Chapter 31

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"Your scans look good Alexis. If all goes well when I check you out tomorrow morning, I'll discharge you in the afternoon. How does that sound?" the doctor says, marking a note down on my chart.

I give him a small smile, knowing he tried his best but that I won't be released today. "Thank you for caring for me, I appreciate it."

"Of course. If you need anything, please give the nurse a call. Get some rest." he says, setting the clipboard on the front of my hospital bed.

I shift to my side, trying not to get upset that I'll be missing Mason's first playoff game tonight. I had begged and pleaded with the doctor yesterday to release me today if my scans came back normal. He said brain injuries are complicated and that the extra day in the hospital would be beneficial to make sure I had made a full recovery. Naturally, Mason and my parents agreed with the doctor, sucking the fight right out of me.

All I want to do is fall asleep, but my phone has been vibrating on the table next to me bed all morning. Texts from Brooke, Gia, Kaylee, my family, Mason, and my co-workers have been pouring in since I got here almost a week ago. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for their well wishes and support, but I just want to go home and be left alone.

I'm about to nod off when I hear a tap-tap on the door. "Knock knock!" Brooke says, cheerfully and walks in. "How is my favorite person today?"

I smile and shift to sit upright. The blanket falls off of my arm, exposing the IV hooked into it. I choke down a swallow then quickly cover it, a rush of heat running to my cheeks. Did I mention I HATE needles? The first time I woke up and saw it I passed out immediately. Ever since then, I keep it covered, trying to pretend it isn't there.

"Ready to go home." I say, peering at the brown bag in her hand. "What's that?"

She beams at me and holds out the bag. "Lunch courtesy of me so you don't have eat the food here. No offense."

"None taken. What did you get me?"

She sets the bag on the table next to my bed and starts digging through it. "Well, I wasn't sure what you would be in the mood for or how hungry you are, so I got two things."

She pulls out a massive green leaf salad from the local salad bar near our office and a bowl, yes literally a bowl, of Caesar dressing. "I got you a salad if you wanted to be healthy with all the veggie, chicken, and fixings. And extra dressing of course."

I don't think that massive side of Caesar is healthy but I'm not complaining. I watch her hands dive back into the bag and pull out two cases of black boxes. "Or if you want to pig out and watch Mason's game together, I got us wings! Honey BBQ and Garlic Parmesan for you, Mild and Honey Mustard for me."

My mouth immediately starts to water at the smell of the wings. "Oh my god you are the best friend in the whole world. Wings first, salad for the game, please."

"And what kind of friend would I bet if I didn't bring you ranch dressing for your wings. The worst, here's a new bottle." She laughs, emptying the bag. 

My eyes shine with tears, overwhelmed by her generosity. "Thank you Brooke. Really all of this is great, I'm so thankful to have a great friend like you."

She squeezes my hand then sets up my meal for me. "Oh please you're more like my sister. You know we both don't have family out here and we lean on each other. Where else would I be except by your side?" 

I nod my head agreeing with her. "You don't have to stay all night though. I don't expect that."

She gives me a pointed look that says I won't be winning this argument. "Girl please. I can give up going out for one night. Plus your boyfriend would kill me if I left you alone for this game. No hush and eat." 

I pop open the ranch when my phone rings. Mason's name and the picture of us from San Francisco pops up on my screen. 

"Hang on, it's Mason. I have to answer."

Brooke spreads out her pillow on the oversized chair and tsks. "Tell that man we're eating wings and to call back. I don't care if he makes millions, we're having girl time." 

I stare at her like she's crazy. "Brooke we're eating wings in the hospital because I passed out and cracked my skull."

She fake gasps and gives me an offended look. "You just don't want to hang out with me. You brat". She busts out laughing on the last part, losing her already crumbling poker face. "No I don't care, tell Mr. MVP I say hello."

She settles back into her chair and flips the TV on while I turn my attention to my phone. 

"Hi babe, how are you?" Mason's rather flat voice comes through the phone. 

"I'm good, doctor said everything looks good and I can go home tomorrow. What's wrong?" I ask, Brooke's head snapping in my direction. 

"Good. I'm sending Nate and Adrianna to help get you home. Listen... uh, I have a press conference in ten minutes and I'd really like it if you'd watch. It showed be on one of the local channels in your room." he says, his voice muffling on the last part.

I sit upright, my heart pounding against my chest. Why does Nate, Mason's personal bodyguard who should be with him right now in St. Louis, have to take me home? "Mason, what's going on? Is this about your new contract?"

"No. Lexi, please just listen. I'll call you right after I'm done and don't worry, I think you're going to like what I have to say. I love you, bye-bye." he says, then the line disconnects.

I push my box of wings to the side and lunge for the remote at the foot of the bed. What the hell is going on? Mason never leaves cryptic messages like that and then hangs up without even a hint. 

"What's wrong Lex?" Brooke asks, her brows furrowing at my quick movements. 

Ignoring her, I flip to channel two, but the afternoon talk show is on. I flip to channel four, channel eight, then finally channel eleven that reads 'BREAKING NEWS: GIANTS SHORTSTOP MASON YOUNG TO MAKE A STATEMENT REGARDING FUTURE MEDIA COVERAGE'. 

What the hell is he doing?

My eyes are glued to the screen as Mason makes it way up the stairs to the brown podium that has at least fifteen microphones attached to it. The media room goes silent as he clears his throat and looks out into the crowd. I hold my breath, waiting on his every word like the rest of the world, at least the state of California. 

"Thank you all for coming on such a short notice. After my statement, there will be no questions and I will not answer any questions at a different point in time." He says, his hands gripping the side of the podium. 

"What is this about?" Brooke asks, hopping out of her chair and onto the foot of my bed. 

"Shhhh." I urge, waving my hand at her. She sits upright on the bed, her focus not moving from the tv. 

"There was an incident a week ago involving my girlfriend Alexis Olson. While attending a company event, paparazzi decided to ambush her and accuse her of things she didn't do. Not only did they pry into her private personal life, they shouted hurtful words at her that are simply not true." he states, his jaw set. 

He's pissed. I know him better than anyone and when Mason is angry, he becomes determined to fix whatever the issue that is pissing him off is. The issue here? The media.

"Why am I bringing this up to all of you? Well because some of you were there. Your infatuation with Lexi only started when I brought her as my date to the All-Star game and then confirmed our relationship at the ESPYS. You don't care about her, you only care about your story of her to sell to your editors."

Technically, he's not wrong. None of these outlets gave a shit about me two months ago but as soon as I was spotted with Mason at the winery, my followers on social media tripled while I felt like there was always a camera on me when I would go to the grocery store or to the gym. 

He adjusts the main microphone on the stand and takes a look around the room before continuing. "Starting today, my personal life is private. I will not take any questions or interviews involving anybody I'm romantically linked to, dating, or married to. Lexi is not up for discussion. My parents are not up for for discussion. My future kids are also not up for discussion."

Okay, I'm a little turned on. My man standing up there, sticking up for me and our future kids? Yeah, I'm loving it. 

"I urge you to read California's anti-paparazzi laws to understand where I'm coming from. If I hear or find out of anyone breaking my private life rules, I will never do an interview with you again. Yes, I'm contractually obligated to do media, however I get a say in what it is." Mason commands, working the room with his memorizing eyes and tone. 

"Just so you all know how serious I am, as of this morning, I'm currently working with state legislators to draft a new, stricter anti-paparazzi law. Any questions about my career and baseball play is welcomed. I look forward to speaking to you after tonight's game. Have a great day." he finishes, nodding then walking down the stairs towards the Giant's PR spokesperson. 

Loud cries erupt from the media room from writers wanting an answers but Mason keeps on walking. The news feed cuts from the conference room and to the sports anchor who begins to recap Mason's statements. My heart swells with love for this man and before I can control it, tears stream down my face, my soul touched by his gesture.

My phone vibrates next to me on the bed and the man of the hour's name pops up on my screen. With shaky hands, I hit accept. 

"I made you a promise in college Lexi. I would never let anyone hurt you again and I plan on following through." his even-toned voice says coming through the speaker. 

"Thank you." I choke out, unable to think straight. My heart begins to return to a normal resting rate when something dawns on me. "Did you just ruin your career?"

He chuckles. "No. I made it better. I took a step for every athlete to finally be able to separate his personal life from his professional one. You gave me the courage to do that." 

I nod as if he can see me while Brooke pushes her head next to mine to hear him. "So what happens now?"

"Now, I'm getting you your own personal bodyguard. Nate will be with you until we find one but I don't want you to worry about that. I'll see you tomorrow night, I have to go get ready for the game. I love you."

"I love you too."


*Author's note: So sorry for the delay BUT I have officially moved into my house and will be getting back to my regularly scheduled updates! Losing Our Way will be updated on Fridays, Ecstasy (shameless plug) will be updated on Saturdays. 

Since I've been getting some questions, I'm aiming to finish LOW by end of May. There will be 50 total chapters of LOW, with an epilogue and 4 bonus chapters, including the infamous ice cube scene that I left y'all hanging on :) 

Thank you all for the votes, reads, and comments. I read each one and I do try to respond! Thanks for making my day :) 


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