Page 4 of Sidelined By Love

I also think it’s ridiculous that the director ofBattlefield Northtook Joe’s side, said they needed his name on the marquee to make the movie a success. That the director decided I was somehow expendable but also singularly at fault for bringing bad drama to the set. He’s had no problem telling reporters andproducers that I’m the reason the shoot has been delayed and the film’s budget will go up.

There’s enough ridiculous to coat Pikes Peak. But arguing my side won’t help. Not with my dad and not with the media.

Even if I didn’t know. Even if I had no intention of getting in the middle of anyone’s marriage. I made a choice—a mistake—the worst one of my life.

And this is the fallout.

Well, it’s some of the fallout anyway. There’s also the scathing headlines and the canceled contract from the producer of the next film I was scheduled to be part of.Wasbeing the operative word. I’m no longer needed on his film. Any of them. Ever.

Of course, there was also the call from my agent Cyndi.“It’s probably a good idea to lay low for a while, doll. You’re not exactly a good bet at the moment.”

Translation: No one wants to take a chance that I might cause a scandal on their set as well. Or that I would have to be replaced. And that the studio would have to come up with the money for reshoots with a new actress.

I can’t help but wonder who they’ll get to play opposite Joe in the movie I was three weeks into filming.

Before I can think of someone who might be available to step into the role I spent months preparing for, the crowd goes wild. Kick off.

My dad’s neck turns slightly, and he gives the ball a pleased nod. More than he can manage for his elder daughter.

As the Fourteeners’ offense lines up on the field below, I clear my throat to remind him that I’m still here.

“Why did you come here?”

“Because Alita texted me you wanted to see me.”

Finally, he turns to really look at me, eyes narrowed. “You know what I mean. You being this close to the facility is guaranteed to bring media attention to the team.”

“Don’t you want the team in the news?” I offer a shrug and a fake grin.

He swears under his breath, and I cringe, my smile falling. But I refuse to let my face show any hint of fear as he turns on me, pointing his finger at the center of my chest. “You know that you take drama with you wherever you go. You always have.”

That’s not fair.

It hasn’t always been this way.

“You’re just like your mother,” he sighs. “Dragging my name through the mud and then pretending you’re the wounded party.” He leaves no doubt in my mind that he wishes he could have divorced me as easily as he did my mom.

“Dad, I—”

He drops his hands to his hips in a stance that has cowed many a general manager over the seasons. “I don’t want your excuses. I want you to clean up this situation that has you in the tabloids.”

“I can’t control that.” I fight a tightness in my throat that threatens emotions my dad doesn’t deserve.

“Yes, you can. Make a statement. Apologize for your misdeeds, and then disappear for six months. Far from here.”

Something inside me snaps. “And what misdeeds would those be?”

His glare turns to ice, his eyes almost black.

Call me a glutton for punishment, but I want him to say it. I want him to speak the crimes I’m accused of. Because he’s actually guilty of them—and a lot worse toward my mom. And his second wife. And his third.

And I’m absolutely certain he never considered any one of his affairs a misdeed. Or worried that his actions would reflect poorly on his precious Fourteeners.

“Don’t pretend with me, kid. You know what you’ve done.”

“And where would you have me go, dear Father?”

“Isn’t your sister in Europe? Go hide on a boat in France or something.”

---