Page 22 of What If I Hate You
Simon shifts from foot to foot. “You’re the first woman ever embedded for an entire Stars away series, Rivers. There will be… scrutiny. The network is expecting you to do what you do best. Just, uh…” He grimaces, as if preparing for a dental extraction.
“Look, just don’t get in another war with Cunningham on camera, okay? The producers love your banter but the sponsors aren’t huge on viral clips about goalie five-holes. I don’t need more calls from Legal.”
Oh shit.
My stomach drops out, then returns, clawing its way up with feral delight. “Copy that.” The minute I’m back at my desk I send a quick text to my best friend.
Me
OMG SSN is sending me with the team to the next couple away games! Complete and open access to the team!
Marlee
I know! I saw your name on the roster when I got in this morning! EEK! Ledger’s parents are taking the babies for a few days so I’ll be there too! YAY!
Me
Thank God because I need someone to keep me sane. I have a feeling Cunningham isn’t going to be too happy to have me around.
Marlee
You might be surprised.
Me
What’s that supposed to mean?
Marlee
Oh nothing. Ella will be with us too!
Me
Sweet! Can’t wait! I’ve got to get home and pack!
Marlee
See you in the morning!
CHAPTER SEVEN
BARRETT
The first rule of flying with the team is keep your head down and your mouth shut, unless you want to get publicly roasted or shivved with a plastic butter knife by Griffin Ollenberg. The second rule is nobody, and I mean absolutely nobody, makes the first boarding call except for Coach. Which is why I’m already at the gate, earbuds in, hoodie up, doing my best impression of a man-bear in hibernation, when Blakely Rivers strides through the automatic doors and manages to hijack every molecule of oxygen from the concourse.
She’s wearing leggings and a Stars quarter-zip pullover. She’s got aviators over her eyes and her hair is in one of those messy knots that looks effortless but probably took three attempts and a YouTube tutorial to complete. Her roller bag is black, like her sense of humor, and every step she takes is pure confidence. No hesitation, no scanning for approval, just zeroed in on her destination like she’s got a sniper rifle for a soul.
“Blakely!” Marlee does some sort of high-pitched squeal and then gives her a hug. I’m two seconds away from reminding Marlee to be careful around the Grinch but then I remember they’re friends.
Good friends.
Best friends?
I can’t remember.
“Dude, why didn’t you fucking warn me about her in the first place, huh?” I lean over and grunt to Ledger who is helplessly scrolling through pictures of his babies like he didn’t just see them this morning.
I get it though. New dad and all.
