Matteo might be green as grass, but he’s still press. The last thing I need is a hit job because I refused the interview. Or worse, for my father to get word I trashed him publicly.
One day, the mask will come off and the world will see him for the bastard he is.
Unfortunately, today is not that day.
I take a steadying breath and exhale, forcing my muscles to relax.
“Aw, man.” I stretch and lean back in my chair, locking my hands behind my head. “I wish I could, but my schedule is jammed. With football and classes, I don't have a minute to spare.” Matteo opens his mouth to protest, but before he can get a word out, I continue. “If you really want a solid human-interest piece, talk to our new kicker, Carter. She’s killing it. Right guys?”
I turn to my teammates and they all nod in agreement, though Reid’s mouth tightens at the corners.
“I don’t know….” Matteo flicks his hair out of his eyes again as he considers.
“Trust me.” I flash my trademark grin and clap him on the arm, every bit the cocky receiver who only gives sideline interviews and swaggers around campus like he’s got the world by the balls. “Carter’s the real story. Soccer player turned football kicker? Plus, she’s wicked smart. Your editor will love it. You can be all feminist and shit.”
Guilt hammers my conscience for pointing this kid in Carter’s direction, but she can handle it. And as far as I can tell, her life isn’t one big fucking lie crafted to hide her family’s dirty laundry.
Matteo shrugs. “Well, if you change your mind…”
I won’t. “You’ll be the first to know.”
When he finally leaves, Parker nearly busts a gut. “Swear to God, the DeLaurentis fan club gets bigger every day. I thought the kid was going to swoon.”
I ball up my napkin and throw it at him, unable to muster a witty reply.
Nothing like a media ambush to throw a guy off his game.
Fuck. I shouldn’t have put Carter’s name out there. It was a dick move.
Nothing you can do about it now.
I’ll make it up to her. Besides, Carter’s got a steel spine. If anyone’s in over their head, it’s Matteo. She’ll eat that kid for breakfast.
“Since when do you pass up a chance to have your face plastered all over campus?” Parker quips, reaching over to steal another fry.
Vaughn snickers and crosses his arms, leaning back in his chair. “Maybe our boy doesn’t want to share the spotlight with dear old dad.”
It’s a struggle to keep my face neutral. Vaughn doesn’t know how right he is.
You could tell them.
Not happening. Besides, who would believe me? Despite the monster lurking beneath his skin, my father’s image is squeaky clean, thanks to his handlers.
“He does like to be the center of attention,” Parker agrees, nodding thoughtfully. “Don’t they have a name for that?”
“Exhibitionist,” Vaughn offers.
“Nah.” Parker shakes his head. “That’s not the one I’m thinking of.”
Vaughn grins. “Narcissist?”
“Getting warmer.”
“Egomaniac?”
“That’s the one!” Parker claps his hands together, crowing in delight. “You think they make a t-shirt for that? We could get him one for his birthday.”
They’re only busting my balls. It’s no big deal, and if anyone deserves it, I do. Problem is, the smile I normally wear like armor is just out of reach, thanks to Matteo.
