“Congrats, Avery. Your rookie year, so incredible.” He sounds a little overwhelmed and a lot proud.
“Thanks, Dad. I didn’t imagine it happening after the way the season began.”
“You did it though. And now you’re a starter, plus this…”
“NEW YORK, BABY,” I hear Jamie shout in the background, breaking up this more serious conversation. This year’s All-Star game is in Brooklyn.
Dad and I laugh at Jamie’s antics, and then he hands the phone off to Mom.
“Rawley’s here, Mom, so I should probably go.” He winks at the sound of his name.
“Okay, say hi for me.”
A knock on the door comes soon after we hang up, and Sarah’s voice comes through. “Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I made eggs and pancakes, and left extra for you if you want to reheat them in a bit.”
I’m getting hungry, so I’m sure Rawley is too. “Awesome, thanks, Sarah.”
“I’m jumping in the shower, so just serve yourselves whenever.”
As I hear her pad off, I glance to Rawley. “I’m definitely ready for breakfast.”
“Same.”
Five minutes later, we’re chowing down at Sarah’s kitchen island, when I get a text.
“Oh, Aiden wants to call me,” I say to Rawley.
“Go ahead.”
“Okay, but stay quiet.”
He grins. Aiden doesn’t know we’re sleeping together, obviously. So many secrets.
When the call connects, he joins the crew offering congratulations.
“Well done, Avery. This season could not go better.”
I’m glad he feels that way.
“I also have some news of my own.”
“Great.” I leave it on speaker so Rawley can hear.
“FlashFuel has come in with a twenty-million-dollar offer. They want you to be the face of their ‘NextUp’ campaign.”
Holy shit.
Rawley’s eyes go big, and he gives me a thumbs-up.
“This is a no brainer, Avery. And now we’re pushing fifty million in deals. Getting you to the place you deserve.”
“This is unbelievable, thank you.”
“Just took a little creativity.” He pauses, taking a sip of something. “With how things have come together withRawley and your deals, not to mention all your on-court accomplishments, I think Taylor and I can start planning the wind down of your relationship. I’m sure that will please you both.”
Oh. I look at Rawley, and he has an unreadable expression on his face, but it definitely doesn’t resemble pleased.
Either way, I’m not sure howIfeel.
