I rolled my eyes so hard I think I hurt myself. Oh good, Mike wasn’t wasting any time getting into the things I really didn’t want Oakley talking about or the media focusing on. I shot Oakley a stern look that I hoped said, if you mention anything unsavory, I will fucking kill you in your sleep...in the bed we just so happen to be sharing for now.

To Oakley’s credit, he flashed Mike a winning smile and gave the most perfect answer I could have asked for. “I have been working extra hard at practices, squeezing in extra workouts, and picking Coach Howard’s brain for feedback. I think it really paid off in my performance tonight.”

Yes! I was mentally fist bumping myself. I am such an amazing publicist. I didn’t even have to steal the microphone from Mike’s boney fingers. “Really? So the rumors about you sleeping with the university president’s daughter?”

Oakley smirked. “You mean Becky Smith? I would rather have my left nut slammed in a car door—that’s off the record, of course. I’m sure she’s a nice gal, but I’m too focused on my football and scholastic career to have time for anyone else. And she’s too territorial for me.”

I cringed. Not the best thing to say about the university president’s daughter, but it was too late now. I spoke up. “Don’t forget your volunteer hours.”

Mike turned to me and pressed the microphone against my lips. Again, there was no concern for personal space. Disgusting. I pressed it away with the tips of my fingers. “And who are you?”

“I’m Oakley’s publicist. And he doesn’t have time to date because, when he’s not studying or practicing, he’s volunteering at a local nursing home. Oakley is extremely dedicated to giving back to the community.”

Mike looked back at Oakley with an expression laced with surprise.

“I’m hurt that you look so shocked, Mike,” Oakley said playfully. “It just so happens that I got to know Cassandra Kitchen really well.”

I cringed at his mention of that shit show but then reminded myself that absolutely nobody outside of the seven people who were there knew about us getting to know Mrs. Kitchen that day.

Mike followed up with, “One last question for you before I let you go. What is your favorite part about volunteering?”

“Aside from the great publicity and not being murdered by my publicist?” Oakley joked. “I really enjoyed just being able to connect with the residents. They all have such fantastic stories about their kids and grandkids. Getting to be a part of their family for even just an afternoon was actually really special.”

He did it. Oakley had a good interview. “Thank you for your time, Oakley. I’ll be sure to do a good write-up.”