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Craig stiffens beside me before speaking. “And who are you? Are you representing Ms. Parks?”
Nora looks like she’s about to give him the middle finger but holds back.
“I’m her assistant. You must be the imbecile who doesn’t know how to do his job.”
“You think it’s just that simple,” Craig scoffs. “Anyone in this business knows it’s not as easy as just saying these two aren’t sleeping together.” He points between Andie and me, and I want to smack his finger away.
“It sure was easy enough for an innocent picture to lead to–”
Andie puts a hand on Nora’s arm to stop her. “Why don’t you just tell us why we’re here,” she says softly, making sure her eyes never wander in my direction.
“Tigers management wants to get this under control quickly.” Miranda looks at me. “Sean, you are a figurehead of our organization, and what’s bad for you is bad for the Tigers. Doug couldn’t join us this morning, but he’s insistent we turn this around.”
Great.Doug, my GM, is sending a warning, and I hear it loud and clear.
Miranda sips her coffee. “Craig and I think it would help if we teamed up to offer some kind of community outreach. The two of you working together to give back would be a good way to break down some of the…negative press.”
“Hold on.” I raise my hand. “We just started the season. I don’t have time to organize some event to try to negate a bunch of lies.”
“I’m not sure you have much of a choice. If this continues, you need to consider the repercussions,” Craig says. I know he’s talking about my affiliation with the team and sponsors. “I’m sure Ms. Parks is facing similar issues.”
Andie’s eyes finally land on mine when I glance her way. “What do you mean, like being called his dollar store arm candy or a coin purse slut or having all of my business associates questioning whether or not they want to work with someone like me?” She air-quotes the last part.
I drop my head, unable to look at her any longer. I’ve seen the comments, and they’re despicable.
“Sean, you could always kiss and make up with Morgan, and then this whole thing will vanish,” Craig offers.
I turn to face him. “There’s not a chance in hell I’m doing that.”
Miranda takes over again. “What we’re suggesting is the two of you collaborating to bring an event to the stadium. We think the best thing is to let your fans and the community see the two of you working together. Turn the negative into a positive. You were at the benefit for the children’s hospital when this all broke loose. Andie, I understand your father is the Chief of Staff, so maybe a day for the kids at the stadium? Or a benefit for veterans since your husband–”
“Stop.” I put my hand up, not wanting to listen to another word. I stare at Andie, who looks like she’s ready to rip my head off. “Can Andie and I have a minute, please?”
She doesn’t move, but Nora leans over and says something to her. When no one moves, I stand. “Would you step outside with me? Please?” I ask her directly.
The room is silent for what seems like a solid minute before she pushes her chair back and stands, coming around the table toward the door. We step out, and I close it. She stands with her arms crossed, looking up at me expectantly.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry about the pictures and what’s being said. I had no idea they were going to–”
She cuts me off. “What do you want, Sean?”
I look down at her. Her green eyes look tired and miserable, which is an exact reflection of how I feel.
“Are you ok?” I ask, not wanting her to blow me off. I really want to know.
“No, not really, but it’s a feeling I’m becoming entirely too comfortable with.”
I close my eyes, reeling in the outburst building in my throat, not at Andie, but at the situation. “I know it doesn’t make it any better, but I hope you know nothing my ex said is true. I have no idea why she’s doing this.”
Her head falls to the side. “Well, that’s a relief.”
I inhale and let it out, but Andie’s frustration only adds to mine. I know she’s angry and has every right to be, but I didn’t do this.
“Look, they want us to do this, but if you don’t want to do it, I’m fine with that. If you do, if it will help you through this, then I’ll do what I can to help.”
“That’s awfully generous of you.” Her sarcasm is clear. She, too, lets out a breath like she’s trying to reel it in. “Listen, I don’t know what the right thing is here, but I know that I need this to stop, and I can’t have people following me or showing up at my house.”
I frown. “Has that happened?”
