Page 27 of Winning Match
“No,” I bite out. “I want her protected.”
Callie clucks her tongue, but I can tell she wants to know more.
I offer nothing.
“Can I give you a piece of advice?”
I clear my throat, waiting.
“If you care for her, at all, make sure she knows what she’s in for. You’re still receiving more threats than you did before the car-keying incident. Some of your fans are becoming emboldened. Your life is being dissected online. The media, social media, can build you up as quickly as it can tear you down. You know that. Your family understands that. But this woman…”
I don’t share her name.
Callie snorts. “Understood. This woman doesn’t. Don’t blindside her, García. Even if you don’t care for her at all, don’t feed her to the wolves. Call me back within the hour. Sooner if you can swing it.” She hangs up.
I swear loudly, then straighten.
Because the shower has turned off and I don’t hear the blast of a blow dryer.
How much did Marlowe overhear? What does she know? What will she think?
Early feedback is indicating this is positive.
It shows commitment.
There’s time to control the narrative.
My mind spins and I hunch forward, my palms braced over my knees.
What if…
What if Marlowe and me were a thing?
Callie was right. It’s what the team owner wants, what my father wants.
What if Marlowe was my girlfriend?
Fuck. I can’t ask that of her. She’s not cut out for this because no one is cut out for this shit. Life under a microscope, existing in a constant spotlight.
Some of your fans are becoming emboldened.
Your life is being dissected online.
I don’t want that shit for Marlowe. My security team has doubled this summer and I’ve barely gone out.
It doesn’t matter what Papá thinks. There’s still time for me to step back from the rumor. Send Marlowe home and protect her.
A text comes through on my phone and my stomach sinks as I read it.
Papá
Ricardo Nuñez and senior management are thrilled to hear you’ve settled down. A girlfriend could be good for you, Alejandro. Perhaps I reacted too harshly. Perhaps this is for the best.
Girlfriend. They’ve already jumped to that conclusion.
Mama
Ale! Your father told me the good news! Please, invite her to Sunday paella. Can she come this week?
