Page 67 of Just for the Cameras
Graydon:Surprised you’re just figuring that out.
Bennett:I don’t know, seems like it might be good to have a place we can chat.
I groan and drag my hand over my face as I lean against the training facility wall, waiting for Maple.
She’s late.
And her tardiness is irritating me.
Graydon:Bennett, you’re not supposed to give in to his ridiculous ideas.
Bennett:Seems like he needs friends.
Graydon:Because he drives them away with asinine text messages.
OC:You know that I’m still here in the group chat, right?
Graydon:Yes, and I’m hoping you’ll get the hint.
OC:I’m getting the vibe that you’re not in the mood to talk about this at the moment.
Graydon:Try never.
Bennett:Just out of curiosity, what was your name suggestion going to be?
OC:I’m glad you asked. *Clears throat* I was going to suggest we call ourselves the Gladdy Daddies.
Bennett:Dude…that’s not great. We’re not dads—not that I know of.
OC:But we’re “daddies,” as in hot pieces of dick, and we’re glad to be linked together. What do you think, big guy? You in?
Graydon:First of all, don’t ever use the term “hot pieces of dick.” Jesus fuck. And once again, lose this number.
I pocket my phone and shake my head.
Gladdy Daddies.
What the actual fuck is wrong with that guy?
The door to the facilities opens, and Maple walks in, head slumped, bag hefted over her shoulder, avoiding eye contact.
“Glad you finally decided to show up,” I say as I push off the wall. “Thirty-five minutes late is inexcusable. And with no response to my texts. I’m fucking behind now.”
I make my way down the hall toward the dome and she trails me.
“Are you going to explain why you’re late, or are you just going to shuffle behind me?”
When she doesn’t answer, irritation claws at me.
When we reach the dome, I pause in front of the door and snap, “Hey, I’m talking to you.”
Slowly, she lifts her head, and when her face comes into view, my entire body stills.
“What the fuck happened?” I ask, taking in the bruising and swelling on the left side of her face. Concern rips through my chest and a need to protect her overcomes me.
A tear trickles down her cheek, and she wipes it away with a swollen wrist.
Holy fuck.
