“Fine, Jaxon,” she says on a sigh. “But if it’s not required, I will punch you in the face and pretend you had a huge bug on your cheek.”
“You’ve always had a feisty streak,” I say, teasing her. “How many games did you foul out of sophomore year in basketball.”
The corner of Izzy’s mouth twitches, and I feel like I’ve just won my first fucking Grammy.
“So it’s a deal?” she asks.
“Deal,” I agree.
We eat dinner and talk about our lives, and truly, the most surprising thing about the whole evening is just how normal it feels. Izzy was always the person I could tell anything to, and it still feels that way. She laughs when I tell her about setting up Annie and my gate guard Tim. Beer almost comes out my nose when she tells me about her cluelessness about customs when she flew private to my concert in Australia last year.
It's a great hour, and it’s definitely over too soon.
Once I make it home, I look at the unread messages on my phone. The ones I’ve been studiously ignoring, proving to myself and Izzy that I can make time for her—for our friendship.
Carter
Well, your location is officially, officially out. One of those entertainment magazines posted an article ten minutes ago about you golfing at WBCC last weekend. Got the picture from one of the guys you golfed with. Your full team will be here by morning. Once you’re done making an idiot of yourself at Izzy’s, don’t leave your house.
Ignoring him and a text from Andre about the song for the benefit, I text Izzy.
Me
You might’ve been right. The world knows I’m here. Best get our story straight now. Are we already dating?
Izzy
God, no. No one would believe that.
Also, do you think people are going to check our relationship status on social media or something? If anyone asks, just tell them we’re hanging out.
Me
So, I should return the shirt I just ordered you that says Steele Squad #1 Fan?
The Steelie4Life bracelet is probably okay, though, right?
Izzy
People are going to have a hard enough time wrapping their heads around me spending time with you, so let’s not get too crazy.
Me
Ha.
I’m pretty sure she’s kidding.
Me
You don’t think the famous musician part will help?
Izzy
No.
I wait for her to say something else, but I’m still waiting when I finally go to bed that night after completing an entire verse for the Lupus Foundation’s song.
Chapter twenty
