Page 36 of Not By the Playbook

Everything is scripted. So unlike Logan’s ‘think on your feet’ philosophy. Tears well up again.

When she’s done, people file out of the room. I stuff my notebook in my bag and stand but Jenna says, “A moment of your time, Ms. Gerone?”

My body tenses as the room empties.

“Rebecca. How are you doing?” Those familiar blue eyes are killing me.

“I’m fine. Good.” I strive to stop my voice from cracking.

Jenna’s features harden. “What a fucking asshole,” she says under her breath.

It’s all I can do to keep my jaw from dropping. The impeccable Jenna Barnes is swearing at the office. She did that night at the club as well, but it barely registered then. I was too busy getting my heart broken.

She continues to disparage her brother. “I should have known he’d pull something like this. Who knows what he’ll do next!”

I can’t bear to hear her say more about Logan, no matter that hewasan asshole.

“Jenna. Ms. Barnes,” I interrupt her tirade. “I need to tell you something.” My hands are sweating. I rub them against my skirt, trying to be as discreet as I can. “You mentioned honesty and integrity earlier. I…I haven’t been completely upfront with you.”

Jenna’s lips droop and my heart sinks to match, but I force myself to continue.

“Logan and I. We weren’t really a couple. We met the night before I bumped into you in the kitchen. It was a one-night stand.”

Her mouth opens, but I hold out a hand and trudge ahead.

“I panicked. I didn’t want you to think less of me. The next thing I knew, I was saying that Logan and I were together. I thought that if we were in a relationship, you might still consider me for the position.” My lips quiver. “I didn’t mean to lie.”

I take a deep breath. “When you left that morning, I begged Logan to go along with it. He only agreed because he wanted to make a good impression on you. He’s always tried to live up to your standards, and I know we both failed you. I am so, so sorry. But please don’t blame him.”

Every word deepens the crease between her brows. I swallow, then choke out, “He didn’t have anything to be sorry about when he kissed that woman. He didn’t owe me anything.” I look away, biting my lip to banish the memory. “He wasn’t cheating on me. He would never do that if we were really together. He’s not like that,” I end, my head bowed.

“I see.”

I slowly raise my head. Jenna’s eyes are flat. The disappointment on her face isn’t unfamiliar, but it’s never been directed at me before. I want to crawl under a rock and hide. No wonder Logan wanted to impress her.

“I’m sorry,” I repeat, blinking at light speed. Mascara streaking down my face is the last thing I need right now.

“Maybe we both need some time to think about this, Ms. Gerone.” Jenna’s implacable mask has descended.

“I agree. Of course,” I croak. I don’t wait for her to tell me to leave, just grab my tote. Thank God I didn’t unpack any personal effects.

I check the time on my phone on my way out. Under ninety minutes at McCann. This very well may be the shortest job tenure in history.

Chapter Twenty-Two

LOGAN

It's beenthree days since the scene at the club. The sun was out when I finally dragged myself home from the bar. Jenna was waiting at the kitchen counter for me. She glared but said nothing. That same afternoon, she packed all her things and moved back to her place—a day early. Paint fumes were preferred over another minute in my company. I don't blame her.

The guys weren’t as picky. They ignored my protests, and parked themselves on my couch in silent solidarity the rest of the weekend. Connor came with tequila. Jake brought Tinder.

Somehow, I managed to haul myself to practice this morning. It wasn’t my best showing, but it was hard to care. I was glad to drag my sorry ass home after.

I’m in my boxers in front of the TV when the buzzer sounds. I don't remember ordering anything, but food might be welcome. I can’t remember the last time I ate.

The door to the penthouse crashes into the adjacent wall so hard I swear the windows wobble. Jenna marches in, a scowl stretched across her face. She stops before me and slaps her hands on her hips. "I can't believe you!"

I blink. "Huh?"

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