Chapter Four

 

Parker opened the door to the old-fashioned air popcorn machine Riley had gotten her for Valentine’s Day and emptied the contents into a huge bowl. Tonight was the airing of the Ultimate Champion episode, and she’d been a bundle of nerves all day. When she woke that morning, it dawned on her that the world, or at least the Ultimate Champion viewership which was millions, would see her on television. The feeling of being vulnerable that came with media exposure always left her feeling uneasy. Riley had to do it. His career demanded it to some extent. But all she could think about were all the nuts out there who thought about doing harm to public figures.

It had been a while since that lunatic from Riley’s childhood had stalked him, but sometimes she had nightmares about it. In the end, they got the bad guy, but knowing someone was out there looking to hurt Riley had rattled her. Now she was in the public spotlight too.

“Parker, get that popcorn out here!” Avery called out. “The show is about to start!”

“I’m coming. I’m coming.”

“Don’t forget the cheddar seasoning and the wine!” Bridgette said.

“Grape juice for you, missy,” Parker yelled back.

She made her way into the other room carrying the popcorn and drinks. It was good to have Avery home.

“What did I miss?” She passed out the beverages, then plopped down on the couch between Avery and Riley.

“Nothing. Just previews of the night’s show lineup on this channel,” Avery responded.

“Did you text everyone in the family?” Wyatt asked.

“Yes. Let’s just that group text took a while. I got hand cramps twice before I finished.”

Parker shook her head. Sam and J.J. were having a viewing party at their house. She’d received a lot of motivational replies, but the photo reply Mackenzie sent on Morgan’s phone got to her. The kids had made a banner saying Go Parker Go! and were all holding it up in a group photo.

Aubrey came running into the living room. “Did I miss anything?”

“Almost. Another call to Theo could have waited until the show was over,” Riley huffed.

Aubrey shot him a dirty look. “I was talking to my friends. I wanted everyone tuned in to watch Parker.”

“Thanks, Aubrey.” Parker gently nudged him in the ribs.

As soon as the campy music came on and show’s logo popped up on the screen, Riley put his arm around her. “OK. Here we go.”

Parker nestled closer to Riley. She didn’t know if it was his calm demeanor or how comfortable she felt with him, but being near him always did the trick.

Everyone cheered when they saw a picture of her in the photo montage as the show opened. She watched as each contestant took their turn on the obstacles, and she noted the different techniques they used to get through them. Like she’d figured, the novices charged into it, while the more experienced athletes gauged each obstacle before tackling it. But for the most part, they seemed like people just like her with regular jobs who’d decided to give the show a go.

She honed in when Damon, the contestant the show’s staff had helped backstage, took a tumble but recovered quickly. She remembered him.

“Ooh, that was amateurish,” Wyatt said. “This guy has competed before.”

“No.” Parker leaned forward to get a better look. “There was something wrong with the obstacle. He finished, but he was hurt. Someone on the production crew was screaming their ass off in the contestant waiting area to take a look at the obstacle. They stopped taping for five minutes.”

Funny, that break didn’t seem like a malfunction. The step seemed to give way when he put his foot on it. They watched and chatted as another grueling forty minutes of performance and commentary went by. She was about to go to the bathroom when her face appeared on the screen.

“Next up is the beautiful and charming Texas native, Parker Carson.”

Riley held her hands when she tried to cover her eyes. Parker wanted to cringe when her bio segment came on. It was strange to hear her own voice, let alone see her image on the screen. Did she really talk like that?

She swallowed hard. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Maybe I should hold the popcorn.” Wyatt laughed and took the bowl away from her.

She glanced at Riley. “I don’t know how you watch replays of your games.”

“Be brave.” Riley kissed her cheek.

“Yay,” Avery said. “You wore the pink and black workout outfit. I like that one on you.”

The announcer started in on her performance. “Parker starts off strong. She takes a second to assess the obstacle—signs of a methodical person. She nails it and continues on the next obstacle without missing a beat.”

“And here to cheer Parker on in the stands is her boyfriend, Tomcats quarterback Riley Sloane. It’s truly an honor to have him with us today.”

“Go, Bruiser!” onscreen Riley cheered.

“What!” Parker shrieked. “I’m going to kill Jen.”

“In all fairness, she did say she’d keep a lid on my identity while I was there,” Riley replied.

“But it was implied.”

Bridgette munched on a handful of popcorn. “Who doesn’t know who Riley is? They have to be living under a rock not to recognize him smack dab in the middle of Texas.”

The announcer continued. “She’s taking on that last obstacle and doesn’t show any sign of exhaustion. She did it! Parker Carson has finished with the best qualifying time of the night! Let’s hear her post interview.”

The group cheered through her post interview wrap-up. All in all, she had to admit it wasn’t so bad. As soon as the show went to a commercial break, her phone started ringing. It was her mother.

She hit the talk button and lifted herself off the couch. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, P.J. Deke, Solomon, and I were just watching the show. You greatly understated your performance. You were terrific. Deke says you put the competition to shame. Solomon said you nailed it.”

“Thanks, Mom.” She beamed.

“Keep up the good work,” her mother continued. “I’ll be cheering for you from the sidelines of the next taping.”

“Mom, you don’t have to do that.”

“Of course I’ll be there, silly. I’ll get Maurice at the bowling alley put you up on the big screen at the snack bar so my team can watch. Mimi is going to be green with envy. Her adrenaline-junkie son climbed a mountain last summer. Big deal. My daughter’s on television.”

The call-waiting notification made a sound. She looked at the screen. It was Rafe.

“As long as you’re not being competitive about it.” Parker couldn’t help but laugh. Dani Carson was a proud peacock of a mama. The bowling team had swooned the time Riley got her mom box seats for one of the games. “I have to go. Rafe is on the other line. Tell Deke and Solomon thanks for the encouraging words.”

“OK. Love you.”

“Love you too.” She hit the talk button again. “Hi, Rafe.”

“You were great, Parker. Leigh and I were glued to the screen.”

“You rock, Parker!” Leigh yelled into the phone. “I can’t wait until the next show.”

Parker laughed. “Tell Leigh I said thank you.”

“Just an FYI, Carmichael will be coordinating with the show on security.”

“Do we have to make a big deal out of it?”

“You know the drill. When you’re not on active duty, you’re an asset.”

“Right. Proper protocol is essential to all assignments.”

“Hey, you are paying attention in the classes.”

“If I don’t, Hunter and the other instructors will nark on me to you and Sam.”

“True.” He laughed. “Goodnight, Bruiser.”

The commercial was over, and Melissa’s face flashed on the screen.

“I met her. She’s a first-time contestant too.” Parker took a seat back on the couch. “She was nice. We talked for a while in the waiting area. The competing crowd was very cliquish behind the scenes. The returning competitors from previous seasons were in their own little world, while we newbies just floated around observing and getting acquainted.”

“Sounds like high school,” Wyatt murmured.

Melissa finished the course with a good competing time as well. There were a couple of people after her, and the show was saving an old fan-favorite for last. As soon as the next commercial came on, her phone started ringing again. It was nice to hear from so many well-wishers who were excited about seeing her on television. The commercial breaks ended, and the show came back on. She set her phone on the coffee table to pay attention.

Parker waved a hand at the screen. “This guy Rick is supposed to be the show’s golden boy.”

“Yeah,” Wyatt said. “He’s been on for a while but never quite makes it to the finals.”

“He’s another fan-favorite,” Parker replied. “And he owns a gym that’s designed to practice courses like these and other extreme outdoor sports. I think he’s even gotten some endorsement opportunities because of the show.”

Rick made it through the course, and the fans in the stands were cheering him on. The commentators were wrapping up as a montage of show moments appeared on the screen. She reached for her phone to return calls when she heard her name.

“After a rigorous obstacle run, emerging star Parker Carson is carried off by her boyfriend Tomcats quarterback Riley Sloane.”

Parker’s mouth gaped open when she saw Riley hoist her up into his arms as the ending credits rolled.

“How did they film that? We were goofing around after the show.”

“Looks like they let the cameras roll after the competition ends,” Riley said.

“Yeah. The juicy stuff is aired on their behind-the-scenes webisodes that stream directly to their website,” Bridgette chimed in.

She grimaced. “They just wanted to get another shot of you.”

“Of course. That’s free publicity for the show,” Aubrey said. “And they just got the word out that Riley will be in the next episode because you’re advancing.”

“Sounds kind of diabolical. They want to use his image for free.”

“It is what is it is,” he said. “I was happy to be there and support you.”

A half hour later, it was time to clean up. Parker volunteered. She was too wound up from watching her performance and needed something to do.

“I’m on clean-up duty tonight,” Parker said.

“It’s not your turn,” Avery said.

“No. I insist. You go decompress from your trip to Philly.”

“You sure?” Avery handed her the glasses they’d used.

“Yes.” Parker waved a hand. “I know you have a class in the morning, and Wyatt and Riley have that PR event for Patton’s football camp. I can handle this. Get some rest.”

“OK.” Avery smiled. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight. Great job again,” Wyatt said. “Parker, can you tell Riley I’ll be ready to go tomorrow at nine when he gets off the phone.”

“Will do.”

Parker turned to Riley, who was on the phone with his parents. Her phone pinged. It was a text message from Jen from the show congratulating her on a job well done.

A minute later he disconnected his call. “My parents send their love and said you were fantastic.”

“Aw. It was so sweet of them to call.”

He picked up the empty popcorn bowl off the coffee table. “Where’s Aubrey? On the phone with Theo again?”

“No. She and Bridgette went to Bridgette’s room.” She headed into the kitchen. “I don’t think she spends every waking moment talking to Theo.”

“Could have fooled me,” he grumbled.

“Riley.” She put the glasses in the sink. “Aubrey’s an intelligent young woman and can pick her own friends.”

“But Theo? He’s a rolling stone if there ever was one. Who drops everything to go to the Winter Olympics when he isn’t even competing?”

“Uh, he films documentaries. He’s doing a documentary on some rising-star snowboarder who was supposed to be a long shot. And he did a pretty good job covering the motocross circuit. Your sister likes him, and they have fun. In some ways, Theo reminds me of you.”

“How so?”

“He’s handsome, fun, and loves adventure.”

“Uh huh.”

“Did you ever stop and think she didn’t tell you they’re an item because you get this sour look on your face whenever someone mentions him?”

“I don’t want to talk about Theo Popovich.” He moved closer to her and put his arms around her. “I want to talk about how awesome you were on the show.”

“Babe. There’s something about that accident on the show that doesn’t feel right.”

“How so?”

“There was no way that step should have given way like that. Damon’s foot was barely on it, and it gave way. It looked faulty or…”

Riley gave her a strange look. “You think someone sabotaged it on purpose?”

“I don’t know. It was hard to tell. But that guy was a seasoned vet of the show.”

“Perhaps it was a one-off case of poor construction. You saw it behind the scenes. It was a madhouse. It would only take one person being distracted to leave something undone.”

“I know. But I can’t shake the feeling. You know the one I get.”

“Yes, your danger radar. I’d like to talk about you. The camera loves you. The showrunners loved you.”

“I see they decided to showcase us.” She bit her lip. “They’ve put us front and center.”

“No surprise from the way the announcers were talking you up. They’ve obviously honed in on you.”

“And you,” she said, annoyed.

“They do slice-of-life stories all the time. It’s a way to get the viewers invested in the program. They want people to cheer for someone who could be the boy next door or a helpful neighbor who’s taking a chance on a semi-professional stage. Unlike professional athletes like me who get paid to abuse their bodies while striving for accolades, trophies, and tons of money.”

“You’re not a football player for those reasons. It’s a part of who you are.”

“True.” He looked at her a moment with a serious face. “Are you ashamed of us?”

“No, of course not.” She shook her head. “I mean I’m not thrilled the show has decided to take this opportunity to exploit our relationship. I like being in our private little world. I don’t want to be—”

“Just another one of Riley Sloane’s women?”

“I didn’t say that,” she said.

“Good, because you know it’s not true.” He folded his arms across his chest. “We’ve talked about this before. I’d love to be photographed with you more often so the whole world knows you are the woman I love. So if it isn’t that, what’s wrong?”

“I know you can’t control what the media does.” She sighed. “I enjoy that we don’t have a circus chasing us. I know it should be flattering, but I like us, with no interruptions. I don’t want anyone picking us apart like some sick celebrity couples game dissecting our every move. Because the endgame of all those couples is the breakups. For example, I grab a sandwich while out running errands. Headline: They didn’t eat together today. You go to California ahead of me because I’m wrapping up a case. Second Headline: He went on vacation alone. You smile at an old female friend at a party, but they run with: Riley Sloane was seen flirting with a mysterious woman at an event. Is there trouble in paradise?”

“We can’t control salacious gossip. Ask Wyatt, he’s been in the PR business long enough to get the gist. No one wants to hear about good things. Everyone’s waiting for you to stumble and fall. Flying-by-the-seat-of-his-pants, one-night-stand Riley was far more interesting than a celebrity in a stable, healthy relationship.”

“I like this Riley much better.” She caressed his cheek. “He’s the kind of guy you can count on. I’d go into a shootout alongside you anytime.”

He smiled. “Thanks, I think.”

“What I’m trying to say is that, at the end of the day, you’re the person I want by my side.”

He kissed her. “I feel the same way. You were great on the show. I can’t wait to see your next performance.”

“I have you to thank. The workout you created did wonders for me.”

“I created another workout plan. I can show you in the bedroom.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Let’s clean the kitchen in the morning.”

She giggled. “As long as you explain a dirty kitchen to Avery.”

Later that night, Parker slipped out of bed and headed for the kitchen. No surprise that Bridgette and Aubrey were still up talking as she passed Bridgette’s room. They’d been getting along great. She grabbed a sponge and the household cleaner and began to tidy up the kitchen. Riley had a big day, and she knew he’d get up just in time to head to his apartment to shower and change. It only took a few minutes. She set the dishwasher and wanted to get back to snuggling with him. As she passed the big screen in the living room, she stopped. The fall was still on her mind. She turned on the television but muted the sound and scanned until she found the DVR recording of the show. She fast-forwarded through to the accident and re-watched it a few times. Damon’s foot was barely on that landing. Sure he was a tall, muscular guy. The announcer said he weighed about two-hundred twenty pounds. Still, the break was almost instantaneous as he applied his body weight to it. Could it have been rigged? If so, how did the saboteur know who’d get injured? She turned off the television and continued to her bedroom with a gnawing feeling in her stomach that wouldn’t subside. Something wasn’t right, and she intended to find out what really happened.