Page 22 of The Pump Fake

Jade squeezes my hand, bringing me back to the present and I catch the last part of his speech. “This is one night where we celebrate all the hard work everyone at the company does. It’s not easy working in the sports industry and especially with those who are valued less. But it also has its rewards. Tonight is one of your rewards. Enjoy the music, food, drinks, and especially the good company,” he says before hanging the microphone back up on the podium.

The lights come back on, and the music begins. I let go of Jade’s hand and she gives me a questioning look. Instead of explaining, I just blurt out, “Would you like a drink?”

“Yeah,” she says, dragging out the word, probably super confused by my sudden change in behavior.

I fumble a little, but I’m able to push back from the table. “Great, I’ll go get us one.” Getting up from the table as quickly as possible, I walk to the bar, my head filled with every possible scenario of what could go wrong tonight. I’m not loving that Hunter reminded her of us not being in a ‘real’ relationship. “It will be fine. She’ll say yes,” I mutter to myself.

At the bar, I order our drinks when a large hand lands on my shoulder. “Hey, man, you okay? You were a little jumpy back there.”

“Yeah. Just a little nervous,” I tell him.

“What are you nervous about?” he asks.

“I’m going to ask Jade to be my girlfriend…for real,” I tell him.

Hunter lets out a long whistle right when the bartender comes up and hands me the drinks, raising her eyebrow at us. Ignoringthe bartender’s reaction, I take the drinks from her and turn back toward Hunter.

“Now you know why I’m so nervous. Thanks for reminding her that this was a fake relationship,” I say to him.

“Man, you don’t have to worry about anything. That woman looks at you as if you hung the moon. Besides, if something goes wrong, then I’ll be right next to you when we hit the clubs,” he says.

“I sure hope so. At least the part about Jade wanting to be with me,” I say, hoping I don’t have sweat forming on my forehead. I’ve never been more nervous before. Leaving Hunter at the bar, I head back to the table, taking a deep breath, ready to ask Jade.

When I approach the table, I see Jade talking to an older couple, who I don’t recognize at first. Placing her drink down in front of her, I sit down in the chair next to Jade. The couple continue to talk with Jade when I realize that I know the guy she’s talking to. I know he’s one of the guys from HR but can’t seem to think of his name. Not wanting to interrupt, I sit and listen to their conversation when I hear them gushing, “I’m so glad that we get to sit with you. Our granddaughter is a huge fan of yours.”

“Thank you. Does your granddaughter play basketball?”

“Oh yes, she loves it. She’s pretty good at it, too,” the wife says pulling out her phone from her purse. “See here she is,” she says, shoving the phone into Jade’s hands.

I lean over and watch the video with her. They’re right, she’s pretty good. Apparently, Jade agrees because she says, “You have a super star here.” Or maybe she just doesn’t want to offend them, who knows. That’s just how Jade is, she’s kind and thoughtful of other people’s feelings.

The music changes to Jade’s favorite song. Leaning over, I put my hand out and ask, “Sorry to interrupt, but Jade, would you like to dance with me?”

A grin spreads across her face when she realizes what song is playing. Placing her hand in mine, she replies, “I would love to.”

We get up from the table together and walk onto the dance floor. Pulling her into my arms, we begin to dance. “Did you know that this was my favorite song?” she asks.

“Maybe?” I say giving her a grin.

She leans up and gives me a chaste kiss. When she pulls back, my pulse quickens because I’m about to tell her how I feel.

“Jade—” I begin but then suddenly someone interrupts, “Is that you, Cliff Mitchell?”

Glancing over my shoulder, I see Sally Mae Robinson making her way toward us on the dance floor. Oh shit. I do not want to deal with this right now.

Plastering on a smile, I twirl Jade around and reply, “How are you, Mrs. Robinson?”

She waves me off. “You’re such a charmer. You know you can call me Sally,” she says.

“Well, Sally, what can I do for you?” I ask her.

“You are just the cutest and so polite. When are you going to let me set you up with my granddaughter?” she asks.

Before I can even answer her, Jade steps in placing her hand out to the lady. “Hi. I’m Jade, Cliff’s girlfriend.”

I can’t help but smile at the way Jade is claiming me. Maybe Hunter is right, and I don’t have anything to worry about.

“That’s wonderful, dear,” Sally Mae replies.

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