Page 44 of Faking Ties

“I wouldn’t go that far.” I try to brush off her statement, uncomfortable with how easily she sees past my defenses.

“I would.” She catches my gaze. “I would.” She repeats it, as if to drive the point home.

“All right, lovebirds,” Jake says. “Does this mean Hunter gets to change his name?”

“Nope.” Stella grins, still staring at me. “I’m quite fond of Jeggings.”

ELODIE

“Go, team, go,” Nina shouts at the TV. Even though Stella is still recovering in the hospital, we’ve been messaging every day. She recommended to watch the game in this specific bar since it has a private VIP area and Aria, her best friend, will meet us here in a bit. Aria knows about our switch, and also signed an NDA.

Nina tries to kick her leg in front of her and punch upward at the same time, but she fails miserably at it.

“And this is why you were never a cheerleader,” I say, laughing and handing her a shot, our second since arriving some minutes ago.

“Ha, just be happy I’m here.” She clinks her glass against mine.

“I’m so happy I could cry,” I say seriously and toss my shot back. After a week full of practicing for the tour and having three back-to-back shows, I was thrilled whenNina announced she’s coming to visit me. I even sent the plane to pick her up, and she hasn’t shut up about it since she arrived an hour ago. “It’s been too long.”

“Right? I almost forgot what you looked like.”

“Impossible.” I grin and nod toward the TV. “He’s playing well today.”

“And how wouldyouknow?”

“Because they’re winning?”

Nina laughs. She thinks it’s hilarious that I don’t know anything about football and yet I’m dating one of the most famous players. “Why didn’t you go? We could’ve partied in the suite.”

“Because last time I went, the media blamed me for the loss. Getting booed by an entire stadium isn’t something I’d like to repeat.” I put on a brave face for Hunter since he was already dealing with losing the game, but it was horrible. The media’s been saying I’m a bad luck charm, and it hurts to read that. Stella says I should ignore it, but that’s easier said than done.

“If they pulled that shit with me there, I would’ve laid into them.”

“Well then, I’m glad we didn’t go.”

“You know you can’t avoid going forever, right?” she asks. “You can’t let the haters get you down.”

“I know.” I sigh. She’s right, and I also have to make regular appearances as part of my deal with Hunter, but the urge to hide and never show my face at a game again is strong.

“How did Hunter react when you told him you weren’t going?”

“He was okay with it.” Nina gives me a long look. “Okay, fine,” I relent. “He sounded sad, especially when Philly isn’t that far from here.”

“Aww, he misses you. You should message him and say his ass looked sexy during that touchdown dance he just did.”

“No, that’s weird. He’s not even at his phone.”

“So? It’ll be a nice surprise when the game’s over.” Nina raises her eyebrows. “The Spice Girls collectively dare you to do it.”

“I’m going to start revoking your rights to them if you keep using them on me.”

Nina cackles. “Then stop giving me reasons to use them.”

“I hate you.” I take out my phone and open my message thread with Hunter.

Me: Where did you learn those touchdown dance moves? I’m jealous.

Me: My friend thinks your ass looks hot while you run, and I have to say I might agree.

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