Page 230 of Broken Saint
More than a few sets of eyes turn my way, and the majority of them flash with recognition.
Fuck.
Usually, being recognized and asked for autographs and photographs doesn’t bother me. It’s just a part of the job and a way to thank fans for their support. If it weren’t for them, none of this would exist.
But right now, attention from anyone is the last thing I want.
“Oh my god, it’s Colton Rogers,” someone calls from behind me as I race down the aisle, the plane continuing to taxi toward our arrival gate.
The second the flight attendants catch sight of my movement, their expressions harden.
“Sir, the seat belt sign is still on. You can’t be?—”
“Could I get an autograph?” a little kid in the seat beside me asks sweetly.
“Uh…”
I look between the little boy and the pissed-off flight attendant.
He clearly isn’t a football fan; there isn’t a hint of recognition in his eyes.
That’s cool. Not everyone is into sports, but I could really do with someone who has some kind of idea to help me out right now.
Another member of staff leans forward and whispers something in the guy’s ear. I have no idea what she says—I’m too busy turning to the kid to sign his activity book. But whatever it is, it works, and they allow me to stand in their area at the back of the plane and wait for the doors to open.
After demanding that Benny join me, the woman goes to get him and delivers him to me.
“How the fuck did you do that?” Benny asks.
“When you’re in the NFL, you’ll understand.” I wink like an arrogant asshole.
I expect him to razz me for the attitude, but he doesn’t. Instead, his lips pull into a wide smile.
“When?” he asks.
“Yeah, man. I’ve watched your tapes. There’s no question about it.”
His mouth opens and closes like a fish. He doesn’t get a chance to respond, because one of the flight attendants finally opens the door and I take off running down the stairs and into the terminal.
“Colt,” Benny calls from behind me.
“You wanna make it, bro, you gotta keep up with the pros.”
My wide stride eats up the long hallway that Benny assures me will lead me to Ella.
There is no one down the entire length of the building.
All I can hear are my sneakers squeaking on the floor and my heaving breaths.
“Down here on the left,” Benny says from behind me.
My heart slams against my chest at the thought of having to face her after everything I’ve put her through.
She’s only here because of you.
You’re the same as your mother.
You ruin lives without even trying.