Page 86 of Stumped

“Only for you, superstar.”

I love you. “You wouldn’t happen to know any sports agents looking to represent superstar athletes, would you?”

She laughs and the sound is music to my ears. “I do, actually. Well, my lawyer does. Her brother is a sports agent and is looking for new clients. He’s got your number and will call you tomorrow.”

“Vera…” I sit up and shake my head.

“It’s what I do, Elias. As your girlfriend and your biggest fan.”

Marry me.

Twenty-Eight. Fucking assholes

Vera

Would I have made a different choice had I known dating an athlete would twist my life in such a way? Six months ago I would have said yes. Now that I’m obsessed with Elias, my answer is no. Even with all this turmoil, I’d have done everything the same way. Because when I look at pictures of us, I knownothingin the world would make me choose anyone else. I was mad at him for dropping theI love youbomb the way he did, but then I was mad at Dhruv. I rushed back into the city and spent hours with Zahira, then got on a conference call with Mr. Jaishankar, methislawyers and cleared everything up.

All of it took way too much time. I don’t particularly enjoy the bureaucracy of the world, but it’s what I have to deal with given my standing in the industry.

Between Zahira and the Renegades lawyer, I was recommended to keep my mouth shut and not speak about what was going on until everything could be sorted. Which also took longer than necessary, but speaking to Elias before he went to bed certainly helped. His texts all day sounded panicky and worried, and he wasn’t wrong to be concerned. But I had it all under control.

Even if there were moments when I didn’t feel that way.

First order of business was finding him a new agent and Zahira generously offered her brother, Farhad, for the job. I met with him, made sure he’d be a good fit, and shared Elias’s number and details so they could connect later. I had to do another private call with Mr. Jaishankar to assure him that despite my relationship with Elias, nothing about the way we worked was going to change. Lucky Shot might be my company, but the person heading the Renegades team would be in charge every step of the way. It took some convincing, but I think he finally accepted it.

Especially when I told him we’d file whatever relationship paperwork was necessary.

Everyone, Dhruv and Mr. Jaishankar included, thought Elias and I were having a fling so their surprise was amusing. It might have started as one, but somewhere along the way it turned into more. I do love him and even though it scares the shit out of me, I don’t want to be anywhere else.

As the kids once said, he’s my endgame.

However, the one thing I couldn’t stop was the article from going out. Despite Zahira working her legal magic and making calls, there’s a multi-page spread about how I’m a bad influence on the young cricket superstar floating around this morning. Since then, my phone’s been blowing up with texts and Instagram notifications.

It would have been fine if it was a regular article of hate—one that put Elias in a good light and me in a bad one. But no, they had to do tons of research and interview people I worked with a long time ago so they could attack me and my company. My old bosses, former coworkers and, to cut me deep,Rakesh. The worst part is everyone they’ve spoken to are men who have always considered me high maintenance, too aggressive, and not a team player.

This isn’t my first hit piece, but it’s the one that hurts the most.

I curse Dhruv and his money-hungry ways as I force myself out of bed and into clean clothes. Ideally, my Sundays are to sit alone and do nothing. But I’m afraid if I don’t move, I might end up reading the story.

Stay off the internet. Please.

Superstar

I didn’t read it, but everyone’s talking about it.

I don’t care what they’re saying, peaches. I know you.

I blink back tears furiously and shake my head. Much like I want to protect him, he’s doing the same for me.

Good luck today.

Superstar

Are you going to be okay?

Going to see my folks, distract myself somehow. I’ll be watching the match, though.

Superstar

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