Page 31 of The Riskiest Move

I smile, grabbing my phone to respond.

Me: Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll definitely give it a listen tonight.

No pressure. I know you’re probably busy with game prep and everything.

Never too busy for my fake girlfriend’s podcast.

I hesitate for a moment before adding a winking emoji.Wait. Is that too flirty?Before I can overthink it, I hit send.

She replies almost immediately.

Aww, you’re such a supportive fake boyfriend.

I chuckle, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at our playful banter. It’s nice to have someone to talk to like this..

I aim to please. So, do you have wrestlers on each week?

It depends on who’s available. Sometimes I discuss wrestling-related topics too.

What’s this episode about?

It’s about the psychology of sports fandom. Why people become so invested in teams and players.

Sounds interesting. I’ll definitely check it out.

Let me know what you think. Especially from a player’s perspective.

Will do. Hey, are you all set for the game on Sunday?

Yes. I wouldn’t miss it. Autumn and I will be there cheering for #89.

I’ll keep an ear out for you. Maybe it’ll inspire me to attempt that end zone dance you want so badly.

Now, that I’d love to see! No pressure, though.

As I’m about to reply, there’s a knock at my bedroom door.

“Come in,” I call out.

My sister pokes her head in. “Hey, I made dinner, if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks, I’ll be right there,” I say. To Scarlett, I quickly type,

Gotta run. Dinner’s ready. Talk to you later?

Enjoy your dinner! Chat soon.

Setting my phone down, I pull on a t-shirt and head to the kitchen. The scent of Cassie’s famous spaghetti and meatballs fills the air.

“Smells amazing, as always,” I tell her as I grab a plate.

She smiles. “Thanks. So who were you texting? You had that goofy grin on your face.”

I ignore her baiting and reply, “Just Scarlett.”

“Ah, the fake girlfriend,” she says with a knowing look.

“We were talking about her podcast.”

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