“How’s my man Ferguson? Who’s watching him, the same girl as last time?”
“Naw,” I say, averting my eyes. “It’s a new coworker, actually. Millie, the new social media manager—ye know, the one who forced me to open those freaking social media accounts.”
His brow furrows. “Really? She’s alone at your house right now? With Fergie? How didthathappen?”
“She came over to my place for work a couple of times, and believe it or not, Fergie took a shine to her. Maria quit on me last minute, and Millie offered, so I said yes.”
His eyes widen. “Wow. The bird likes her? That’s a first. Still have a scar from when he bit me five years ago. Reckon I should have sued you, with all the money you make.”
I snort. “You’re one to talk with that brand new contract.”
“Still far from your fifteen-million-pound deal.”
“I’m older, wiser, and better—it just makes sense. Plus, I only have maybe eight years left, whereas you drivers can perform till you’re in the nursing home.”
“True, I guess your days are numbered now that you’re thirty.”
I smile and shake my head, but he’s not wrong. And I have no idea what I’ll do with myself afterwards.
My brother tucks his hand behind his head. “Well, glad Fergie has a new girlfriend. How about you?”
“What!” I scowl. “There’s nothing there. She’s just my colleague, that’s all.”
He arches an eyebrow, pressing his lips together. “I meant a girlfriend in general, not Millie.”
I scratch my forehead, a grunt escaping me. “Right. No, of course not.”
Just then, Wade steps out of the elevator, and I take the opportunity to dig myself out of this conversation. “My captain just got here. Gotta go. Talk soon.” With that, I end the call, a deep breath draining from my lungs. My brother hasn’t asked me about relationships in over a year. Why did he even bring it up? And why was Millie’s face the only thing I could see when he mentioned it?
Chapter 12
Callum
We’ve barely made it back to the training centre when Philip calls us in for a briefing. While I was certainly eager to see Millie and ask her how it went last night, the last thing I was expecting was to see her standing on the auditorium stage again.
I sink into my seat. “Och. This can’t be good.”
“Maybe she’ll make us all do stupid dance videos like Archie does,” Finn says.
Archie flips him the bird. “You’re just jealous because I’m the one getting millions of views. And it’s called branding and using your assets.”
Cameron and Finn puff out a laugh, but I steal a side glance at Archie. Maybe I should check out his account.
Unfortunately, Finn’s idea would have been far better than what they’re really asking of us. Give me a dance video any day over having to do a photoshoot for a freaking Valentine’s Day campaign titled, “Will you be my Regent?” I will never have Millie pet-sit Fergie again if that leads to outrageous ideas like this one. We have to choose—and I quote—“romantic, alluring poses, as if you were asking someone on a date. Or be funny.” Two things I’m not and will never be.
“What is this rubbish?” I mutter. “And what’s it got to do with football?”
Almost as if she has Fergie’s powerful hearing, Millie explains, “This will be a great way to boost all the social media accounts—your personal ones and the team’s. Think of it as a fun and entertaining way to increase visibility and connect with your fans.”
Someone asks a question at the front, and I cross my arms tightly over my chest.
“She’s off her rocker,” I grumble. “I’m not posing half naked with a flower in my mouth or something.”
Gordon Abbott,who’s sitting in front of me, turns around and smirks. “I wouldn’t mind getting half naked in front of her.”
My hands ball into fists. “She’s staff. Off limits. Also, you’re a pig, Gordon.”
He laughs, turning back around.
