“But we’re not having an affair!” I snap. “I want to be with them, and they want to be with me. Why can’t people just leave us alone? It’s not like we’re hurting anybody.”
“Sports, news media… It all comes down to one thing: entertainment. You’re right. You’re not hurting anybody, but you have their reputations to think of. Not everyone is as accepting of this sort of thing.”
I chewed on the inside of my cheek. I wanted to hate Patrick for being right, but I couldn’t deny his voice of reason.
He rose from his seat, putting his hands in his pockets. “You seem like a lovely, intelligent young woman, Julia. I can see why the boys have taken such a liking to you. I really do wish circumstances were different. They’re like sons to me. I want to see them happy and thriving, and I’m sure you want the same.” Patrick looked me straight in the eye, wearing a small but kind smile. “At the end of the day, it’s your choice. I will continue to do what I must to help Cash and Red in their careers. I just hope you give our conversation some serious thought.”
I looked out the window again. The stadium was slowly emptying, people filing out through the exits while the cleaning crews took care of the rest. I looked up at the official banners on the electronic display boards, Cash’s official photos were up for all to see. His name was highlighted, with his stats listed just below.
The lights, the fans, the guts and the glory… This was their dream.
Who was I to stand in the way and make it difficult for them?
“I want the chance to talk to them myself first,” I said softly.
“That’s fair. I’ve organized a private party for them later this evening. A sort of networking event to try and smooth over their public image. You can come, celebrate their wins and make your decision then. It’s a closed event, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted paparazzi shots.”
I managed a weak smile. “You’ve thought of everything, huh?”
He shrugged. “Just doing my job.”
* * *
Champagne flowed freely and tasty appetizers were served on silver platters. The music was upscale, on the rockier side of R&B. I didn’t recognize anyone here. Plenty of folks in impressive suits and black cocktail dresses. Most people didn’t pay me any mind, but I stuck close to the wall and kept out of everyone’s way just in case. I didn’t know what I’d do if someone recognized me and started asking me questions.
To be honest, I’d probably just freak out.
Red and Cash walked in at the same time. I breathed an immediate sigh of relief, just the sight of them putting my heart at ease. It was almost silly how much I’d missed them, the hollow feeling in my chest now full to bursting.
My body reacted before my brain could kick in, my feet carrying me forward in a hurry.
The way they looked at me when they saw me coming made my heart overwhelmingly happy.
“Julia!” Red breathed as they both hugged me tight.
“You made it,” Cash said, an air of disbelief in his tone. “I was worried.”
I tried to smile at him as I took in the poor state of his face. There was a significant gash on his forehead, held together with three stitches and a bit of medical tape. His nose luckily hadn’t been broken. The left side of his jaw was swollen and very likely going to bruise. I resisted the urge to reach up and touch him.
“He really did a number on you,” I muttered.
“Yeah, but you should see the other guy.”
I saw straight through his attempt of cracking a joke. His voice was strained, and his body was stiff, his exhaustion evident in the slouch of his shoulders and his weary gaze. “Congrats on your fight, Cash. And you too, Red. I’m really glad you both won.”
“Are you going to stay for the whole party?” Red asked.
“I… No, I’m not.”
Cash frowned. “Why?”
“I only came tonight because I wanted to talk to you three about… Actually, where’s Dylan?”
“He had to take a phone call,” Red explained. “He’ll be here soon.”
“What did you want to talk to us about?” Cash asked.
My mouth was terribly dry. The words were heavy on my tongue. “Listen…”