Page 15 of Zone
“I know.” I hold his arm, exhaling softly. “But I need to stand on my own, Dad. I know you understand that better than anybody.”
He huffs a laugh, lifting his hand and smoothing my hair off my cheek. “I guess you’re still that little three-year-old to me. The one who used to tell me to ‘go far’ and then hurl that pink football as hard as she could at my crotch.”
A laugh snorts through my nose, and I nod. “You caught it every time.”
“That’s my job, Princess.” He wraps an arm around me, pulling me into his side.
I remember so well when he came back into our lives. I told him I was the Quarterback Princess, and he told me he was my Brave Knight, that he’d make sure nothing bad ever happened to me.
Hugging him closer, I rest my head on his arm again. He was a star wide receiver, then he walked away from it all to try his luck in Hollywood. Life took some twists and turns, but he’s always been my hero. His answer has always been that’s his job, and Mom and I just smile with affection.
His job…
Knox Bradford is an intrusive thought I don’t want to have. I want to think about my family and happy memories and not some spoiled athlete who should’ve used his car service instead of ruining my night and taking out his anger on me.
“That sure is a serious face.” Mom puts her hand around my waist, sandwiching me between the two of them. “Is it because you’re going after that football player?”
“Mom!” I do my best to act offended, but it’s pointless.This woman knows me better than anyone. “He deserves it, and trust me, he can take it.”
“How would you know that?” she asks.
“I’ve had some interaction with him, and he might wear the jersey, but he’s no Saint.”
That activates my dad. He turns to face me, brow lowered. “What doesthatmean?”
“Not that kind of interaction, Dad.” I laugh at the absurdity, although Knox Bradfordisa handsome man… “He was one of my first Uber rides, and it did not go well.”
Dad’s still frowning, but Mom picks up the baton. “You’re going to have to give us a little more than that, honey.”
“He ordered a ride to the airport and I missed a turn and he totally lost it!” My voice rises. “He started shouting at me and being rude… Like it was my fault he didn’t give himself enough time.”
Dad inhales slowly, and the two of them exchange a look. “Seems like you could’ve worked that out with a conversation.”
“I’d have been glad to have a conversation, but he filed a complaint with Uber.”
“Still,” Mom speaks slowly. “You’re not going to let one negative experience change the way you handle yourself. Isn’t that why you parted ways with Susan?”
“I parted ways with Susan because she was evil and tricked innocent people into being humiliated in front of an audience.” Mom’s lips twist with a frown, but I continue. “I merely break down the game, and speak the truth. If Knox Bradford can’t take the heat, he needs to get off the field.”
“You’ve always been nice, Princess,” Dad says in a way that makes my skin itchy.
“I’m still nice, but times are changing.” My tone is quieter now as well. “Nice doesn’t sell. I can’t eat nice. Our audience likes what I’m doing, and I’m going to keep doing it.”
“I’m sure you know better than I do.” Mom exhales slowly.
“Trust me, Mom, Knox Bradford is not a baby.”
“I don’t know.” Dad gives me a little wink. “Football players have pretty fragile egos.”
That makes me scoff, and I look up to see Lindsey and Coco having an animated conversation.
I give my parents a hug. “I love you guys. Don’t worry about me.”
“Too late,” Dad chuckles. “I’ll always worry about you. Let me know if you need any help.”
“Thanks.” Another squeeze, and I hurry over to where my friends are chatting. I grab Coco and Lindsey’s hands, muttering, “I need a drink.”
We glance around at our parents, and they’re all laughing and chatting and not paying attention to us. Coco grabs the bottle of tequila, and the three of us scamper into the house.
