Page 7 of Fake Out

He slides his phone into his pocket, his eyes narrowing. “Is the espresso machine acting up again?”

I can barely keep from yelling. “No. It’s not the espresso machine.”

“Oh.” He frowns at me. “Then what is it?”

Taking a big, deep breath, I launch into it. “I deserve to deal with clients directly. I’m an assistant agent here, not a secretary. Not a personal assistant who picks up your dry cleaning.”

He regards me for a moment, then leans against his desk, crossing his arms. “You think you’re ready for that kind of responsibility?”

“More than ready.” I swallow hard. “I know every client’s file inside and out. I’ve worked tirelessly on every project you’ve thrown my way, and I’ve never once complained about the mundane tasks you’ve had me do. I have proven myself time and time again.”

He sighs, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. I brace myself for an argument, but instead, he smirks. “All right. You want a chance to prove yourself? Fine. A perfect client just came across my desk — Charlie Elwood.”

My stomach drops at the mention of Charlie’s name. His reputation precedes him. Not only does the guy have a long history of partying and womanizing, but he was also recently kicked off the Thunderhawks.

“Elwood’s career is toast,” I say.

Isaac shrugs. “You think you’re capable, right?”

“I…” I struggle to find the words.

Obviously, Isaac is giving me the hardest client he can pull out of his hat because he wants me to fail. And then, once I do, he’ll blame it on me and not the fact that Elwood’s career is unsalvageable.

Unless, of course, I do turn things around for him.

“If you can find him a new team, I’ll give you a promotion to handle more clients,” Isaac continues, watching me closely. “So, what do you say?”

Despite the overwhelming odds, I refuse to back down. This is my chance to show what I’m capable of, and I won’t let it slip away. “I accept.”

The words taste like a bite of victory. Once I release them, I’m hooked. I want more.

“Good luck.” Isaac smirks, clearly not expecting me to succeed.

But I’m determined to prove him wrong and finally earn my place in this agency. No matter how difficult the task may be, I will find a way to make Charlie Elwood’s future shine — and mine along with it.

CHAPTER 5

CHARLIE

Sitting on my front steps, I lace up my running shoes, frustration building in my chest. It’s been days since I left a message with Abernathy Athletes, and still no response.

Not that I should be surprised, of course. The whole industry is avoiding me like the plague.

Shaking my head, I set off at a light jog. A bit of frost still sparkles on the lawns, and car doors close up and down the street as people head off to work. Everyone’s life has purpose.

Well… almost everyone’s.

As I jog down the street towards the park, I notice people staring at me. In the past, I would have stopped to take pictures and sign autographs for fans, but now I just want to disappear. Unlike the past, now they’re watching me because of how fast my career is crashing and burning.

My pace quickens, fueled by both embarrassment and annoyance.

“Is that Charlie Elwood?” a woman pushing a stroller asks her friend as I sprint past them. I clench my fists, willing myself not to react.

“Charlie, can I get a picture?” a daring fan asks, but I ignore them, focusing on my breathing and the pounding of my feet against the pavement.

The park comes into view, and I push myself even harder. I need to escape the relentless attention and judgment. As I enter its green sanctuary, I weave through trees and trails, desperately trying to outrun my thoughts.

Let’s just say Abernathy do call me back. What can I say to them that I haven’t already said to everyone else? How can I convince them that I’m not messing around? That I’ve learned my lesson after getting booted from the Thunderhawks?

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