Page 77 of Faking Ties
“New tradition,” I say. “We honor Yolanda before every game and any other parent who’s passed.”
Everyone nods solemnly and a course of agreement goes through the room. We’re all silent for a good minute afterwards, processing everything.
“How about you go next?” Mia asks me.
I stand and walk to the front of the room. There isn’t much I can talk about outside of football, working out, and eating well. I have no hobbies, no interests outside of that. Well, unless I count Elodie. Beforemeeting her, I probably would’ve talked about sex and how to pleasure a woman. But I don’t want the guys to even think about the woman I love with the wordsex.
“I don’t have many hobbies. And by many, I mean none. Football has always been everything to me. My dad didn’t let me have friends or do anything besides eat, breathe, and sleep it. Winning and how I played was all that mattered, and my dad made sure I never forgot that. I’m sorry for treating you all unkindly, I just…” I rub the back of my neck, uncomfortable with my unplanned confession.What the hell am I doing? Why did I just tell them about my dad?“The pressure, you know? From my dad? It’s been getting to me for a long time, and I took it out on you.”
I scan the room, relieved no one’s laughing at my honesty. Instead, there’s just understanding on my teammates’ faces. “There’s only one thing besides football going on in my life and it’s Ella. I’m thinking about getting a dog because she’s always wanted one and I want to turn that dream of hers into reality. According to Google, greyhounds are an easy breed to take care of. Apparently, they’re chill and sleep a lot, and that might be a good balance for me and Ella.” I go on and on, about my love for Ella and what dog breeds I’ve researched.
“Get the greyhound,” Trey says when I finish. “If you don’t like being a dog owner, I’ll take them in. I love greyhounds and have the perfect person to watch them while we’re at our away games.”
“Also,” Marcus says, “if it’ll keep Stella around, then what are you waiting for?”
I look at Jake and Quincy and they’re nodding in agreement. Huh, who knew this public-speaking thing would be so helpful? Thanks to them, it looks like I’m getting a dog.
ELODIE
“Welcome back!” Stella hugs me when I enter the penthouse after the flight. We wanted to spend the night together, and even if I’m tired, I’m excited. I like Stella, and she’s quickly becoming a good friend of mine. “How was Rome?”
“Magical.” And it was. I’ve never felt a connection to a city like I’ve felt with Rome. It’s inspiring, being surrounded by so much history and gorgeous architecture. “I didn’t want to leave. How are you feeling?”
“Getting stronger every day.” Stella has a bit more color in her face, and she’s able to stand, which is better than when she first got out of the hospital. “How was the premiere?”
“Oh, that.” I guide her to the stools in the kitchen, having a feeling she’s going to need to sit down for this. “Jax threatened to reveal some big secret if I don’t break up with Hunter by the time we get to Shanghai.”
Stella visibly pales and swallows hard. “That fucking asshole.”
“What is he referring to?”
“Nothing. He’s being an asshole. I’ll take care of it.”
“You know, if I don’t know what’s going on, I can’t help.”
“I get that, I do.” Her eyes shine with unshed tears. “But there are some parts of my life no one knows about, not even Rachel. And I want to keep it that way.”
“That’s fine, until your ex starts threatening you.” I glance around, looking for Kai, but he’s not here. “Don’t you think it’d be good for Rachel to know about this? Or Kai?”
“Definitely not Kai,” she says quickly, too quickly. I arch my eyebrow in question, and she ignores me.
“Okay, then what about Rachel?” I ask.
“She also doesn’t need to know. Don’t worry, Jax won’t do anything. I’ll make sure he won’t.” She pulls out her phone and types on it for a few minutes, having a conversation with who I’m assuming is Jax. Strain brackets her lips the more she reads whatever he’s writing. After another few minutes, she sets her phone to the side. “I’m craving some cookies. You want to make some together?”
“You bake?” I ask, somehow shocked that Stella likes to bake.
“Yeah, I do. It’s my stress reliever.”
“Me too,” I say, and we grin at each other. “What’s your favorite?”
“Peanut butter cookies.”
“With chocolate chips?” I ask.
“As if there’s any other way to eat them.”
I grin. “I’m surprised you didn’t eat that peanut butter pie Hunter sent if you like the combination that much.”
