We can’t win. For once, I want to relax and have fun, remember that? ”
I can’t hear what his dad says in response, but judging by the flush on Ethan’s cheeks and the way his jaw clenches, it’s not good.
“What did you do to deserve this? I don’t know. Maybe try showing up for your kids more than once a year, and sending a check doesn’t count… no, this wasn’t Mom’s idea… you’re not listening to me…”
Ethan bites his lower lip, and I can tell he’s about to lose whatever patience he has left.
“Really? If I don’t come back for Thanksgiving, I can forget about Christmas?” he says. “That’s fine by me.”
Ethan taps his phone and shoves it in his pocket, letting out a groan of frustration. He leans against the wall and drops his head back against it.
“That sounded intense. Are you okay?”
He reaches for me, pulling me in tight to his side.
“Ask me again later.”
“It’s not my place to say, but you spoke your mind and told him how you felt. I think you did the right thing. Maybe a break will be good for all of you. It sounds like you’re acting more mature than your parents.”
“Never thought you’d say that about me, right?” Ethan quips.
“When we first met, yes, but not now.” I kiss his cheek. “I honestly don’t know how I’d have gotten through the past two weeks without you.”
“You’d have been fine. You’re strong, Jett, stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
“You are too,” I whisper. “And I want to make a suggestion, but feel free to say no—”
“Yes, whatever it is. If it involves you, my answer is yes.”
I can’t help but smile at that.
“Come home with me to the ranch for Thanksgiving.”
Ethan cups my face.
“Are you serious?”
I nod. I want to show him my home and give him the family celebration he’s craving.
“Invite Cate and Harry too. We can go horseback riding and hiking. I know my grandparents would love to have the company.”
“You want all three Walker siblings together? In one weekend? That’s a lot. Are you sure?”
There’s no doubt in my mind.
“Yes.”
“Yes!” Ethan shouts and the sound echoes down the hallway. “Wait, I told you that I’m kinda freaked out by large animals, right? Horses and cows scare me. That, and anything to do with needles, and of course, gross shit like asparagus.”
He shudders dramatically, and I start to laugh.
“You told me. And don’t worry, all you need is exposure therapy. Once you get to know the horses, you’ll be riding along with the rest of us. As to needles, stay away from our vet and you’ll be fine. And lastly, I’ll make sure no one cooks asparagus for dinner.”
“Promise?”
“Pinky swear.”
“Can I wear a cowboy hat?”
“If you want. Cowboy boots for sure.”
“Cool.” He tugs me in close. “Will you wear those sexy leather chaps?”
“With jeans or without?”
Ethan bites his lower lip.
“Both.”
“I think I can arrange that.”
Ethan’s phone buzzes again. When he pulls it out of his pocket, he stares at the screen like it’s about to attack him.
“Oh God, it’s my mother. He must’ve called her as soon as he hung up the phone. What the hell?”
“I’m going to let you take this one in private.”
Ethan leans over and kisses me.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I need to get to class.”
“Meet up for lunch at the lounge?” he asks.
“I’ll see you there at one.”
I make my way out of the building, but instead of going straight to my lecture hall, I decide to take a walk around town to enjoy the fall colors.
My class doesn’t start for half an hour, so I have the time, and I need the exercise.
With all this stuff about Renner finally over, I feel like I can breathe again.
There’s a notable chill in the air, but I’m bundled up in my puffy jacket and my thick wool scarf. I take the scenic trail and cross the covered footbridge where so many tourists stop for photos.