Page 96 of Bluffed By the Offense

No man, for any considerable period,

can wear one face to himself,

and another to the multitude,

without finally getting bewildered

as to which may be the true.

~ Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter

“How’s your girl?” Treyvon asks me after practice.

“Good,” I say, keeping my tone even.

I hate lying to my best friend. And I haven’t seen Cass in the week since we were locked in the Seatrain together. I’ve had practice and meetings. And we’re not really dating. If we were, I would have made time to see her, even just to stop by her home or to talk on FaceTime before we went to bed—like the night I called her after our away game because Treyvon insisted.

I’ve thought of her more than I should, though—of what it felt like to hold her in my arms and to be the person who got her through her panic. I’ve had experience with my brother, Beau. She didn’t even have to tell me what was happening. I recognized the signs. I knew.

And she let me help her. It felt like a victory. Knowing Cass and how headstrong she can be, I know how much it killed her to lean on me.

“How’s her Porch Light stuff coming along?” Trey asks.

“Good. Good.” I have no idea.

“I always saw the sparks between you two. I’m glad to see you finally gave in and pursued her.”

“Yeah. It’s been … unexpected … That’s for sure.”

At least that much is true.

My cell rings from inside my locker and I grab it, grateful for the interruption to my string of white lies.

Kate. I’m starting to dread the calls from her since they usually mean another performance with Cass. Not that I’m minding time with Cass as much as I initially did. Putting on a show gets old. Especially when I need to be focusing on my season.

I step away from Treyvon and into the hallway where I can take the call in private.

“Hey, Kate.”

“Marcus. How are you?”

“Do you really want to know?”

“Not really. I’m assuming you’re good. Listen. We have an interesting request. You’re already going to be in Nashville for your game against the Titans this week. The story of you and Cass has gotten hotter since Porch Light has become part of your narrative.

“Good Day Nashville wants the Thunder quarterback and his philanthropist girlfriend to come interview.”

“Good Day Nashville?”

“Yes. So, instead of riding the team bus down Wednesday, you’d drive down tomorrow. Interview Wednesday morning. Meet up with the team after you wrap up at the station.”

“Does Cass know?”

“I think the studio is reaching out to her. You can check when you call her.”

“When I call her?”

“I’ve got some big fish to fry with your defensive end. He got into an altercation last night and I need to do damage control.”