26
Olivia
“What’s your thought on kids”? Josh asks as we’re driving to the stadium together. He has practice and I have a meeting with Katherine to see how I’m getting on. I’m not gonna lie, I'm quite nervous about this meeting. I’ve been working here for three months now and she’s never called me in before.
“What do you mean? Like kids in general or…” I trail off, waiting for his explanation.
“Do you want kids?”
I contemplate it for a minute. I would love kids soon but I don't want to come across as some crazy woman thinking about having a baby with someone I’ve only been seeing for a few months. “Yeah I would. Someday.” I tell him. “What about you?”
“I’ve never really thought about it before.
” He replies and a part of me deflates, disappointment swirling through me.
This is probably a conversation you should have at the beginning of a relationship before things get serious.
“But now I can't stop picturing a mini version of you running around our apartment, watching me in the stands or cuddling up between us in bed.”
My heart bursts in my chest and butterflies erupt in my stomach.
A mini me? Our apartment? I barely stay at my place anymore since Sasha found her own apartment.
She stayed with me for a couple of weeks after everything that happened but she felt like she was intruding on my life even though I told her a million times she wasn't.
“Is it our apartment?” I ask, cautiously. Trying not to show how affected I am by his statement.
“It can be.” Josh replies, taking my hand in his. “Will you move in with me, Ollie?”
A wide smile stretches across my face when I tell him yes.
We start planning then and there. I already have a key, most of my camera equipment is already at his place as well as a lot of my clothes.
It won't take long for me to pack the rest of my stuff.
All I need to do is contact my landlord and let him know.
Excitement races through me and the butterflies are a constant.
“Sash is gonna pick me up after my meeting with Katherine. I’ll see you at home?”
“See you at home baby. I love you.”
“I love you too.” I tell him, kissing him goodbye before making my way into the stadium offices.
I’ve just got back to Josh’s building. Well, our building.
Me and Sasha went for lunch after my meeting.
Turns out Katherine really did just want to see how I was getting on.
She also mentioned that I’m the best photographer the team has ever had and the urge to jump up and down like a giddy school girl was so strong I had to grip the sides of the chair.
All my worries were for nothing at all. Part of me thought maybe she found out about Josh and me but she didn’t mention it at all so I am very fucking relieved.
As I was leaving the stadium, I ran into Conor.
He was in a pissy mood which I’ve never seen from him before.
He didn't say hi or flirt with me which was definitely unusual and when I’d asked if he’s kissed anymore of my friends lately he shot back with, “Kissed anymore of my teammates lately?” in a mocking British accent before he turned and walked away. I instantly felt guilty.
Sasha informed me that she told Conor that she’s not interested in him and I wonder if that’s what caused his bad mood.
But on a lighter note, Sash is absolutely buzzing about me moving in with Josh.
I had started to worry that it’s too soon but she reassured me that it wasn't and I feel so much better now. Nothing could ruin my mood right now.
Or so I thought…
Ryan is standing at the door of Josh’s apartment when I get up there. No, our apartment. God, it’s gonna take a while to get used to saying that.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, hatred evident in my tone.
“I wanted to talk to you.” He says, an evil grin plastered across his annoying face. I would love nothing more than to slap it off of him.
“I have nothing to say to you.” I move around him to the door, taking the key out of my hand bag.
“I have a lot to say to you though.” Would I get done for assault if I punched him in the nose? I wonder if I would find the crack of his bone satisfying. I think I would. He deserves it. “Can I come in so we can talk?”
I laugh but there’s no humour in it. “Abso-fucking-lutely not. I have no interest in anything you have to say, so kindly piss off.” I open the door, walking through the threshold but Ryan’s next words stop me in my tracks.
“So when I go to the stadium next week and have a talk with management, you wouldn't have an interest in that?” He says, a smug smile spread across his arrogant face.
“What are you talking about?”
“You didn't tell me you work with the Florida Flames, Liv.
Imagine my surprise when I found out that you actually made your life's dream of being a sports photographer come true.” I know where this conversation is heading.
My heart rate is increasing to dangerous levels and my palms are sticky with sweat.
I feign indifference. “Why would I tell you? We’re not friends.”
He ignores that statement, instead replaced with one that makes my stomach instantly drop and fall out of my ass. “I’m sure you can also imagine my surprise when I found out staff and team relationships are forbidden."
I’m speechless. I have no idea what to say. There’s nothing I can say right now. I’m sure Ryan wouldn't hear it anyway. “How did you find out?”
“That doesn’t really matter, does it Liv?”
“How did you find out, Ryan?” I stress again, my panic rising more and more.
“You forget I’ve become friends with some of the team who live in this building.
There’s something about you and Josh that seems…
off.” Ryan says, that smug smile so bright you could see it from space.
“I decided to ask about you. They said you’re the best photographer they’ve ever had.
I had to dig more, seeing as no one brought up their captain when they were talking about you, which to me seemed strange, considering you’re in a relationship. ”
“Get to the fucking point.” I snap, fisting the straps of my beg to stop from punching him in the jaw.
“The point is, I was told that relationships between staff and players aren't allowed.” I go to ask him who told him, but he beats me to it. “Who told me doesn't matter. What does matter is what’s gonna happen when I leave here.” I stay silent again, anxiously waiting for him to say what he needs to. “I’m gonna need you to end this little thing between you and Josh.”
I rear back as if he’s slapped me. “Excuse me?” I ask, shocked.
“You heard me, Liv. You and Josh are done.”
“Or what?” I ask, poking the bear when I know I shouldn't.
“Or I will go to management and tell them all about your relationship,” he says the last word with disgust as if the mere thought of me and Josh being together makes him physically sick.
“And trust me baby,” he pauses and I inwardly gag, “I will stop at nothing until Josh is off that team.” I always knew Ryan was a prick.
I just didn't think he would stoop this low.
My eyes well with tears but I refuse to let them fall.
I won't give him the satisfaction. “You have until Thursday, Liv. I already have a meeting scheduled with management on Friday. You end this thing with Josh and I will cancel. It’s that simple.”
Simple? Is he fucking serious? Not one bit of this is simple. Before Ryan can say anything else I slam the door in his face and let the tears fall. Not even the sound of the door hitting Ryan’s head eases the ache forming in my chest.
I can't believe this. My whole body is shaking. Vibrating from the sadness and fury. I curl up on the couch and become an uncontrollable mess of tears.