Page 104 of The King Contract
“A couple of years ago,” Toby starts. “I was in New York for my sister’s birthday. Me and some mates were on a bender andmy sister’s party was like, the fourth night out. I got in a fight with a taxi driver, wasn’t in any family photos, and had a drink thrown in my face by one of my sister’s friends because I was an arrogant prick.” Toby shakes his head. “It was embarrassing, and I remember thinking, if I’d been in the public eye, I’d be fucked.”
Callum nods beside me, perhaps also thinking how lucky he is to have remained out of the limelight.
“We all mess up,” Toby says simply. “It’s not an excuse for poor behaviour, but I appreciate you owning your shit.”
“We don’t believe in cancel culture, and I wouldn’t want you to feel like you couldn’t be yourself or have a drink or whatever,” Sam adds, before quirking an eyebrow. “But we’re not interested in working with anyone who’s in it for themselves. We don’t want perfection or purity, but we don’t want a cocky athlete donning our gear during the day and drink driving at night.”
“I hear you loud and clear.” My skin feels hot, but relief settles in the pit of my stomach. Being able to get it out on the table with people I respect and have them respond reasonably is more than I could’ve asked for. “I’ve destroyed enough in recent times. It’s a steep learning curve, I’ll say that much.”
“We should talk more later.” Toby fishes for something out of his pocket. He pulls out a business card and hands it to me. It has both his and Sam’s direct contact lines, and I smile with gratitude. “Let’s have a chat when we’re not going deaf from trance music and surrounded by eavesdroppers.”
Hope fills my chest. “Thank you. Both of you.”
We all shake hands and Callum and I retreat to our booth, the two of us collapsing with relief at being back in our own space.
I run my hand over my jaw. “That went well, right?”
Callum grins. “That went great. Relax.”
I let out a massive exhale, my shoulders dropping from my ears with relief. He’s right. Thatwasgreat. Better than expected. Nothing could kill my buzz.
Not even seeing my glamourous ex-girlfriend walking towards us.
41
MILLIE
Marianne and Connell
Today has been amazing,and it’s only one o’clock. Over seventy people came through for a haircut and something to eat first thing this morning, including a few of our regulars, which always makes me feel better. Knowing how they’re doing helps me not catastrophise about what might happen to them in between visits. The event was a huge success in my book and even though I’m shattered, I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
I’m about to make another cup of coffee to fight off my tired eyes when Ellis sidles up to me. “We are on fire today.”
“Agreed. I’m going to sleep like a baby when this day is done.”
“You can sleep after we show you and your beautiful pictures off,” Ellis reminds me. “You can nap in between if you want?”
“I might be exhausted, but there’s no way I’ll sleep.” The thought of sleeping while nervous energy pumps through my veins seems impossible.
Ellis stretches her arms over her head and yawns. “When will your fake-not-fake boyfriend be returning?”
“Shhh!” I glance around. “Indoor voice, Ellis.”
“No one’s going to know what that means if they overhear me,” she dismisses. “I was thinking, does it really matter if people find out? You’re into each other now anyway.”
“Now is not the time to be discussing this,” I grumble.
Ellis frowns. “Pray tell, when is the time to discuss this? Because in case you haven’t noticed the date . . . tick tock.”
I pump ground coffee into the portafilter and smash the top so it’s level, before slamming it up into the machine. I grab a mug and place it underneath before clicking the right buttons, the machine whirring to life.
Of course I’ve noticed the date. This entire month, all I’ve looked at is dates and times and the unstoppable countdown to when the contract ceases. In a few days’ time, Noah will set off to Hawaii to ensure he gets prepped for the first competition of the new surf season. It’s almost the twenty-second of January.
Ellis hands me the milk from the fridge. “Your silent aggression is very reassuring to me.”
I pour the milk into the metallic jug and froth it. “We’re talking tonight. After my show.”
“What are you going to say?”
