“You’re right.” I take two deep breaths and let her lead me to our flight. “It’s nothing. Meaningless dribble.” Except, how do I know? We see each other maybe once a week or two, and other than the phone, we aren’t able to communicate as much as I would like. All those insecurities I pushed down earlier come bubbling back up.
Passengers will begin boarding soon. We’ve finished wiping everything down and getting the snack area ready. This really is a thankless job. I don’t think people realize all the crap we have to do before we even let them on the plane.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and see Bentley’s name flash across the screen. I’m still stunned by the magazine cover I saw, and the only way I’ll get answers if I answer the phone. “Hello?”
“Thank God,” he breathes in relief. “Did I catch you before you take off?”
A small smile tugs at my lips. He doesn’t sound like someone who is trying to hide something. “Obviously. Otherwise I wouldn’t have answered the phone.”
He doesn’t address my smartass comment. “What did you and Hazel do last night? I tried calling but you didn’t answer.”
“We ordered in, and then I passed out.” My voice is clipped, and I hope he can’t hear it. I’m not trying to be snooty, but the images on the magazine, a real life representation of my dream, flashes across my mind.
“Well, while you’re in Austin, you’re going to relax. Except for when you meet my mom and sister. The rest of the time, we’re going to hang out at my house, binge watch TV, and have all the crazy sex we can manage in a short amount of time.”
“Mhmm,” I reply. Thirty minutes ago, that would have sounded wonderful. Thirty minutes ago, I didn’t see all his past conquests splattered across a glossy piece of paper.
“What’s wrong?” I can’t tell if he’s playing dumb, or if he really doesn’t know about the magazine cover. Surely that’s something his agent would have clued him into.
“You haven’t seen anyone else since we’ve been together, right?” I’ll be shocked if he heard the question. It comes out barely above a whisper. My fear is fueling the question.
“Why would you even ask that?” His voice is hard. Shit, I’ve offended him. “I already told you that I’ve been one hundred percent committed to you since that first day I saw you. I don’t understand what’s going on.”
Hazel walks by me and motions for me to hurry it up. It’s almost time to get the passengers on board and situated. I might as well do this now. If not, it’s going to eat at me the entire flight. “There’s a, um, magazine with a picture of us from the game.” He says something to interrupt but I don’t let him. “And surrounding it are pictures of you with a bunch of different girls. I didn’t think they were recent, but I need to know for sure. We can’t keep going forward unless we are on the same page.”
“So those are the games she’s going to play.”
That catches my attention. “Who is she?”
He sighs, and I can hear the frustration he’s been holding onto. “That reporter that interviewed me after the game. Jordan said she was trouble, and this is how she’s launching her attack. I wish I knew what the hell she wanted. You know, other than stirring up shit where there is none.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about her before?” I’m hurt he didn’t divulge that information with me.
“I was hoping it would be a non-issue. And that by not giving her anything about you, she’d drop it.”
“Well, thanks for that at least.” He’s sincere. If there’s one thing I’ve become accustomed to, it’s detecting people’s bullshit. Even over the phone. “I’m sorry for coming at you. I just didn’t know what the hell was going on.”
“No, you’re right,” he concedes. “I should have told you after the crap she pulled at the game. Jordan said she latches onto up and coming rookies. If they don’t give her all the information she wants, regardless, if it doesn’t pertain to the game, she makes their life hell.”
“And now you have a target painted on your back?” This is why I didn’t want to get involved. High profile means he’ll always be scrutinized. But the way he makes me feel is completely worth it. I can weather this with him.
“Basically,” he sighs. “But I’ll take care of it. Even if it means getting a restraining order of some sort.”
“That’s good to know.” Hazel is waving her arms in the air and signals to the first passengers coming on board. “Look, I have to go. We’re boarding now. I’ll call you later.”
“Okay.” He pauses for a second, “I hope this doesn’t change your mind about us. You are the only person I want to be with.”
“I know.” And I do, but it doesn’t stop the fear of him throwing me aside because I’m what he wants for now. Either way, I won’t count us out just yet. “Bye, Bentley.”
“I’ll talk to you later, Rena.” He hangs up quickly, and I know it’s because he’s calling me by my nickname. He’s never called me that before, but it warms my heart that he feels comfortable using it with me. Especially since I was so adamantly against it when we went on that first date.
All I can do now is wait and see what happens. I’m falling for him more and more. While it’s terrifying, it’s not nearly as scary as losing him.
Twenty-Five
Bentley
The line to board the plane is long. I’m antsy to be in the presence of the woman I love. Oh shit. Did I really just think that? I can’t be in love with her. Not yet anyway. It’s too soon. People don’t fall in love that quickly, and if they do…it’s destined to fail.
