Chapter 42 Chapter Forty-Two
Vanessa POV
Dr. Han's voice faded into background noise as I packed up my laptop and notebooks, eager to get out of the lecture hall before she looked up to find me and ask questions.
We'd spent the last two hours discussing the psychological impact of team dynamics which would have been fascinating any other day, but not today since I couldn't focus for a damn.
I had plans to meet Danny at the library in twenty minutes, and after everything that had happened this past week—I was desperate to see him.
We had been working on my dissertation and spending a lot of time together because of it but apart from the occasional kisses we never went too far and he always went back home.
"Vanessa, wait up!"
I turned to see one of my classmates—Jennifer, I think her name was—hurrying after me as I made my way toward the exit.
"Hey," I said, slowing down but not stopping.
"What's up?"
"Did you hear?" Jennifer asked, falling into step beside me, her eyes wide with the kind of excitement people get when sharing gossip.
"Hear what?" I asked, slinging my bag over my shoulders.
"About Marco Island," she said.
"The hockey player? Apparently he quit the team. Just walked away. Everyone's talking about it."
I kept my expression neutral, even though my heart was racing.
"Really?"
"Yeah, my boyfriend's on the lacrosse team and he heard it from someone on the hockey team. Said there was some huge blowup at a party this weekend and Marco just lost it. Quit right there in front of everyone." Jennifer leaned in conspiratorially like she was sharing some huge secret.
"Rumor is it had something to do with a girl."
Of course it did.
"That's... intense," I managed, as if I didn't know that girl was me.
"Right?" Jennifer continued, oblivious to my discomfort.
"I mean, they're two months away from the playoffs. Who quits before playoffs? It's insane."
"Yeah," I said weakly.
"Insane."
We'd reached the main exit, and I used the excuse of checking my phone to create the illusion of being busy.
"I actually have to run. Meeting someone. But thanks for, uh, the update."
Jennifer waved goodbye, already turning to share the news with someone else, and I pushed through the doors into the cold November afternoon.
Marco quit the team.
I had not seen that coming, Marco loved hockey even though he was an ass but hearing it from someone that he was quitting meant it was true and hearing it spread across campus like wildfire, made it feel more real somehow
I pulled out my phone as I walked, checking the group chat with Bean. She hadn't said anything about the rumors, which probably meant she was either avoiding her phone entirely or pretending she didn't care.
I typed out a quick message to sound her out.
Are you doing okay? Heard some rumors floating around campus.
Then I pocketed my phone and headed toward the library, my pace quickening with each step.
The campus was busier than usual for a Tuesday afternoon, clusters of students huddled together in conversation, and I caught snippets as I passed.
"—heard he just walked out—"
"—something about the captain's girlfriend—"
"—total meltdown, apparently—"
I kept my head down and walked faster.
The library was a welcome reprieve from the chaos outside. It was a safe spot for me and Danny now,the familiar smell of old books and coffee from the campus café on the first floor.
I made my way to the third floor where Danny had claimed a corner table in "our spot".
He was already there, hunched over his laptop, his fingers flying across the keyboard, likely working on his own assignments.
He looked tired—we all did these days—but when he saw me approaching, his entire face lit up.
"Hey," he said, standing to greet me. Then, quieter when the librarian scowled in his direction.
"Hi."
"Hi," I said back, and there was something different in the way we looked at each other now, something softer and more certain.
Danny glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then pulled me into a quick hug.
We had not made a big announcement about being together—too much drama attached and way too many questions we weren't ready to answer—but we weren't exactly hiding it either.
Whatever we were, it felt right.
"You okay?" Danny asked, pulling back to study my face.
"You look stressed."
"I am stressed," I admitted, dropping my bag on the table and sinking into the chair beside his.
"I was just accosted by a classmate who was very happy to tell me all about how Marco quit the hockey team."
Danny's expression tightened.
“ How did you know about that” he asked and I arched a brow at him
"Is it spreading that fast?"
"Apparently it's all over campus," I said.
"Everyone's talking about it and the party,” I whispered
"Fuck," Danny muttered, running a hand through his hair.
"I was hoping we'd have a few more days before it became public knowledge."
"When were you going to tell me?" I asked, trying to keep the accusation out of my voice.
Danny looked at me, confused.
"Tell you what? You were there when it happened. You know he quit."
"I know he said he quit," I clarified.
"I didn't know it was official. I didn't know everyone knew."
"It's been a crazy week. A few things slipped through the cracks and I wasn't sure if telling you was worth it” We sat there for a moment in slightly awkward silence, the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on us.
"How's the team handling it?" I asked finally.
Danny sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"Not great. We're two months from playoffs and our ace just walked out. Coach is scrambling to adjust our lineup, and everyone's on edge”
“ The rest of the team has about a million questions I don't have answers to."
"Questions?"
"Like why Marco quit and what the fight was really about. If this is going to affect our chances at the championship." Danny's jaw tightened.
My chest tightened with guilt.
"Danny—"
"Don't," he interrupted gently.
"Don't apologize. This isn't on you. None of this is on you. Marco made his choices, and now he's dealing with the consequences."
"But the team—"
"Will figure it out," Danny said firmly.
"We always do. Yeah, losing Marco sucks. He's a great player. But it's not like he's the only player and if he is, I'll suck it up and play”
“ I like that you stand your ground for me” I whispered softly and he grinned
“ I think that's what I should do for my girlfriend”
"Is that what I am?" I asked, unable to stop the small smile.
"Your girlfriend?"
Danny's expression softened.
"I mean, I hope so? Unless you want a different label. We can go with 'person I'm dating,' or 'that girl I'm obsessed with'—"
"Girlfriend is fine," I interrupted, laughing despite everything.
"Girlfriend is good."
"Yeah?" Danny asked, and he looked so hopeful it made my heart ache.
"Yeah," I confirmed.
We smiled at each other like idiots for a moment before Danny seemed to remember something.
"Oh! Speaking of girlfriend duties and dissertation help—I have news."
"Good news or bad news?" I asked, pulling out my laptop.
"Good news," Danny said, his excitement palpable.
"I talked to some of the guys, and I've got you three players who are willing to be interviewed for your research."
I blinked.
"Really? Three?"
"Well, five actually, but two of them graduated last year so you'd have to do phone interviews. But Ethan, Dylan, and Jake Booker all said they'd sit down with you in person whenever you want."
"Danny, that's amazing!" I said, already opening my dissertation notes.
"When did you arrange all this?"
"Over the past few days," Danny said, looking pleased with himself.
"I figured if we're doing this thing—the real relationship thing—I should probably follow through on my promise to help with your research."
"You didn't have to—"
"I wanted to," Danny interrupted.
"Besides, it gave me an excuse to talk to the guys about something other than Marco and the team drama. Win-win."