Page 21 of Hot Mic, Cold Ice

with a password?

A laugh escapes my lips despite myself. Leave it to Elliot to throw in a jab, even in the middle of an indecent proposal. I’m still processing his words when the final message comes through.

:Come on, it will be fun.

What do you think?

I sit back, my mind in absolute chaos over the idea. Sure, the thought of having sex with Elliot is enticing, but it's also very dangerous. It isn't just dangerous. It’s a terrible idea. There is no way that we can tolerate each other long enough to have sex before every game. The entire concept is absurd. It's offensive that he thinks I will just make myself available for him whenever he wants it. To propose I become part of his pregame ritual. I take a deep breath, considering my options. But seriously, what is there even to consider? This is a terrible idea.

Ziggy:Elliot?

You can’t be

serious about

this?

His reply comes almost instantly.

:Yes.

Dead Serious.

What do you say?

I chew my bottom lip, my mind a mess of conflicting thoughts. This is crazy. Completely and utterly insane. Even after the intensity of our last encounter, the way he looked at me, touched me, I know nothing good will come from this.

Ziggy:No. It’s a terrible idea.

:Wrong Answer.

Ziggy:You don’t get to tell me

my answer is wrong.

:Sure, I do. I’m right

and you’re wrong. You will see.

I’ll be patient.

After reading Elliot's last message, I toss my phone onto the couch with a huff, the initial excitement quickly turning into frustration. How can he be so infuriatingly aloof after everything? Each new text that comes in only makes me angrier,a reminder of his dismissive attitude. I refuse to check them, letting the notifications pile up as I pace around my apartment, fuming. It's like he knows he is torturing me, and he enjoys it. Maybe he can sense that he has me on edge, but I am done playing his games. The longer I ignore his messages, the more comfortable I become in my anger.

On my last day off before heading back to Arizona, I decide to give myself a break from everything, especially my phone and the constant barrage of messages from Elliot. I spend the day ignoring my responsibilities and indulging in simple pleasures. I take a long walk through Piedmont Park, relishing the feel of the sun on my skin and the sounds of the city around me. I also treat myself to the bougiest brunch at one of my favorite restaurants, savoring every bite without a care in the world.

I top off the afternoon with some much-needed retail therapy, immersing myself in a sea of designer brands. Walking through the luxurious aisles, I try on clothes and accessories, indulging in the thrill of finding the perfect pieces. The vibrant colors and elegant fabrics provide a soothing distraction from my tangled thoughts. Each purchase is a small victory, a way to reclaim a sense of control. For those few hours, I allow myself to forget about the chaos that is awaiting me and just enjoy the serenity of the moment.

Chapter 20

I can’t believe how many texts I’ve sent Ziggy over the past twenty four-ish hours. One after another, with no response. Each one was more embarrassing than the first, but I don’t care. I’m just stubborn enough to make an absolute fool of myself in the name of getting what I need to succeed in my job. And that is all that this is.

:At least let me try to

convince you in person.

:I know you’re busy,

but this is important. We can

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