Playing the Field

Miserable Island

"Avery Skinner, you did not call Brad Malcolm a rapist on live national TV!" my famous LA manger, Tanner Cruz, yells. Top dog in his field and represents several high profile athletes. It was totally awesome to be contacted by his assistant and the generous offer to be under his supervision. Tanner can take you places, has the hook up and more importantly the name and proper connections. There was no doubt in my mind that he would be the best possible manger for me. No shady history, no lawsuits, nothing but positive stories about working with him. And trust me, I dug as deep as I could because in this industry you have to be careful who you associate yourself with.

I finish chewing on the bite of peanut butter covered celery I had in my mouth before saying, "What, is he not?"

Tanner's defeated sigh made me grin, "Avery, what he is or isn't does not justify what you did. ESPN is furious! They might never do work with you again! I'm waiting on word from Brad's people, he could sue you know."

I frown, "Sue me? For what?"

"Defamation of character on such a public platform, harassment, trust me they'll find something." Tanner replies.

"Then I'll get sued by a rapist. Which is twisted if you ask me." I say.

"You're not taking this as serious as you need to, Avery. Mr. Malcolm is a respected man,"

I cut Tanner off, "He's a rapist, Tan, a rapist. I will show no respect or support for him. They used me, do you understand that? Put yourself in my shoes for a second would you. Being all dolled up, being clueless, all to find out you're gonna be sitting next to a woman hating man to make him look better. You can't imagine the chills I felt being so close to such a slime-ball." I had to keep my voice level and to not let emotion get the best of me. From the couch Nia gives me a thumbs up.

"I know where you're coming from, but I'm thinking about your career and future. If I'm going to represent you, Avery, bold behaviors like this cannot happen so easily." Tanner scolds.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize speaking out against a rapist could be considered a bold behavior," I sarcastically say.

It's been a couple of hours since the interview with Brad and boy has it not been good.

My phone has been blowing up. My comments seemed to anger thousands upon thousands, as well as give hope to other thousands. People were commenting on my Instagram pictures, tweeting me, emailing, trying in anyway they possibly could to reach me, to give me they're opinion on what fell out of my mouth. Some were supportive, coming to my defense even, saying I did exactly what they would have in my position. Death threats, hate, and just flat out rude comments have been thrown my way too. I'm used to seeing things like 'go kill yourself', 'you're just an ugly fucking butch', 'bitch I hate you' next to my name but it doesn't mean I don't get hurt by it each time.

I'm still a human, I still feel. What is the point of leaving such crude things on social media? What does a person possibly gain from such a thing?

I will never comprehend.

"What needs to happen is a public apology. This should calm things down and hopefully Brad's people won't come after us." Tanner replies.

I scoff, "Public apology? To a rapist? That's hilarious. Hand me the lawsuit papers right now."

Nia's surprised bark of laughter put a bigger grin on my face.

"Be reasonable now, Avery."

I shake my head even though he can't see it, "I am being reasonable, Tanner. I stand by what I said and I'll make a post about that right now. I don't care what people think or say or if I get sued. Brad Malcolm is a woman beating rapist and I don't fuck with people like that, you hear me? I wasn't raised to be fake like that. So give me an option that doesn't involve ass kissing or dump me, hang up and I'll find a manger who understands."