Page 31 of Let It Be Me
Assholes. “I might have met someone,” I confess to them.
“That redhead you were with?” Logan asks.
Yes. “No. You guys don’t know her and I’d rather not spill anything. Not until I know she’s not in it for the money.” That stings even me saying because I know Sarah isn’t fake dating me for the money. It’s clear that she has her own money judging the way her house exudes wealth.
“Well, I’ll be damned. I never thought I’d see you settle down so soon,” Noah says.
“Dude, I’m only twenty-three. I’m too young to officially settle down.”
Although the idea doesn’t completely terrify me. The dating apps are horrible and if I do meet someone, it turns out they only want to be with me because I’m an athlete. I’m not in the headspace to fund anyone's lifestyle. And dating someone who doesn’t have a stable job seems more like a headache than anything.
Looking at the time on my watch I realize I need to head out. Fishing out my wallet, I throw $100 on the table to cover more than my share. “I’m gonna head out, guys. I’ve got a pilates class in the morning.”
Scooting back from the table, I fist bump the guys and make my way out of the busy restaurant. I acknowledge a few fans and take some pictures before bee-lining my way to my bike. The drive home doesn’t take long and my girls greet me with enthusiasm. Not just for my presence but for food as well. I feed them and shut off the lights, before heading to my bedroom for the night.
As I stand under the stream of water, I reminisce on all that today entailed. I have six months to be the best fake boyfriend and client. And by the end of those six months, I’ll hopefully convince Sarah that we don’t have to end.
13
SARAH
The music floats out of the surround-sound speakers of the studio. Flashing lights from the photographer's camera flicker in my peripheral. Nate is finally in town from his stretch of road games and today was the only day to get his brand shoots done. Since he’s on the more shy side, he asked me to join him. As I also help him get photos for his social media team, I take some behind the scenes photos and videos.
They wrap an hour later and I watch as Nate slowly dims.
“Are you okay, buddy?” I ask when he drops in the chair next to me and I pass him his shirt.
“Yeah. Just ready to be home.” His point is emphasized with a massive yawn while he shrugs on the shirt I handed him.
“Oh, come on. You’re supposed to be the life of the party. Not ready to rot on the couch.” I tell him as I hand him his jacket next.
He gives me a pointed look and I bite back a laugh. He’s never been like that and I love teasing him for it.
Nate stays with me as I pack up my things before I’m off to Columbus for a few days to get the lay of the land. But I won’t deny that my heart jumps at being in the same city as Riley for a few days.Stop that, Sarah.
We part ways in the parking lot and I check my phone again before getting on the road. I know Columbus is over an hour, but for some reason the anticipation is killing me.
Riley: Hey, boss lady.
Riley: What time are you headed here?
Me: Boss lady? I expect that as a nameplate.
Me: I’m headed there now. My hotel is ready for check-in.
My phone rings with a call from Riley.
“What’s wrong with texting?” I ask in lieu of a greeting.
“What hotel are you staying at?”
I pull my phone away and pull up the email. “Hotel LaRoux. Why?”
“No reason,” he says. “I’ll see you soon.”
He hangs up before I can respond. “Stupid, arrogant, young hockey player.” I mutter to myself and start up my car.
Getting out of the city on a Wednesday is easier said than done. I hit construction traffic and then get stopped at every traffic light. But finally, after two song lengths I’m on the way up north.
