Page 96 of Everything In Between
Showing up for me tonight? That was a very big deal. And what he did just now, defending my name and my character? That was an even bigger deal. Even if he did risk injury to his throwing hand.
Callum pinches the bridge of his nose as if this is the scandal of a lifetime rather than what it actually is—a boyfriend showing up for his girlfriend, in private no less. “It will be fine,” he says, as if that is something I’m worried about. “Everything will be fine.”
“Cal, it’s not a big deal.” Has Cal officially lost it? Why is he acting like this is something new or different? “It’s not breaking news that Hayes would be here to support me.”
“It’s about thenarrative, Jersey!” he snaps at me and I take a step back. “If Corey takes this public, it’s up tousto respond which determines how the public and the media will continue to see you.”
“Why don’t you simply talk to Corey and ask him not to go public? He’s always done what you’ve asked in the past.”
He ignores my counterstrike and goes for the kill, aiming for my heart. “I don’t know why I even bother with you. You don’t understand any of this, so why don’t you stay in your lane and let me handle everything for you like I always do! We’ll have to do some damage control, make sure that people and fans know you’re truly committed to the album this year. We’ll do a few teasers, do a few behind the scenes of you recording.”
I bite my tongue. When have I ever given the impression that Iwasn’tcommitted to the tour and to the album? Callum has clearly made up his mind on the matter, and me telling him that he’s wrong won’t do any good. There’s nothing I want more than to tell him I quit and to shove his suggestions where the sun don’t shine. What would I give to do that, to finally be free of him and his stupid agenda?
Of course, I don’t, because Ican’t. The memory of the iron-clad contract I’m under weasels its way to the forefront of my mind, and I remind myself I only have a few more years of this. And then, I’ll be free to do whatever I want with my career.
So I stay silent.
Still lost in his own thoughts, Callum is suddenly struck with a brilliant idea. His eyes grow wide and he snaps his fingers a few times, bringing that idea to the forefront of his mind.
“We could stage a public breakup,” he says, bobbing his head a few times. His eyes are now on me as if he’s gauging my reaction. The mere idea of Hayes not being in my life anymore makes my eyes burn.
I freeze and then stand up from my seat, officially done with this conversation. I don’t say a word as I walk to the door. I’ve had enough of Callum and his “brilliant” ideas.
“Jersey, wait, just hear me out!”
I wave a hand at him but don’t bother looking back. “No, thanks.”
He and I have very different ideas of what it means for my career to be successful. I’m contractually obligated to listen and fall in line with some things, but I will not let him jeopardize my relationship for PR.
Closing the door behind me, I’m finally safe in the empty recesses of the stadium. I take a few deep breaths and close my eyes, leaning against the wall.
When my head has cleared a little and my heart rate has returned to normal, I start walking down the hallway to find Hayes and Bethany, ready to put Cal and Corey out of my head for the rest of the night.
THIRTY-SEVEN
hayes
MONDAY, APRIL 7
“You need to break up,”my publicist demands.
I stare at her blankly, then look to Coach, wondering if he is wishing he were anywhere else than here right now—like I am.
Leaning forward, I steeple my fingers against the table. “No.”
My publicist sighs. The exhaustion is evident on her face. I know she’s been going through it ever since Corey took to the internet, ranting about me punching him at Jersey’s show and calling out the league to take action. She’s been trying to clean up the narrative for anyone trying to give me bad press about the situation.
“Hayes, please,” she says, leveling me with a look that begs to give her a break. “This is not good for you, and it’s not good for her. You had your fun, but it’s time to get back to work.”
“I’m not breaking up with Jersey.”
We’ve been going around in circles for the last thirty minutes on this topic. I keep glancing at my watch, knowing Jersey is due to land in Milwaukee this morning. Hopefully, we can wrap this meeting up so I can go on vacation with my girl.
My publicist gives Coach an exasperated look, like she’s begging him to back her up on this matter.
Little does she know that Coach couldn’t give two flying fucks what I do in my personal life, as long as I still show up and give the performance of my life every week.
Which I do during training and rehab and will even more once when we’re back for the season.
