Page 90 of The Tape Job
“Please explain then. Because I know how broken you were that day you asked me to take your place.”
“She broke my fucking heart! What else did you expect me to do?”
“Exactly, Lee. She broke your heart. And here you are, acting as if she’s the new girl in school and you’re trying towin her attention. Grow the fuck up and think about what you’re getting yourself in for.”
He looks at me for a moment then turns on the spot and strides out of the shower room.
Well, that escalated quickly. One minute we’re fine, the next he blows his top at me. But how can I possibly explain how I feel? I don’t even know how to explain it myself. I’ll always love Vicky, and I have a strong feeling that she feels the same. It’s as if it’s in our blood. I’m not sure I can handle Ryan being angry with me though. He’s my brother. Is this me having to choose between him and Vicky? I hope to God not because I don’tthink I could.
Vicky
It’s been years since I’ve seen Liam play like he did tonight. It was all fancy moves and the crap that came with his attempt at impressing me when we were kids. He didn’t need to impress me, but I never told him that. I always found his attempts endearing and warming. But I keep playing last night over in my mind and what it means for us now. I must be staring into the abyss because I jump out of my skin when my phone vibrates in my pocket.
I recognise Dean’s number straight away, and I answer in my usual chirpy tone which he reciprocates.
“I’m calling to check your availability for the next few weeks,” he says.
Pacing up and down the tunnel outside the dressing room, I consider my schedule whilst giving silent nods of goodbye to the guys that are heading towards the exit. I also make a mental note to check with the GM that he won’t mind me taking the extra work on. I’m positive he won’t mind if it doesn’t get in the way of my day job. I agree to help Dean, letting slip that I find the extra money useful.
“Are you in a tight spot with money, Vicky?” As soon as I’ve ended the call, Matt Rodgers springs up from behind me, and I wonder how long he’s been loitering.
“I’m fine,” I say casually, slipping my phone back into my pocket.
“Are you sure? It sounds like you agreed to do extra work on the side for cash.” He looks me up and down which makes me involuntarily shiver with disgust.
“I said I’m fine. Thanks.” I try my hardest to remain polite, but he steps forward and blocks my path.
“What are you willing to do for a hundred quid?” he asks.
“What?”
“Do you have a price list? I’m curious.”
Unsure of what to say, I hesitate briefly, but he notices my camera and smiles. “I’m not talking about photography here, Vicky. But we can take pictures if you like.”
I’m usually quite forward and confident, but this guy has me feeling uncomfortable. And dare I say it, a little afraid. As I try to glance around him, he subtly moves, blocking my view of the dressing room door. Where the fuck is everyone else?
“I won’t tell anyone if you don’t want me to but I can help you out. You scratch an itch, and I’ll help you out with your rent or whatever.”
“I thought you had a girlfriend?” I have no idea why I say it, but it’s the only thing that comes to mind.
“Sometimes we don’t get what we need, do we? And if we can come to an arrangement, we’ll both be happy, won’t we? It can be our little secret.”
He leans in further, and I can feel his breath on my hair. My brain is screaming at my legs to side-step him; however, I take a full second to actually do it. But he grabs my arm and grips it tight.
“You’re hurting me,” I say, trying to shake his hand away, but he doesn’t let up.
“Just think about it, Vicky. Is it more than money you want?” He pauses for a moment. “What is it that women seem to want these days …” He muses to himself. “A new car? No. A baby? Do you want me to put a baby in you, Vicky?”
A sickness rises from my stomach. Who even says stuff like that?
“You’re not into that kind of thing?” he asks. But I just stare at him, completely disbelieving. A distant door creaks causing him to quickly let go of my arm and step back.
“You know where to find me if you change your mind,” he says, and then he’s gone.
I stand here completely stunned by what just happened. I’m willing myself to move just as Jen’s voice lands in my ear. “Are you okay, Vicky? You look as white as the ice.”
“Yes, I’m fine,” I say, trying to shake it off. I double-check I have everything before we head towards the rink’s back door. We reach the exit and Jen pushes the handle, letting the cold air from the outside hit us briefly before we step outside. The team gathers around the coach while Johnny stands by the storage area, ready to take my bag.
