Page 101 of Only for Me

“Okay.” She paused. “But what if she goes off script?”

“You don’t have to worry about that. She won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yeah I do. Kaz is married to our defensive coordinator.”

“Wait, how did I not know that?”

“Most people don’t. They keep it lowkey because of both of their positions, but trust, Kaz isn’t trying to fuck up the reputation of any Sharks players.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want to put their business out there but I want you to calm the fuck down so I’m telling you now. This will help the situation, not hurt it. Kaz isn’t going to twist anything we say.”

A few minutes later, someone from their production team knocked on the door and stuck their head in. “Five minutes, Mr. Hayes. I’ll be outside to take you on set.”

I nodded and made sure Makari was good before we left the room and walked through the studio. The set held a small sofa for me and Makari with Kaz next to us in a matching leather chair. We were mic’d up one by one.

“I appreciate you both for being here. I know this isn’t easy but we’ll make it work in a way that feels genuine and real.”

“Thank you.” I reached for Makari’s hand and linked our fingers when her palm slid across mine.

Kaz nodded, did a mic check, then turned to the cameras, waiting for their prompts before she started.

“Welcome to Putting You on Game. I’m Kaz Rivera, your host, and today I’m joined by Omiri Hayes, two time Super Bowl quarterback, and Makari Phoenix, social media strategist. These two have been subjected to extreme media speculation about the nature of their relationship after confirmation that they share a daughter. Omiri and Makari are here today to offer a bit of insight about their story and to set the record straight.”

When Makari tensed beside me, I lifted our hands and kissed the back of hers.

“Thank you both for being here. It seems you two have been under fire lately so let’s just dive right in. “How are the two of you holding up with all the recent attention?”

Makari was the first to express her thoughts. “It’s frustrating more than anything. It’s disheartening to think about the impact this has had on our personal lives and careers. We’ve both spent years building our brands and suddenly have been reduced to headlines and opinions. Me more than Omiri but we’re both feeling the backlash.”

“I agree…” Kaz said and glanced at both of us but focused on Makari. “We also have to acknowledge that you’re receiving the majority of the negative press.”

“She is, which makes this worse. They assume shit about her, make her the enemy, and I’m getting a pass. They don’t know Kari and they damn sure don’t know me but they’re apparently experts on our lives.”

“Fair point and unfortunately that’s the nature of things with those in your position. Also, it’s clearly not balanced when it comes to how actions are viewed.”

“Nah, it’s not. Hell, for all they know, I was the one trapping. Maybe I just wanted to make sure I had her by my side by any means necessary.” I glanced at Makari and winked. Kaz smiled.

“Is that the story?”

“No, it’s not. We had a mutual attraction and we now have a daughter,” Makari cut in.

“Avianna, correct?”

“Yes, Avi.” Makari smiled. Her entire mood shifted and lightened.

“How is life as new parents?”

“Stressful, exhausting, confusing at times, but ultimately beautiful.”

“She’sdamn sure beautiful,” I added.

“Sounds like she already has you wrapped around her tiny little fingers, Omiri.” Kaz smiled warmly.

“Yeah, she’s running things. Between Avi and her mother, I can’t win for shit.”