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“But you were the victim of a kidnapping by a fan of your website. That doesn’t seem safe.”
“I’m a survivor of a situation that never should have happened. The man who allegedly took me is a casualty of a healthcare system that is more interested in profits than people. His story is similar to Lance’s in that they were failed by people who should’ve protected them.” I’m careful not to confirm Paul’s involvement, but I sound defensive, and it’s a mistake.
“Many people suffer from mental illnesses but don’t kidnap other people. Do you agree your profession puts you at risk?” Her smile hides the gleam in her eyes.
“Andrea, do you mind if I interject?” Mav leans in but gives the camera a great angle of his face.
Andrea’s eyes flicker in annoyance, but she concedes. “I’m sure everyone is interested in your opinion.”
“Let’s not lose the plot. The reason we agreed to this interview is because other news organizations immorally received information from a mentally ill man to expose Sky’s career as if it’s dirty and he should be ashamed. He’s not, and I’m proud to call him my boyfriend. We have an unnatural tendency to victim-blame. The news details horrific acts but dismisses them because the victim brought the harm upon themselves. ‘News outlets’ ”—he uses air quotes—“regularly use dishonest or illegal methods to get information to create clickbait with no ramifications. It’s disappointing that you question Sky’s career when both you and I are more prominent in the public eye.”
“Journalism and hockey are far different from someone who takes their clothes off for money,” she retorts.
“Have you seen online content for hockey? Romance readers are rabid. The number of naked torso dressing room shots has exploded, as well as videos of our stretching routines. Dancing isn’t inherently sexual.” Mav lets his statement sit as a mic drop, and I’ve never loved him more.
“Which is why I specifically chose a career as a camboy. As a dancer, I was touched inappropriately by hundreds of people. As a sex worker, a delusional man thought he was my boyfriend, but he didn’t harm me. His crime was running from the police. My current career is objectively safer.”
“Such fascinating topics, but my producer is waving me to commercial. We’ll be back after this.” The camera light goes off, and her smile fades.
Mav immediately stands and offers her his hand. “Nice meeting you, thank you for your time.”
“Will you stay for another segment?” She straightens the mic pack.
“Unfortunately, we have a full schedule today. Thank you for the offer.” Instead of shaking her hand, I take Mav’s. “Have a good day,” I say with the lilt of a cheerleading squad.
Finn meets us at the stage door and speed-walks us out of the building. “Great job. Skylar, you can have a job in PR anytime,” he praises.
“I’ll pass. Terrible hours and low pay,” I quip.
“You tell no lies, little muffin. Can I drop you at your next appointment?” Finn has his phone in hand.
“My next appointment is right here.” Mav wraps his arm around me.
Finn stops to glare at us. “Take that home. I’m not in the mood for a sex tape.”
“When are you ever?” Mav asks.
“When it’s mine.” Finn exits into the chill without a backward glance.
“You heard him. Let’s go home.” I’m blinded by a flash of light, and Mav dips me into a kiss.
“That’s all you get.” He salutes the photographers, and we hurry to our rideshare.
My phone pings and I show Mav.
Mrs. M: I’m so proud of both of you
“She’s really hoping you’ll forgive her,” I say.
“I will. She’s even volunteering at a crisis hotline inspired by The Trevor Project. Only by proving herself over and over will she help me trust her not to hurt you. And Dad has to be involved in our lives and can’t claim ignorance anymore. They don’t understand everything, but they’re making an effort.”
“Fair.” I drag him out of the car and into our house to forget about his parents and the outside world.
Chapter 39
Maverick Maher
“Sky?” I call with concern, since the air smells of someone’s cooking. Hopefully Maria’s here. Being away has turned me into a neurotic mess, with Sky being lonely. I’ve got a bright surprise being delivered that should add a wow factor to cheer him up.
