Sidelined: The Penalty

By Bianca Williams

Fun, fast-paced, and filled with drama. Sidelined: The Penalty is the second installment of the sizzling Sidelined Series about love, friendships, and half-truths.

Sidelined by the very public news of a surprise engagement, the accomplished event planner Bryn Charles ends her unlikely love affair with her NFL superstar client, Shane Smith, and is determined to have a future without him.

Only, she fears it's impossible.

She's contracted to plan his next big event and inundated with non-stop news coverage of his record-breaking season. To make matters worse, she is struggling with a secret that she won't be able to hide for much longer. But when an awful evening brings the seemingly sincere bad boy to her doorstep, Bryn is unable to turn him away.

Will she reveal her secret and stay true to herself, or will she play her position despite the tactics of a vengeful ex? Either way, she'll have a hefty penalty to pay.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9780998514635

Book preview

PROLOGUE ACCORDING TO JEN

I’m not afraid of you, you big bully.

Only a small round table at my favorite Starbucks separates our stare-down. I fully expected something like this. Anything less isn’t his style.

He stretches his neck and forms a fist.

I dare you, I think, leaning in.

No deal! He bangs on the table with his bear-paw-sized hands.

Have it your way. I’m pissed, but I remain calm while gathering my belongings. As always, Mr. Smith, it was nice doing business with you. I wish you well. I snatch the contract from in front of him and shove it into my bag.

What is this? A dick-measuring contest? Shane pounds on the table again, except this time, his tantrum causes customers in line to turn and look over at us. Stop trippin’ and sit back down and let’s finish what we came here to do!

And this is exactly why I vowed never to work with him again. Why must you always be so combative?

Football. I get hit in the head a lot. Now take a seat!

I take a deep breath and reluctantly return to my chair. Shane. Let’s try this again. Double payment is what we previously agreed upon. Keep it up and I’ll make it triple.

Tell me why, again? I mean y’all have done this already, he argues, putting his hand in my face. One! It should be less work. Two! He starts counting on his fingers. Less time. Am I right? He turns to ask his ‘best friend’, whose input is as useless as a pair of rubber scissors.

True dat! replies Will, briefly raising his eyes from his cell phone.

And therefore, less money. Shane turns his attention back to me and steadily holds three fingers in my face.

Shane. I shoo away his hand. You present a valid argument; however, the fee is non-negotiable. Bryn …

He cuts me off. Bryn ain’t running shit! Where she at? He looks around the cafe. She ain’t even here! What’s she hiding for? She’s gonna have to show up at some point!

Yes, but we agreed …

He cuts me off again. I agree to disagree. He folds his arms across his chest. I thought you made the rules.

Bryn and I are a team.

She’s Team Smith forever, baby! He laughs but I can see his pride is a little hurt. Bryn is frontin’. Nah, for real, where she at anyway? You know I’mma get her back. He nods, agreeing with himself. Yeah. I’m confident of that.

Really? I smirk.

His smile disappears. I know she ain’t seeing somebody else!

I go silent. I know his ego can’t handle any competition.

Bryn is bossin’, interjects Will.

Will irritates me. By the way, where is Terry? I ask.

If you must know, Terry’s dumb ass decided to go back to school, so he’s useless to me right now. Will’s his temporary replacement. He reaches across and smacks Will upside his head and says to him, Write the stupid check! He turns back to me, signs the contract, and then pulls out his phone. I’m calling Bryn. You think she’ll answer?

I seriously doubt it.

Yo, why is she still ignoring me? I told her I was sorry. It was a set-up, man.

You should be thankful all she’s doing is ignoring you.

You know what? He smiles sinisterly. She can’t ignore me anymore!

How so?

Shit! I paid. Y’all work for me now! he says matter-of-factly. I’m her client. She gotta pick up! I’m the boss now. He smacks his chest.

Here we go. Don’t forget. We also agreed to doing things differently this year.

"We are. I gave y’all more time and money."

Right, but I also recall us agreeing to keeping things professional. I need to trust that you and Bryn won’t be going behind my back, for the second time. We will make it through this event without any back-alley hanky-panky, Mr. Love Me Longtime.

Shane’s smile widens. Tell her I said … He takes the check from Will, signs it, and then flings it at me. Tell her. She’s my forever. Yeah, I like that.

I can’t.

Why not?

She’s vulnerable. Besides, I’m not choosing sides. You two aren’t doing this to me.

Does she ask about me?

I roll my eyes.

Never mind then. He jumps to his feet and grabs me in for a hug, practically cutting off my circulation. Y’all family now.

Love you too, Shane.

Will! Shane shoots his water bottle into the trashcan. I’m the best! Untouchable is what they call me! he sings, as the door swings shut behind them.

Lord knows I don’t know how Bryn tolerated him. She claimed that he was a different person with her, but I swear I can’t imagine this cuddly teddy bear she was always gushing about. Barf. He’s a textbook sociopath. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear he was dropped on his head as a child.

For the life of me, I don’t understand why she still loves his crazy behind. All I can hope for is that she sticks to her guns and doesn’t take him back. It’s bad enough she’ll be around him planning this event. But if she holds out, like I pray she will, we’ll come out on top.

I fold the check in half and place it in my wallet for safekeeping. One thing is for sure, Shane knows what he wants and he’ll do whatever’s necessary to get it. Now that’s something I can respect.

It’s getting late. Bryn should be here by now. I make sure Shane’s out of sight before I call her.

Jen, where are you? she groans.

I’m at Starbucks waiting for you. Where are you? You were supposed to be here. I give her attitude for effect.

What are you talking about? I called you and got your voicemail.

I was on a call with he-who-shall-not-be-named.

Listen, things are a little weird. I’m dry-heaving, pale, and constantly nauseated.

I’m sure it’s stress. I slide Shane’s signed contract into my portfolio.

No Jen, my boobs. They’re spilling out of my bra.

I see an empty sofa and collect my things. What? Are you still coming? What are you implying? You’re pregnant? I’m sure you’re fine but if you’re worried, go and grab a test on your way here. Bryn’s in need of tough love right now and I’ve earned the right to give it to her.

Fifteen minutes later, Bryn arrives looking like the walking dead and plops down in a chair across from me.

You do look sick. I’ve seen geriatric patients with more pep in their step, and her skin is some hue of lavender. I retrieve the signed contract and place it on the table.

I’m telling you, I was dry-heaving all morning and the last time that happened, I was pregnant with Bailey.

My godchild Bailey is exceptional and I love her, but if Bryn spits out another, she’s on her own. My days as a nanny are behind me. She starts dry-heaving in front of me and it makes me want to vomit. She needs to take that show into the bathroom. But you told me y’all always had protected sex. I cover my mouth and think of happy thoughts so I don’t puke.

Yes, we did, except when we were in Vegas he attacked me. No, I’m lying … that entire weekend.

Although she looks pretty banged up, I’m convinced it’s the flu. Bryn. I reach for her hand. You’re fine. Please, we need to meet and finalize the plans. He signed and scanned the contract and emailed it to me last night, I lie.

He agreed to pay double?

He said money didn’t matter.

"Did you remind him that you are his single point of contact and not to call me for anything? May I remind you, the only reason I’m doing this is because of you?" Bryn’s eyes are big and wild, borderline manic.

I know, and I appreciate it.

She sinks back into the chair. I’m not sure how I’m going to do this because he no longer deserves the best of me.

Personally, I agree but we need to table opinions for now. This is business. I’ve got to give it my best. I’ve only got four weeks of severance pay left.

The fucking asshole. I’m sorry. Repressed anger. I’m looking forward to happier days.

Great, I’m glad to hear. I’ll get you a chai tea. I point at my drink.

I’m feeling too sick for that, and the smell of brewing coffee makes me want to hurl.

I’m sure it’s stress. Look, before we get started, why don’t you go take the test in the bathroom? Do you have it with you?

She taps her purse. Right in here.

I’ll grab you a water while you’re gone.

Thank goodness there isn’t a long line. I get her water and a breakfast sandwich for myself. Sitting back down, I thumb through a travel guide of Dubai. It’ll be my reward for a second round of contracted servitude with an abusive master. Envisioning myself relaxing on a beach, riding a camel, and hopefully at dinner with one of these fine men, yum they are sexy, it all becomes worth it again.

I’m halfway through when Bryn returns, and I put the booklet down and look up at her. Well? I ask, taking another sip of my drink.

I’m pregnant, she says with a deadpan expression.

Oh shit! I scream, dropping my latte onto the floor.

1

FORGIVE OR FORGET…HIM

Mandy cradles her face in both hands and stares at me as I finish the second box of tissues this week.

So that’s it! I gently pat the tears from my eyes. Shane announced his ‘fake’ engagement to another woman.

Whoa Nelly! She rolls on her chair to her desk opposite our conference table and quickly scoots back with her lunch. Dang, girl! She pushes away a second time to grab her Diet Coke. You just dropped a major bomb. Crazier than anything I’ve seen on TMZ this week.

Tell me about it.

Man. She unwraps her double-stuffed chalupa, filling our office with its pungent smell. Bryn, man. Wow! I mean you were dating a Baltimore Nighthawk. Shane Smith at that!

I was. I sniffle. And I was about to give up everything for him.

He’s one amazing linebacker.

"He was an amazing boyfriend." When he wanted to be. I collect the used tissues and toss them into the trash bin, then return to my desk to update my to-do list. My morning has been completely highjacked by talk of Shane.

Mandy prints checks and hands them to me for my signature. You know, I kinda had a feeling about you two. She smirks.

Unfortunately, she knows just about everything about everyone in our office. Thanks to her, I know that Harry, our boss, is cheating on his third wife; Ernie, a senior associate, manhandled his husband; and Sean, the HR director, owes $30,000 in back child support.

I keep telling you that you’re wasting your talent working here, I say to Mandy. You need to get out from behind this desk and train as a private investigator.

Ooh. This can be my first official case. Shane claims it’s all fake, right? Let me find proof. But if he’s telling the truth, promise me you’ll give him another chance. She sits down and opens Internet Explorer on her computer.

Not so fast, Nancy Drew. It doesn’t work like that. When someone fucks you over, especially on such a grand scale, you don’t just take them back.

But you still love him. You’ve been crying for four weeks straight. Screw his baby-momma, fake fiancée, ex-girlfriend, or whatever the heck she is. If she was all of that and some Doritos, he wouldn’t want to be with you. From what you’ve shared, he sounds like he’s as a rare as a red diamond.

He’s one of a kind. I let out a monumental sigh.

And I know you miss the sex! Mandy’s face lights up. Trust me, I know. When I was in high school I dated a running back from our football team, Melvin. He was 5’9 and his cock reached mid-thigh! We’d sneak off every chance we got. My car, under the bleachers, port-a-potties, and sometimes the locker room showers. She goes silent for a moment. I can see her thinking. The stamina.

She makes me laugh. Yes … talk about it! I shout and wave my hand in the air.

Bryn, once you go black, you never go back.

What? Your husband is white.

Not below the belt, he ain’t. Mandy slaps her knee, laughing hysterically.

You’re sick. I’ve got work to do. I respond to an email from Harry asking if his two alimony checks cleared the bank account this morning. It’s a shame that even after paying all of this money, he still can’t keep his dick in his pants. It’s an ugly reality. Mandy, I don’t know if it’s possible for a successful man to be faithful. Therefore, the only thing that Shane and I have left is his event. I can’t commit to a man who can’t commit to me. Let me be clear, only me.

Bryn. My ex was a bum and he cheated. There goes that theory. But if all you have is the event, remember, I want to help. Mandy gobbles a handful of Skittles.

Sure. I’ll run it by Jen. Just then, my phone rings. Look at that. I point to my cell. It’s her.

Don’t forget to ask her about me helping out.

I nod and take the call in the hall, closing our office door behind me. Good afternoon. I wave to Harry. He just came back from cycling, dressed in a spandex uni-tard, his graying hair now dyed the darkest brown.

Hey, Bryn! He chugs his water and wipes sweat from his forehead.

I smile and continue out the back door. It’s hard for me to take him seriously when he’s dressed like that.

Jen, what’s up?

You have your appointment today, correct?

Sure do. It’s at 5. So don’t forget, I need you to get Bailey from the bus stop.

Right. You aren’t seriously considering an abortion, are you?

Whoa! Wait a minute. I never said that. I said I’m exploring options. There’s always adoption.

Adoption would be ludicrous. Why would you carry a baby full term and give it up?

Options, Jen. Options! I don’t know what the doctor is going to say.

Unless there’s been some kind of medical breakthrough … I—

I put my mouth to the speaker. Maybe I’ll say fuck it and keep it. I don’t know! That’s why I’m going to see my midwife! I whisper.

I understand you’re mad at him, but you can’t take it out on the baby.

"Are you going to take care of it?"

I told you a long time ago that if you had any more children, I’d leave the country.

Exactly my point. Is this why you called?

I called because I started feeling pain on the left side of my chest again. I needed a distraction.

I’m sure it’s because … once again … you are doing too much. And, by the way, Mandy says she’ll help.

You told her about Shane? That blabbermouth knows you’re pregnant?

Pause. She’s inquisitive. She does not know that I’m with child, however, she kind of guessed about Shane. I just happened to be in the middle of my morning crying session when she started asking questions. I can tell by Jen’s silence she doesn’t believe me. I was vulnerable and needed someone to talk to. You haven’t been the most supportive when it comes to Shane.

Bryn, I love you and Shane, but talking about him ten times a day doesn’t help you move forward. Rehashing your fairy tale love affair isn’t good for you, Bailey, or your unborn child.

Well, everyone else is talking about him and his amazing past season every time I turn on the television or the Internet.

That sucks for you. Try staying off of the Internet.

I can’t seem to escape. I’ve been sucked into the Shane vortex against my will.

Spare me, against your will? Try distracting yourself with working on Platinum Events. You know, try putting together a draft budget.

Alright! I can’t today. I’m playing catch-up. But tomorrow, I promise.

I want a budget, tomorrow.

And don’t forget to pick Bailey up from the bus stop today.

Bye! She disconnects the call.

Well, if you weren’t always late you wouldn’t need a reminder, I say to the phone as I head back inside. When I open our office door, I find Mandy at its center dancing the macarena. Whoop! Whoop! You’re gonna love me! I found her!

Found who? Carice?

She nods wildly. Let’s see if they’re really engaged. She plops down in her seat and types at the speed of light. See! I found her Facebook page. She goes by Carice ‘ReecieCup’ Charles.

What the fuck? We have the same last name? I lean over her shoulder to see it for myself.

"Yup! And … guess what else? Mandy scrolls down her page. She’s doing a live radio interview at 2 pm. She points to a flyer listing the date and time. We’ve got five minutes to tune in."

I rummage through my purse searching for my earphones. Plug in. Just in case Harry decides to stop by to show off his toned legs, I joke.

He just returned from his bike ride.

I know. I saw him in the hall when I went out. Hurry, send me the link for the website. My heart pounds ferociously as I connect my earphones to my computer.

I plug in just in time because Adele’s Rolling in the Deep is about to end.

This is WWKYS, your hottest Internet radio station. I’m your hostess with the mostest, Randy Myers. Nighthawks fans, get ready for today’s guest. It’s the one and only Carice Charles.

Thank you, Randy. What up, good peoples in the DMV? Dis is ReecieCup coming at you.

We’re so excited to have you with us. You told me you had something to tell our listeners.

I just want to let all these side bitches out here know that Shane is not just my baby daddy, he’s my future husband. So, all you chicken heads waiting on the sidelines, just know that’s all you’ll ever be, a dumb-ass sidekick.

I look at Mandy, whose jaw has dropped. What kind of bullshit is this?

It’s sick.

When the commercial for Pure Laser Hair Removal ends, Randy continues, Well ladies, it sounds like Shane Smith is officially taken. Now Carice, we all saw the announcement in Hawaii. How did the big guy propose? asks Randy.

It was real nice. We was on the beach and he got on one knee.

Another voice cuts in on Randy and Carice. She’s a damn lie.

Oh, I see y’all got games. What trick you got on the call, Randy?

Carice. That voice you just heard is Sharonda.

She lie, says Sharonda. I’ll tell you how she got that rock on her finger. She held two guns to his head, his son and his daughter.

Randy, you really got this broke-ass stripper on the line? Carice laughs.

Mandy throws a stress ball at me.

I pull out an earbud and look over my shoulder.

Strippers? This is getting good! She rubs her palms.

Good? This is disgraceful!

I know, laughs Mandy. But I love it. She grits her teeth.

I shake my head and plug back in.

Take your lying-fucked-up-boob-job-having-ass home, laughs Carice.

My tits weren’t too fucked up to be in your mouth, you raggedy bitch!

I cover my mouth in horror. They are cursing so much, I lose track of who is shouting.

Girls, girls! We’ve got to take a commercial break but when we come back, we’ll have a tip from a woman who claims she’s more than just Shane’s one-night-stand.

I get that bottomless-pit feeling in my stomach as I listen to the Eastern Motors jingle. Another woman? It’s only been, what, four weeks since we officially broke up? When did he find the time? I look over at Mandy and she’s pacing at her desk punching her palm.

Then Randy comes back on the line, makes a call, and my cell phone rings.

No fucking wayyyyyyyy! Mandy jumps up and down. Are you going to answer?

I send the call to voicemail.

No answer, says Randy.

Randy, looks like your source ain’t shit, chuckles Carice.

Mandy. I don’t believe this one. Someone is setting me up! I take out my earphones, grab my cell, and run outside to listen to the voicemail.

Hi Ms. Charles. I’m relieved it’s not Randy’s voice. This is Elaine from Dr. Hammond’s office confirming your appointment for 5 o’clock. Please give us a call back if you are unable to make it. A sharp pressure travels to my temples. This shit is unreal! My jaw tightens, and my hands begin to tremble.

Jesus, I say, shaking my head. I can’t have this man giving me a stroke. I take a stroll around the building, hoping the cool air will relieve the tension. She says they’re still together. Another chick is claiming to be on his team. I’m pregnant. This is bullshit! It’s exactly why I didn’t want to date him. He’s proving that everything I initially thought about athletes was right. He’s no different. What if she’s telling the truth? What if she’s the innocent party like me? What if I have this baby and he walks down the aisle with her? I suddenly feel an intense fear of being alone. I hope I’m not about to have a full-blown panic attack.

Back inside, I can see that Mandy can’t wait to ask, raising her hands in the air impatiently. Was it them? she screams.

No. I release a deep breath. Just please tell me it’s over? I’ve had enough. I literally can’t take anymore. I stare at her.

It just ended.

Good. Before I return to my desk, I stop in the kitchen to get some water. After a few sips, I feel a wave of nausea and struggle to keep it down.

I think the last caller was a fake. She follows me over to my desk and leans on the edge. Some girl named Andrea said she met Shane and he’s taking her to an island. She sounded like a total groupie.

I feel sick. Putting my hand over my mouth, I run out of the office, bolting down the hall to the