Be My Friday Night (3 page)

D
ownstairs
, Otto was listening to Randy O’Malley, the football team’s assistant coach, drone on about the funds needed for a new stadium.  

Funds the school didn’t have, funds Otto would put toward new classroom supplies and technology if they did.

Otto rubbed his forehead.    

Good thing Randy taught boys’ P.E.  His manly monotone was part of the reason the boys worshiped him.  

“Where’s Ethan?” Otto said, referring to the Guanacos’ head football coach.  

Otto was going to force a rain check on Randy by pointing out how unwise it was to discuss such matters without Ethan, who was not only head coach, but also Grover’s hometown golden boy.

Randy threw up his hands as if Otto had just come up with the concept for beer.

“I’m right ahead of you Harrison. I think he’s on his prep period in his classroom. We definitely need his input.  Let’s go get him,” Randy said.  

Randy rose from his chair and began a swift trot in the direction of the history classrooms.

Otto cursed Randy for his abundance of energy and followed the P.E. coach out of the locker room.  

Outside, they passed a skinny high school freshman coming in from running laps. Otto wanted to pause and tell him life was eventually going to get better, but Randy was already a few strides ahead of him.  

Watching the backside of Randy’s head, plentiful with blond hair, made Otto tired.  He realized it was the same way he felt in general being principal of Grover High sometimes.

Otto loved living in Grover, a place that had accepted him when his parents and their affluent social circles hadn’t been very happy with his antics or politics. Looking back, the summers spent working at his Aunt Zelda’s pizzeria had probably kept him sane, if not alive.

He also loved working at Grover High School. Being principal hadn’t been part of the plan when he’d been hired as a guidance counselor. Over time, he’d learn to love the position.

Otto and Randy jogged past a mural of a herd of guanacos, a small South American llama-like creature, and the school’s mascot.  Each guanaco had a different expression on its face, bewildered, confused, and joyous.  It always reminded Otto of the large range of emotions students felt on a daily basis.      

Keeping pace behind Randy, Otto thought about how he could get a word in about Ethan’s students’ low AP scores from last year, and how the beginning of this school year could be a time for some changes. Otto had meant to bring it up to Ethan before he left for summer break last year but hadn’t had the chance.  Ethan had always been hard to pin down. Lost in thought, Otto almost collided with Randy, who’d stopped running and stood in the doorway of Ethan’s classroom.

Ethan’s room was more Spartan than most. Two pennants tacked up on the back wall were the room’s only punches of color.  One was orange and white for the Grover Guanacos.  The other was the maroon and gold of Ethan’s alma mater, the USC Trojans.

Ethan sat at his metal desk in the back of the classroom, inputting grades into his laptop computer.  He looked up and nodded at the two men.  He walked around to the front of his desk, leaned against it, and crossed his arms.

“Otto, Randy, to what do I owe the pleasure?” he said.

Otto had always thought that the arch of Ethan’s eyebrows made him look like a villain out of a Disney movie.  

However, this went against town sentiment.  Like Randy, Ethan had attended Grover High School.  He’d been the best quarterback in the Guanacos’ history.  

Ethan was a giant in the small town.  He was also married to Randy’s sister, Holly, the school’s art teacher and a former Guanacos’ homecoming queen.

“Otto didn’t want me talking about the new football stadium without you,” said Randy.

Ethan kicked the toe of his shoe into the thin classroom carpet, one, two, three times. It was on the third kick Otto realized Ethan had yet to meet Randy’s eyes. Usually, Otto was the one Ethan offered little regard.

“Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you guys.  Now seems like as good of a time as any,” said Ethan.  His voice was rough. He still hadn’t met Randy’s eager gaze.

“What is it?” said Randy.

“Otto, I’m giving you my two weeks’ notice,” said Ethan.

Otto felt a spark of surprise. He eased into his stance and crossed his arms.  Not saying anything, just waiting for Ethan to explain.

“I’ve been offered the head coaching position at Winthrop High.  I’ve decided to accept their offer,” said Ethan.

“Oh wow, that’s big news.  They’ve always had a great program.  I can’t believe Holly never said anything,” said Randy.  

Otto and Ethan looked at Randy, surprised by his words of congratulations.

“It’s cool I didn’t tell you earlier?” said Ethan.

Randy waved off their expressions.

“Nah man, it would have been way more depressing knowing you were looking to leave. I had a hunch with Coach Ryan passing away over the summer that Winthrop would be eyeing you. I’ll miss you like hell.” Randy gave Ethan a brotherly punch to his bicep.  

“I mean, I’m not thrilled but I’ll get over it. I’m just surprised Holly didn’t spill the beans.  When she visits Mom, they tend to gossip about everything, and we all know how well my mom can keep a secret,” Randy said.

Ethan ran his hand through his newly cut hair and let out a sigh.  His eyes were bright as if he hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before.

“Holly’s not coming with me,” he said.

Randy stared at his best friend.

“You mean you’ll be moving there first, and she’ll be joining you later,” Randy said.

Ethan shook his head.  He swallowed before he continued.

“No, she’s not coming at all,” he said.

“What happened?  Did she leave you?  Did you guys fight?” said Randy, the concern cracked in his voice.

Ethan looked at Randy with pleading eyes.

“I’m in love,” said Ethan.

“With my sister,” Randy said.  

Ethan looked back down at the floor.

“No Randy. I’ve fallen in love with someone else.”

Randy took a menacing step toward Ethan.

Otto continued to let the conversation unfold.  If he tried to cap the bubbling anger now, there would be a volcanic eruption.  

Ethan rushed for words, hoping to delay his doom.

“I thought I loved your sister. I’ve been with her since I was sixteen, but then I met Casey.  I didn’t mean to fall in love with her.  It just happened,” he said, staring at his hands as if they held an adequate answer he could give to Randy.

Randy sent his fist into the side of Ethan’s face.  The raw smack of skin split through the air.  Ethan groaned and clutched his cheek.

Otto placed his hand on Randy’s shoulder. He could feel the anger simmering just below the skin.

“I hope you put everything you had into that punch.  It’s the only one you’re going to get,” said Otto.

Randy nodded. The red in his face made his eyes glow blue.

“I need to find Holly,” he said.

Otto nodded.

“I’m sending Ethan home.  You may want to give her a heads up about that,” he said.  

Randy gave Otto’s arm a swift pat before he left the classroom.  

Otto grabbed a few paper towels from the dispenser by the sink.  He handed the bundle to Ethan to stop up his bleeding nose.

The bright red shiner encircling Ethan’s eye was already beginning to fade into a deep blue, purplish bruise.

“I’m not going to say anything to get Randy in trouble Otto.  I deserved that,” said Ethan.

Otto paused, paper towels in midair. Ethan’s sense of martyrdom didn’t sit well in Otto’s stomach.

Something else lingered about what Ethan had said.  The details had gotten lost in the violence, but now it tugged at Otto.  He knew someone named Casey.

“Ethan, exactly who is this Casey you’ve fallen for?” Otto said wearily. He wanted Ethan to relieve his outlandish suspicion.

Ethan read Otto’s look and grinned conspiratorially at his boss as he took the paper towels. Otto stepped back. He hadn’t meant for his curiosity to equal his acceptance of the situation.

“You guessed it. It’s Casey Dempsey, your old secretary. I was really hoping you’d understand about all this Otto. I mean, we all know that really wasn’t the job she was cut out for,” said Ethan.

Otto set his jaw.  

There was nothing old about Casey Dempsey.  She and her endless supply of chewing gum had recently graduated from the local community college.  Casey couldn’t even legally drink.  He’d figured her abrupt quitting was to pursue a better job closer to San Diego.  Not to run away with Ethan Cooke.

“Where is Casey now?” said Otto.

“At her apartment. She’s packing,” said Ethan.

Otto didn’t even know what to say. Sure, kids had gotten in trouble on his watch. You couldn’t save every teenager from making mistakes. It was part of growing up. Yet no one, alumni or student, had run away with a teacher, until today.

Otto face palmed his hand and groaned for Casey's sake, for the mistake she didn't even realize she was making.

“She’s old enough to know what she wants,” Ethan said.

Unfortunately she was, Otto realized.  His stomach dropped in defeat.  He didn’t have it in him to continue talking about a young woman who was about to ruin her life.  

“Don’t worry about your two weeks’ notice.  I’ll consider it a formality.  I think you and Casey need to leave Grover as soon as possible,” said Otto.

Ethan caught the coldness of Otto’s words. Ethan’s bruised eye twitched in understanding. He wasn't used to being judged.  He walked past Otto toward the classroom wall and tore down his school pennants.  

“Everyone in this town fucking loves me.  You can explain to them why I’m gone, Principal Harrison.  What a disappointment for them to be left with losers like you and Randy and any man who stays in this town.  Talent like mine was always meant for better places,” said Ethan.

He walked to his desk and slammed his laptop closed.  

Otto didn’t flinch.  Part of him wanted to tell Ethan that he was right. Who in their right mind would stay in this charming, supportive, cozy town?  Egg him on, make him madder.  The thing was, Ethan wasn’t worth it.  The sooner Ethan and Casey left, the better.

“It’s okay.  You can be mad at me.  I know you wish it was you leaving town,” Ethan said as if reading Otto’s thoughts.

Internally, Otto rolled his eyes.  It took every ounce of self-control not to add another shiner to Ethan’s face.

“You see this place as a haven because you can't handle the real world. For some of us, this place is suffocating. Winthrop sends players to college. That's what kids really need, a chance to live. Only a few people get that here. I'm taking my chance to get out, and move up. The next time I see you will be on game day,” Ethan said, malice laced in his voice.  

He performed his best swagger out of the classroom.   

Otto stood for a few moments, taking in the empty room.   He picked up Ethan’s grade book.  

He knew what Ethan had said wasn't true. It was his way of rationalizing his bad behavior. That said, there was still something about his words that stung. Grover was better off without Ethan.  Otto hoped the rest of the town would one day come to see this was true.

R
andy had sprinted
to Holly’s classroom and pulled her out of class.  Her students were painting with watercolors.  Classical music played from a paint splattered boom box. Holly couldn’t meet Randy’s eyes as he told her the news.

“Can you watch my class?” she said.  

He pulled her into a hug.

“Yeah, of course, are you okay?” he said.

Holly nodded into his chest.

“I’m going to go find Sam and Layla,” she said.

Randy nodded and let her go.  He walked into the classroom.  

“So, watercolors,” Holly heard her big brother say to the class, ready to handle the situation. She couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as she wiped tears from her face and went off to find her friends.

* * *

L
ayla had rushed back
to Sam’s desk as soon as she’d received a stream of distressed texts from Randy. Layla stood at Sam’s desk sharing the news in a loud whisper.  Sam’s lunch curdled in her stomach as she listened.  She desperately wanted to jump over her desk, body tackle Ethan, and rip his eyeballs out of their sockets.

“Randy just texted and told me what happened.  He had to go into Holly’s classroom and tell her the news.  He’s so worried about her,” said Layla.

Sam’s heart broke for the O’Malley siblings.  It wasn’t fair Ethan had broken up with both of them on the same day.  

“Randy wanted to drive Holly home, but she said she’d find you to do it,” said Layla.

Sam perked up. She wanted to be useful.  It was a relief Holly had already assigned her a job.

Holly quietly appeared at the top of the stairs.  Her long, tall body cast a wispy shadow.  She was lean and tall like her big brother.  Unlike Randy, she had fiery red hair. It glistened against her moon glow skin.

Layla rushed to her, put an arm around her waist and led her over to Sam’s desk.

“Sam can make you a killer cup of coffee. It’s part of her new secretarial duties,” said Layla.

Holly tried to mask a sob with a harsh laugh.  She pointed at Sam.  

“Look at you.  What are you doing?  This is so crazy. Ethan’s gone, and now you’re working as a secretary in your least favorite place on the planet. My world is exploding on so many levels today,” said Holly.

Sam laughed in relief. There was something she could offer Holly, even if it was just a sarcastic cheap shot and a cup of joe.

Sam rushed around the desk and held Holly in a hug.  Holly bent her head down, and rested it on Sam’s shoulder.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” said Holly.

Sam couldn't help but feel a tug of gratefulness. There was always a tiny part of her that wanted to be needed in the place she was itching to leave. She looked at Holly.

“What do you need?  Should I make reservations for the spa?  We could go to the bars in San Diego.  I think I now have the power to arrange for days off,” said Sam, half-joking. She walked to the kitchenette and started the coffeepot.

Holly laughed.

She looked out the window at hills.

"I feel exhausted and really mad, like so mad my body hurts, but I'm also a little relieved. Don't tell anybody. I don't want to add to anyone's gossip. I was surprised when I felt that one," said Holly.

Sam handed her a hand thrown stoneware mug of steaming coffee. Holly took it and walked up to the counter to add the amount of milk and sugar she liked. She paused mid lifting her mug to her lips for a test sip.

“Sam, is there a travel mug up there? Can I have the keys to your place?  I just want to crash on your couch and watch TV,” she said.

Sam opened the cabinet above her. She pulled down a Pendleton ceramic travel mug. She grinned. Irma was practical and punctual, but she also understood the necessity of comfort and style. It explained her rose bushes. It was almost as if Irma had planned for Holly to need the mug on the worst day of her life.

Layla pressed her set of house keys into Holly's hand.

“There should be wine on the counter,” Sam said, and handed Holly the travel mug.

Holly hugged Layla and planted a kiss on Sam's forehead.

“I feel better already,” Holly said.

Keys and coffee in hand, Holly pulled her shoulders back, lifted her chin, and began her walk toward the staff parking lot.

“Get it girl,” Sam said.  Layla let out a whoop, and Holly continued her strut.

She paused at the doors, swished her hips, and turned back around.  Her eyes were rimmed red in the anticipation of tears. Her jaw was set. Sam knew Holly wasn’t going to cry until she hit that couch. Not many people had ever seen Holly cry. Not even at her dad’s funeral when she and Sam were twelve. Holly gave Sam and Layla a brave salute.  The friends returned the gesture.  

* * *

O
tto walked back
to the office in a cloudy haze of disbelief. He wanted to shake off what had happened, but his mind kept returning to the look of dumb determination in Ethan’s eyes and the look of shock on Randy’s face. He could sense the whispers sending the entire town into a frenzy of gossip. It was likely not much else was going to get done today.

He leaned back in his chair. In all honesty he couldn’t blame them. All Otto wanted to do at this point was go home, grab a cold beer from the fridge, and sit on the couch.

“You look like you were hit by a train. I’m making you a cup of coffee,” said Sam’s voice from the doorway.

Otto sat up. He peered toward the door.

“That sounds wonderful,” he said, meaning it with every ounce of his body.

“So I heard you let Randy take a swing at Ethan,” Sam said from the kitchenette.

Otto could have sworn he felt the blood rush from his head.

“Where’d you hear that?” he said, attempting to wander as nonchalantly as possible out of his office toward Sam.

Sam shrugged. She became fascinated with the coffeemaker. Otto shook his head and let out a low laugh.

“Okay, fine. I don’t expect you to tattle on your source,” he said.

All of a sudden the coffeemaker was not as interesting as it had been. Sam rested her hand on Otto’s arm.

“Don’t worry. I think it was very noble if maybe you did let Randy hit Ethan for revenge,” said Sam.

Otto watched Sam’s hand. He felt a grin spread over his face. He just couldn’t help it.

“Yeah?” he said.

Sam nodded.

“Obviously Ethan deserved it,” she said, keeping her head down as she added milk and sugar to the mugs.

“Do you believe in love Sam?” Otto said. It came out before he could stop himself.

Sam gave him a quick but hard look. It was like they were back at Zelda’s and he’d ask her some philosophical question. They’d spend the rest of the afternoon going back and forth about it every time he passed by her table. He’d made sure to do so frequently. His heart suddenly ached for those times.

“Yeah, I do, though sometimes I’m not sure why,” she said. She handed him a mug of coffee. He held it close but didn’t drink. He wanted to talk.

“My parents have a happy marriage, and I’m thankful for that, but so much has changed since that time. Relationships are different now,” she said.

“What do you mean?” he said. He took a sip of coffee, and looked down at it quizzically. It tasted amazing.

“Well, my dad is a doctor. My mom wanted kids. She followed him, here to Grover,” said Sam.

“It must have been hard for her,” said Otto.

“That’s the thing. I don’t think it was. I mean sure, my mom being the PTA president, head of the Junior League, and considering running for city council all shows signs of her wanting to be fulfilled, but it never stopped her from leaving upstate New York and coming to a tiny town in California. She always wanted this, to be a wife and mother. While for me, I want to do much more than that and I feel guilty about it. I feel guilty about asking for it all. Um, anyway, you weren’t asking about me. I think true love exists, but I don’t know what it’d look like for someone like me, or even for Holly and Layla for that matter,” said Sam.

Otto leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. Sam’s words made him feel cold. He wanted to comfort her, but he didn’t know if she wanted him to soothe her. She’d always been a little hard to read.

She looked up at him.

“What about your parents?” she said.

“My parents are cold. I can’t tell if they like each other or put up with each other because they like the type of life they lead. I stopped questioning it a long time ago,” he said without even thinking.

“Wow,” said Sam.

Otto shrugged.

“I guess they’re content. Around the time I was in high school I decided I wanted to be nothing like them. I think I’ve been able to use it to my advantage. Everything in my life has been pretty spontaneous, but I like comforting things too. I think it’s why I got my teaching credential. There’s never a dull moment here, but there’s something very reassuring about the start of every school year. I want that feeling in all aspects of my life,” he said.

Sam took a swig of coffee. Otto took that as a sign the conversation was over. He shifted it back to town gossip. Gossip always came easy.

“What do you make of this whole Holly and Ethan thing?” he said.

Sam paused. Otto knew it wasn’t for lack of thoughts going through her head. She worried her lip. He watched her mouth. He wanted to bite down on her bottom lip too. He couldn’t help it. He also couldn't help but feel a little excited about what she was going to say. Sam rarely hesitated when she spoke.

“This is going to sound awful, but in a way Ethan leaving is a relief,” she said. A shocked look came over Otto's face. Sam held up her hands.

“Okay, bear with me here. I’ve been best friends with Holly since kindergarten. Ethan was there right along with us. All the years we were in school together Ethan never honored our friendship. He treated me as a nuisance, and never tried to get to know me. I was just Holly’s nerdy friend from kindergarten, not from the group of friends he wanted her hanging out with.

“When you’re a teenager you just accept it, or at least I did, because you’re bombarded with other teenagers inflicting all kinds of subtle levels of cruelty towards you. Looking back, I just feel exhausted for my teenage self. It’s not easy being disliked simply based on who you are as a person. So do I feel bad for Holly? Yes. My heart aches for her. Am I surprised or sad Ethan’s gone from our lives? Honestly, no,” she said. She waved her hand as if trying to shoo away what she’d just said.

Otto wanted to wrap his arms around her. He wished he’d punched Ethan himself.

“He was probably jealous,” he said.

“What?” she said with a tone that told Otto the concept had never occurred to Sam.

She shook her head.

“I don’t know. I decided to stop caring about it a long time ago too. Please don’t tell anyone I said this about Ethan ‘Golden boy’ Cooke,” she said.

Otto nodded and took his coffee to his office.

“Your secret’s safe, but I don’t think you’re the only person who felt that way about Ethan,” he said. He gave Sam a quick look of solidarity before he closed his door in an attempt to get some type of work done in the hours left in the day.