I open my mouth to speak, but Hannah starts first. We’d agreed ahead of time that she should probably do most of the talking, knowing that Brandon would oppose anything I said simply out of spite. “You need a P.R. makeover, ASAP. Andi needs to quiet any rumors or speculation that she’s acting with impropriety with any players in the league. And the fact that you two were seen this past week flying to Denver together doesn’t help either of you.”
I fold my hands on the table and wait. This idea had seemed good when we’d talked about it yesterday. In fact, Hannah was super excited when I called her with my idea.
Hannah continues. “We need a reason why you were both on that flight together that isn’t a romantic rendezvous.”
I suppress a shudder when she says that.
“Andi suggested that you two announce and put together a charity initiative. That way there’s a reason you were going to Denver.”
“I wasn’t even going to Denver. I went to Wyoming. Denver was just a stop on the way to Jackson Hole. Or wherever the hell in the middle of nowhere I went once the plane landed. I don’t even know. All I know is I didn’t get cell reception and cows really do smell like farts.”
Nice.
I glance at Hannah who looks like she’s biting her tongue. Literally. Her jaw is clenched so tightly I’m afraid she’s going to break a tooth. She stands. “I’m going out to the main restaurant to get a drink. Or ten. I suggest that the two of you find some common ground so we can get your charitable acts in motion. Otherwise, both your careers are probably dead in the water.”
She leaves and I take a sip of my gin and tonic. There’s nothing like it in the summer. I look at Brandon Nix and immediately drain the rest of my drink. I flag the server down to order another, and Brandon gestures for himself as well.
“Surely we can find some common ground,” I finally say. “We’re both adults here. There has to be something we can agree would be a worthy cause to lend our names to.”
Brandon scoffs. “I doubt you and I have anything in common.”
I start with the lowest hanging fruit. “We both like soccer.”
His head tilts slightly, but he doesn’t say anything. It doesn’t matter, it’s a tell. Remind me to challenge him in poker someday. I’d be sure to clean house with him as an opponent.
“Why don’t you want to do something with soccer?”
“I didn’t say that.” His eyes dart around the room, looking at everything but me.
A-ha! Got him. “You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”
Still, he doesn’t say anything. Alrighty then. I try another approach. “A ranch in Wyoming? What were you doing out there?”
“Visiting my sister.” His voice is gruff and guarded. Not like the Brandon Nix I so often see.
“Funny, I was on my way to visit my brother. I hope your visit went better than mine.”
His gaze shifts to mine immediately. “What happened?”
“My brother wasn’t there. I landed in Denver and immediately flew back to Boston the same day. It was the longest day ever.” I order another drink.
“What do you mean he wasn’t there? Why would you go see him if he wasn’t in Denver? I’m so confused.”
“I had no reason to believe he wouldn’t be there. Except ...” I don’t know how to say that Benj didn’t tell me. Didn’t think I was important enough to tell. “Anyway, there was a miscommunication, and I didn’t get to see him after all.”
It’s lame, but it’s not as if I’m going to tell Brandon Nix all about my life. We’re here to figure out what charity we’re going to work with, and that’s it.
This is just about saving my career.
