Chapter 31

Jay saw Apple’s shoulders stiffen when they arrived. The guy still had issues with Nichole, and Jay was getting tired of it. He wanted to tell Apple to cut the shit and be a decent person. Calling Apple out and causing problems wouldn’t solve anything.

Maybe the man just needed to spend more time with Nichole and learn that she wasn’t a bad person. Apple’s situation was different. Hopefully, today would show Apple that Nichole was a good person and nothing like his ex.

Danika waved then moved to Nichole, giving her a hug. “It’s good to see you.”

“Same. How are you doing?”

“Classes are kicking my butt.”

“I forgot, what are you studying?”

“To be a physical therapy assistant. One day, I might go for physical therapist, but that takes a lot more school, and right now, math is driving me crazy.”

Nichole chuckled. “Math wasn’t my strongest subject.”

Danika took Nichole’s hand and tugged her away from the guys. “Come. I think the umbrella I have set up is large enough for both of us to sit under.”

“That sounds great.”

Jay was happy Nichole and Danika got along so well. It didn’t totally make up for Apple being a jerk, but having Danika treat her nicely would hopefully help Apple get with the program.

They played two games and were taking a break when someone recognized Nichole. The hair on the back of Jay’s neck went up as the woman approached. It wasn’t necessarily the woman, but the man with her that set Jay off.

Griz nudged his shoulder, and he nodded, anger and fear whipping up inside as he tried to come up with a way to not come across as a jerk.

“Oh my God, you’re like my hero,” the woman was saying as Jay approached.

Nichole smiled, not her brightest smile, nor the sexy one. This smile was different from what he usually saw from Nichole. It felt fake. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say that.”

“Are you doing a story here? Are you covering something in San Diego?”

“No. I’m on vacation. I’m headed home in a few days. Just relaxing.”

“So, are these your friends?” The woman glanced around, taking them all in.

They had longer hair, beards, or scruff. Only Griz had a Navy tattoo on his back, and most people didn’t really see it because there were other tattoos surrounding it.

He worried what Nichole would say, but he didn’t need to worry. “Not really. They’re my friend’s brothers and cousins. They’re here on vacation, too. Going home tomorrow.”

“Could I get a photo with you?”

“Oh, sorry. I look like crap and don’t have any makeup on. I’m sorry. I just don’t look good right now.”

The woman nodded. “Oh, yeah, I don’t have any on either. It was great meeting you.”

“Thank you.”

The woman and her boyfriend took off without Jay intervening. “You okay?”

She nodded. “Yeah. I’m a little surprised she recognized me without makeup on.”

Apple shook his head, anger clear in his expression. “You lie so easily.”

“Excuse me?” Nichole’s lips thinned, and her nostrils flared.

“How do we know you aren’t lying to Jay? Like, why should we trust you?”

Nichole’s cheeks went pink. “What is wrong with you?”

Jay stepped between Nichole and Apple. “Back off, dude.”

Nichole pushed him out of the way. “I know you think you have to defend me, but I can defend myself.” She turned to Apple and stared up at him. “You have a chip on your shoulder, and it’s affecting your perception. I’m not here to take advantage of you or Jay.”

“I can’t believe you after you lied so easily.” Apple turned to Jay, shaking his head. “It’s on you when things go wrong. You better watch your back.”

Anger slid through Jay as he watched Apple stalk off. Griz came over and squeezed Jay’s shoulder. “I’ll talk to him. Something else has to be wrong.”

Jay shook his head, not sure what to say. He wanted all the guys to like Nichole, but maybe he was asking too much from Apple. The guy had been betrayed, and he obviously wasn’t over it even though they’d talked it out. Maybe something else happened. Either way, he needed to get things right with Apple so they didn’t have strife on the team.