“God damn TikTok,” she says. “It’s always TikTok!”
There’s a video on the laptop.Soccer’s Out of Control New Star!Some younger guy with buzzed hair and a Henley talks and flashes across the screen while little graphics and photos pop up, the scene changing every second or two.
Ahead of his comeback game, Orlando Onassis is quickly becoming the buzziest star in soccer. But is the striker really up for the task? Vodka-fueled parties. Kinky streaking. Gay rumors to match the best movie stars. He’s got what it takes for the tabloids, but we’re not so convinced he’ll have what it takes on the field.
My blood freezes in my veins.
There are gay rumors now. That can only mean me.
“Who the hell is that guy?” I bark out. “Can we make it go away?”
“Doesn’t look hopeful,” the media employee mumbles to himself and, when he sees the look on my face, scurries away. The junior agent grabs her laptop, too, and disappears.
Mel sighs. “This is the little twerp’s third video. He’s trying to make a name for himself, so he’s talking a lot of shit. He apparently doesn’t have any morals, either.” I can hear the irritation in her voice. “None of the journalists we work with would out someone. And this is the first I’ve heard of any gay rumors.”
My concerns immediately rush to Orlando. Not his career, just him.
“Shit.” I grind my jaw, thinking, but it’s not safe to talk openly here.
“You asked the other day what you could do to carry some of the load? Well, here you go. Here’s a load for you to carry.”
I glance at her. “You want me to track down that little asshole from TikTok? Scare him shitless?”
Mel frowns at me. “No, you meathead. We have a client approaching a game that might define his career, and there’s a story attacking his skill and potentially outing him that’s on the verge of going viral. Do what you do. Go make sure the athlete keeps his shit together. I’ll officially assign him to a junior agent so if your situation does blow up, we’ve got some cover. But right now, we need you on this.”
A familiar pain aches through me. “Mel. You know that going to see him right now is complicated.”
I’ve done everything I can to shut down the part of me that demands I go to Orlando. Waking that desire back up terrifies me, and even now, I start putting my walls up, defensive against all the risks.
If I let myself admit how I really feel about him, I don’t know what I’ll do.
“Looks like you don’t have to make a decision anyway,” she says and gestures behind me. When I turn, I see Orlando in his blue suit, standing at the office door.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
ORLANDO
I’m pulling one of my stunts.
I know I’m acting impulsive. My heart is racing, and there’s a loud voice in the back of my head telling me that I should be home resting and preparing for the team retreat.
But I hate the idea of disappearing back into the soccer world without seeing Troy first. Everything in me rebels against that. And since he’s only available as my agent right now, I guess that means I have to show up as his client.
Mel and Troy both look surprised to see me. The office is empty and quiet around them.
“I assume this means you’re taking the video seriously,” Mel says.
I arch an eyebrow. “Video?”
“Oh. Why are you here?”
I glance at Troy, who’s gone tense. “I need some advice,” I say. “And I’m going to be out of contact until the cup.” I shake my head, confused. “What video?”
Troy steps forward and finally talks. “It’s a smear,” he says. “A tough one. But I’m sure you’re tougher.”
Dread washes over me. Not again. When the spotlight just meant signing autographs and greeting fans, I loved it. But maybe those days are over. Maybe I’ve made too many mistakes already.
“There’s more to it,” Mel says, “but I think Troy can take it from here.” She gives me a comforting smile. “You can rise above bad press,” she says. “I’ll see you at the press conference after your team wins the cup.”
