“I need to go and call my agent so we can sort out the details of the news reports that will surely be coming out. I did try to keep my face hidden, but it’s not likely that I won’t be all over the news today. If you don’t mind, I’ll be leaving now that I knowshe’s not alone and is safe.” I stood, as did Tate, who followed me to the front door.
“Thank you for last night,” she admitted softly, looking up at me like I was her hero. The rush of emotions that flooded my entire body made my heart kick-start. I really liked this feeling.
“Call me if he bothers you. I’m only an hour away.” I leaned forward and kissed her forehead, wishing her dipshit brother wasn’t here so I could pin her to the front door and remind her that we were, in fact, more than friends.Another time.
I noticedTate’s lack of security as I walked down the halls of her building and then to my vehicle in the parking lot. Thoughts of the perverts that Dustin mentioned were running rampant in my mind.I had to do something.
My agent answered me on the first ring, which was never a good sign. It meant he was waiting for my call.
“What the fuck happened last night, Silver?” He grunted, and I winced.I had made the news.“I’ve got news channels calling me asking for your statement, and I don’t even know what the fuck for. Not to mention, you were seen with the girl. What the fuck are you doing, kid?”
Merging onto the highway toward Atlanta, I thought about the best way to answer him, but not hiding behind the other civilians and making myself a victim last night was stupid on my behalf. And it was even worse that I hadn’t called Nick right away to sort this bullshit out.
“I wasn’t thinking,” I admitted because that had been the truth. When I saw the gun pointed at Tatum, all rational thought left the fucking building.
“Tell me what happened from the moment you stepped foot into that grocery store.”
I reiterated the story, explaining every sordid detail and then my lack of response to reporters on the scene, which apparently wasn’t the right protocol.
“Next time, you call me. You call me the minute shit hits the fan, you understand me?”
“If I’m ever held at gunpoint again, Nick, you will be my first call. I promise.” I try to add some humor to the situation, but he doesn’t seem all that amused.
“Are you in a relationship with this girl?”
“Not yet,” I told him truthfully, and he sighed.
“What does that mean?”
“We were childhood best friends. I fucked up. I’m trying to fix it. I want to be with her, but I hurt her, so she’s shutting me out.”
“What do you want the news to know? Because not only are there pictures from last night, but the swimwear photoshoot is this week, and the paps are going to be following you like hounds now. They might see you two together and create more drama.”
“Let them know I saved my childhood best friend and nothing else. I must keep her out of the limelight as much as possible.”
“Noted. Don’t think it will work, but we need to keep you out of the headlines and keep the people focused on the upcoming championships. I’m working on securing your contract for next year. Dexter’s manager has let the team know he is retiring. I’m working on getting you into that spot.”
I knew it was coming, but hell, it felt like I had been side-swiped with the news being official.
“I’ll do whatever is necessary.”
“Need to keep your image clean. Can’t have you gettinginvolved with this girl and then you two have some big perfect romance for it all to blow up. You’re still considered a rookie. Last thing I need is your name all over the headlines.”
I didn’t like the sound of that.
“Just forwarded you one of the articles. I’ll be submitting your response now to all the reporters and will follow up later tonight if we need to schedule some type of press conference.”
“Thanks, Nick.”
“Glad you’re safe.” He ended the call, and I hit my head back against the headrest. I pulled off the highway to read the article.
Atlanta Braves Rookie Griffin Silver Heroically Saves Young Woman in Gunpoint Standoff at Hometown Grocery Store.
In a shocking turn of events, Atlanta Braves star and Rookie of the Year, Griffin Silver, found himself thrust into an unexpected role as a hero last night. The rising star, known for his remarkable performance on the field securing his team a spot in the upcoming playoffs, was reportedly held at gunpoint inside the local grocery store in his hometown Sunday night.
According to eyewitnesses, Silver’s quick thinking and calm demeanor under pressure helped save the life of a young woman caught in the midst of the terrifying ordeal. While details remain scarce, sources close to the incident suggest that the woman may be Silver’s childhood best friend, adding a deeply personal layer to the already dramatic scene.
The 22-year-old’s actions are being hailed as nothing short of heroic, with many praising his bravery in the face of danger. Authorities confirmed that the situation ended without any serious injuries, and the suspects are now in custody. Silver, who was uninjured, has yet to make a public statement but is said to be receiving support from both his teammates and family.
