Page 113 of The Hookup Situation
“I know,” I say, squeezing Julie’s hand.
We wander through the market, Julie introducing me to vendors she’s known her whole life. She buys honey from the beekeepers, Granny Smith apples from Coleman’s stand, and fresh herbs from the community garden. I carry her bags, watching her light up as she chats with everyone.
“Nick Banks?” A man with a thick Southern drawl approaches. “Holy shit, it really is you.”
“Hi,” I say, taking his hand.
“Huge fan,” he says, shaking.
Julie watches the interaction.
“Mind if I get a picture? No one will believe that I ran into you.”
“Of course,” I tell him.
Julie takes the phone, snapping a few shots.
After we’re alone, she looks at me thoughtfully. “Wow, you must really be a big deal.”
“Shh,” I say. “I’m not, trust me.”
“You’re just being humble. I mean, I knew you played hockey, but these people are fangirling over you. Even my dad did.”
Laughter releases from me. “Didn’t realize who your boyfriend was?”
I wrap my arm around her, and she holds me tight.
“I guess not.”
We move between a vegetable stand and the craft booth to check out another section.
“Nicolas?” Another voice interrupts. “Nick Banks?”
We turn to find a woman with a professional camera around her neck. Not a local. Her clothes are too polished, her smile too calculated.
“I’m Amy fromSports Daily. What brings you to Cozy Creek?”
My body tenses. Julie must feel it because she steps closer.
“I’m not here for interviews,” I say.
Amy’s eyes slide to Julie, taking in our joined hands, the market bags, the domestic scene. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
“I don’t think we need to,” Julie says, but doesn’t offer more.
“We’re actually in a hurry,” I say, steering Julie away. “Have a good day.”
“Just one picture?” Amy calls after us.
I don’t respond, guiding Julie through the crowd toward the edge of the market.
“Who was that?” Julie asks once we’re clear.
“Trouble.” I scan the area, looking for other photographers. When there is one, there are usually others. “She’s a sports journalist, but she focuses more on gossip than games.”
“Oh.” Julie’s quiet for a moment. “Is she going to write about us?”
“Probably.”
