“You need to click on the top left image for it to play.”
Recognizing it was TikTok, I did as he said. The video clip opened. Loud music erupted from the phone, along with laughter and catcalls. The video was dark, and the occasional strobe lighting and flash of colors drew some people into the spotlight.
And then it registered what I was seeing.
Jayden was on the dance floor, kissing a woman. They weren’t exactly discreet or even dancing. There was the occasional movement of his feet, small tilts of his body. It was all I could focus on, not wanting to watch Jayden making out with anyone. Well, anyone but me.
I exhaled, my brain ticking over. The video stopped, and it moved to the next. I clicked on the video to pause it and handed the cell over with a shrug. “I don’t get it. So Jayden was with a woman. Everyone knows he used to date and hook up.”
Eddie pinched his lips together. “There’s a statement in the comments indicating this video was from four months ago.”
I froze. Four months ago I was being an asshat and pretty much avoiding Jayden. But as far as everyone else was concerned, we were already fully invested in a committed relationship. I rolled my eyes, saying, “Well, clearly it’s bullshit. That could have easily been from eighteen months ago or even four years ago.”
This right here was the problem. The only way to deal with this was to deny, speak to Jayden, and, if necessary, come out with the truth. The thought of the deception made my stomach knot. It didn’t make it any easier that this was all my fault.
Sympathy filled Eddie’s expression. “I thought that too, but in the video is Paul Steinburg.” The defenseman who’d been traded to the Eagles six months ago.Fuck.
I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “I’m not worried.” He searched my gaze, and I offered a reassuring smile. “I’ll speak to Jay. Give him the heads-up.”
Eddie nodded, not looking especially confident. “Sure thing.”
I grabbed my towel and turned to leave before focusing back on Eddie. “Listen, man, if this starts doing the rounds here, can you do me a favor and try to squash any bullshit? We’re here to play ball, not talk about my relationship.”
“Of course.”
“Can you also send me the link?”
“Yeah, sure.”
With one last smile, I turned and headed straight to find Jayden. At least I knew where he was.
Relieved I didn’t pass anyone en route, I huffed out a fortifying breath before knocking on the meeting room door. Hearing Mark’s invite in, I pushed the door open and peered inside. Jayden swung a look in my direction, a smile immediately appearing. Not even a second later, it dropped, and he stood.
“What’s wrong?”
I flicked my gaze at Mark. A frown pulled his brows low. I offered him a nod, saying, “You mind if I talk to Jay a minute? It’s important.”
As he stood, Mark bobbed his head. “How about I just give you the room?”
“That’d be great. Thanks.”
Before Mark left, he glanced back at us. “I won’t be far if you need me.” His genuine smile was the last thing he offered before he left us alone. I winced, wondering if he’d be quite as helpful if he knew my and Jayden’s relationship had started on a lie, one we’d never cleared up.
“You’re freakin’ me out, Gale.”
Our gazes connected, and I pinched my lips together, feeling all levels of weird about this whole thing. I tugged out my phone, finding the link Eddie sent me. Once I opened it, I handed it over. “Best take a look at this.”
Loud music erupted from my cell, along with conversation I couldn’t quite make out, plus laughter and hollers. Watching intently, Jayden stared at the screen with a pinched expression. It was apparent when he spotted himself, his brows shooting high, color dotting his cheeks.
He flashed a look my way before returning his attention to the video. The repeat kicked in on auto. The same sounds spilled from my cell.
“Who put this on?” he finally said, gaze still on the device.
“Not sure. But there’s a statement saying the video was from four months ago.”
That got his attention. Wide-eyed, he stared at me. “Four months?” He shook his head. “You sure?”
“That’s just what the comment says. Paul Steinburg’s in the video too.” I could see Jayden’s brain ticking over, making the same links and no doubt drawing the same conclusions as me.
