Page 119 of Faking Ties

“Stella,” a man says, “can you please introduce us to your friend?”

“Of course,” Stella says. “Please meet Elodie. Elodie, meet everyone.”

The reporters chuckle and a man asks, “How long have you two been friends?”

“Some months,” Stella says, “but it feels like I’ve known her my entire life. Elodie has quickly become one of my best frien?—”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Hunter says, coming to our side with Jake. “But I wanted to meet the woman who made such delicious donuties.”

“By all means,” Stella says, turning to me. “Hunter, meet my friend Elodie. Elodie, meet my friend Hunter.”

Hunter takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles. “It’s a pleasure.”

“The feeling might be mutual…eventually,” I joke.

The reporters laugh, and Hunter beams at me.

“You know,” Stella says, “I normally don’t play matchmaker, but I think you two might be perfect together.”

A female reporter gasps. “You’re okay with your ex dating your friend?”

“Well, it’d depend on the ex, if you know what I mean.” Stella smiles prettily, as if she didn’t just hint at Jax. “But honestly, I'd be thrilled. Elodie deserves someone amazing, and Hunter is the best man I know.”

“Wow,” the woman says in awe, “you really are America’s sweetheart.”

“I try,” Stella says with a laugh. “I hope you enjoy your night and, who knows, maybe I’ll make a special performance if we achieve our fundraising goal within the next hour. But I’m not sure anyone knows about that…”

Stella gives the reporters a meaningful look and they stare at her in stunned silence for a beat before scrambling to their tables, spreading the word about Stella’s possible performance.

“Damn, you’re good with the press,” Nina says, coming to our side.

Aria throws an arm across Stella’s shoulder. “That’s my girl.”

Evren strides to our side once the reporters disappear and gives Nina a long look from head to toe.

“Did you make the jackets?” he asks her, his tone even.

“Yeah. What about it?”

“Do you have a licensing agreement to use my team’s logo?” Evren asks.

“Why do you ask?” Nina quips.

“You’re not allowed to use it without pre-approval.”

“Or what?”

“Or you could have a lawsuit on your hands.”

“I dare you to sue me,” Nina says, taking a menacing step toward him, her fists clenched. “I. Fucking. Dare. You.”

Evren’s lips twitch and I grab on to her arm before she does something she’ll get in trouble for. “Let’s go have a donutie and calm down, yeah?” I propose.

“I don’t know,” Aria says, “I’d put my money on Nina if they got into a fight.”

“Are you encouraging them to duke it out here?” Jake asks in shock. “In front of the press?”

Aria shrugs. “I mean… It’d be entertaining.”

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