“I was troubled,” I said each word slowly, disbelievingly, and like I was talking to a complete moron.
“Yes, I know you were, dear. Thankfully, we found a doctor and hospital staff that could help you.”
“You’re not so delusional that you really believe that line of bullshit you’re trying to feed me, are you?”
“You will believe it and you will tell it to every single person who has a camera, microphone, recorder, or even a damn camera phone! You will make them believe it or everyone you know will pay foryourmistakes.” His voice became deeper and gruffer as he moved in closer to me. I know he’s close to being desperate – and desperation makes him even more dangerous.
“It’s time for you to leave. Get out of my house.” I made sure my voice didn’t quiver but inside I am shaking like a leaf. He just smirked, inclined his head and turn towards the front door.
“Don’t even think about getting any bright ideas, Andi,” he called over his shoulder just before the door shut behind him. I rushed to the door, locked it and let out a long breath.
I know what I have to do now.
LUKE
Damn, Mack is putting me through the ringer today. I have missed way too much training lately and it definitely shows. I can feel it in my stamina and in my sore muscles. The muscle burn feels good though – I don’t know if I’ll be able to move tomorrow, but at least I know it is working.
No doubt Mack is taking his frustrations on me over the damn circus in here. All these lies and rumors surrounding Shane have nearly cost him the title fight. Mack kept telling Shane to keep his chin up because he would make sure it all got cleared up, but Shane’s not so sure Mack will be able to do it.
Shane finished his workout and went to the locker room to get away from the fucking media swarming around the place. I am impressed with Andi and Will’s ability to get them out of the building but they’re still outside with their damn intrusive telephoto lenses and video cameras. Shane finished his workout to keep up appearances but I know it is all taking a toll on him.
I watchAndi as she follows Shane towards the locker room. If anyone can get through to him, it’s her. They’ve had a tight relationship for a long time and he listens to her. He’s going to need her now, and she will need him because I know she feels responsible for all this.
About two hours later, I’m finishing up a grueling 5-mile run when I see Mack and Shane talking. I stroll up to them just in time to hear Mack.
“You can’t blame her for this, Shane. You damn well know it.” There’s no mistaking Mack’s harsh tone. Shane quickly shifts his eyes away and immediately looks ashamed.Was he actually blaming Andi?
“Can’t blamewho?” I ask, even though I have a good idea of what they’re talking about. I am immediately ready to defend Andi to anyone.
Shane won’t meet my eyes but Mack has no problem with answering me.
“Shane had a moment of feeling sorry for himself. He’s over it now.” Shane nods in agreement but still looks away.
“Surely you don’t think Andi should be blamed for this.You know her better than that, Shane. Do you know the whole story of what happened to her?” I’m dumbfounded. I can’t believe Shane would really think that.
“Yeah, I know, I know, man. It’s not her fault and I shouldn’t have even thought that for a second. I’m just really fucking mad. If this isn’t cleared up soon, and I meanyesterdaysoon, my sponsors will drop me.”
“Didn’t you talk to her? I saw her follow you towards the locker room,” I look around, suddenly realizing that I haven’t seen her in a while now.
“Not really. She tried to talk to me but I….she said she should leave because she’s hurting my career. I didn’t disagree with her,” Shane hangs his head and looks at the ground. “I didn’t even really say anything to her.”
“Where is she? Did she say where she was going?” I’m really looking around the gym now and I don’t see her here anywhere. She didn’t tell me she was leaving, but I know she wouldn’t interrupt my training just to tell me she was leaving the building. Still, it’s unusual to not hear from her for so long.
Concern blankets Shane’s face as my question registers with him. Shane quickly looks around the gym and back at me.
“I don’t know where she is, man. She just left – she didn’t say where she was going.”
“Don’t get your panties in a wad, ladies. You haven’t even tried calling her yet,” Mack chastises us while shaking his head. “I trained her myself. Give both of us a little credit.”
Igrab my phone out of my gym bag and call Andi. It rings four times and goes to voicemail. It’s not turned off but she’s not answering. I’m trying to not freak out and have Mack call me a girl again. Shane looks at me expectantly and I shake my head no.
Mack huffs and says, “One missed call does not an emergency make.”
Mack walks off, leaving Shane and me to worry without him. Shane grabbed his phone out of his bag and stepped away to make a call. He’s talking to someone and while I can’t help but hope he’s talking to Andi, I know it’s not by the timbre of his voice. It’s much more intimate than the tone he uses with Andi.
A few minutes later, he walks back over to me and tells me no one has heard from her all day. She’s not at the youth center and she’s not answering either of our calls.I head to the locker room to shower and dress as quickly as I can.
I’m finished in record time and headed towards my truck when my phone starts ringing. Andi’s smiling face lights up my phone’s display and I’m instantly relieved.
