It’d gotten a lot worse since the announcement of my deal with Hacksmore, to a degree I didn’t expect, considering I hadn’t even had my first photoshoot yet. It was all based on the hype of the deal itself and the video I’d postedonline.
I did my best to acclimate to my new status, though. Lord knew, when I ran into MVP star quarterback Ash Carmichael a few months prior, I hadn’t hesitated to ask for his autograph, and if he’d said no or brushed me off, I would have been so fuckingdisappointed.
I signed Fever Pitch napkins for the girl and then for her dad, who seemed as excited to chat me up as shewas.
“That happening a lot lately?” Dax asked as he sat back down, sipping on his martini,simpering.
“Hey, buddy,” Dallas said with a bright smile as he approached and set a napkin on the bar before me, along with my usual beer. He would have done that even before all the attention began, but it was annoying to have yet another interruption from the whole reason I wasthere.
“Thanks, Dallas,” I said, and then to Dax, “Yeah, but I can manage it.” I slid onto the stool besidehim.
“I’m glad you’re good now, because trust me, this is just the beginning. What’s been the worst so far? Have you had people snapping pictures of you randomly or unfavorable write-ups in the localpaper?”
“Nothing like that,” I replied. “Everyone’s been so nice, and I’ve noticed a few people taking pictures of me in the grocery store or something, but other than that, it just takes me three times as long to take my normal trips around town, youknow?”
“Yes, I do. Just get ready for when the commercials come around. Something about being on people’s TVs makes them feel like you’re right in their homes with them, their friendseven.”
“Yourmom?”
His gaze lowered to his drink, though I could tell he was looking far beyond it, as though seeing some memory in his past. “All the women we’d run into wanted to be her, or at least be her best friend. The guys pretended to be her friends long enough to get something more from her. I’m sure you’ve already had more than your share of that kind ofattitude.”
“It’s good for my ego,” I teased, and I could tell by the way he laughed that he took my remark in the spirit I’d intended. I took a swig of my beer. “Now, how about you, Mr. PR? How are things going on your end of allthis?”
“I have the easy job. I just schmooze. I don’t even have to set up appointments, since Carter handles allthat.”
“When’s he getin?”
“He’s here, but I told him he wasn’t going to meet up with you and get all googly eyedagain.”
“Googly lipped is more likeit.”
Dax had been about to take another sip of his drink when he stopped, snickering. “That’s the Jace I’ve beenmissing.”
“Ah, so you have been missingme.”
“You’re not gonna get more than that out of me.” He set his glass on the bar. “Any rate, Carter is probably trolling around on Grindr, Scruff, and Tinder for some action right about now, so we can catchup.”
“I’m glad you came by yourself,” I confessed, and the way he looked at me, I could tell he was pleased I’d saidit.
“Excuse me,” a voice came from beside me, and I turned to see a couple of high school girls standing there. Dax snickered but turned away to keep from making his amusement obvious to thegirls.
After I accommodated them with a few selfies and signatures, I told Dax, “I might have a better idea for dinner.” I retrieved my phone from my back pocket and called anUber.
“Oh, gonna take me to some secluded part of Fever Falls where you’re a virtual unknown?” he asked, rolling hiseyes.
“Something likethat.”
We headed out of therestaurant.
“Hey, Hottie Firefighter!” a voice called from down thestreet.
Seriously? Am I gonna have to take another selfietonight?
I turned and was relieved to see Rush heading along the sidewalk towardus.
“Hey, man!” I called back as he approached and reeled me in for a hug. As he pulled away, I said, “Dax, this isRush—”
“Yes, it would be hard for me not to know who Rush Alexander is,” Dax said with a chuckle, as though he found it humorous that I figured he might not have recognized the celebrity motocross rider. “I’ve definitely been surprised by how many stars can be traced to FeverFalls.”
