kennedy
“Why thehellis Bougie blowing up my phone at this hour like a firework display, asking me for your number?” Maggie interrogates me over the phone as if I’ve just admitted to living a double life. Shit, is that what I’ve just done? My stomach churns.
Why the hell is he asking for my number?
A defeated sigh escapes me as I put her on speaker and continue getting settled in my room.This day has gone on forever.“It’s a long story.”
“Good thing Vladi’s in Columbus with you and the rest of the Riders because I’ve got all the free time.” Sheets rustle as she settles against her pillows. “What’s going on? He said he needed your number because, and I quote, ‘the fate of the universe rested on him talking to you.’ Spill it.”
I can’t help the giant eyeroll that escapes before shoving my uniform shirt in the laundry bag. “That’s a bit dramatic.”
“Bougie is known for his flair.”
I tug my pajama top over my head and briefly explain that Chadd was hitting on me, and Jordan came over to us and announced he was my boyfriend.
“What?! Jordan Boucher. The Most Eligible Rider Bachelor Bougie? You guys are dating?!” she screams.
“No! We are definitelynotdating. He just said that in a lame attempt to rescue me.” I scoff. “As if I’m some damsel in distress that can’t take care of myself. And now I have to somehow tell Chadd with two d’s we are not dating. Then he’ll start hitting on me again,and thenI’ll have to either suck it up and deal with it or report him and get labeled as the ‘difficult female pilot’ and…shit.” I groan as I twist my hair up into a messy bun. “I can’t with this. Just put me on one of those burning Viking rafts and float me out to sea.”
“Oh, stop, Kenni. It’s not that bad.” Maggie teases like this is the most normal thing in the world.
“Not that bad?” I laugh in disbelief as I drop down on the bed, leaning against the headboard. “This kid is a twenty-something acting like he’s God’s gift to women, hooking up with people left and right without a care in the world, and now fucking Chadd thinks I’m associated with him. I don’t know how to make this go away.”
Maggie sits quietly for a moment, which is very unlike her.It’s actually the most un-Maggie thing ever.My brows pull together, the silence hanging like the scene in a thriller right before the jump scare.
“Maggie? Did I lose you?” I worriedly ask.
“No, I’m here. I’m just…thinking.”
I’m for sure scared now.“This can’t be good.”
“Hear me out…” she hesitates, “but what if you didn’t have to break up with him?”
I shoot upright. “I’m sorry,what?Are you delusional?! We aren’t even dating to begin with!”
“No, no. I knowthat. I mean…I get it. But what if youweredating?”
My fingers twitch as I shake my head. “In what universe would Ieverdate someone like Jordan Boucher?”
She huffs out an irritated laugh. “Kenni, think about it. If you kept up the ruse, it would give you an excuse to hopefully keep Captain Can’t-Take-a-Hint away without having to report him. He knows there will be hell to pay from Bougie. He can’t bethatstupid and desperate. It’s actually kind of perfect.”
“Maggieee,” I groan, “You know I love you. But…no. Hell fucking no.”
“Why not? Listen, Linda, I know you think he’s this crazy rich playboy douche-nozzle. But…Bougie’s more than what he seems. He has a heart of gold. I know he can be a little immature, but underneath that, he really is special.”
“Alittleimmature? The player who did a figure skating routine before the NHL game he played in? That’s frat boy level immature. I’m in my thirties. There’s no way in hell I can date, or pretend to date, someone like him,” I scoff.Despite his hotness and the fact that he stood up for me, it’s a hard pass.I will admit—he honestly did give me the out I needed tonight. The worst part is I shouldn’t have needed saving. I should be able to sit at a bar with any member of the flight crew without feeling like a piece of meat. And despite the progress the world has made, we’re not there yet. At least Jordan allowed me to walk away without causing a bigger issue with Chadd.
My phone buzzes in my ear, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Hang on; I’m getting a text—oh my God. You gave him my number?!”
“He made it seem like it was life or death! I know you don’t like him, but just think about it. At least hear him out about whatever crisis this is.”
I shake my head, not wanting to give this another thought, but I suppose I can play along for the moment. At least for my friend’s sake.
“Fine.But we’re having mimosas when I get back, and you’re paying.”
“Deal. Just text him back.”
