Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 158848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
Diane’s shoulders slump. Is that a sign she actually feels some remorse? “I didn’t have anything to do with that.” She lifts her gaze and looks me in the eyes. “You know I left shortly after the show started.” She glances toward the door we just came out of. “The ladies and romantic aspect weren’t a part of the show when I asked you to sign on.”
That actually helps me hate her less.
“It really was supposed to be about fighting and training together in a closed environment. All the knockouts, antics, and brawls between the fighters was supposed to be the entertainment, not romance or dating.”
Hating her a bit more now. “You realize paying us a bonus each time we knocked each other unconscious is fucking psychotic, right?”
“Only if we’d told you that ahead of time.” She chuckles. “It’s a show about fighting,” she says as if I’m dense.
Maybe I am. “Fighting in the ring. Not knocking each other out over who stole someone’s French fries.”
“Well, from what I saw, you conducted yourself with integrity throughout the whole season.” She vaguely gestures toward the studio again. “I think that’s why you were the fan favorite, even though Naptime supposedly ‘won.’”
At least she seems bitter about that too. “So you know it was rigged?”
“Rigged isn’t the right word.” She shakes her head. “And based on the audience reaction, you came out on top, no matter what the judges decided.”
When I don’t agree with her assessment, she shrugs. “I’m sorry it wasn’t the experience you expected. But you did end up winning money.” She nods at Molly. “For your future. That’s what you wanted, right?”
“Yes,” I answer but can’t quite bring myself to add a thank you.
“I think you’ll navigate the newfound celebrity well. You’re not going to be out there making an ass out of yourself like so many others I’ve worked with.”
“No, the show already did that for me.”
“And all those misconceptions were clarified today.” She lifts her eyebrows.
Is she trying to say she’s responsible for the truth about Kiki and me coming out?
“The fight with Magic could be huge for you,” she continues. “I hope you’re considering it seriously.”
“I am.”
“He’s a massive douche canoe.” She laughs. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good fighter and has a huge following. But his personality…you’ll hate him.” She waves her hand toward the stage. “He’s like an articulate, better-looking Naptime.”
“Super. Can’t wait.” I flash a fake grin.
“But, now that you’ve recovered, if you resume your training and focus the way you did here, I think you’ll beat him easily. Knock him out in round two at least.”
“You’re not just a reality television fairy,” Molly says. “You’re a fight promoter too?”
I can’t tell if Molly’s serious or subtly mocking Diane.
Diane seems to take the question seriously. “Just a fan of combat sports. Who knows people.”
“Are you saying you’re responsible for the Magic fight?” I ask.
“I didn’t say that.” The corners of her mouth twitch with secret amusement, then her expression turns serious. “I really didn’t know they were gunning to set you up to make it look like you were with Kiki. That’s not the kind of narrative that interests me.” Her gaze shifts between Molly and me. “I actually liked the young love story, thought it would bring a little wholesomeness to what can be a trashy game sometimes. But obviously I was overruled.” She grins and reaches out to tap my arm. “I heard you had Paul practically pissing his pants when you confronted him. Good for you.”
So Paul must be the one who changed the direction of the show. What an asshole. I should’ve punched that potato-looking motherfucker when I had the chance. “I don’t know about that.”
“It’s all behind you now. If we get renewed for another season,” her voice rises in pitch, like I’m a kid she’s teaching to use the potty for the first time, “we might ask if you want to come back as a coach or mentor.”
Molly lets out a snort-laugh that sounds a lot like “hell no” and I couldn’t agree more.
“I wish you two luck,” Diane says. “The balance of your money should be deposited in a day or two, Griff. And Molly, you should’ve gotten a check for your fee before you left?”
Molly pats her purse. “I did.”
“Good.” She tilts her head, looking at someone behind me. “I need to have a minute with Woolly. Congratulations, Griff.”
“Thanks.” This time I say it with more sincerity.
Molly just nods at her. Once Diane’s distracted with Woolly, Molly shrugs my arm off her shoulders and sends me an icy side-eye.
I need to get her alone so we can talk about the fight before she starts thinking I’m planning to abandon her again and have a repeat of last summer.
“You ready to head home?” I ask.
“Yup.”
I hit the unlock button. She jerks the door open, not waiting for me to open it for her.