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“Should that fact concern me? The way you know our coming and going borders on stalkerish, Kate.”
“Just doing my job. Anytime a group of you are together somewhere, my Spidey-senses need to be on high alert.”
“So …”
I’m about to ask what Kate’s calling about. She’s our director of communications. She never calls us just to shoot the breeze. But I don’t have to ask.
She takes a breath and then she launches into her pitch. “Hear me out, Marcus. Your image took a hit in the playoffs.”
I nod even though she can’t see me.
“Well,” she says. “That’s taking a turn. The public is eating up those photos of you and Cass Carter.”
I stifle a groan.
“You two look good together. There’s chemistry there.”
“Not the kind you think,” I say.
Kate’s got my back. She always needs to know the whole truth so she can do her job.
So, I tell her. “Cass Carter can’t stand me. And … she’s not my favorite person in the world either.”
“Well, that’s not what it looks like, and that’s what matters here.”
“What are you saying, exactly?”
“I’m not saying you should run with this. I’m just calling to make sure you don’t shut it down. If the media asks you about it, which they just might considering how viral that post of the two of you has gone, you just say something neutral, like ‘I’m keeping my private life private,’ or ‘It was a great day,’ or ‘Bryce captured some amazing shots.’ Don’t refute the rumors. Let the people imagine you as a man capable of the kind of love for a woman that would make you look at her the way you’re looking at Cass.” She pauses, obviously scrolling the post. “This, on the bridge? Are you sure you hate one another?”
“I’m sure.”
“Well then, Academy Award to you two. Just let the rumors live. They are overshadowing your playoff narrative, and that’s what you wanted.”
“Are you calling her to give her a talk about all this?”
“I don’t have any professional relationship with Cass Carter. But I’m guessing the media will be asking you questions, not her. After all, it’s your face that is the face of the Thunder.”
She’s probably right. And what could it hurt? I know rumors. They run their course. Would the online hate die down sooner because people are into me and Cass? While I don’t love her being part of the solution, I do like the idea of restoring my positive image in the media. It’s not like I’d be lying to the reporters. I’ll just be giving vague answers.
“Okay,” I agree. “I’ll give them PR responses. Neutral. No refuting.”
“Good. Well, enjoy the barbecue, Marcus.”
“You should come over,” I say.
Declan wouldn’t mind. The guys love Kate.
“No thank you,” she says. “I get plenty of time with the Thunder during regular business hours—and then some.” She laughs lightly. Then she says, “I’ve actually got a date.”
“Okay, then,” I say with a smile. “I hope he’s awesome.”
“Yeah,” she says. “Me too.”
I hang up with Kate and stare across the yard at Cass. Keller’s standing next to her, smiling and talking. She’s smiling back. I must be a man with a death wish, because when her head turns and her gaze locks on me, then her brow cocks and her eyes narrow, I start moving—toward her.
Chapter 5
Cass
