Page 78 of Fool Me Once

I ride the elevator downstairs, and the doors open into the hotel lobby, where I find Smith sitting on one of the lavish leather couches, waiting for me. As if sensing my presence, he lifts his head up from his phone, and his face lights up in a knowing grin.

“Hey, babe,” he says, standing and pulling me against him. “You texted that you needed a ride home?”

“I did, yes,” I say, trying my best to keep a straight face.

We’ve both done so well, not breaking character, but right now, it’s hard not to giggle about this entire encounter.

I wouldn’t want to pretend to be strangers every single time, but I’m definitely interested in doing this again sometime. Something tells me Smith is too.

“Well then, let’s go home.” He keeps one arm slung around me, leaning sideways to kiss the top of my head. “There’s a big, furry guy waiting to see you.”

“Stormy boy.” I smile. “Yeah, he’s probably wondering where we are.”

Months ago, I never would have thought a night like this was in the cards for me. I almost lost all control and felt like a passenger in my own life. With Smith, he’s given me back my control.

He’s given me back myself.

Six Weeks Later

Maci sits beside me at a retreat meant for people who have experienced domestic abuse. Even though she hadn’t been through it, she offered to come with me because she had grown up in Boston.

We decided to make it a girls’ weekend and came out yesterday and did some shopping. It worked out because the boys are playing the Bruins tonight, so we’ll already be here for that.

I wasn’t sure this was something I even wanted to come to, but after seeing who the speaker was, I felt a pull to do it. And seeing as I finally got my driver’s license reinstated a few days ago and had been feeling really good, it seemed like the perfect thing to do now that I was in a strong enough headspace.

“Our guest speaker today is someone who has been very influential in our cause, and she continues to use her platform as a professional athlete’s wife for the greater good, spreading awareness about domestic violence and getting help,” the host of the retreat I reluctantly came to today says, looking toward the left of the stage and holding a hand out. “Please, everyone, give a warm welcome to Cameran Kade, CEO of the Strong Women’s Foundation.”

A beautiful woman with long blonde hair steps onto the stage, wearing a flowy blue skirt and a white top. As soon as she takes the podium, I swear she has a calming effect on the room.

I’ve seen her on social media, and I know she’s the wife of Trent Kade, quarterback for the New England Patriots. Up until a month or so ago, I hadn’t really realized the impact women like Cameran were having on the community of survivors of domestic violence. Seeing her now, right in front of me, I consider it an honor.

I’ve been formally dating Smith for some months now.Realdating, not including the time when we tried to fake date and failed at it miserably—because you can’t fake date someone you’re in love with, it turns out. So, I’ve gotten my share of paparazzi and random fans of the Sharks—or people who can’t stand them—popping up out of nowhere, but I can’t imagine the level that Cameran sees. The Patriots are one of the NFL’s most beloved teams, but the people who hate the Patriots? They really, really hate them.

I listen to her speech, and as corny as it sounds, goose bumps erupt over my body, even though I’ve heard many speeches of hers online. I guess it hits differently when I see her right in front of me, knowing that she’s been through a similar situation.

“The truth is, we need more warriors to join this fight.” She speaks evenly and powerfully. “We need victims of abuse to know that they aren’t alone and that they can ask for help without repercussions and live without fear.”

She sweeps her gaze over the room of hundreds of people, but somehow, she lands on me.

“I was that girl. The one who took the abuse. Partly because, by then, I had been so incredibly manipulated that I thought I deserved what I got. And also because I was too scared to leave. I knew I wouldn’t get far and he’d find me.” Her expression saddens. “And he did. He did find me.”

She slams her fist delicately on the podium. “But if I’d had the proper resources or known that there was someone who would stand by my side and keep me safe, would that have happened?” She inhales, shifting her gaze all over the room. “I don’t think it would have. I think it could have been prevented. Or that I would have gotten out sooner, just like so many of you would have too.”

She pulls the microphone from its holder and walks about the stage. “We can all be the change in the world. We can make a splash so big that the future children of this world won’t be put in the same situations we were in because they’ll have the help they need to get out of there.”

She’s looking at me again, and even though I’m sure it’s in my head, I can’t help but wonder if she’s sending me a message.

“It’s going to take a lot of us. It’s going to take platforms. It’s going to take money.” She bobs her head up and down. “But I’ve now been able to help hundreds of women find salvation, and each time, it’s as rewarding as the last. Together, we can do so much more than we’ve been led to believe.”

She holds a hand up. “I’ll be making my rounds after the final speaker is finished. If you want to join the fight, please, come find me. We will always have a spot for you. And if you know someone who needs help but doesn’t have a way to get it, please … reach out.”

The room erupts into applause and cheers as she exits the stage.

For months, I’ve wondered what I should be doing with my life. I’m no longer at Paige’s office because that was just something to get me through missing Smith. I’ve looked into finishing my degree, but that’s not really what I want to do with my life anymore either.

Maybe I’ve just found my answer at a retreat that my mother suggested I go to.

“She’s so pretty,” Maci says, eyeing Cameran over as she sits down at a table with a few middle-aged women, holding one of their hands and smiling softly. “And look how kind she is. I mean, I’ve read articles that she is, and I’ve seen TikToks, but you just never know how someone will actually be in a real situation.” Suddenly, her eyes widen. “She’s walking over here right now.”

---