Page 84 of Home Game

“So this is a temporary arrangement?”

“Yes.”

Her lips curled. “Part of my job is to protect Ryan from people who use him and take advantage of him. It’s my job to clear away all the blood-sucking leeches. He needs to steer clear of people bad for his image.”

“I’m not using him.”

“That remains to be seen.”

She hit every nerve in my body. My greatest fear was that I was taking advantage of Ryan and his generosity.

Ryan walked into the room. He looked between the two of us. “What’s going on?”

Bianca shook her head and took a deep breath, smiling. “Nothing. Zoey and I are just getting to know each other.”

Flight kicked in. I got off my stool so fast, I almost fell. Without looking at Ryan, I walked into my bedroom and shut the door. I put my ear against the door. I could hear them talking.

“I’m so sorry, Ryan. I don’t think Zoey likes me that much. I was just trying to get to know her, and she was so rude.” A shaky laugh.

Ryan sounded shocked. “Zoey was rude to you?”

“Please. Just let it go. She needs to get to know me better. I’m sure this is a huge change for her.”

I hated her so much. I walked to my bed and curled up on my side.

A couple minutes later, there was a light knock on the door. I sat up on my bed.

“Come in.”

The door opened. Ryan looked around the room and then at me. “How’s it going?”

“Is she gone?”

“Yes.” A long pause. “What happened?”

“I don’t think Bianca likes me that much.”

“Funny, that’s what she said about you.”

“I wasn’t rude to her.”

“Look,” he ran his fingers through his hair. “I think we need to give her a chance, okay?”

I didn’t trust her, but I also had no right impeding on Ryan and his world. “Do you think I’m bad for your image?”

He gave me a quizzical look. “Of course not. Why would you even ask me that?”

“Are you going to let her take over your Instagram account?”

A smile played on his lips. “You really want to be the one to take photos of me?”

More than anything. “Yes, but only if you want me to. It’s another way I can help you.”

“Then I’ll tell her you’re in charge.”

Relief. “Okay.”

“Speaking of which, Krista just called me. The team is doing a skate for kids' charity event next Sunday. You might want to post some pictures of that.”

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