Page 114 of Wildcat
Rhyse inspired me, though. It’s time to start living my life the way I want without worrying about the headlines. The impact of those headlines on the people I care about will always matter, but I’m not going to hide.
“I was thinking it’s time for me to come out of hiding,” I say.
“We’re hiding?” She looks around.
“Online.”
“Ooooh. Really?”
“Nothing crazy,” I say. “I thought I’d start by making my Instagram profile public. It’s mostly photos I’ve taken from traveling or with friends, but it’s a little piece of me that I think I’m willing to share.
I don’t feel like I owe anyone anything, but I am tired of feeling like I need to hide behind the curtain.
“Well then, we need to have a proper coming out party.” She claps her hands. “Photo shoot at my place tonight?”
“Maybe tomorrow night?” I ask. “There’s somewhere I need to go tonight, and I need to stay under the radar. Can you come with me for moral support?”
“A secret mission?” My best friend looks way too excited. “Absolutely.”
When we get to the arena, Jade laughs. “When you said under the radar, I thought we were going somewhere new and exciting.”
“I’ve been to every home game so far this season, except the one we worked at Wild’s.” Which basically felt like being there thanks to all the excitement of the nearby bar. “I can’t miss this even if Leo and I are…” I trail off. “Whatever.”
“Okay, fine. Two games in one season. I might be Coach’s favorite daughter at this rate.” She links her arm through mine.
I call Lindsey when we’re inside. She comes out to the lobby where Jade and I wait.
“It’s so good to see you,” she says and hugs me. “How are you?”
“Hanging in there,” I say, then I introduce her to Jade.
Lindsey tells me how the brewery event was really successful and that the drama only made it so that people talked about it even more. She smiles and chats away in her usual excited, fast-talking voice. I’m glad I didn’t screw things up between us.
She stops and lets out a breath. “I should get back in there. I might have a break after the second period. Are you sitting behind the bench?”
“Actually, I was wondering if you could get us into different seats? Something a little farther away.”
Jade hitches her thumb toward me. “This one is trying to go unseen.”
I don’t want to be a distraction. And I’m also afraid Leo might take one look at me, snarl, and then avoid looking in my direction the rest of the game, further smashing my heart. I know, I know, it’s what I said I wanted.
I’m still worried that I’m not good for him in the same way he is for me, but I can’t deny how much I miss him.
“Gotcha.” Lindsey nods. “I think I have just the spot.”
She leads us up to one of the suites. A group of women turns to watch us walk in. I spot Maverick’s wife, Dakota, among them, and she smiles, easing some of my trepidation.
“Hey, girls,” Lindsey says. She hugs several of them, including Dakota, then waves Jade and me over.
“This is Coach Miller’s daughter, Scarlett, and her friend, Jade. Is it cool if they sit up here tonight?”
“Leo Lohan’s girlfriend,” one of the women says as she nods and looks me over.
I don’t have time to correct her before Lindsey says, “This is Quinn. Honorary member of the group.”
“The group?”
“Wives and girlfriends,” Dakota says. “Quinn is dating one of the equipment managers.”
