I take a seat and pretend to read it for a few minutes. My head is too jumbled to comprehend anything. If Kam says it’s fine, that’s good enough for me. I sign it and hand it back to Shannon.
“Wonderful. You can head right in. They’re expecting you.”
I offer a quick knock before opening the door. When I do, I notice two other people sitting in her office. One is Jordie McNamara. I recognize her right away. She’s the star of the new women’s football league. She’s beautiful, with a wavy blonde ponytail and eyes that remind me of Fallon and Harper’s in their unique blue shade. She looks like she’s a little younger than me, which makes sense because I think she recently graduated from college.
The man is remarkably attractive. He’s probably around Daylen’s age, but not nearly as big as my man.
Nope, Daylen’s notmyman. My husband, yes. My man, no.
The stranger has stylishly messy dark-brown hair, blue eyes, and the cutest dimples you’ve ever seen that frame the huge smile he has on his face as he stands to greet me. Holding out his hand, he warmly says, “Kennedy Jeffries. I’m so excited to finally meet you. I have a little girl who watches your games. My name is Phoenix Hale. Please call me Phoenix. I’m the director of marketing at Hale Cosmetics.”
Taking his hand in mine, I do everything I can not to scream with excitement like a lunatic. Hale Cosmetics is the top cosmetic company in the world. This is the gold medal of endorsements. If I could pick one endorsement, this would be it.
I look at Kam, and she grins widely. “I’m good at my job, aren’t I?”
“The best. Whatever they’re offering, I accept,” I immediately reply.
Kam’s face falls as she shakes her head and mumbles something about me being a terrible negotiator.
Phoenix barks out a loud laugh. “I think we’re going to get along just perfectly. Kennedy, do you know Jordie McNamara?” He points to her.
Jordie stands, and I realize she’s just as tall as I am. “No, it’s nice to meet you, Jordie. I’m excited to watch you play.”
Her face lights up. “Oh man, I love watching you. Are you sure you’re not better suited to play football? I’ve seen you take down quite a few players. You could be a linebacker.”
I shrug. “My father always said I’d make a great football player.”
She nods. “I think you would. I’m a huge fan of your dad’s too. I used to watch him as a little girl. It must have been cool growing up going to his games.”
Not as cool as you’d think, Jordie. Of course I don’t say that out loud. I pretend that having a superstar of a father was as fun as everyone assumes it would be.
Phoenix’s gaze toggles between me and Jordie. “You were right, Kam. Both their eyes are uniquely gorgeous in totally different ways. And both have such full lips,” he admires, but not in a creepy way. “I have a million ideas churning through my head right now. This campaign is going to be special. Two talented superstar female athletes with model good looks? The possibilities are endless.”
Jordie cowers under the praise. I look at her in bewilderment. Phoenix notices and sighs. “She doesn’t love the cameras or wearing makeup, but we let her help create and find makeup that makes her comfortable. We even let her name it.”
I gasp. “Do I get to name it too?”
He chuckles. “I suppose I walked into that one. Absolutely. Why not?”
I’m internally doing cartwheels while trying to maintain a cool demeanor.
We sit and chat for about an hour about a few concepts. I’ve probably never been more excited about anything in my life. My melancholy mood of late is immediately lifted.
After they leave, Kam and I talk for a few more minutes. “Don’t fucking cockblock me in my negotiations,” she jokes. “Play it a little cooler moving forward.”
I giggle. “Crap, sorry. My bad. You should have told me who it was beforehand so I had time to calm down. I was flipping my shit when he introduced himself.”
She nods. “I understand. It’s a big deal. Fortunately, you and Jordie will get the same deal, which is very good.” She shows me the number, and I nearly faint. In fact, I actually get lightheaded, and she forces me to sit while Shannon fetches me a glass of water and a protein bar.
For the first time in weeks, I’m genuinely happy as I walk into practice. Sulley looks at me skeptically. “Why are you so happy? It’s weird.”
“Me? I’m always cheery.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Hmm. Seriously, you’re awfully smiley. Oh, you must have been with one of your Tinder guys. I’ve been calling you for, like, an hour. Now I know why you didn’t answer.”
“Calling me? I hate when people call my phone. I don’t use it for that. Text like a normal person.”
She giggles. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
