“Brookes,” Cam says, his tone warning in that father-like way that usually has me retreating. But not today. I’m so fucking done with this guy.
“No. Fuck you,” I point a finger at Blake, “and fuckSaturday Night Live. I’m a golfer, not a fucking late night TV show host.”
“Oh my God,” Blake mutters. Shaking his head, he slams his folder closed and picks it up off the island counter, tucking it under his arm. Then, turning to Cam he says quietly, “I told you, didn’t I?”
And I don’t know what he’s fucking talking about—I don’t even think Iwantto know what the fuck he’s talking about—but when he offers me a pointed look on his way out, my heart pounds hard against my ribs as I watch him leave, reminding myself not to get physical.
Turning to Cam, I offer him awhat-the-fucklook.
Cam heaves a sigh, rubbing his chin contemplatively and, taking his seat again, he holds a hand up. “He just mentioned that… you haven’t been yourself the last few weeks and—” Shrugging his shoulders, he tilts his head side to side. “I mean, I tend to agree.”
When I open my mouth to object because Cam taking fucking Blake’s side is possibly his biggest betrayal yet, he holds his hands up, stopping me. “Hear me out.”
I snap my mouth shut, grinding my back molars, giving him three seconds and not a nano longer.
“You have changed these last few weeks, but I think it’s been agoodchange,” he adds that last part quickly. “Your game has improved tenfold. You’re more focused on the course than I’veeverseen. You’re doing everything Spielman asked of you and more.”
I throw my hands up at my sides. “So then, what’s the fuckin’ problem?”
Cam cocks his head to the side, offering me a piercing look like I should know the answer to that, but I’m at a total loss because I literally have no fucking idea. I’m doing everything they asked me to do. What more do they want?
“Blake is… concerned,” Cam says the word gently, “that perhaps you’re… getting a little too… comfortable… with…” He trails off, nodding his head in the direction of the kitchen wall.
My brows knit together, realizing he’s referring to what’s on the other side of that wall. “Poppy?”
He presses his lips together, saying nothing.
“This whole thing washisidea!” I exclaim incredulously, pointing a finger at Cam. “Andyours.”
“I know!” Cam says quickly. “And it worked. But”—he winces, continuing with obvious reluctance—“are you maybe… getting a little in over your head?”
Rubbing my lips together to stop from kicking his ass out of my house too, I fold my arms across my chest.
“I’ve been watching and… on the television… it doesn’t look all that fake.”
I balk, throwing my hands up, exasperated. “It’s not supposed to look fucking fake!”
“Just—” Cam holds his hands up again, placating me. “Be careful, okay?”
“Be careful?” I guffaw, almost laughing at the concept. “Of Poppy?”
Cam pauses, and he narrows his eyes, as if to consider his words. “Brookes, you’re an addict. And youalwayswill be. That’s the hard truth.”
I close my eyes on a heavy exhale, gritting my teeth, my body thrumming with anger. “Yes, I know this. I spent six fucking months in a rehab facility having it drilled into me every goddamn day.”
“The last thing anyone wants is for you to replace one…vicewith another.”
Meeting Cam’s eyes, a thick swallow works its way down my throat as I suddenly understand exactly what he’s saying. Forcing myself to look away, I take a few deep breaths to stop from saying something I know I’ll probably end up regretting, offering an abrupt, “Fine,” instead.
By the time Cam finally leaves, I have a fucking headache because my mind is more conflicted than it’s ever been before. Too many thoughts; not enough brain.
But there’s one thing I know: I need Poppy.
Following the corridor to her room, I knock once, waiting. But there’s no response. I doubt she’d still be in the shower.
Confused, I open the door a touch, but I’m met with nothing but darkness, my eyes taking a moment to adjust, finding the outline of her body in bed, the moonlight from outside shining in through the sheers and illuminating her silhouette.
She fell asleep.
