Page 79 of Just for the Cameras
Even with her face bruised, she’s easily one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever fucking set my eyes on.
Maple:Oh, thank you.
Graydon:How do you feel? Do you need anything?
Maple:I’m fine. You’ve done enough.
Graydon:I’m serious. If you need something, tell me.
I swipe my hand over my face, hating this desperate feeling I have to make sure she feels okay and safe. It’s driving me mad, leaving me feeling unsettled, like I can’t quite get comfortable in my own skin.
Maple:I appreciate that, but I’m okay. And um…thank you for today. Sorry I ruined your training plans.
Graydon:Don’t apologize.
Maple:Well, I am sorry. I know you have training camp next week, and I’m the last thing you want to deal with.
Graydon:Stop apologizing.
Maple:I’m being serious, Graydon.
Graydon:So am I.
Maple:I don’t want you thinking you need to take care of me. I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I don’t want to be a burden to you. So, yeah, I’m sorry you missed your training today.
And here I thought the beer calmed me down. She’s getting me riled up all over again. She needs to stop apologizing about things out of her control.
Graydon:Don’t call yourself a burden.
Maple:I wouldn’t if maybe you didn’t make me feel like one most of the time.
I pause, staring down at her honest words. Fuck. How do I respond to that?
Because she’s right, I do act like she’s a burden most of the time, but not becauseshe’sthe burden. At least, I don’t think so.
The situation is a burden. Taking on the responsibility of trying to boost the fans’ perception of the team, now that’s a goddamn burden. Butshe’sjust wrapped up in it.
Then again, she didn’t say no to the whole PR relationship.
Yeah, and I was the jackass who proclaimed it this morning.
I drag my hand over my face again, disgruntled and confused.
It’s not even the official start of the season, and I already feel like I’m about to fucking blow.
How the hell will I deal with this for the next five weeks during training camp and then beyond?
Maple:From your silence, I assume you agree with me. It’s fine. I’ll try to make this as easy as possible for you. I’ll meet you at the event tomorrow, and I’ll put on a show.
Brows turning down, I type her back.
Graydon:I said I’ll pick you up.
Maple:Don’t sweat it. See you at the venue.
Growling, I toss my phone to the side and push my hand through my hair.
I’ll be damned if she meets me at the venue.
