“Here’s what I’d do,” I continued, keeping my voice calm and practical. “You already have the internet working for you. Lean into that. Reach out to boutiques—Chicago first. Local shops love a story, especially one tied to sports culture and community.”
Her eyes flicked back to mine. “You think they’d even respond to me?”
“I know they would,” I said. “You’ve got visuals, numbers, and a following. And honestly? Other teams. Not Rampage, obviously—that’s a whole thing—but college programs, minor leagues, women’s teams. DM them. Tag them. Let them see what you’re doing. Tease them. I’ve learned our socials are run by these energetic hires, and whenever they see something big,they tell management. They have a pipeline to decision-makers.”
Her lips parted slightly, excitement creeping back in. “I hadn’t even thought about that.”
“There’s more you could do—if that’s what you want. This is about your dreams and goals, but Em? I know you can do this. Your face lights up every time you talk about it. And you’ve talked about this since you were eighteen and we met freshmen year.”
She smiled then, really smiled, and leaned in to kiss my shoulder. “You’re very good at this pep talk thing.”
“It’s not a pep talk,” I said. “It’s me telling you what I see. You have this… drive. This joy in making things and creating different experiences through clothes.”
She swallowed, her eyes softening as she nodded. “Maybe I should talk to my brother.”
I frowned. “What do you mean? Daniel?”
“No, Theo. I’m foolishly stubborn. I refused his help at making a connection with his team, but why did I do that?”
I rubbed her arm, exhaling as I thought about her question. “We all want to make it on our own without help. That’s normal. However, I think the rules are different when you’re actually talented. Take Higgins on our team. His dad was a tight end for years and was damn good. Sure, having the Higgins last name helped, but his numbers this year? He’s kicking ass. His dad got him in the door, but his talent made him last. You’d do the same thing.”
She rested her forehead against my chest again, quiet and warm, and for a moment neither of us spoke. The hum of the apartment wrapped around us, the night settling in.
“Thank you for believing in me. It sounds silly, but hearing you say all this makes me…just, thank you.”
I kissed the top of her head, slow and deliberate. “I alwayshave and always will believe in you, Em. One day, I don’t want this to surprise you.”
She sighed, content and tired, and curled closer. And as we lay there, talking softly about timelines and ideas and what tomorrow might look like, I knew one thing for sure. I had no idea what was gonna happen with my parents, but Miles and Em belonged with me, and I’d do anything to keep them.
“Tomorrow is gonna be insane. Are you sure we can use your place?”
“It’s your place too.”
“No, Noah, we have to make a thousand customized jackets. I’m not sure you realize the amount of materials and mess we’re gonna make. I have a week to get them shipped, and the work is gonna be a lot. I won’t be able to sleep, basically.”
“I’ll make sure you rest.”
“Ha, you can try. I wanted to wait until you were back before losing myself in the projects, but that’s why Daniel is here. He helped me back when I started this idea, and he’s great with the details.”
“Is there any way I could help?”
She blew out a breath, a sort of laugh coming out. I tried not to be offended that the thought of me offering help was entertaining. “Well?”
“I don’t know.” She tapped her fingers on my chest. ”It might take too long to teach you how to do something, and I don’t have the spare seconds this time.”
“Mm, meaning next time you’ll show me so I can help you?”
“Sure, if you wanna learn, big guy. I can see you now. Massive Noah holding a tiny needle.” She giggled and snuggled closer to me. “If you truly want to help, discarding trash and dropping off orders into the mail would be lifesaving.”
“Done.” I’d do that and more. Whatever she asked. “I’ll feed you both too. Make sure you eat. And take Sassy for walks.”
“That would be massively helpful.” Em lifted her head and stared at me with so much warmth and a shy smile. “I don’t know how I didn’t have you in my life the last few years. You’re the best guy I know.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry about that anymore. Now that you’re in my life, Em, you’re staying.”
A blush covered her face, but she didn’t respond. She lay back down beside me, and as her breathing slowed, I held her close. I’d help her however I could, talk to some lawyers, and make sure she ate. Because if this Em was like how she was in college, she truly wouldn’t take a break.
Morning came in sideways.I woke up alone, but a cup of steaming coffee was set on my nightstand. Silly girl. I wanted to take care of her. Not the other way around. I pushed up, stretched, and felt a lightness in my chest hearing Em and her brother move around. I loved having her here. Her being here made the place feel like a home and not just a place to sleep.
