I knew he was aware of Drake and what he’d done, but I didn’t realize he had all the specifics.
Eddie walks back to me, dropping a friendly arm around my shoulder. “Kiki has lost everything. Her home. Her business. Her savings. Bet you didn’t know that, did you? Howmany of us have been betrayed by someone we trusted? That’s the only thing she’s guilty of—having faith in the wrong person.”
Murmurs ripple through the group of women.
“Maybe next time, learn the facts before you run your mouths. Kiki isn’t the villain here. Not even close.”
“You shouldn’t have done that,” I whisper the second we’re out of earshot, my body still trembling from the encounter. “The last thing you need is the locals giving you grief.”
“I can handle them.”
“How did you know all the specifics about my situation? Did Ori tell you?”
Here I thought the world knowing the details was bad enough, but it cuts worse that Eddie also possesses insider knowledge.
Makes me feel like a mannequin on display in a house of horrors.
Eddie shakes his head, guiding me to an empty section of the bleachers. “I’m a single dad, so I always do my homework. When Braden asked if we could work together, I needed to ensure I wasn’t walking into a minefield. Worse, exposing Theo to something dangerous.”
“And?” The word barely makes it past my lips.
Eddie props his chin on his hands, his gaze fixed on a distant spot. “The more I read, the more I wanted to knock your ex’s teeth down his throat for what he did.”
“It’s terrible. Those poor women.” I shudder out a breath, hugging myself against a chill that seems to permeate every inch of my being.
“Yes, but not just them. You’re a victim too, even if people here don’t see it that way.”
“I willingly married the son of a bitch, remember?”
Eddie huffs out a sigh. “Kiki, if every person wereheld accountable for everything everybody around them did, then we’d all be on trial twenty-four hours a day. We all have skeletons, even those who act holier than thou.Especiallythem.”
While I know he’s right, most of the women in question haven’t had their faces splashed across the covers of newspapers, all tied to one of the worst sex-trafficking cases on the East Coast in decades.
That title belongs to me, and it seems to be a lifetime distinction.
I spy another scathing glare from Sparkwood’s sewing circle. Time for me to vacate the premises before they plan a second attack.
“Thank you for sticking up for me today. I really appreciate it.” I stand, pulling my bag close to my side. “I hope you and Theo have a great night. Keep me posted about the job, okay? I can’t wait to see you bring that house to life.”
Am I talking a mile a minute? Yes.
Are my nerves becoming more shot with each passing second and every prolonged stare? Hell yes.
Eddie narrows his gaze, studying me. “Don’t let the harpies of Sparkwood run you off. The game is almost over. Come out and celebrate with Theo and me.”
I shift my weight nervously, once again capturing my lower lip between my teeth. “What do you mean?”
“We have pizza after every game. This is a big night.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly intrude on?—”
“Pizza?” Eddie interjects. “It’s dough, sauce, and cheese. A delicious combination, to be sure, but we’re not talking about an awards dinner at ESPN.”
“Well, not yet, but maybe one day his name will be in lights.”
“Come on, come with us. You can meet Theo.”
“I don’t know…” My words trail off as I continue worrying my lip. “I’m not very comfortable around people anymore.”
