Necessary Roughness by Jason Collins

Author:Jason Collins [Collins, Jason]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-06T00:00:00+00:00

8

LUKE

My worst nightmare had become reality.

I was trapped on a boat with Brett Mercer. And, evidently, his friend.

They both stared at me, mouths agape. Brett seemed furious. Scratch that—he seemed livid.

For a moment, the only sounds that filled the air were lapping waves and water rushing by.

Then, to my surprise, Brett’s friend giggled.

Once.

Then, continuously.

Like a kid at recess. A bona fide giggle fit.

Brett scowled at her then turned to glare at me.

Our eyes met. I wished I could see past Brett’s steely exterior and get a small glimpse into his internal world. Maybe then I could figure out why he hated me so much.

Or at least I could figure out why he was so permanently embedded in my psyche.

“Oh look, the muscle has arrived!” his friend exclaimed. “Now it’s a party. Grab a drink big guy, we’ve got enough awkward tension to sink this boat.”

“Well,” Brett said, clearing the air and trying to talk over his friend’s snickers, “this is going to be a nightmare.”

Great, I thought. We’re off to a fantastic start.

When I’d realized I was trapped with him, I’d secretly hoped that Brett and I might get along for once.

That clearly wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m Claire,” his friend chuckled. “I’d stand up, but this swimsuit is very revealing.”

“Wrong tree, Claire,” Brett scoffed. “Why are you here?”

There was no way I was going to explain myself to this asshole. What a ridiculous question. I had every right to be on that boat. Leonard had invited me.

“I think you’re following me,” he added.

Claire cackled. “I think Leonard is a sneaky son of a bitch!”

I stood my ground. “I’m not here to answer questions, Brett. I don’t want to provide more fodder for your esteemed podcast.”

Claire laughed again.

I could tell she was a hoot. It was odd to me that someone hilarious like her would choose such a boring, hateful, dud of a friend like Brett.

Brett scowled. “I understand you’re not here to answer questions, just to relax. Is it hard transitioning from a legend to just another retired guy with too much time on his hands?”

What an ass.

“That sounds like another question to me,” I rebuffed. “Still making a career out of tearing down people who’ve actually achieved something, huh?”

Brett sipped his drink, glaring at me with a furious stare. “Funny how you’re always complaining about the media when I’m the only one keeping you relevant these days.”

Fuck.

Fuck this guy.

That one got me. He knew exactly how to sharpen his words and point them directly at me like a dagger.

I wanted to hurt him right back. I needed to let him know that his career efforts paled in comparison to the things I had achieved.

“Don’t get too comfortable, Brett,” I smirked, “boats like this aren’t exactly in the budget of a no-name podcaster.”

“Right?” Claire loudly agreed between sips of her cocktail. “Brett, this yacht is like a five-star resort, and your podcast setup looks like it was assembled by a toddler with a glue stick!”

“Hey!” Brett shouted, lifting his drink into the air.

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