MICKI'S HEAD POUNDED as she somehow made it through the day. Although she, Sophie and Uncle Yank had all agreed they needed to stand by Damian, only she had a personal stake in the news he'd delivered. Only she was hurt by the fact that he'd possibly fathered a child. And only she disagreed with his decision not to marry Carole.
Nothing ate away at her more than a child deprived of a parent, perhaps because she'd lived the nightmare herself. She couldn't understand how Damian could willingly opt out of his child's life. She figured it was because the baby wasn't a reality to him yet. Once it was, if it was, then she hoped he'd do the right thing and be a full-time parent by marrying Carole. No matter how much Micki was hurt by the thought.
In the meantime, she'd guide him through the PR aspects of his situation and make sure he played well to his public. All of his publics, which in a star athlete's case included his coaches, the people who paid his salary, and his fans, including the parents of the kids who idolized him.
At least he was a quick study. She'd briefed him on the elevator ride down and he'd aced the brief statement to the reporters and the few questions she'd allowed him to take. He'd come across as a concerned man, a fallible human, and a star who was acknowledging his place in the public eye and using his mistake to educate America's youth.
He'd returned to the office and used the conference room to schedule the meetings Sophie had suggested. First up was the doctor who'd explain the ins and outs of safe paternity testing. He had an appointment for a consultation tomorrow. Once he had an understanding of the facts, he'd have to confront Carole and request a test.Those were the more personal aspects of this situation and he didn't need Micki around for that, she thought gratefully.
A knock sounded on her door and she glanced up. 'Come in.'
Sophie stuck her head inside. 'Want to grab a bite to eat?'
Micki shook her head.
'Okay then good thing I figured you'd want to be holed up in your office. We'll just eat here.' Sophie pulled a paper bag from behind her back and proceeded to unload the goodies she'd bought from the cafe downstairs. 'I've got two iced coffees and two Squagels with cream cheese. Comfort food including a brownie for dessert.'
'I appreciate it, Soph, but I'm not hungry.'
Her sister shrugged. 'So you can keep me company while I eat.'
A couple of minutes later, Sophie had spread everything out across Micki's desk, leaving her no choice but to stare or pick at the food she'd brought. Micki decided to pick.
'I'm sorry you have to go through this.' Sophie met her gaze. 'Damian's a jerk.'
'He's not.' Micki shook her head, surprised to find herself defending him. 'I mean in reality, he's no different than thousands of other people who end up with unplanned pregnancies. He's just famous, that's all.'
Sophie took a bite of her bagel and Micki waited while she chewed and swallowed. 'You don't hold it against him?' her sister asked.
'I don't like that it happened. I don't like the feeling that I'm having his past affairs thrown in my face as a direct reminder that the man doesn't commit to anyone.' Micki's throat filled as the enormity of another woman having Damian's baby overwhelmed her. She swallowed hard and continued, 'But when all is said and done, this isn't about me. He was honest and up front from the beginning. He said no strings. I agreed.' She ripped a piece of the bagel and popped it in her mouth.
Sophie reached across the desk and covered Micki's hand with hers. 'That doesn't mean you aren't hurt.'
'I never said I wasn't.' She followed the bagel with a long sip of iced coffee-
Sophie sighed. 'Is there a chance the kid isn't his?'
Micki shrugged. 'I guess so. There's also a chance the woman isn't really pregnant. I mean her breasts are fake so there's every chance this baby is, too.' Then, catching herself, Micki slapped a hand over her mouth. 'That was uncalled for'
'But I bet it felt good.' Sophie grinned.
Micki laughed and finally relaxed, grateful she had her sister to share this-rough time with. 'Any word from Lola?' she asked, changing the subject to their next problem.
Sophie shook her head. 'Apparently Spence has been away on vacation and she hasn't been able to talk to him. Either that or she's avoiding it. Who can blame her?'
'Well I have my hands full with Damian's mess, so it's just as well I don't have to deal with any more upheaval at the moment.'
'Amen'.With that, Sophie collected the garbage and rose from her seat. 'But you know Uncle Yank's birthday is in a few days. Spencer will be back by then. We're all going to have to deal with this soon.'
Just then, Amy knocked and entered. 'I'm leaving for the night.'
Micki waved her hand in the air. 'Enjoy your evening.”
The other woman smiled. 'You, too. Oh, since you asked me to hold your messages all afternoon, here they are. The only one that can't wait is on top.' The secretary handed Micki the pink stack of papers before taking off.
'Anything interesting?' Sophie asked.
Micki glanced down and groaned. 'Just a message from Damian that he's sending a car to pick me up around eight. He says I should plan on swinging by the stadium for him and then he has some things we need to do.'
Sophie frowned. 'If he's asking for evening work, tell him you expect overtime pay.'
Micki had spent the day at her desk. She glanced down at the flirty miniskirt she'd chosen this morning, when the sun was still shining bright and the newspapers hadn't yet hit her desk. Now it looked tired and wrinkled. 'I can't go out like this. I look like hell.'
'Then it's a good thing you have a chance to go home and change.'
She closed her eyes and let out an exhausted groan. 'I can't imagine what he could possibly need from me tonight.'
Her sister grew suddenly quiet, causing Micki's nerve endings to prickle uncomfortably. 'What is it?'
Sophie leaned closer, her soft gaze settling on Micki. 'I was just thinking… What if Damian just needs you
Sophie's question haunted Micki for the next few hours. It haunted her as she changed into jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt. It haunted her as she returned to the office and then climbed into the back seat of the limo he'd sent to pick her up.
And it haunted her now as she waited in the car outside the stadium for Damian to emerge after the press conference following tonight's game. Huge floodlights lit up the night sky as people swarmed out of the various exits, animated and flushed with excitement, thanks to the latest Renegades win.
Micki watched from her back seat in the limo, protected by the complete anonymity afforded by the tinted glass windows. She sat in her private world and contemplated her sister's words.
Damian had never hinted that he wanted anything more than professional help but there'd been moments when she'd caught his gaze and the connection between them had returned as strong as it had been on the island. As much as she didn't think he'd contemplate resuming their relationship when his life was such a mess, neither one of them could deny the chemistry. A powerful attraction she needed to control.
Nothing could happen between them again. Not if this baby was his. Micki would never allow herself to end up in the middle of Damian and Carole's relationship, nor that of Damian and his child. She respected the sanctity and traditions of marriage and family too much.
She doubted she had much to worry about anyway. Damian hadn't been in touch with her-not until he'd gotten into trouble and needed her help.
As much as she wanted to hate him for getting himself in this situation, she couldn't. And as much as she wanted to pound him in the head until he said Carole was lying, she couldn't do that, either. What she intended to do was quite ironic, actually. She was going to become the one thing she'd made a special effort
THE POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE ran long. Instead of discussing the game, reporters wanted to talk about Damian's personal life, which he and Coach Donovan had already declared off-limits. Still, they were
