Page 62 of The Run Option

I nod, realizing that perhaps a night wasn’t enough time for him to process everything. My hands clench into fists, nails biting into my palms to keep me from saying more. I want to tell him that there’s no pain to be spoken of. That he’s shown me he’s a different man. A man that I–

The thought cuts off as I spot the documentary crew rounding the house.

I paste on a smile for the crew, linking my arm with Jason’s. He usually relaxes beneath my touch, but today he tenses.

“We were wondering where you two were!” Nancy chirps. “Are you ready to talk about tomorrow’s game?”

Do we have a choice?I bite my tongue. I’m beginning to despise these people. They’ve done nothing but poke and prod at Jason. I’m certain they’ll do that today. They can probably sense that he’s weak.

“We’re ready!” I try to match her tone, but I feel numb.

“Perfect. Let’s go inside and away from all these smells.” She lets out a laugh that sounds far too condescending for my liking. As soon as their backs are turned, I scowl.

“How much legal trouble would we be in if we chucked their cameras off a cliff?” I mutter to Jason.

He doesn’t respond, but I think I hear a breath of a laugh.

We enter the house and let the crew in before settling on the couch.

“We just have a few questions about this weekend and then we’ll get out of your hair. Tomorrow morning we’ll be getting lots of pregame footage at the stadium since it’s a home game,” Nancy explains as she sits in a folding director’s chair behind the cameras.

Jason is stiff next to me. I’m cuddled up to his side, but it doesn’t feel the same as it did at MJ’s house. He’s not relaxed or happy. It makes my heart ache. I miss the version of him that tickled me and whispered I was his. The one who traced patterns on my arm and sent tingles down my spine.

“Before we talk about the game, we heard one of your new players had a birthday party last night.”

I clench my jaw. It’s never just about football with them. They’re going to attack him in his own home. Inourhome. About his personal life, which is none of their business.

“What about it?” I ask, my tone snippy.

She raises a brow. “We heard that a few of Jason’s old teammates were there. The ones he used to have a lot of fun with.” I’m not a violent person, but I could slap the smirk off her face. “Were you worried about that, Willow? I’m sure the reminder of his past wasn’t pleasant.”

I sit up more fully, moving away from Jason’s side. I want to look this woman in the eye when I say what I have to say.

“When I first heard about your documentary, I was excited for Jason and his teammates. I thought it would be a great way to show how hard they work and how much they care. But over the course of our conversations, I’ve learned that you are intent on attacking Jason at every turn. I refuse to allow that.”

The crew shifts, staring at me in discomfort.Good. I hope they feel every bit of discomfort they caused Jason.

I rise to my feet, looking down at the producer in her ridiculous chair. She watches me with wide eyes. “We welcomed you into our home, and you have been vindictive and rude in return. Jason is agood man. He’s a fantastic role model to his brother, a thoughtful friend, and an amazing husband. Instead of shining a light on all of his good qualities, you have focused on his past, which is just that: hispast. I won’t put up with it any longer. You can leave. When you’re ready to conduct a legitimate interview, you can speak to his agent and we will determine if you’re worthy of the second chance you won’t give to him.”

Nancy opens her mouth. I hold my hand up, then point to the door. I take off the microphone pack they put on me and throw it down on the table. Jason’s joins it shortly after. A crew member picks them up, and they leave in silence.

I let out an exasperated huff, pushing my hands through my hair. That felt good. I turn to Jason with a small smile on my lips, but it dies upon sight of his withdrawn expression. Is he upset that I sent them away?

“Did I do something wrong? I know you have a contract with them–”

He cuts me off. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. I just hate that you felt like you had to lie for me after how I hurt you.”

“Jason, that party was so long ago. I’ve seen who you are now. I know you’re different. I meant everything I said.”

The distance between us feels like a hundred miles instead of a few feet. I take a step to attempt to cross it. He shakes his head.

“How could you think that about me? You should want them to paint me in a bad light. You should punish me.”

“Was me pushing you away and throwing insults while you didn’t know what happened not enough?” I ask him, incredulous.

“No, I–” He growls in frustration.

“Then what would be punishment enough?” I push, taking another step.

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