Page 6 of Just for the Cameras
Phil pulls up shortly to another building and puts the golf cart in park. When he hops out, he gestures to us to follow him behind a fence, out of the public eye.
Once again, there’s no media anywhere.
What the hell is going on?
We gather around, OC standing next to me, Bennett next to him, and Gretchen tapping away on her phone as Phil clasps his hands together looking like a proud motherfucker about to deliver us delightful news.
My guess is, I’m about to despise what comes out of his mouth.
Clearing his throat, he smiles at us. “This is an opportunity we never thought we’d secure, so to have you three here means so much to the board of directors, our staff, and most importantly, our animals.” Yeah, because animals can sense three celebrity athletes in the confines of their captivity. “Since Gretchen didn’t break the news to you, I’ll bring you up to speed.” Irritation creeps up my neck because I can feel it; I know it’s coming. This is not going to be an easy media day. No, I think I’m about to be sentenced. “For the next two months, you will be the official liaisons for the zoo, focusing with zookeepers on a specific animal to raise awareness, generate funds, and create a habitat that enriches the visitors’ experience.”
The fuck did he just say?
Did he just say two months?
Two fucking months?
“Wait, two months?” I ask as Gretchen tears her eyes off her phone and stares me down, a warning in the form of a devil’s gaze.
“Yes, I know, we wish it was longer too,” Phil replies.
Not what I was getting at.
“But you are welcome to help out longer once you become acquainted. It will probably be hard to step away once you get into the swing of things and start interacting with the animals.”
Trust me, I’m willing to step away right fucking now.
Phil rubs his hands together. “I know what you must be thinking…”
I hope my agent burns in hell—that’s what I’m thinking.
“What animal are you going to be assigned to? Well, this is the best part.” He pauses for effect, as if we’re waiting for the results with uncontained glee. Between the three of us jackasses, my money is on OC to actually be excited.
“Bennett, you’ll be with the lions.”
I glance at Bennett, who nods with a soft smile. Such a newbie; life as a professional athlete hasn’t scarred him yet.
“Oden, you’ll be with the giraffes.”
“I fucking love giraffes,” OC says with way too much pep.
“Language,” Gretchen warns.
“Right. Sorry.”
“And Graydon…” He pauses, and I swear, for a fucking second, I can see an evil glint in his eye. Like what he’s about to say is a part of some master plan to piss me off. “We paired you with the flamingos.”
Flamingos?
OC snorts next to me.
The corner of Bennett’s lip turns up.
And Gretchen doesn’t even bother hiding her delight.
He’s kidding, right?
I have to be paired with fucking flamingos?
