Jett runs his hand along the brim of the Aces cap we gave him twenty minutes ago. “Yeah, that’s fine. Just make sure I don't get any of the ‘Why didn’t it work in New York?’ stuff, right?”
Smart. I can work with that. “Not unless you want to address it. Otherwise, we keep it focused on Vegas, opportunity, fresh start.”
From my left, Holly chimes in, “The website announcement article goes live at noon tomorrow. Feature piece and intro video go up across our platforms. Mikey’s editing now.”
Mikey doesn’t look up. He just scrolls through footage like a man surgically on a mission. “Almost done with the edit. Fast cuts, high-energy, and some Vegas city shots to frame it. Should sell the ‘new beginnings’ vibe.”
Perfect. My phone buzzes.
Of course, it’s him. Blake.
I decline it. Silently. Without blinking. Without feeling. Without smashing the phone into the conference table. Growth.
Andrew leans forward and holds up his phone. “Draft welcome post: ‘Welcome to Vegas, Jett Lawson! Ready to shine in the City of Lights.’ First one drops in the morning, then we’ll hit with behind-the-scenes content. Sound good?”
Jett gives a small grin. “Yeah, sounds good. Not too flashy.”
Manny laughs. “You’re in Vegas now. Flashy is kind of the thing. Normal.”
The room laughs. I don’t. I keep it moving.
“Okay, last notes. Tarquin and Suzanna will handle the press release. Calam, grab some shots of Jett for our media bank before he leaves.”
Calam throws up a thumbs-up from behind his camera bag.
Valerie looks over. “Jett, anything you need to tweak, any concerns?”
He shakes his head. “I think we’re good. Just tell me where to be and when.”
Valerie stands, and it’s the universal sign that the meeting is done. “You’ve got a solid team here, Jett. Media-wise, we’ll make sure this is smooth for you. Welcome to Vegas.”
Chairs scrape. Laptops close. People start to gather their things and filter out in clumps. Jett stands and adjusts his posture slightly, like he’s already preparing for Saturday's big game.
Riley walks past him. “Saturday will be here in no time.”
Jett smirks. “Good. I’m ready.”
Manny, Valerie, and Jett exit the boardroom deep in conversation about something, probably endorsement deals, brand alignment, protein shakes, or whatever else athletes and agents talk about. The rest follow behind, like a well-oiled, extremely stylish parade.
I gather my things. Riley’s multitasking, balancing a tablet in one hand and whisper-shouting into her phone.
We leave the boardroom and head through Media and Comms.
She finishes her call just as I open my office door and toss everything inside.
“You busy now?” she asks.
I stick my head back out. “No. Why?”
“I need to show you something in the parking lot.”
I frown. “What?”
“Just come with me.”
I shut the door behind me and trail her, glancing around. The place is weirdly empty, like everyone got the same memo to vanish at once.
“Where is everyone?” I murmur, but Riley doesn’t answer.
