Page 242 of Just for the Cameras
And I’ll for sure hear about it later. Who knows, maybe he’ll punish me…
“Okay, this is for you.” Gretchen hands me a Foghorns bag. “It should have everything you might want when it comes to dressing for the games, including cold gear.”
I open the bag, and I’m surprised to see a plethora of jersey options, T-shirts, winter hats, baseball caps, and two jackets, all in my size. Man, she’s right. That’s everything I might need.
“The only requirement is that you wear at least one branded item. If you prefer to layer up on the branded clothes, that’s up to you.” She opens her folder and shuffles through some papers.
“Are they all her size?” Graydon asks.
“Yes, they should be. But if something doesn’t fit, just let me know, and I will get it traded in for you.”
“Are these for the games?” I ask, feeling like I’m missing something.
Gretchen lifts her gaze just enough to peek at me through her lashes. “Yes, I was told that you are to be outfitted for the games. If you want to wear them other times, that’s fine too, but for the games specifically, this is what we prefer you to wear.”
“I made the request,” Graydon says.
“Oh, well…thank you. This was very kind of you. I could have gotten my own jersey, though.”
Graydon scoffs. “No fucking way.”
Yeah, should have known he was going to say that.
“Now, with the first game coming up next Sunday, I’ve been able to secure you field passes as well as seats on the wall, right at the fifty-yard line. I have two, so choose your plus-one wisely.”
“On the wall?” I ask.
“Front row,” Graydon helps.
“Oh, is that…is that necessary?”
Gretchen gives me an exhausted look. “It is if we want to capture the perfect after-game kiss between the two of you. Graydon, win or lose, we ask that you go up to her at the wall. Maple, you lean over and kiss. Social media will have a frenzy over it.”
“So you’re not still pushing for a breakup story.”
“That’s covered. But you were caught making out down by the docks.”So…we’re okay to be in a relationship now in Gretchen’s mind?Gretchen takes out a piece of paper and shoots it over to me.
“Here are the instructions for parking, who to talk to and how to getinto the facility. There will be staff with badges for you, waiting for you in the parking lot—”
“I’ll get a car service to drop her off.”
“I can drive.”
Graydon takes my hand in his. “I know you can drive, beautiful. But game days get crazy, and if someone spots you, I would rather have the knowledge that you’re being taken care of by a professional driving service, so I don’t worry about you trying to park your car. Okay?”
I can see the actual worry in his eyes, so I don’t argue with him.
“That works, then.”
“Thank you,” he says softly and kisses the back of my hand.
“I can set up the car service,” Gretchen says, surprising me with her generosity. “As for after the game, you will be led by staff to the hall outside the locker room, where I’m sure you’re going to want to wait for Graydon. I need you to be aware that you might run into press. Whatever you do, do not comment on your relationship. Even with fans you might be sitting next to during the game. If they want to take pictures with you, by all means, take pictures, but do not remark on anything personal. We don’t want people taking a video and mishandling what you said.” She presses her fingers to her temple as she sifts through papers. “The last thing I need to handle is another PR nightmare.”
Man, does she look stressed. She’s usually very cut-and-dried, but today seems different.
“Finally, Bennett and OC will be at the game as well.” Gretchen looks up at Graydon. “They’ll have field passes. Before the game, we would like to take pics of all of you together. We’re also attempting to find a time to get you to one of Bennett’s games before the season is over, and since his book club is picking up some speed, we thought it would be good to highlight you three together. OC, on the other hand…” She shakes her head and then rubs her temple again. “That man will be the death of me.”
I wince because I can only imagine what he might be putting her through.
