Page 27 of Chosen

“Fine. You caught me.” He grinned. “I’m in Virginia, trying out one of those nature retreats for myself.”

“Sounds perfect.” Wendi let out a longing sigh. “I think I could use another one of those, just to get out of the city… with everything that’s going on…”

“Right. The divorce.” Sam frowned. “So that means the news is legit?”

“As legit as can be.” Wendi sighed again. “So, did you want to get my side of the story? For the mag? I’m sure my ex is already crafting a narrative with his PR team. Can’t have the big football star look like the bad guy.”

Sam seemed to hesitate before he replied. “I… think I want to talk to you about what it’s like going through this in the public eye, instead.”

“Seriously?” Wendi tilted her head to the side. “You don’t want stories about huge fights behind the scenes or potential cheating rumors? Because that’s usually Anthony’s style.”

“I want to try something different. I want to try something less… sensational.”

“Sounds good.” Wendi smiled back at Sam. “Did you want to do it over the phone or—”

“How about I email you a set of questions? And you can answer in your own time? In your own words?”

“That sounds perfect. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me, too,” Sam said before he gave Wendi an enthusiastic wave goodbye. She waved back with just as much enthusiasm and Sam ended the video call.

“Sounds like you’re going against the grain?” I asked, as Sam slipped his phone back into his pocket.

“Yep. And there’s a very good chance I’m going to lose my job over it.” Sam nervously laughed. “I just… if Anthony wants me to tackle high profile divorces, I want to try doing it my way. If nothing else, it’ll at least separate us from the other gossip rags.”

“In that case, I’m proud of you.” I smiled over at Sam. “Seriously. Trying something new is brave. Risky.”

“Okay. No more talking about that or I’m going to throw up,” Sam said as he stood up from the couch. “So, anything planned for today? Or is the weather still too rocky to be outside?”

“No, we could go outside,” I replied, standing up next to him. “Anything you had in mind?”

Sam held up a finger before he folded a hand under his chin, like something had just occurred to him in that moment.

“Actually, I think I’m going to go draft a few questions for Wendi—”

“Seriously? Right now?”

“Work first and then nature!” Sam grinned before he headed back toward the bedroom. “Just don’t let me forget the nature part!”

9

SAM

Am I completely out of my mind?

My heart was beating so fast I was worried it was going to beat right out of my chest. I was staring at my laptop, my fingers feeling frozen as an empty Word doc stared back at me.

I’m ruined. This is going to ruin me.

What had I been thinking? Trying to pave my own path with this divorce piece for Anthony?

Since when was I this courageous? This filled with an unearned sense of possibility?

Damon.

I knew the answer before his name even floated through my brain. It was like being near him made me feel like I could do anything, like maybe I wasn’t headed for a complete disaster by believing in myself, by once and for all producing a piece I could be proud of…

Of course, there was a good chance this would be the last piece I’d ever produce, too.

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