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Tonight’s red carpet is as intimidating as last time, and the air even stuffier. Today was stifling with little to no breeze, which makes me think wearing a tight dress with long sleeves wasn’t the brightest idea.
Emily and Andrea are walking across the red carpet as we wait our turn. Of course his teammates and their partners are here. I’d nearly forgotten about that.
Next thing I know, Ashley is pushing us in to have our pictures taken with them. And just like that, I end up sandwiched between a star football player and Emily’s perfect body. She’s wearing a shimmering floor-length beige dress with a high slit that shows off her legs. And the neckline is so deep, you can almost see her belly button.
After we pose for a few shots with them, we wait behind to get photographed together before moving on to the interview section. Wade talks to a few reporters, and then we enter the venue.
We step into an old warehouse that has been transformed into an upscale event space. Impossibly high ceilings with brass pipes and track lighting contrast against the elegantly decorated round tables scattered across the room. Exposed red bricks adorn two of the walls, velvet drapes framing the large windows.
Once we spot Wade’s teammates and their partners standing around a few high tables near the centre, we walk over to join them. It’s always bizarre to see the players wearing something other than their football uniforms. It’s like when you come across your dentist or physician outside of their practice, and they’re not wearing their lab coat. You almost don’t recognise them.
“Ah, the man of the hour,” Andrea announces while slapping a hand on Wade’s back.
“Great turnout, man,” Hans says, taking a sip of his turquoise-blue drink. “I love the photos from your athletic shoot.”
“Thanks, guys. I appreciate your being here.”
“Are you kidding, mate?” Andrea bellows. “We weren’t going to pass on that Ivory swag bag. The thing is packed,” he jokes.
He’s right. The swag bags are lined up on a table at the back of the room, and they’re enormous. It’s the kind of paper bag you get when you buy a pair of high boots or two.
“Nice to see you again,” Hans says, turning to me. “Good to know our man hasn’t done anything stupid to drive you away.”
“Yet,” Andrea tacks on with a smirk.
Wade rolls his eyes and snakes an arm around my waist, effectively setting my skin on fire. “Yeah, yeah.”
“No, but really, it’s good to see you’re making an honest man out of him.” Hans raises his glass to me.
“What can I say?” Wade gives my waist a squeeze. “This girl is amazing.”
Heat flares to my cheeks, and my body temperature shoots up. Why does he always have to say the sweetest things?
I lean against him, and he kisses my forehead. It’s these moments when the lines begin to blur. I know we’re in public, and PDA is expected, but Wade’s gesture doesn’t feel forced. It’s too natural, too intimate, making it impossible for me to keep my growing feelings in check.
The guys start chatting about football, so I turn to Uma and Emily, and we talk fashion. How cliché of us all.
“That dress is really something,” Uma says with a warm smile. “I love it.” She takes a step back to get a better look, and I do a little curtsy. This was a bold choice for me, but I do think I look quite nice in it.
“Thank you. I love your outfit too.” She’s wearing a purple silk dress.
“That’s too kind of you. Do you want another drink? I’m going to fetch some champagne.”
“Nothing for me,” I say.
“I’ll have one.” Emily raises a finger. Once Uma’s gone, she turns back to me, leaning one elbow on the table. “She’s right. That dress is really . . . something. It takes a lot of confidence to walk on the red carpet with an outfit like that. It showcases quite a lot of you.”
“Thank you?” I peep with a forced smile, even if I know there’s not an ounce of good will in her words. I don’t want to cause a scene.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know Ivory couture made plus-size clothing. Maybe they had to design one just for you . . .”
I conjure up a giggle. “Frankly, I’d be honoured if they did. Not everyone gets to wear a one-of-a-kind couture piece.” My words come out sassier than I intend. I’m trying to be polite, but she’s really starting to grate on my nerves. I would watch myself if I was her. She’s as thin as a pencil, and I could easily break her in two.
She lets out a loud snort, and the guys’ heads snap toward us. “Not girls who look like you, that’s for sure. Frankly, it’s surreal you’re even here tonight.”
Wade wraps a protective arm around my waist, and his soapy scent soothes me immediately. “Stop being such a nasty witch, Emily.” His tone is calm, but firm.
Emily’s brown eyes widen. She looks to Andrea for support, but he just holds his hand up. He’s probably tired of her crap too.
