Page 27 of Protecting Player #73
“A good heated, then,” she teases, and I glare at her. “Hey, better than him taking his anger out on you. Are you getting that?” She points to the vase in my hands. Its white and blue marbling looks stunning and is Mom’s favorite color. After sending a picture of it to Alex, letting her know what I found, I head to the register when my phone dings with her response.
As we walk out of the shop, Addy offers to store the vase in her car, and I look around to make sure Erika isn’t lurking somewhere. I’d hate for her to attack me in the dress shop and ruin my excitement.
I respond to Alex with a promise to meet her at our spot tonight–a cozy fifties-themed diner specializing in desserts that are good for nobody’s waistline. A craving hits hard for one of their loaded cookies and cream milkshakes with a sour cream donut on the rim and too many calories for someone my size, but I can’t resist the temptation.
“Everything okay?” Addy must notice the dreamy look on my face. Those shakes really are my weakness.
“Yes, I’m meeting Alex at the diner tonight.” Addy knows all about our diner tradition. It was something we started when we were younger and promised to continue for as long as we could.
It was her salvation when she ended her relationship with Brayden, allowing him to pursue his career. She continues to hide her feelings for the man, but I think, for her, he will forever be the one who got away. Her sacrifice is why she’s been so career-driven all these years, and it has worked in her favor, asshe is one hell of a sports agent. I wish she could find that type of love again. She was overjoyed with him; her love shone brightly.
“Just once, I wish you’d take me there.” Addy pouts at me with a wink. “We needourtraditional spot. We’re like sisters, too.”
“I agree. But I think it needs to involve cheeseburgers or pizza.” We laugh upon entering the bridal store and are greeted by a woman a few years older than us, with a radiant, welcoming smile.
“Ladies! Welcome. My name is Nia. How can I help you today?” Her genuine attitude immediately puts me at ease.
“I’m getting married in Las Vegas this weekend, and I need a dress.”
“Wait….” She pauses to stare at me. “You’re Brea King. You run the ReelShotz page for the Settlers!” Her excitement is apparently contagious because even Addy gets bouncy on her feet.
“I am.” Matching her enthusiasm, I explain my style and that I don’t want traditional, I want something unique to me.
“Got it. I like the vision, and I think I have just what you’re looking for. Do we need a matron of honor dress, too?” Addy is about to shake her head no, but I quickly jump in with an enthusiastic yes, and mention the sister of the bride, as well. Because once I tell Alex tonight, she’ll initially put up a fight but will no doubt show up for me.
Thankfully, I know my sister's dress size and style preference. After Nia settles us in one of their bridal suites, she proceeds to bring out two dresses for me, as well as similar ones for Addy and Alex. Addy immediately says yes to her dress and tries it on.
The seafoam green dress has a sweetheart neckline with long open sleeves that cinch at her wrists. The fitted bodice then flows out to just above her knees. As Addy spins, I’m delighted that theback is open to about her shoulder blades and is joined together with a heart-shaped clip for a hint of dazzle.
“You’re stunning,” I say to my friend. The color is perfect on her.
Nia holds up a dress. “For your sister. It’s similar in design but with three-quarter-inch sleeves and more amethyst in color.” I nod my head because Alex will look perfect in it. “There are matching shoes with or without heels, as well.” She points to another section of the store, and Addy skips on over to take a look.
As I’m left alone to peruse my choice of dresses, I’m immediately struck by the beauty of the first one I see. The strapless, sleek, and sexy sheath gown has a sweetheart neckline that showcases the bust. Designed with floral lace and intricately embellished rhinestones shimmering throughout the figure-hugging silhouette, leaves me breathless. The sheer corset bodice features exposed boning that falls to a basque waistline and a hip-high slit with a sheer open back, making it the perfect chic, romantic bridal style I’m looking for. The detachable choker is a bonus. T.K. will love it.
“I’ll take them all, with matching heels for each.”
My excitement about the weekend grows higher and higher with each passing minute.
Chapter 19
T.K
Review of the footage from our last game against the Fortune has been seared into my brain, sideways and upside down, because after that last loss in the previous season, I’d spent hours studying and criticizing how I played. We lost in those final few minutes due to my missed sack.
Rewatching it now only triggers the anger I remember feeling that night and reminds me of the woman who’s trying to ruin my life now. She was my second fuck-up of that evening.
“Hey”–Kace nudges me from the side–“you good, man?” Glancing over, I raise a brow in question. “You growled. Like a rabid wolf.” A few other teammates chuckle at my confusion.
“This fucking game.” I gesture to the screen, and they share a sympathetic look. “This is when I met that bitch. She’s harassing Brea now.” Their sympathy turns to anger. Brea has won the heart of every man on the Settlers, even the married ones. She’s like their little sister, and I’m glad she has their protection. “Exactly,” I mutter, crossing my arms and sitting back, wanting to be with Brea instead of here.
“What’s the plan, then?” Cash asks this time, giving me his complete attention.
“Police won’t do shit unless something happens, and since I can’t prove she posted the shit online, we have to fucking wait until she acts dangerously towards one of us.” I made that rage-inducing call this morning and was pissed they didn’t take this seriously.
A round of “bullshits” filters out before we’re yelled at to pay attention. The rest of the meeting is more of the same–how we can improve, new strategy, especially after drafting a few fresh recruits this season who show a lot of promise.
When we’re finally released and ordered to hit the weight room, I check my phone for any missed messages from Brea. There’s nothing, and disappointment slams me hard. Thankfully, my older brother, T.J., contacted me, so that brightens me up.
