Marietta arches a brow but motions to the table. “Shall we start putting things on the record?”
“Right to the point. Sure.”
“I’d like to get this article in the evening edition if possible.” She pulls out her device. “I’ll record this and send it to Hemi as soon as we’re done.”
“Sounds good.” I take the seat across from her.
Hemi sets a bottle of water in front of me. I take a long swig. “Can we keep the focus on my current relationship?”
“I’ll do my best.” She hits record. “Your relationship with Tallulah Vander Zee has gotten a lot of attention recently.”
“To be fair, I always get a lot of attention. But yeah, there’s been a heavy focus on us this season, despite the Terror being in a strong position going into the playoffs.”
“This has been true for the past several years, so hockey watchers might have come to expect it. You, however, haven’t publicly dated anyone in that time. It’s doubly interesting when you’re dating the coach’s daughter.”
I cross my arms. “You’re not wrong.”
Hemi gives me a look.
I uncross my arms and try to keep my posture relaxed.
“Recently you took Tallulah out for dinner.”
“It’s not the first time and it definitely won’t be the last.”
“That’s good to hear. Chop has great food.” She smiles.
“You’re not living if you haven’t had the scallops,” I agree.
“Is that your favorite dish?”
“One of. Tally likes their burrata salad.”
“Also an excellent choice.” She meets my gaze. “There are some pictures from the restaurant.”
“I know. I can’t open social media without seeing them. Neither can Tally.”
“That must be hard. Especially since she’s still in university and her school is highly hockey-focused.”
“I can’t protect her, and I hate it. Especially since the conjecture is inaccurate. I would not do what I’m being accused of to my girlfriend.”
“But you know why you are.”
“Imagine the world having a front row seat to some of your worst decisions, and then having them played on repeat so you can’t get past them.”
“That would be difficult.”
“I’ve been dealing with this for years. But Tally hasn’t. It’s the first serious relationship I’ve had during my entire career. I get that people are interested. I went from commitment averse to fully committed.”
“People can’t help but be intrigued. The untamable Flip Madden has finally settled down.” Marietta says.
“Hard to believe with the rumors floating around, though,” I add.
Marietta leans forward. “What’s the real story?”
“My girlfriend got her period and bled through her dress.”
Marietta sits up straighter and glances at Hemi, who nods.
