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Noah, that guy from earlier, walks over, holding the hand of a tiny blonde ballerina. He looks from me to Belle then back to me again. Guess I’m supposed to take the hint. I tap the desk, grabbing Tommy’s attention. “See ya, Tommy.”
This kid smiles, looking off to the side, then yells, “Bye, Dec,” about ten decibels above typical levels. Having never taken his headphones off, he has no idea just how loud he is.
I smile one more time at Belle. “See ya Saturday, Belle.” Yup. Just like I thought, douchey dude doesn’t look happy.
Oh fucking well.
Sucks to be him.
I’ve been thinking about this woman for months. I might not be thrilled with what brought this date about, but it’s a date I’ve wanted since I moved to this town. And this guy isn’t gonna get his chance if I have anything to say about it.
I’m halfway home when my cell phone rings. There’s no Bluetooth in my truck, and I like it that way. One of the first things I did when I moved to town was buy my baby. It’s a metallic blue and white 1968 Ford Bronco. She’s been restored to mint condition, and I fucking love it. She’s my baby. So instead of having Bluetooth installed, my phone sits in its holder, and I hit the speaker button.
I’m greeted by the voice of my agent, Hunter. He and I played ball for Notre Dame my freshman year. Hunt was a senior who was getting ready for law school. He was a cool guy who knew exactly what he wanted—to be a sports agent. By the time I was getting ready for the draft, Hunter was knocking on my door with one of the partners of the firm he was interning with. I agreed to sign with them if Hunt was my guy. I trust him, and that’s not something that comes easily for me.
“Jesus Christ, Dec. Are you seriously not gonna get Bluetooth in that ancient fucking truck? The connection sounds like shit before you even speak.”
“Don’t talk about my baby like that, asshole. What’s up?” I turn into the parking garage of my condo, pulling into my spot.
“Okay. Straight to it. I like it. Did you find a date for Saturday? If not, I got a few contacts set up for some Instagram influencers. Shouldn’t be too hard to get one lined up. We’re gonna need an NDA signed, though, so we’ve got to get the jump on it now.”
“I’m good, man.” I see no point in letting him go on. “I’m not a complete idiot. I can get my own date.”
Hunter hesitates. “Okay, I can have the NDA couriered over tomorrow...”
“No need. She’s a good friend of the family. I’m not having her sign an NDA.”
Hunt’s quick to say, “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Seriously, it’s fine. If I have to go to this dog and pony show, Annabelle is the only date I want. No NDA.” I pop my earbuds in and hop out of the truck.
I hear a deep sigh from Hunt’s end of the line. “Alright. Did you look at the sponsor information I had sent over? Nike’s not going to wait forever, Dec.” I hear paper shuffling. “Neither is Tag Heuer. Seriously, Dec, this is how you pad your retirement fund. I need answers.”
“Yeah, man. I hear you. Listen, I’m about to walk into the elevator. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Do not hang up on me, Declan. I’ll be in the city tomorrow, and we’re meeting in the afternoon. Four o’clock. Don’t forget.”
“Yeah, yeah. I hear ya.” I walk into my silent condo, kick my shoes off by the front door, and head to the kitchen to throw one of my premade meals into the microwave. I stayed with my dad for a few weeks after moving to Philadelphia last summer. After four years of basically being on my own, I needed my own space. It only took a week for my realtor to find me a fully furnished condo in Center City Philly with a view of the riverfront and security. I’m renting for now. I’m a little hesitant to buy. I need to see how this season goes first.
I drop my keys and wallet on my kitchen counter and make my way to my bedroom to get changed into sweats before I eat and look through the folder sitting on my table. I know these companies want answers. I just don’t know if the money is worth the privacy I’ll have to give up.
I’ve always held my privacy close. I’ve seen what the media can do to a person’s life. Perception means more than truth.
Everybody wants me to start to put myself out there, and all I want to do is play football.
Group Chat:
Sabrina:What time are we meeting at your house tonight, Belles?
Nattie:Want me to bring pizza?
Chloe:Meat lovers, please.
Nattie:I heard you’re starting to like sausage more. Huh, Chloe?
Chloe:Shut the fuck up, Nat!
Sabrina:Plain cheese for me.
