Page 30 of Scoring Chance
It was clear from the jump, Ian’s interest in Sydney went beyond her art and he was trying to force Dean out of the picture in some form. He was almost successful with it as well, getting one night with Sydney in return. One night was all he would ever get because Dean made it very clear he was permanently in Sydney’s life, regardless of whatever dreams Ian sold to her.
The conference room at the Staples Center was deathly quiet as the two men to sign off on the housing purchase. Dean knew Ian could’ve handled everything through a broker and lawyer if he wanted to, but the older man was too smart for that.
He wanted to confront Dean about something and Dean hoped to God he didn’t end up with too-harsh of a suspension from the league when his fist connected with Ian’s face.
“So, now that I’m the owner this means I can control who comes in and who doesn’t?” Dean met Ian’s eyes.
Ian simply blinked at Dean and his games.“Dean…” Ian began. “…I know you’re not still mad at me for paying more attention to your girlfriend than you did.”
Dean released his tightly closed fist as his nostrils flared. He quickly remembered prison orange was not his color. “Are we good?” Dean signed off on the last contract sheet.
“We’re good. Now that’s out of the way, I need to talk to you about something important,” Ian began, “the other day I received a rather precarious gift concerning you.” He opened a drawer and pulled out a large manila envelope. “I need for you to tell me what the fuck were you thinking.”
“What?” Dean grabbed the envelope and removed the photos. In spectacularly clear and high-definition, were many photos of he and Rebecca in numerous sexual positions. “What is this?”
“You tell me,” Ian folded his arms across his lap, “they were sent to me a few days ago.”
Dean studied the photographs again. His face was clearly shown and no one could say it was another person or even photoshopped. The photographs were so clear, he could make out the sweat forming on his abs as he looked at picture of Rebecca giving him head.
His concern over the photos quickly turned to anger once he remembered who gave him the photos. Ian always made it clear he wanted Dean out of the picture in one form or another and he found a surefire way. “You brought me here to blackmail me?” Dean quietly asked.
“I brought you here because I’m not the only one with these photos,” Ian sharply replied, “I’m sure your little costar in these photos is the one who sent them. And if my assumption is correct, I’m sure she has TMZ on speed dial. It’s only a matter of time before these get sent out.”
Dean’s worst nightmare about Rebecca came true. He should’ve known she called the paps. “Great.”
“Hardly. Dean, you need to understand is I don’t give a damn about you. I truly don’t. You are my father’s financial interest and most certainly not mine. I do care, however, about Sydney and her art. She has the potential of being this generation’s Warhol, Haring, and Basquiat. Her art and legacy will live on long after she dies. Your great-great-great grandchildren will still be rich and reaping the benefits of her hard work. Therefore, when I’m telling you your little ‘Hide the Penis’ game with your reality starlet is a fucking problem, I suggest you listen.”
Dean didn’t want to admit Ian was right. Once Sydney discovered the photos, it was sure she was gone. “What do you want me to do?” Dean asked. “Sydney can’t know about this.”
“No, Sydneywillknow about this. You’re going to tell her and preferably this week.” Ian replied. “Meanwhile, we’re going to get ahead of this story before it becomes any worse. Rebecca is merely sitting on those photos until you piss her off enough to release them, which should be relatively soon.” He let out a small breath. “Let me get Scott Reed on the phone.”
