Page 69 of His Jersey

Aston looks at him as if measuring an opportunity, an alliance.

“Excuse me,” I say, getting up to retreat to the bathroom again. The last thing I need right now is an embarrassing moment in front of Allain, Aston, or Jack.

He looks at me with a question in his eyes.

“Bathroom,” I say discretely, hoping only Jack hears.

“But you just went potty,” Aston says.

I level her with a glare. “Let’s remember our manners when we’re at the dinner table with the grownups.”

Turns out my sarcasm machine is back up and running.

Before Aston can retort, I hurry away with Jack at my heels. I zip down the hallway and through the wooden door. He follows and then we’re closed in the stall.

“You’re not supposed to be in here.”

“I go where you go.”

“As it stands, I’m the one following you around the country, but this is the ladies’ room.”

He shrugs.

“Just because you have a big bank account doesn’t mean you’re allowed in here.”

“What’s going on?” he asks.

I tell him the story about Stefan.

He shakes with laughter. “Are you sure it’s him?”

I whisper, “Did you see the way he looked at me? Of course, he remembers.”

“Smedley is probably embarrassed.”

“And feels rejected, so he wants revenge. Aston isn’t a fan of mine, either. What if they?—?”

Jack tilts his head from side to side. “You’ve got me. I won’t let them touch a hair on your head.”

“He’ll expose me.” My whispers are frantic.

“Sounds like he already exposed himself.” Jack chuckles.

Ha ha ha, I mouth. “Your father doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.”

“Because you’re not part of one of his business deals. You’re a human.” He slides a piece of my hair behind my ear.

I want to lean into his hand and have him wave this all away.

“My father doesn’t see an opportunity or a way to exploit you—fame, fortune, or power aren’t your love languages.”

Someone enters the bathroom. We fall quiet, then I try to tell him with my eyes the worries that have multiplied like dust bunnies and won’t stop kicking and screaming. The loudest one shouts at me about how I don’t belong in this world, not even this fancy bathroom.

The hand dryer comes on, then the door opens and closes again.

I resume my litany of qualms. “And Aston hates everyone.”

“That’s nothing new. The real problem is she hates herself, so don’t take anything she says seriously.”

---