I press my lips together, trying to keep my face blank, even though this man doesn’t deserve it. It’s like he’s marking his territory. Part of me finds it hard to believe he didn’t know my name. He’s just that special kind of asshole who can’t even lean into common human decency, like getting someone’s name right.
“This is, uh, Oscar, my agent. Zack invited him.” Benny’s voice drops an octave and enough decibels to pick up on his discomfort. And if that didn’t do it, certainly his eyes finding the floor would.
I hold back a laugh as Zack stands behind Oscar, shaking his head, face etched with an expression, making it clear he didn’t really invite him. Tysonsees Zack and coughs, covering his mouth with his hand, clearly hiding the same reaction.
I put my hand out, because this isn’t the first toxic man I’ve met and won’t be the last. “Blair Miller. From what I know, lots of people know that name. I think I sold the most jerseys this week?” I look around, waiting for the guys to hype me up. Hoping. Otherwise, this would be really embarrassing.
But they do.
They clap, laugh, and cheer me on. Even Benny is throwing his head back, mouth open in a full belly laugh. No one expected me to say anything… fuck, I didn’t expect it either. Maybe it’s the cocktails, maybe it’s the guys treating me like I’m one of them, or maybe it’s this guy’s bad attitude?
I laugh with my teammates as Oscar refuses to look at me. And you know what?
Good.
Ten
Tyson
Holyshit.Blairholdingher own? Being the only woman in the room? Sign me up. Zack asked if we should include spouses or partners, so Blair would have other women to meet, and I told him it wasn’t necessary. She loves contributing to a team and tonight was a perfect way to spend more time with the guys.
Looks like I was right, and it’s been a blast watching them get to know her—seeing her come out of her shell. Even with Oscar’s antics, that smart ass knew her name, there’s no way he couldn’t. But Blair coming out swinging with the jersey sales? Fuck, that was good.
I’ve heard enough about Oscar to know he’s someone I’d never consider hiring. I’m fairly certain I heard talk in the locker room about Benny moving on at the end of the season which would be quite the statement given he won’t play the rest of the year.
Can’t believe he showed up like he’s one of us. Clearly, he’s not.
Oscar made some lame excuse to leave shortly after Blair put him in his place and Benny made sure to apologize for his behavior, even though it’s not his to own.
The group has naturally split up, with some guys going to the pool table, others grabbing a controller to play video games. Zack’s place is perfect for something like this because there’s space, activities, and places for people to fall into.
Blair gazes out the floor to ceiling windows, the skyline sparkling on the other side of the glass.
“Want to go out on the balcony?” I almost expect her to say no since it feels like she’s been avoiding me for days.
She nods, holding onto her fresh cocktail with two hands. Her hair swishes when she walks, almost touching her shoulders, but not quite. I hold the door open and nod to the corner, where I know there’s a small outdoor fire table.
I almost drop to my knees when we see all the chairs empty—no one besides the two of us. Instead, I let Blair pick a spot and then drape a blanket over her lap.
A long breath slips from her mouth. “I hope no one’s mad about that whole thing with Oscar. I didn’t need to say the thing about the jerseys—” Her eyes catch mine and they’re glowing in the firelight.
“Are you kidding? They loved it!” I lean forward, resting my forearms on my knees as I look at her through the flames on the table. “And yes you did. He was being a dick. If you didn’t say it, someone else would’ve.”
“Maybe you. Not sure if anyone else would care.” She takes a slow drink of the bubbly cocktail, eyes looking up at the stars.
There it is. Or part of it.
Nodding, I say, “They would’ve. Believe me. You think these guys don’t know you saved our ass? That we’re not lucky to have you? They do. Honestly, everyone’s jealous of Zack because he gets to spend the most time with you and helovesto brag about how funny you are. How you’re friends.”
Her shoulders soften with each word. “Ugh. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m being like this. All needy and annoying.”
“You’re notthatneedy.” I try to joke, to get her to loosen up. “Is that why you’ve been sort of radio silent?” I turn her insecurity into needing clarity for my own.
Her head tilts and I’m afraid for what’s going to come next. How she’s embarrassed she said anything about kissing me. How she could never see me that way.
“This is your job. Your dream. And it feels like I’m being thrown in and—” Her words are quick, almost falling from her lips like she’s running out of time. “I don’t want to ruin this for you or make it difficult or let anyone down—”
“Blair. Breathe.” I don’t continue until I see her chest rise and fall, slow and intentional. “First things first, you can’t consider everyone. There’s not a way to make them all happy. Quite literally impossible. All I can tell you is that the team loves having you, everyone I’ve talked to, at least.”
