Page 45 of The Tape Job
“I’m not his keeper,” I hiss, but I don’t know why I’m being so mean. “Sorry, yeah, he’s still at Johnny’s.”
We end the call and I slump down on my bed, wondering what the fuck I’m going to do about Vicky.
Chapter 12
Vicky
I’m really dragging out the fake-sick thing. It’s time for me to give up and go back to the office. But since today’s the day Bella is running with the Facebook Live and Liam’s mic’d-up session, I decide to stay at home for one more day.
Bella and I have spent a lot of time planning over video calls and emails, so I’m not surprised when her name flashes up on my phone.
Bella
It’s not going well. He’s hardly talking!
Bella
And we’re supposed to go live in twenty!
I had a feeling Liam would do this. He’s literally the chattiest guy ever, so why is he being a doucheabout it and making things difficult? I fire a message back to Bella, telling her to pull him aside and give him a talking to—but she calls me.
“Vic, he’s quite intimidating,” she says after explaining the current situation in detail.
“You have one job right now, Bella. ONE. JOB.”
“I know, but he doesn’t acknowledge me when I talk to him. It’s as if he’s not listening,” she says.
I feel like I have no choice but to tell Bella I’m on my way. I grab my coat and slip into my favourite shoes before heading out. And when I get the rink, ten minutes later, she’s as white as Johnny’s practice sweater.
“I’m not cut out for this, Vicky,” she says, explaining that Bettsy has been in full flirt mode, and Johnny has been in full on yell mode. She usually just sits up in the office, sheltered from the crap that goes on down here —definitely sheltered from the ‘lad banter’ as Bettsy calls it.
“I’m so sorry, Vicky, I know you’re sick—”
“It’s fine. I’m actually feeling loads better.” I lean over the edge of the home bench. “Liam!” I bang my fist on the boards to get his attention.
The whole team swivel their heads in my direction, and Liam’s eyes widen when he spots me. He skates over with little determination and comes to a stop, letting his skates bump into the boards.
“Yeah?” he asks, no emotion on his face.
His forehead is sweaty, and I spot the mic cable snaking around the back of his neck. I lean forward and grab the mic pack taped to his waist, sliding the power switch to ‘off.’ I glance behind me to make sure Bella’s out of earshot before continuing. “Lee, what the fuck is going on? Why aren’t you complying?”
“I’ve got nothing to say,” he shrugs.
Is he kidding? He’s always got something to say.
“Why are you making this difficult? We need two and a half minutes of something to post online that isn’t limited to the sound of your skates on the ice.”
“There’ll be a few puck noises too,” he says. “ASMR. People love it.”
I glare at him. And as he stares right back, his face drops into a frown.
“Why did you lie about being sick? We agreed to keep things strictly work related, but you can’t even do that!” he says.
“Oh,” I frown. “I don’t know. I—”
“Turn the goddamn mic back on, but you’re doing the other media shit. No Bella,” Liam says, angling himself so I can reach the mic control. “I don’t like the way she fucking looks at me.”
I flick the switch, and he skates away.
