Page 72 of Just for the Cameras
“Don’t you think that’s a little…invasive? Opportunistic?” I ask. “It is my medical information, after all.”
Coach Keenan and Troy both chuckle while Gretchen crosses herarms. “Miss Baker, need I remind you what you signed up for? There is no more privacy where your life is concerned.”
Oh, right.
“And if Graydon didn’t just announce that you’re his girlfriend after I told you to edge the public, maybe we would have given you the choice to back out of this agreement one last time, but it seems as though he stole that chance from you. I’m working on a post about your injury and will send you a caption along with the picture to post. Something that not only makes the Foghorns shine but doesn’t involve you getting in a car accident.”
“Don’t you think people will figure it out?” I ask.
Gretchen waves her hand dismissively. “Already contacted my friend down at the precinct. It’s all taken care of.”
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“Nothing will be charged. You’re good to go. No record of it will be shown.”
“But she wasn’t the one who fucked up,” Graydon says. “A police car ran into her.”
“But she pulled out on the street without looking,” Gretchen says.
“This is bullshit, and you know it,” Graydon says, stepping in closer behind me. My eyes catch on Troy’s as he regards his son with humor. And not the kind of humor that screams pride, more like,look at this fool…
“It’s fine,” I say, trying to put a blanket over the sizzling rage brewing behind me.
“It’s not fine. Gretchen just erased any chance of you getting money from your insurance company to get your car fixed.”
Coach Keenan smiles sardonically. “Good thing she has a capableboyfriendwho can drive.”
“Oh no, that’s not necessary,” I say. “I can, um…I can figure things out. No need to bother Graydon.”
“He got you into this mess, sweetheart,” Troy says, those blue eyes piercing right through me, filling me with darkness. “He can be bothered.”
“Don’t fucking call her that,” Graydon snaps, making Troy laugh and causing the tension to become suffocating.
Wanting to get out of here before Graydon blows a gasket, I say, “Um, okay, if that’s all, I guess I’ll just wait for the picture and caption.”
“No, you’re not posting that bullshit,” Graydon says.
“She is,” Gretchen says with a nod. “Sorry, but if she doesn’t post it, then I will. Don’t forget, she gave me the password information. So she can either do it herself, or I will.”
“It’s fine. I can do it,” I say.
“Great.” Gretchen smiles. “Now, tomorrow, I have a team going to your house to do your hair and makeup for the event.”
“Oh, I can do it myself,” I say. Although, that will be trickier with my left hand out of action.
“I’m sure you can, but like I said, we have control over things now, so we will have the team there by four.” Gretchen checks her watch again. “Unless there are any other things that need to be discussed, I have some other fires to put out.”
When no one says anything, she smiles and takes off.
I turn my attention back to Coach Keenan and Troy, waiting for them to add something, but when they don’t, I stand and offer them a curt wave. “Nice, uh, nice meeting you.”
I turn away from them and head out of the office, Graydon following as he places his hand on my lower back. Shocked, I glance back at him only to find his jaw in a tight set and an incredibly unhappy expression on his face.
He doesn’t say a thing as he guides me through the halls, waits for the elevator, rides the elevator to the first floor, and then moves me toward the exit where the players’ parking lot is located.
Once we’re outside, I pause and turn toward him, reaching for my bag. “I can take that now.”
“Leave it the fuck alone,” he snaps, his rage looking like it’s about to tip over any second.
