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“Andie.” Mr. McNeil beckons me. “Let me see that young man. Gemma has been gushing about how handsome he is.”
I stop and turn Axel to give them a good look at my little guy. “This is Axel.”
“Awe. Look at him.” Mrs. McNeil reaches for his hand. “He’s just adorable.”
“This is your son?” the maybe GM asks. Today instead of the slimeball suit, he’s wearing a team pullover. His long perusal tells me my instincts about him aren’t wrong.
“Yes.” I hold Ax a little higher and kiss his cheek, ignoring the discomfort in my belly.
“Andie, I don’t know if you’ve met, but this is Doug Miller, our General Manager,” Mr. McNeil says.
“Nice to meet you,” I respond as the guy’s calculating eyes run over me.
“You too,” he returns, but it feels fake. “You and Sean have quite the turnout. Unfortunately, such a scandal had to exist to make this happen. Today needs to put that all to rest, and everyone can get back to business.”
“Well, I’m certain business around here was never interrupted over poor acting and a wounded ego.” Gem looks the tool dead in the eye before turning to Mr. McNeil. “Besides,anyone who makes decisions based on what that woman said is a clown.” She turns to me. “I think we should go find Nora. It’s time to get this show on the road.”
We turn, and I hear Gem mumble under her breath. “Shove his head up his tight–”
I laugh, listening to her go on about Doug. When we find Nora, I leave Ax and Gem with her to babysit so I can join Jonesy and the rest of the band, but like he was watching me, Doug stops me.
“Andie,” he says like he knows me. “I know this may be a personal question…your son…” He crosses his arms over his chest. “Is he, you know?”
I frown, wanting to understand if he’s asking me what I think he's asking me.
“I’ve been told your relationship with Sean is strictly professional, and there’s no merit to Morgan’s claims.” His eyes travel away, then harden as they zero back in on me. “I’m concerned we have more of a problem here than we realized.”
I stiffen. “What problem would that be?”
Doug lets out a snotty chuckle like I’m slow. He rests his hands on his hips like he’s choosing his words carefully. I know they’re going to send me into a rage, regardless.
“Look, whatever arrangement you and Sean have is your business, but we don’t need the press getting hold of any information about a baby. I’m sure you understand what that would mean.” My fist wants to make contact with his face. “It’d be best for everyone if you make sure the wrong people don’t get wind of him. This needs to be over, and Sean needs to focus on his job. We don’t need any more problems.”
I stare at him, trying to figure out who he thinks he is. He takes a small step closer.
“I’m not sure if you understand, but Sean’s career is on the line. That won’t work out so well for you in the long run, if you know what I mean.”
I roll my shoulders back and match his stance, trying not to hurt him. “What I understand is you seem to think Sean and I care about what conclusions people may draw. This is my life. It’s his life, and we have to deal with people like you trying to manipulate situations to cover your ass. That baby ismyson, and not you or anyone else will tell me how to handle anything when it comes to him. If you have an issue, take it up with Sean. I don’t work for you, and even if I liked you, I still wouldn’t do what you’re suggesting.”
I turn and walk away, wondering if Sean knew anything about this. Did he know Doug or someone else would have an issue with Ax? My mind is spinning when I’m supposed to remember the words to songs in just a few minutes.
I don’t want to make things worse, and I definitely don’t want Ax to be the next target, but I couldn’t let that asshole tell me to hide my son. I also wasn’t going to let him think he could dictate what happens with Sean and me. He may have leverage with Sean, but I don’t give a damn what he says.
I climb the stairs and find Jonesy.
“You alright?” he asks while I stand there, trying to collect myself back from the brink of kneeing someone in the balls.
“Yeah. Some dick just tried to tell me I should hide Ax.”
“What?!” Jonesy’s face scrunches into a look of disbelief. “Who?”
“The team’s GM.”
Jonesy searches the crowd like he wants to know who he is. “Does Sean know about this?”
“If he doesn’t, I have no doubt he’s about to find out.” I look at the crowd gathering around, having the best time. I don’t see Sean.
“Do you think you should give him a heads up? This is no joke.”
