That wasn’t a great thought. I gritted my teeth and reminded myself to make this work. I was doing a favor for my best friend and that was that. I had to see this through and keep her safe.
CHAPTER 9
EMMA
I got ready for the first game in the hallway bathroom, looking nervously in the mirror. Bella said that make-up was a must today, and I nibbled on my lip as I looked down at my small bag. I still had time to go to her place and get ready if I hurried. Willow had done my make-up sometimes back home and I tried to remember her tricks as I fumbled with the cosmetics that were spread out on the counter.
I sighed and pulled my hair into a high ponytail. That was a start. After that I did my eyes with liner and added some mascara, taking a quick look before adding some shimmery powder to my brow area. I watched some videos about make-up and learned a few things, and I tilted my head to see how I looked.
I would have asked Jackson, but he had already left for the game. He got there early to get some practicing in before it started.
My stomach was flipping as I brushed some powder on my pale skin and added more powder to my brows.
I gave up and sent Bella a picture to ask her what she thought. We’d been talking a lot over the last few days and she trained me how to use the cannon yesterday. I knew that Sara was going to help me as much as she could as well, overseeing us. The other girls were nice, and I was optimistic that this would work out.
It might even be fun.
My phone beeped a few moments later.
You look great!
Can we go to Sephora for some make-up later?
We get paid next week, so let’s make a day of it.
Thanx!
Gotta go. Meet me at the stadium!
I’m on my way.
I pulled on some leggings and a long-sleeved Henley before finding my newest Converse. I knew that I could wear them today with the shorts and tank top that I’d be wearing. I grabbed my purse and ran to my car, driving nervously to the stadium’s parking underground.
I was working for the Tennessee Trojans!
I walked to the smaller locker room that was set up for us and the cheerleaders. I greeted Bella with a hug and admired her flawless face. She was going to work by me tonight so I could shadow her for the first few games.
We changed into the fitted outfits and I blushed as I looked in the mirror. This outfit left little to the imagination, and I could picture the reactions of people back home when they came to see a game. It would be awful.
I told myself that I was an adult as I glossed my lips and fixed my hair one more time.
Bella led the way to a small room just off the main stadium where we met Sara. She explained what I was doing today and assured me that nobody would notice if little things happened.
“Yeah, because half of the fans are drunk, anyway. You just have to make sure they don’t try to grab your ass.” Bella laughed softly under her breath.
“We spend most of the time in front of them, right?” I asked.
“Yes, you are. I’d worry less about the fans and more about the players.” She gave us all a long look. “They will hit on you nonstop. Stand your ground and just don’t give in. They are a great team but some of them are total man whores.”
All the girls laughed, and I wondered if Jackson was that bad. I knew that he was back in high school, but he’d been home every night since I got here. There was no sign of him sleeping around. What did I care? I had to stop think of Jackson every time something happened.
Bella and I went to talk to the team outside of their locker room so I could meet the players. There was a handsome one who walked right over, showing me a sexy, crooked smile that probably worked on a lot of women. I said hello and met the rest of them. I felt an arm across my shoulders, looking up to see Jackson. I couldn’t move with his arm being so tight around me and I narrowed my eyes at him.
“Let’s talk for a minute, Em.”
He pulled me outside to where we were before, out of sight of the fans.
“What’s wrong with you? I’m going to be talking to the guys, Jackson. I work here now. You can’t keep me in a bubble,” I felt anger rising as I thought back to all the times that my family sheltered me.
“I’m your surrogate brother. It’s what Greg wants and what I want.” His eyes flared.