It’s still possible she’s not the person responsible for the blog. We’re all innocent until proven guilty, right?
I should’ve asked Cam if he slept with Vanessa that night. It would go a long way to narrowing down what happened, but I’m not sure I want to get any more involved in this situation. Nothing good comes from gossip. A lesson I’ve learned the hard way.
The next morning, the story is all over campus. I spot the athletic director on my way to practice, and he looks like his head is about to explode.
I almost feel bad for Vanessa until I remember all the shit that blog posted about me. No matter how well I did in games, that Heavenly Hunks billboard is always the first thing people read on that site.
I’m making my way through the stadium to the locker room when I pass Fox’s office. He’s yelling. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Vanessa’s signature red hair through the large, square window. “Dad, there’s nothing going on in Charming! It’s boring! How am I supposed to make a name for myself in journalism if all I ever cover is old guys who walk their goats? My blog is one of the highest-viewed sports websites in the South. I make bank in advertisements. You told me I needed to do something to stand out. This is coming to light sooner than I would like, but guess what? I’ve done what you said I should.”
How was I so wrong about her?
Shocked, I keep going, but her father’s voice carries down the hall. “Vanessa! This is an ethical violation in so many ways. You must realize you’re potentially libeling the athletes you write about. Do you have any idea what kind of legalities are involved here?”
The voices dull behind me.
My shock turns into a cauldron of disgust and anger. Was she just using me to get invites to all of those football parties?
What is it with women I date? First Amelia, who somehow managed to get that photo shoot placed on that billboard after we had a heated argument and broke up. Then Vanessa, who only hung around me to get dirt on the football team.
Thank God Magnolia isn’t off her nut too. Sure, we’ve had our issues over the years, and yeah, she’s pranked me, but I more than deserved it for interfering in her relationship with Luke. Once we cleared the air, I realized she has a huge heart and is a damn fine woman.
At practice, Coach tells us all to keep our heads down and not comment about the allegations, which I think is good advice. I still can’t reconcile the solid articles Vanessa did about the team with the crap on her blog. Regardless, her father has been good to the athletes. You can’t criticize one without inadvertently criticizing the other, and nothing positive can come from trash talking the athletic director.
I’m in a surly mood when I head home. But as I pass Rise ’N’ Grind, I remember how much Maggie loves their empanadas, so I pull over to grab a few. Thankfully, they’re always open late.
“Sorry,” the college student behind the counter says. “We only carry those on the weekends.”
I lean forward and lower my voice. “Isn’t there a code word we can use to get some? I remember my old teammate Rider said we could always use it if we were in desperate need, and I am.” I fold my hands together in prayer. “My girlfriend would be so grateful.”
The girl rolls her eyes. “All right. But don’t tell anyone our secret.”
I pretend to zip my lips, and she laughs. The barista disappears for a few minutes, and when she returns, she hands me a bag of apple empanadas.
“Thanks so much. Appreciate it.”
She winks. “Anything for our Heavenly Hunk.”
I freeze, mortified that’s how people are remembering me—as the face of some cheap strip club. But as I make my way out of the coffee shop, I realize several people are looking at me, and for some reason, I get the feeling I’m not garnering attention for my athletic skills.
I’m halfway home when my phone starts blowing up with texts from my teammates.
You shaking that booty again, bro?
I’m saving up my dolla bills for ya G-string!
What time do you go on stage, sexy?
Dicks.
I toss my phone in my bag and turn my truck around. Please, God, don’t let this be what I think it is.
Dread smacks me hard when I spot that damn billboard and my stupid smiling face. Although it’s dark out, they have the sign all lit up with lights. It’s a new ad that says “Heavenly Hunks has hard bodies that go all night.”
Apparently I’m that hard body.
Fuck. Coach is gonna have my ass when he hears about this.
I’m so twisted up inside by the time I get home, I crash on the couch downstairs. Maggie’s asleep anyway. I checked on her first. She needs her rest, and I’ll just toss and turn.
