“They did, but since Kota Sky’s recent arrest and all that chaos, he’ll be a little tied up to say the least. They dropped him and called me. My tour doesn’t start until summer next year, so it worked out. It’ll be a good place to test one of the re-recordings I've been stuck on lately.”
“I thought you didn’t want to re-record everything.”
I shrug. “I’ve already redone half the album, feels like a waste if I don’t go through with the rest. Plus, like I told you, listening to my team hasn’t failed me yet.”
He shakes his head, staring into his glass.
“What? It’s the least I can do since my mom is already outraged I jumped on the chance to perform at the Super Bowl before confirming it with her.”
“That seems to be a theme, you rebel.”
I reach out, striking his knee with a quick flick. He winces playfully, but the judgment doesn’t leave his eyes. My insecurity builds. I know he thinks I’m too dependent on them. “Obviously, it works, you neanderthal. You got your brand deal, and I got asked to perform at a major event. It’s like everyone totally forgot about my little mishap with Callum.”
“Callum.” He sneers. “What a joke.”
“You really don’t like him, do you?”
“I like him enough not to break his knees.”
I can’t help but laugh, dissipating some of the tension. “Oh, is that what you were going to do to him the day he picked up his crap?”
“I thought it’d be easier than cleaning blood out of the rug.”
I grimace, but honestly, I’m flattered he’d stand up for me like that. Even if it does feel a little too aggressive.
Silence falls between us as I stare out the dark window. Lights flash by, but I can hardly make out any detail against the night sky.
Decker shifts in his seat. “So, the two of us are playing at the Super Bowl.”
I roll my eyes. “If you make it.”
“Again? I think we will.”
“You’re a bit cocky.”
“Always,” he says.
“Well, I guess you have a reason to be now.”
“Now?”
“According to Antonia and my mom, your popularity has skyrocketed.” I wait for him to respond, but he doesn’t flinch. “Did you know your jersey is currently the most purchased in the entire NFL?”
“I did.”
“Weren’t gonna tell me?” I ask, my words clipped.
“I figured it didn’t have anything to do with us.”
Us.As much as I love to hear him say it, it has everything to do with us. Our plan. It’s all working, and as grateful as I am for that, it stings a little to know that my name is being capitalized on. Which is silly. That’s the entire reason we’re together, for what we can get from each other, and I wish that weren’t the case.
“Should have you sitting pretty for The Pro Bowl at least.” I lean back, staring at the diamonds in my bracelet.
“I’m not sure I care about that anymore.”
“That sucks. Wasted a lot of time with lil’ ol’ me then,” I joke, giving him my cheesiest grin.
“I’d never consider any time spent with you a waste.” His voice lowers. “I’d trade The Pro Bowl for you any day.”
