“It takes a while for the temperature to get back to normal. You can wear that if you’re chilly.”
I am, so I slip on the sweatshirt over my clothes, doing my best not to be a sniffy little weirdo. But damn, it smells good, mostly like laundry detergent, but there’s a hint of his masculine scent clinging to the fabric. Phoenix retrieves his laptop and sits beside me on the couch.
“I made changes on a few things. First of all, for the car commercial, they wanted you to wear one of their polo shirts. That would give the impression you’re an employee, which you’re obviously not. I added that you will be wearing Dragons gear, either your jersey or a polo like you’re wearing now. Though you’re advertising for them, you also want to maintain your own brand.”
“Makes sense,” I say. “I never would have even thought of that.”
“That’s why you’re paying me the big bucks,” he jokes. “Now, for compensation, they’re offering money, but this is the largest car dealership in Houston. They usually offer a new vehicle, but I didn’t see that in here.” He taps the top of the laptop.
“I was wondering about that. My brother did a commercial for the same dealership, and he got a new truck out of it.”
Phoenix makes a disgusted sound. “Fuckers are low-balling you because you’re a woman.” His fingers tap over the keyboard, making notes. “We’re not going to let them do that. You’re worth more than what they’re offering.”
“Th-thank you,” I stammer out, and he turns his head to smile at me.
“You’re one of the most popular women in the league, and you’re representing a Houston team. They should be throwing cars and money at you.” He returns to his laptop. “Now, we need to specify what kind of vehicle so they don’t try to stick you in a cheap-o compact car that you can’t even get in and out of. What would you like?”
“A truck,” I say instantly. “Nothing fancy, maybe just an F-150?”
Phoenix begins typing. “Color?”
“Black.”
He nods. “You want it customized?”
“Can I get it with the optional rally fun pack?” I ask with a note of teasing in my voice.
Phoenix laughs. “A big fan of Chevy Chase and theFamily Vacationmovie, I guess?”
“One of the best movies of all time, I confirm.” I picture the new truck in my mind and say, “Ooh, how about with a purple pinstripe down the side?”
Phoenix’s Thing One and Thing Two dimples pop to life as his lips tip upward at the edges. “Team colors. I like it.” He completes his typing and pulls up another document. “I didn’t find much wrong with the other two contracts. The sandwich restaurant is offering five thousand dollars plus free subs for a year.”
“They’re a local mom-and-pop shop, so that seemed fair to me.”
“I agree, and you only have to say one line and then let them film you eating a sandwich. Easy money in your pocket.” His forehead puckers into a frown as he scrolls. “It doesn’t say what kind of sandwich you’ll be eating. Do you have a preference?”
“I… don’t think so,” I say haltingly. “Does it really make a difference?”
Phoenix shrugs and grins. “I’d caution against something extremely messy like a meatball sub, unless you plan on bringing a change of clothes in case of drippage.”
“I wouldn’t have even thought of that. A turkey club is fine.”
His head bobs up and down as he makes a note of that in the contract. “The devil is in the details. Now, on the last one, the local sporting goods store, it seems like a great offer. They want you to do a two hour meet-and-greet in the store. Ten thousand dollars and a five-hundred-dollar credit for any sporting gear you might want. And it takes place next Saturday.”
“That sounds good to me.”
“And do you have any limits on how much stuff you’ll sign?”
“As much as I can in two hours,” I reply.
“M’kay, got it. And after the two hours are up, what if there are still people in line?”
My eyebrows pinch together, picturing little kids being turned away. “If they cut off the line after two hours, I’ll stay as long as it takes to see all of them. No extra compensation necessary,” I add.
“I think that’s a good move. The store owners will appreciate it and be itching to have you back.” His fingers click against the keys. “Plus, you’ll be getting additional royalties from the league for any McNamara gear that’s sold that day, so the more the better.”
“It’s nice to get paid, but that’s not the most important thing to me. I just want people to be excited about the Dragons and actually show up for games.”
