by Amy Field
“Lemme call up and check with her,” he said and reached for the phone.
“No need, I’ll come back later, but since I’m here, why don’t I give you to two tickets to our next game. Front row seats.”
This had to be a trump card, he thought, and he was right. The guard grinned and then put the phone down.
“She is on the ninth floor, the third door to your left, apartment 903. Very nice lady,” the guard said helpfully.
He smiled at the man and as a bonus he signed an autograph before heading for the ninth floor. He paced the elevator while he rehearsed what to say to her but nothing he thought of seemed in the least bit adequate. The way he treated her after their night together was inexcusable.
The elevator slid open and a couple in a heated embrace broke apart before him and the young woman smiled shyly and broke away from her man. For a moment Wade anticipated that one or the other would realize who he was, but neither did. The man nodded and took his girls’ hand and led her into the elevator, while Wade turned sideways for them to pass. Usually he couldn’t enter any establishment without people noticing him, but these two lovebirds were so engrossed with one another that they hardly cared for who he was. Perplexed walked down the corridor until he got to apartment number 903. He still had no idea what to say, or why he was here in the first place. Just as he raised his hand to knock on her door, all he felt was thin air and Tammy stood wearing PJ’s and slippers with a packet in her hand and her lips parted.
“Hey,” he said and his lips curved into a sideways smile.
Wade wouldn’t openly admit it, but seeing her in her PJ’s was probably the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. Cotton pants with paw prints and a matching shirt. It was like a twilight zone compared to the usual silk and lace lingerie he normally preferred his women to wear.
Tammy’s heart skipped a beat the moment she opened the door only to stare straight into Wade’s eyes. In an instant she felt heat flush her cheeks. She was about to dump her rubbish down the refuse shoot and then head to bed. The last person she expected to see was Wade. She instantly switched from surprised to annoyed, mostly as a defence mechanism. She exited her apartment and closed her door behind her then slipped past him and walked over to the refuse shoot across the hallway.
“What are you doing here?” she asked indifferently.
“I came for help.”
Keeping her back turned on him as she fiddled with the shoot handle; she tried to keep her cool. She was still angry at him for what he had pulled at the press conference, but he had come to her for help? She couldn’t even fathom how that had come about.
“What can I possible help with,” she muttered and slammed the shoot door shut with a loud bang. “The infamous Wade Conley doesn’t need help, he needs a miracle.”
She flinched at her own words, but as a reporter she spoke her mind when she felt the need to. Freedom of speech was her motto. When she turned to face him, she saw the slight surprise in his eyes, but she refused to let that affect her. His hair was a mess, and he avoided her gaze like a school boy that’s been scolded. Her attention was drawn to his hands; he was rubbing his left hand. That’s when she noticed the bruises on his knuckles. Great! She thought, another fist fight, like he would ever learn from his mistakes.
“I did something today that I am not proud of,” he admitted.
Her heart ached for him, he looked genuinely lost, but she couldn’t let that affect her. She steeled herself and reached for her door. What she should do is close it and leave him in the hallway, but instead she left it open.
“Is it going to make headline news?”
“No, Matthews will hush it up, but today while we were practicing, I got into a fight with Jordan and I ended up hitting him. I broke his nose.”
She shoved her vulnerability aside and walked over to the fridge to take out a bag of peas and handed it to him. “Ice will help reduce the swelling,” she simply said.
“I just lost it, and I was so out of line…” he started.
She circled him as if he was a hot plate she was trying to avoid.
“I’m sure you didn’t come here for ice or medical attention and since Matthews will hush up the incident, why are you here exactly?”
She turned the kettle on, more a ploy to keep busy than anything and took out two cups.
“I thought a lot about what you said and you are right. I made a lot of mistakes but I had no one to point it out to me as you did. Or they never tried. You were the first person to tell it like it is.”
She gave a single laugh and raised her brows. “Oh believe me, I am not the only one, if I’m not mistaken Eva Gregory once told you in an interview for CNN, that you’ll lose your career to a bottom of a bottle and a bar fight. Sugar?” she asked off topic.
“No thanks,” he said.
She continued to make the coffee. “And if I recall, your words to her were- That’s what rehab’s for,” she quoted.
An awkward silence followed, and she knew she had hit a nerve. She turned to hand him is coffee, and he took the cup from her. He looked like he was beating himself up as it is, and here she was rubbing salt into the wound.
“That was almost two years ago, and then I didn’t care what people thought. Now things are different.”
She brought her cup to her mouth and took a sip of her coffee studying him.
“Why now?”
He shrugged. He hadn’t touched his coffee, and he placed his mug on the counter. “That’s what I don’t know, but somehow, when I’m with you I want to be a better person.”
That caught her off guard and sent swirl of emotion through her that reached into the very depths of her soul.
“How hard did Jordan hit you exactly?” she asked smiling. He was clearly experiencing an emotional burn out or he was losing his mind.
“I’m serious Tammy; I need you to help me.”
She should send him home, but she couldn’t. She should really tell him to find a therapist, but somewhere deep down, that twinge of hope sparked and was threatening to turn into a devastating fire that would consume her completely.
“How am I going to help if I hardly know the real Wade Conley? All I know is your TV persona, the playboy who has a penchant for drinking and sleeping around.”
Hypocrite! she scolded herself.
Wade nodded, “I know, you’re right. Few know what goes on behind this facade of fame, but I’m willing to show you who I am. Come with me,” he said and held out his hand.
Her brows drew together, “With you? Now?”
“Right now.”
She was about to head to bed, and she was dressed in her PJ’s, there was no way she would go out anywhere dressed like this, unless the apartment was on fire.
“I’m not dressed to go out, you’ll have to show me some other time,” she protested.
“It will take you five minutes to change.”
He was utterly and frustratingly persistent; she thought and rolled her eyes before skimming past him to go change.
Tammy rummaged through her closet for something to wear. Although she tried her best to be indifferent, she couldn’t deny the exhilarating feeling that scorched her insides. She took out a maroon dress and would change into it when she remembered how form fitting it was. Her hand went to her stomach. The slight bump was showing, but to this point she hid it pretty well. Instantly the exhilaration was replaced by guilt and nervousness. What was she thinking, trying to keep this hidden from everyone, and on top of that allowing herself to get all infatuated with a famous sport star?
Her gaze moved to the dustbin in the corner of her bedroom. She had finally gotten the nerve to do the pregnancy test, and it confirmed her predicament. Now it was only a matter of time before people would start to notice it, and all the questions would roll in. Strangers and colleagues she could handle, but she wasn’t so sure how she would break the news to Wade. She needed to keep him at arms-length at all cost. He needed her help, and that was all she would offer.
She roused herself and picked out a looser blue dress, changed quickly and brushed her hair, applying light lipstick to complete the look. She would not try too hard.
Wade was waiting for her and he said nothing when he saw her, he only smiled and offered her his hand. She returned his smile but kept herself from taking his hand. Instead she skirted past him to the door and let him out.
When they got to the lobby, the guard on duty grinned from ear to ear, and she narrowed her eyes playfully at him. She knew the moment she saw the look on his face, that he had let Wade upstairs, but she couldn’t fault him. What Wade wanted, Wade got. The cool evening air surprised her, and she fought hard against shivering, praying that Wade wouldn’t notice the gooseflesh that broke out all over her arms. She should have brought something warm to wear.
“I hope you don’t mind the car,” Wade said drawing her out of her reverie.
Surprised to see a VW instead of his Porsche she smiled. “I’m a simple girl; flashy cars have never been my thing.” It was true, she had never been someone to be materialistic, she was more simplistic by nature, besides in this car she felt more at ease, it suited her style.
He talked little in the car and she almost expected him to take her to some high class place for dinner. Instead, he pulled up to Big Joe’s Diner. A casual yet popular hangout, but not at all what she had expected.
“Wade!” A pretty petite red head called out as they entered the deserted diner. “Glad you made it.”
“Yeah, sorry I’m late, I got held up.”
“Not at all, Papa said you might be a little later than expected.”
At first Tammy was sure that the girl was one of Wade’s conquests but she could see none of the animosity she would have expected from the girl who just smiled at her. The young girl led them to a table and sat them down, promising to bring the best for them.
“I am guessing you are a regular,” she asked.
“Pretty much. I come here whenever I need a boost.”
“It seems…”
“Unlike me? I am a normal person first and then a celebrity.”
“How often do you come here?”
“Once a week or so. I like it here, it’s quiet,” he said.
The red-head returned with milkshakes that towered above the rim of the glass with whipped cream. But the moment the smell of the sweet vanilla hit her senses her stomach growled. She had experienced none of the cravings she had expected to feel from pregnancy until now. She didn’t bother to wait for an invitation, instead she dove right in and took a sip of the gourmet milkshake and it felt as if her senses were orgasming.
“A fan of milkshakes?” he asked laughing.
“A fan of food,” she corrected.
He nodded approvingly at that and in no time, there were burgers and fries in front of them. The girl winked at Tammy and then walked off. Tammy wasted no time in digging in and he did the same. Soon they were joking with each other and talking about their favorite shoes.
“I used to think that I wouldn’t be able to do this. After I started playing, women started to hit on me without wanting to know me. They were only ever interested in bragging rights. At first I was offended but somewhere along the way, I had gotten rid of my morality and I had become the person they had wanted me to be. I guess with fame comes an immoral sense of self. Something ninety percent of celebs fall prey to.
Tammy smiled and nodded, “Unfortunately fame comes with a hefty price tag.”
Wade leaned forward on his arms and looked down at his empty plate. “The thing is, you made me realize just how superficial this lifestyle really is.”
Tammy couldn’t help but smile at him for saying that. Maybe there was hope for him after all.
“I think somewhere deep down my average Joe lurks, which is why I make a habit to come here at least once a week.”
“And fans, do they not try to break through the front door to get to you?” she asked.
He chuckled, “Sometimes, but it comes with fame and fortune, I just deal with it as best I can.”
While they enjoyed their dinner, Wade shared stories about his childhood and she reciprocated, talking about her life with a fond smile. She never regretted her upbringing because it made her the person she was today. She didn’t gloss over anything and told the story hiding nothing about her poor background.
For the first time since she met him in person, she didn’t feel nervous. In fact, she enjoyed the casual nature of their evening so much that she hadn’t even noticed the time.
“Wade, it’s already past midnight.”
He looked down at his watch and pulled a face. “Damn, I didn’t even take notice. I suppose it’s time to get you back home.”
She nodded and took her purse. “I’ll settle the bill.”
“Over my dead body,” he laughed.
“No seriously, I can claim back from work.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so. I’ll sort Gustav out later.”
Tammy conceded and smiled. Wade apologized to the red-head for keeping her and soon they were on their way. The short drive home was over too quickly. Wade walked around the car to open the passenger door for her, but she was already halfway out of the car.
“Don’t you ever allow a guy to treat you like a lady?”
Tammy laughed and shook her head, “I can handle myself thank you.”
Wade shrugged but closed the door behind her before walking her up to the entrance.
“Good night I guess,” he whispered.
“Do you want come in for some coffee?” she blurted without thinking and immediately wished she hadn’t offered.
Wade stared at her and a smile grew on his face.
“I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“I’ll make sure you don’t,” she teased. “Besides, you never had the first cup I made you. I might just warm it up and send you on your way.”
As they stood in silence waiting for the elevator, Tammy could feel the heat simmer in the pit of her stomach. The air was charged with static expectation, which she tried to ignore, but with Wade so close to her, she could hardly breathe. His musky manly scent intoxicated her sense, and she half wished that it would evoke morning sickness instead of passion. Maybe she had made a mistake inviting him up, she thought briefly, but she couldn’t change her mind now. She would see this through.
The elevator pinged, and the doors slid open. Wade let her step in first. Her legs trembled so much she felt the need to lean against the elevator wall. When he stepped in, he pressed the button to the ninth floor, but didn’t turn around. He watched her intently. The moment the elevator doors slid closed, he reached for her, and she went willingly. An invisible magnetic force drew them together and his lips crushed hers. Tammy’s head spun, and she clung to his shoulders for dear life. She was on a downward spiral to disaster, but she had no desire to stop her fall. Wade’s lips slanted against hers and his tongue slipped past hers, exploring the confines of her mouth. His hands roamed over her curves and down over her bottom and he pulled her roughly against him. Tammy instantly felt her stomach push against his arousal and that was enough to cause her to panic. Wade must have felt her hesitation and instantly broke the kiss and drew back.
“I’m sorry, I was out of line…” he started.
Even as he spoke, something inside of her broke. She didn’t want him to stop, regardless of the outcome. She was a hopeless romantic fool, or just a fool, period. She didn’t allow him to finish the sentence, instead she leaned up and pressed her lips against his and breathed, “Shut up and kiss me.”
With that the elevator doors slid open. Wade lifted her effortlessly, and she fumbled for her keys. Hot heat and passion was all she lived for in this moment, and if this was the last she would have of Wade, she would take all she could get. Her heart and mind would simply have to recover from the slaughter.
Like clock-work, Wade stirred at around 6am. It was his internal clock that woke him up every single
day. In the past he would go for a run but in recent months, he had gotten overly confident. This morning however, he could use a run. Between the day before and this morning, he must have had some sort of epiphany. He stretched and when he turned to the side, he saw Tammy lying on her side, her bare back towards him. He was tempted to lean over and kiss her shoulder but didn’t want to wake her up so he got up from bed. He put on his pants and took a look around her apartment. He hadn’t done that yesterday since he was too preoccupied by more important things. Just remembering the way she lost herself in his arms, made him smile. It had been the best night to date, and he wasn’t exaggerating. He really felt that the night had meant something to him, it was something far more substantial than any of the other dates he’s had before.
He walked through the hallway until he came to the living room. He saw her simplistic couches and TV before turning to the framed images on her wall. There was a family portrait on the wall, with a younger version of her in the middle. Beside it, were a few certificates and degrees, and a photo of her in her toga at her graduation. He pinned her to be the type who excelled in most things in life, and he was right. With honors in journalism, she really was somewhat of a passionate genius.
“Good morning,” he heard a husky voice behind him.
Tammy stood there, draped in the bed sheet, smiling at him.
“Did I wake you?” he asked as he turned towards her.
“No you didn’t.” She walked over to where he stood. “What are you looking at?”
“I was just looking at your accolades. It’s rather impressive,” he murmured and dropped a kiss on her lips.
“Hard work, many sleepless nights and lots of Ritalins paid off in the end,” she laughed softly.
“I thought you would be one of those girls who would study at Harvard or…” he started.
“To go to a really well known institute?” she finished the sentence for him. “My family isn’t that well off and I didn’t want to add a burden to their finances, so I opted for alternative methods to get my degree.”