Page 14 of What If I Hate You
Marlee
Oh, it was one hundred percent accurate. I’m not saying you were out of line at all. Just stating the obvious. You were hot. You are hot. You’re damn good at your job and you didn’t back down from confrontation. If I were Big Bear, I would be both pissed off and turned on at the same time. Well done my bestie.
Me
I knew you were the one to write to this morning. You’ve always been the one to hype me up when I’m feeling a certain kind of way.
Marlee
And how is that? Flustered? A little flushed in the cheeks at the sight of a sweaty Bear in his uniform?
Me
LOL You might be trying too hard here babe. Not going to happen.
Marlee
Can I get one thing to happen?
Me
What’s that?
Marlee
Just admit that Bear Cunningham, though easily rattled, is also easy to look at.
Me
I suppose both are valid points.
Marlee
HA! Then I stand by my earlier hypothesis. Bear + Blakely = forever. If for no other reason than to ensure you’re a part of the Anaheim family with me forever and ever.
Me
LOL Keep dreaming babe. I’m sorry that you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Marlee
We’ll see. I won’t hold my breath but I’m not giving up hope. Also, don’t kill anyone in the press room today. I need a good story for my therapy session.
I take a breath and walk in, head held high and jacket crisp. Greg and Troy turn so fast I almost expect one of their vertebrae to pop.
“Morning,” I chirp, voice sweeter than the syrup they pour on the pancakes in the media lounge. “I see you two are hard at work. Should I come back after the circle jerk or is this the pregame for your next hot take?”
Greg chuckles, the sound scraping the bottom of his throat like an old plow. “Blakely, didn’t know you were in so early.”
Troy gives me the once-over, like he’s looking for bear claw marks on my throat. “Just complimenting your work. That was a hell of a segment last night, Rivers.” His eyes flicker to my chest, maybe to gauge if I’m going to bend over and give him a sweet view of Tit Valley. It’s either that or he’s wondering if I’m going to eat him alive on the spot.
I paste on my best camera smile and set my bag on the floor by my desk. “Glad you learned something, Troy. Maybe next time you can use your words without a side of sexual harassment, though. Just a thought.”
The tension turns gelatinous, but I can see the flare of anger, his ego bruised and wounded, under Troy’s fleshy forehead.
Good.
I hope it festers all damn day.
