Page 129 of Biggest Player
“I won’t be long,” the man continues. “I just need to talk to you about something important.”
“Is everything all right? Is this about you and Gretchen? Because if it is, I’m sure that—”
“No, this is about you being plastered all over the fucking news.”
There is a pause long enough to fill a room.
“I have no idea what you’re referring to. I’m not plastered all over the news.”
Of course she wouldn’t have a clue; she seriously has better things to do than sit online and read about herself or the latest celebrity gossip. Since I’ve known her, she hasn’t brought up things like that. She’d rather read and talk about books, or be outside, or—
“Tell me this is a joke.”
“I’d have to know what you were talking about first.” It sounds like her hackles are raised.
“There is no way you’re dating someone famous.” A sarcastic laugh follows.
Margot sniffs. “Why would you say that?”
“Because. You’re ...you.” He laughs again. “You’re a teacher, and you hate going out in public.”
“Okay, if you say so,” she returns, not taking his bait. “Not that you would know what I like and don’t like.”
“So are you? Seeing someone?” He clearly cannot stand not knowing.
“Yes, I’m seeing someone.”
Her ex hesitates. “Is he actually a football player?”
“Yes.”
“You know.” His voice goes up a few octaves. “Even though I’m seeing Gretchen, you know it’s not really serious, don’t you?” The guy pauses before continuing his butt-hurt bitch fest. “I really thought there was a chance we would get back together someday, but I guess not.”
What’s this now?This bag of shit did not go there with her. I don’t know shit about emotional blackmail, but even I know emotional blackmail when I hear it, and this dude just went there.
“Are you being serious right now? What is wrong with you?” Margot gasps. “Why the hell would you say that?”
“I thought we were friends,” her ex goes on to say, sounding like a complete gaslighting toolbox.
“You’re making my head spin right now, Colton. You should stop talking.”
Her blunt comment almost causes me to laugh from my hiding spot and give myself away.
I watch and wait, warring with myself between giving her privacy and giving this blowhard a piece of my mind.
The tension in the room is tangible—I can feel it from here, and I can certainly hear Margot shifting uncomfortably on the living room carpet.It’s crazy how well I’ve come to know her in a short amount of time, so much so that I can predict her movements even when I’m not in the room.
That is some wild shit.
“So you’re dating a celebrity now?” the man accuses, voice rising. “What kind of mother are you?”
“Excuse me? First of all—he’s not a celebrity.” Margot’s tone sharpens at his judgment of her. “And secondly, I’m a damn good mother and you know it. What does my personal life have to do with you? Or Wyatt?”
“It has everything to do with her!” he snaps back. “Do you know what the press is going to do when they find out about her? Aboutus?”
“You? Of course you’re going to make this aboutyou.” Margot’s response is calm but firm. “There is no us. There almost never was and hasn’t been for a long time. And secondly, I won’t let anyone exploit Wyatt.”
I take a deep breath, deciding it’s time to make my presence known. Stepping out from my hiding spot, I clear my throat.
