Page 42 of Just for the Cameras
And even though I want to stick it to him and make him suffer throughthis dinner, I think it’s going to do more damage to my self-esteem and confidence if I stay.
Thankfully, the server brings our food to the table, and because I need to get the hell out of here, I ask, “Um, can I actually get a to-go box?”
The server pauses and looks between the two of us, as if trying to gauge the issue. Good luck, lady, bet you can’t even come close to guessing what’s going on here. Smartly, she nods and delivers a box almost immediately. If I were paying, I would leave her a nice tip just for how speedy that was.
“Thank you,” I say before she leaves, and I put my meal in the box as quickly as I can.
All the while, I hold back my tears, training my mind to focus on the smell of the food and not the embarrassment rolling through me. When I’m done filling my to-go box, I stand and fit my purse over my shoulder. “Well, it’s been a pretty shitty evening, and to be honest, I don’t want to share air with you any more than I have to.”
His eyes are cast down at his food as he picks up a piece of pizza. “Same,” he says as he bites into a meat-loaded slice.
What I wouldn’t give to have the courage to kick him in the shin, right here and now. If he says one more mean thing, I very well might.
“Great, at least we can agree on something. I’ll be sure to start some social media accounts under Flock and Tackle tonight, and tomorrow, while we’re at your football thing, we can take a picture for our profile and introduce ourselves.”
“Just take a picture now.”
“Honestly, not in the mood. I don’t want to be scowling in my picture.”
“Can’t make any promises that I won’t tomorrow.”
Hold back your foot.
Do not kick him, Maple.
Do not freaking kick him.
“All right, then, please don’t have a good night. I hope you burn your tongue on your pizza.”
“Don’t trip on your way down the stairs.”
“Dick.”
“Bird lover.”
I look over my shoulder as I walk away, only to catch him glance at my ass on the way out.
Ugh, disgusting.
CHAPTER 9
GRAYDON
Coach Dickwad:She’s not to leave your sight. If she gets into any trouble, you’re the one who’ll pay the consequences.
I stare down at histext, wanting to reach through the phone and strangle him myself.
None of this was my idea.
Not a single second of it. And here I am, not only caught up in some insane social media ploy, but now I have to babysit as well?
Christ!
Gretchen must have let Keenan know about what was going on, because I got his text this morning, warning me about making smart decisions.
As if I need the warning.
Maybe he should worry about making smart decisions as a coach and not worry about me.
