Page 74 of Hat Trick
I click the next article.
Mystery Woman Spotted with Not One, Not Two, but THREE Hot Hockey Players. - What Gives?
Nausea rolls through me. I rush to the bathroom just in case I do lose my lunch. I sit on the cold tile floor and open the article.
The pictures are damning. There's no spinning this. It's everything I was afraid of.
There's a similar picture of Carter, Annie and I. Followed by a picture of Carter kissing my forehead. The next one is me cozying up against Gabe, Gabe's arm around my shoulders as we walk around the back of the car. The third is Luca planting a chaste kiss against my lips before I slide into the SUV.
The best night of my life, tainted by the media just the next morning. Tears flow freely down my face now. I knew it was too good to be true. I knew it was all too good to be true. Three gorgeous hockey players in love with me? The idea that we could have a happily-ever-after? The idea that even one crazy-successful, millionaire hockey player could ever want me, let alone three? What was I thinking?
The damage has already been done. I'm not sure how I could feel worse. Masochistically, I read the article.
Hold onto your hats, folks—this is one juicy scandal you won't believe! In a twist straight out of a soap opera, the "Plain Jane" who's been spotted with NHL superstar Carter Rhodes is actually playing the field...with not one, not two, but THREE of hockey's hottest hunks!
While fans were scratching their heads over Carter Rhodes' secret woman and love child, little did they know that Carter doesn't mind sharing = with two of the league's most eligible bachelors.
What's Next for "Jane"?
Will "Jane's" love triangle (or should we say love square?) come crashing down, or will she continue to keep her trio of hockey heartthrobs all to herself?
I shift to my knees, and dry wretch into the toilet. I can't remember when I ate last, but nothing comes up. I heave twice more before the feeling wanes, and I collapse against the wall again.
My phone pings with text messages, one coming in after the other. Apparently, my masochistic streak isn't finished, because I pick it up and read every single one.
My dad's outraged, disappointed in me, railing about what his friends will think. He calls me names no man should ever call his daughter. It's as if I've simply confirmed everything he's ever suspected of me. My mom left him for another man. Clearly, I'm sleeping around. I've just given him every reason to conclude that women are whores.
It hurts, but it's not surprising. A heavy peace actually settles in my heart. He was never going to love me, or accept me for who I am, even before my unusual relationship hit the news. It feels freeing, honestly.
I read my brother's texts. He's concerned, but not angry. I'll call him once I've calmed down and explain everything. He deserves to know.
Then there's several messages from Chad. At first, they're outraged. As if my dating life has anything to do with him. But then they cycle the entire gambit of emotions.
Chad: Emily, what the hell is going on?! I just read these articles about you. Dating THREE hockey players? Are you out of your mind?
Chad: You’re making a fool out of yourself. This is embarrassing for everyone who knows you. What are you thinking?
Chad: I’m worried about you, Ems. This isn’t like you. Are you okay? Are they taking advantage of you?
Chad: I know we’ve had our differences, but I still care about you. This whole thing seems really risky. These guys could hurt you.
Chad: You know how guys like them are, right? They’ll just use you and toss you aside. I don’t want to see you get hurt again.
Chad: Just remember who was always there for you when things got tough. When they inevitably break your heart, you know I’ll be here, waiting.
I roll my eyes. The narcissism with this one.
I wipe the tears from my cheeks when another text comes in.
Ben: I just heard. I'm so sorry. Are you okay?
A sad smile crosses my face. Ben owes me nothing, and he still cares enough to reach out. I appreciate that more than he knows. I don't have friends, besides the boys. And they're too close to this situation to be a good sounding board. They'll do and say anything they can think of to make me happier. And I love them for it, but they're hardly impartial.
I go to reply, but am I okay? Yes? No? Not really? Everything I was afraid of happening when I started exploring things with the boys just happened.
I'm sad and disappointed in my father. I'm annoyed with Chad. I'm upset by the press dragging me and our relationship through the mud for sales. But I think the part that bothers me the most is how me and our relationship makes the boys look bad.
Me: Thanks for check in. I really appreciate it more than I can say. I'm alright. Upset, of course. I just don't know what this means going forward.
