Something to note concerning the roster

You take another deep, steadying breath, feeling just a twinge of frustration from your previous encounter with young Miss Cummins. Before explaining the situation to Mr. Watts.

"There is one thing you should know. Earlier today I revoked the eligibility of one of your players for disciplinary reasons. Her name is Valerie Cummins, and to be quite honest she has been a disciplinary problem since her first day at school,” you shake your head the slightest, “She is also, I should add, one of the better players on the team."

"May I ask what infraction was involved?" the coach inquires.

"She was instigating a hazing ritual," you tell him, feeling your cheeks burning a little more as you consider the nature of that hazing incident, "- it is not her first offense, and she has a history of bullying. I want to make an example of her, and quite frankly, I'm considering expelling her."

"I see, thank you for letting me know."

"On another matter,” you change the topic, with a more hopeful tone, “I'm wondering if you would consider being an assistant coach to the soccer team. Miss Considine is excellent, but she could use some help."

"I don't know anything about soccer," Brian shrugs the suggestion off.

"But you know conditioning,” you counter, “- and your status as a professional athlete will lend more than a little authority."

"I'm not sure," he replies, less than convinced.

"Let me have Miss Considine speak to you about it," you leave it as a still likely option, trying to put a positive spin on it,"- she can tell you better than I what kind of help she needs."

With that you stand back up, nods at the coach and with a smile mirroring his almost flirtatious one shakes his hand.

"Welcome to Pink Rose Academy Brian. I'm sure you'll be a fine addition to our faculty,” you wrap up his initial introduction to the school, adding a personal reassurance: “- and please don't let my concerns about hiring male faculty bother you. It's a professional opinion, not a reflection on you or the other teachers."

“Thank you,” his extra little squeeze of your hand before ending the handshakes makes you perfectly weak at the knees.

You smile at him, dreamy attraction mixed with embarrassment as he grabs his bags and leave the office.