I trusted Nick, and he used me.
Trying to distract myself and carry on, I’m scanning through my emails and get a list of upcoming events close to our area. As a rep, we continually get lists of events that will showcase our clients in the best light.It’s always good recognition for the player, as well as the team, to show up and rub elbows with the higher ups.
I see an event for next weekend in a town about an hour away. It’s a fundraiser for the youth leagues in Texas. Raising money to build a new community center and make sports available for those kids whose parents can’t afford it. This is right up Jackson’s alley, as he was that kid. If it wasn’t for my family stepping in, he wouldn’t have made it to the NFL. I don’t say that with any kind of pride, either. It was never something we held over him. My parents loved him, still love him as a son and were so damn proud to give him what he needed.
I copy down the information, then submit our names for two tickets. I send off the info to Tony as well and request a guest list. I don’t believe Nick would venture out this far, but you never know. If I can see if he’s planning on attending, I can prepare us or request a table far enough away from him.
I view the contract Jackson has with a top brand sneaker company. It’s set for renewal, and we need to decide if he wants to join again. It’s always good to stay active, even if the contract diminishes in price or viewership. It’s all about keeping your reputation and name in the public, as you never know what door will open next.
Reading the details, I see it’s just about the same as last year’s, but Tony’s cut gains an extra two percent. For what? His cut is already high. Why is Jackson signing off on this? He didn’t bargain with anyone, just changed his percentage, and forwarded the contract to Jackson asking him to sign it and send back.
I lean back in my chair. Is this overstepping if I question him? I don’t want him thinking I’m getting into his personal financial dealings. He asked me to look over his contracts, though, so I guess he would appreciate my input. I jot a couple notes down, then go onto the next, which is a new contract with a local sports drink.
The owner is a local up-and-coming entrepreneur and adding Jackson’s name would boost his sales tremendously and get him right on the map. I skim through again, seeing it’s a very minute amount, but this is something Jackson would want to do. He wants to help those just starting out and the money won’t concern him.
What concerns me is Tony’s cut again. An agent that’s been with Jackson for as long as he has should not be making a killing off his long-term clients. Plus, they are friends. I take down a few more details and make a note to go over this with Jackson.
Pushing away from the computer, I get a notification on my phone. Ahh, we’re trending. Last night’s date seemed to get the ball rolling. I open the link and see the headline, ‘New flame is a burnout already?’ What? I read through the article, my eyes growing large and my blood pressure boiling.
Looks like there is trouble in paradise already for Jackson Gage and his new-old fling, Francesca Casanova. They were seen entering the bar separately and sat on separate sides. Reminiscent of a 50s movie, Casanova and her girlfriends sat on one side while Gage and his men sat on the other. Only when Gage was being friendly with a group of female fans, did Casanova approach. Jealous much? They were seen in a heated discussion, and then Gage pulled her by her arm off the dance floor and out the door. They were later spotted leaving separately.
How on earth did they spin this that way? Who saw us that would report it back this way? I can handle the pushback for a client, but when my name is attached, it’s harder to separate myself from it. Is Jackson going to be mad now? Will he think this idea is backfiring, and it’s going to all end before it even gets off the ground?
A lot of people think any name drop is a good name drop. In the entertainment industry, as long as your name keeps being mentioned, you’re able to stay on top. But in Jackson’s case, this is exactly what we are trying to avoid and turn around for him.
I brush this off, knowing the internet trolls will spin any story to get more traffic on their sites and head into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.
“Trouble in paradise,” I huff, as I stir my mug and settle in on the couch. “If they only knew.”
I'm still trying to wrap my head around what we talked about last night. What exactly was he alluding to? Does he want to be together for real? But still faking the realness in front of everyone else? No, that’s not how Jackson operates. This is so confusing and only solidifiesif I don’t get my thoughts under control, I’m the one who’s going to get hurt in the end, no matter if we’re real or fake.
There’s a gentle knock on my door. “It’s open!” I call out. Jackson walks in and all the air is immediately sucked out of the room. He commands attention, and his presence is enticing.
“Morning, beautiful,” he says as he helps himself to a cup of coffee.
“You’re very comfortable in this house,” I say. He turns, blowing on his coffee, winks at me and comes to sit down next to me on the couch.
“Didn’t Adam tell you? This used to be my house before I bought the one across the street.”
“Really? No, he never mentioned that. Why didn’t you just stay here? The homes are basically the same layout.”
He shrugs. “I didn’t want to take from your brother. He was nice enough to let me crash here after I got booted out of my contract. I didn’t want to mooch for too long. When the house across the street went up for sale, I spoke with Bobby, told him I wanted it, and he handled the whole thing.”
I nod, knowing the feeling of not wanting to mooch. “I get that.”
“Chess! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that?—”
I raise my hand to ease his worry. “No offense taken. I just understand your mind frame. I’m grateful for the place to stay and you know how stubborn Adam is, so as soon as something different comes along, or I decide where I’m going to be starting over…” My words linger as his face turns into a frown. “What?”
He shakes his head. “I didn’t realize you were still looking to move on.”
I furrow my brows. “I don’t even have a steady job right now, of course I’m still in the in between stages.”
He nods. “You’re right. I just figured you were home for good. I mean, everyone is here.”
You’re here.
But for how long? Wanting to get away from this train of thought, I mention the article.
