God, I hope it’s not another reporter.
It’s too dark for me to see much more than their silhouette as they approach, but when they hesitantly say “Hey, I’m so sorry,” I instantly relax. My whole body calms as I focus on Adrian.
My eyes adjust as he stands right in front of me so I can finally make out his styled blond hair and delicate features. Adrian is smaller than I am, both in height and build, but his confidence means he commands the attention of whatever room he’s in easily. I’ve admired that about him since he started working for the team years ago, and I latch onto his steady presence now.
Adrian has probably never run away to hide in a dark hallway before. He would have said some sarcastic remark that had the media distracted and moving on before they even realized what’d happened. He might only be the assistant to our president, but I swear this man is more involved than anyone else in the organization. If someone has a problem, usually by the time they think to ask for Adrian’s help, he’s alreadysolving it.
Actually, he might be the perfect person for me to talk to right now.
He clearly overheard everything—which is so embarrassing, but also great because he always knows what to do. My shoulders relax even more; I hadn’t realized how much tension I was holding in my body, but I feel like I can finally breathe again.
Adrian will be able to tell me what to do next.
He’s looking at me warily, like he’s approaching a frightened animal, and I hate it. We usually get along great, and I don’t want him to ever feel uncomfortable around me. “Hey, Charming, so I know you just heard all that,” I start, using the nickname I usually do for him. It started a few years back when he got a haircut that looked like Prince Charming fromShrek 2, and I couldn’t help but point it out. Plus it fits him and his whole perfectly-put-together-all-the-time vibe. Sometimes I’ll call him “Prince” too, just depends on my mood.
Adrian is flirty in a very over-the-top way with all the players, and he can’t say no to me when I’m flirty back, so I do it a lot. Plus, it's just fun. A good ego boost. It doesn’t mean anything when Adrian knows I’m straight and married. That’s just the friendship we’ve fallen into over the years.
Or at least, I was married. Shit, I can’t believe this is happening.
“Fuck. Yeah, I did,” he confirms. “Ugh. And it sounds like you had no warning either? I’m going to figure out how that asshole lowlife got his grubby hands on a press pass, and I promise whoever in the communications department let him in will be reprimanded. Hudson, I can’t believe you not only had this happen but that it was so public. It’s just awful, I’m so sorry, please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
Wow, somehow Adrian sounds even more pissed off than I feel. I think I must still need time to process everything. “Yeah, so what now?” I ask.
“You’ll be okay. I know it seems awful right now, but you’re such a strong person. You’ll look back on this one day and be glad that it happened. You’re so much better off without someone who is cold enough to orchestrate all that,” he promises.
It’s a kind sentiment, and I really do appreciate how supportive he’s being. But that’s not exactly what I meant. “Oh yeah, cool. I hope so,” I agree awkwardly before I try again. “But I meant literally. What now? Shelby told me not to go home, so what do I do right now? Where should I go tonight?”
Adrian just stares up at me, blinking a few times before he finally speaks again. “Why are you asking me?”
“Well, you always know what to do. You can fix anything,” I say seriously.
Adrian doesn’t look as confident in that statement as I am though. “Um, that’s nice of you to say.” Then he lowers his volume even more so no one else can hear. “But, aren’t you closer with the other players? Do you want me to go grab one of them to talk to? Maybe you can crash with them until you figure things out.”
“Fuck no,” I scoff. “I’m the captain, I’m supposed to have my shit together. I can’t ‘crash with’ one of the players I’m supposed to set the example for.”
Adrian crosses his arms over his chest, looking at me with even more concern than a few moments ago. “Well, you can’t go to a hotel after all the media just saw you get served divorce papers and be obviously surprised by it. Even if they didn’t hear that phone call, they’ll definitely swarm a hotel if they find out you’re staying there.”
Damn it, he’s right. “See, I wouldn’t have thought of that.” I run my hands through my hair, trying to think of another option when I realize there’s one standing right in front of me.
“Whatabout you?”
“What about me?” Adrian asks, not following my train of thought.
“Well, can I come stay with you?” I ask eagerly. “Until I find a new place. I’ll be traveling so much now that the season’s starting, I don’t know if I’ll have much time to find somewhere, but I promise I'll be a good roommate. The best you’ve ever had. Whatever you need from me, just let me know and I’ll do it.”
“Oh my god, stop talking before you manage to make that sound even more sexual,” he warns. Then he gives me a once-over, his bright blue eyes assessing my expression as if he’s searching for something that isn’t there. “Wait, you're serious?”
The more I think about it, the more perfect the idea seems. Adrian offered to help, he’ll have me back on my feet in no time, and I’ll get to hang out with him outside of work, which sounds like a definite perk. We’ve always been friendly, but in that coworker way where I know we get along great, but I don’t actually know many details about his life. I’d like to change that. “Yeah, Prince, you make everything better.” Then I aim my very best pleading eyes his way. “Pleeease.”
He doesn’t look nearly as excited about the idea as I’d like him to be, but after another head-to-toe glance, he sags a little where he stands. “Fiiine. I suppose you can come stay with me for a few days,” he says with a roll of his eyes. But it also looks like he’s fighting to hold back a smile, which feels like a definite win to me.
All I know is, with Adrian at my side, I no longer feel like my life is over.
2
ADRIAN
“Welcome home,” I say as I swing open the door to my condo.
