Page 86 of The Wiener Across the Way

Skeeter, who had been watching silently and very uncomfortably, finally spoke. “Jake, let’s just go.”

As they turned to leave, Jake looked back, a mix of emotions on his face. “You’re a lucky guy,” he said to me, his voice lacking its earlier bravado. “Take care of her.”

I nodded, acknowledging his words with a newfound sense of maturity. “I plan to.”

We headed to the car so we could make the drive back home, and while we were waiting for the valet, my phone buzzed. Alexis’s name flashed on the screen. I owed her the time. Her calls to me had gone unanswered for a bit.

The valet was going to be a minute, and the girls were deep in discussion dissecting what had just gone down. So I took a step away and answered the call.

“Alexis, what’s up?” I asked, bracing for a chastisement.

“Declan, you’ve been a busy man,” her voice was laced with excitement. “Swoosh is on board. They love how you’ve been supporting Kelsey, and it’s done wonders for your image. We’re talking more than just a shoe deal now.”

I leaned against the wall, a sense of rightness with the world washing over me. I might not have even entertained the idea of Kelsey in the first place back then if it wasn’t for the Swoosh deal being in jeopardy, so I figured I sort of owed them for hookingme up with the love of my life. “That’s great to hear. What else are they thinking?”

“They’re interested in aligning you with some of their women’s sports initiatives. It’s a big step, Declan. You’re not just a football player in their eyes now, you’re a role model.”

The words hit me with a mixture of pride and surprise. I’d never seen myself as a role model, especially for women’s sports. But with Kelsey in my life, my perspective on a lot of things had changed.

“That sounds perfect, Alexis. Let’s do it. And hey, while I have you, do you guys have connections with music agents? I know someone looking for new representation.”

There was a brief pause. “Music agents, huh? I can make a few calls. Someone specific in mind?”

“Just a talented artist who deserves the best,” I replied, a smile spreading across my face as I hinted at exactly who we were talking about. The De le Rein agency was older than dirt and had repped a lot of people over the years. But Kelsey would be a star among their stars.

“Consider it done. I’ll get back to you with some options,” Alexis assured me.

Life was really fucking good right now. Not just because of the Swoosh deal, but for being able to help Kelsey too.

I walked back to Kelsey, and her eyes were filled with curiosity. “Everything good?”

“Better than. That was my agent. Swoosh is on board with a bigger deal, and they want to align me with women’s sports initiatives.”

Her eyes lit up. “That’s amazing, Declan. You’re a great role model for men and women. A lot of little boys and girls would benefit from seeing how you treat the people you care about.”

I shrugged, feeling a bit sheepish at the praise. “And I might have mentioned to Alexis about someone needing a new music agent.”

Kelsey raised an eyebrow. “Alexis?”

“De le Rein. She’s my agent.”

“Is she related to your mom? I mean I’ve heard of the De le Rein agency, but are you related to them?”

“Yep, Alexis is my cousin. The agency was actually started by my grandfather. It’s been the other family business, you know, besides football, for a while,” I explained, watching Kelsey’s expression change from surprise to realization.

Kelsey reached out, taking my hand. “That’s incredible, Declan. Your family continues to surprise me. I’d love to be represented by De le Rein. Their music arm is really powerful.”

“We tend to keep a low profile about it. But I think it’s time we used that influence for good, especially for someone as talented and deserving as you.”

Her eyes softened, and she squeezed my hand. “Thank you, Declan. That means a lot to me. To have your support, and your family’s too... it’s more than I could have asked for.”

“I got you, babe.” I winked at her.

“Did you just quote Sonny and Cher?” She started humming the song. “Maybe it’s time for a remake of that classic.”

“Who are you going to get to be the Sonny to your Cher, babe?”

“You, of course. I’ve heard you sing, Kingman. You’ve definitely got a future in pop music.”

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