Page 20 of Not that Impressed
CHAPTER 10
ELLIE
The Pumas have a home game on Sunday, and Libby and I join my parents in their suite. The film crew isn’t here. They get footage of us at the games from time to time, but it gets old if they rely on it too much through the season. It will be a nice break. I’ve been so busy with photoshoots and a low-key event for Girls Play, in addition to my filming schedule. I also did double-duty the last few days to make sure Janelle got some needed time off. I haven’t had time to talk to my dad about Grayson Hollis. Or even text Grayson much more than we did the other night. I keep having to delay us getting together because of other obligations. Grayson has been understanding, and it’s a point in his favor. Most people don’t realize how busy my schedule is since they watch me go out to lunch or hang out at my parents’ on the show. The filming takes a lot of commitment.
Even without the show filming at the game, everyone with a phone will be capturing video of us to splash across social media. There will be a ridiculous number of posts about my expressions during the game, and somehow it will only be when I scowl or glare that it goes viral. There will be a discussion on how the number on the tank-top jersey I’m wearing doesn’tbelong to anyone on the roster, and that must mean I’m feuding with all the players. And that I hate them.
It’s fine. It drives people to my social media accounts searching for my reactions to any of it and plenty of people end up following Girls Play or other organizations I’m working with. It’s exhausting, but in the end, worth it.
Isla
Come see me in Dad’s suite. Hollis is here.
Ellie
No cameras, babe.
Isla
How will I ever manage to spend time with you without cameras…
Ellie
Come over here. You know we have better food.
Isla
Hollis won’t. Says it would be awkward with your dad.
I glance back at my dad, who’s sipping a cocktail and talking with Jack Forester, the Puma’s general manager. With Janelle being sick the last few days, I’ve only really seen my parents to film. Even though the puking only lasted twenty-four hours, she still felt iffy the next couple of days, and it’s left her exhausted. I ended up taking her to my parents Friday afternoon, when we knew the crew would be gone, and Mom switched right into nurse-mode. She called Victoria and rescheduled all the filming for other stuff her and Dad had going on through the weekend, and I ended up at more random events to keep Victoria happy and away from Janelle.
Janelle is back at our apartment, still exhausted and lounging around while she watches the game, so I’m bored in the suite. Going over to where Isla is sitting with her dad and his friend,Travis Phillips, will be more exciting. I stand up, pulling my oversized sunglasses from my crossbody bag.
“Where are you going?” Libby looks up from her phone and the Snapchat selfies she’s been posting every few minutes.
“Over to Isla’s suite.”
“Can I come?”
I ruffle her hair, which she hates. “Sure. Don’t embarrass me, okay?” I wink at her.
“You make it so easy.” She smirks at me. “The challenge isyounot embarrassing me.”
“I’m very cool, Libby,” I protest as we head down the hallway behind the suites. “Millions of people think so.”
“Old people.”
“I’m only twenty-seven. That’s hardly old.”
She scoffs.
Isla’s not the one that greets us when we reach the box. It’s Colin Hurst. He’s been bugging me since Isla’s launch to do a collab with him, like her. I keep putting him off, since he’s all about image and sexist as all get out, even though he fakes it on his page.
“Ellie!” he exclaims. He holds out his arms like he’s going to hug me. I shake my head and raise an eyebrow. I won’t start a feud between us on purpose, but I also wouldn’t be mad if someone snapped a picture of me shutting him down and he had to explain himself.
Grayson Hollis rescues me though, which is another point in his favor.
“Hey, good to see you again.” Grayson reaches for my hand and shakes it, and I smile at him gratefully.
