Page 67 of His Jersey

“You’re just jealous because his attention is on me now,” Aston says with a pout.

“No, I get plenty of attention from my pops, along with unrequested offers about what to do with my life, relationships, and career.”

I’d do almost anything to explain my current situation to my dad and have him understand, offer advice, or hug me.

Jack and Aston go back and forth until Allain pounds the table with his fist and says, “Children.”

“Then you admit it,” Jack says, inadvertently having the final word in this verbal sparring match.

Feeling uncomfortable, I excuse myself to the ladies’ room. Unfortunately, Aston follows me. I go into a stall while she reapplies her lipstick.

Through the door, she says, “I’m surprised we’ve never crossed paths. But of course, you’ve seen me @QueenAston. I’m a super influencer. We’re the new supermodels, you know. Anyway, how’d you hook him?”

In the stall, I stare up at the ceiling, wishing Leah were here, she’d know what to say. I don’t need help with table etiquette, having observed enough fancy meals at the resort to learn the ropes, but navigating the social minefield of high society is another matter altogether.

I don’t answer until after I wash my hands. Looking her directly in the eyes, I say, “Actually, he hooked me.”

Her expression slips into confusion for a second. “Whatever he’s paying you, I’ll double it.”

My stomach somersaults. I blink a few times as comprehension tumbles my way. “You’ll pay me to go away?” I ask, completing the offer.

“Keep up, Ella. If that’s your real name. This is a big girl game you’re playing.”

I lift my eyebrows and then quickly plaster on a thin smile. “Pardon? I didn’t hear you over the sound of how much I don’t care.”

Her mouth drops and then just as quickly puckers into a tight ball.

Before she can fire back, I add, “Also, I don’t playgames or follow rules.” No, I break laws, including illegally residing at her husband’s resort. I hope she doesn’t find out about that.

She glares. “I already have the ring and I’m going to wear the crown. I’m first in line, so don’t get any foolish ideas about cutting.” She shoves past me and back into the dining room, but stops short, looking at something on her phone, nearly causing me to stumble.

I may not be part of her freeloading career, but I know fake when I see it. I also knowmean girland now I’m on her list. Maybe I should’ve kept my mouth shut.

As I approach the table, Allain’s voice reaches my ears before he abruptly goes quiet. The words I heard, which I’ll never forget, are,I don’t want my son to marry a nobody.

Without skipping a beat, Jack draws me to his side. Wearing a grin I’m not sure how to gauge, he announces, “There she is. My future wife. Dad, Aston, we have big news. Ella and I are getting married.”

They’re both dead quiet, only highlighting the clinking and chatter in the restaurant.

Why do I like the idea ofusso much? I have to remind myself that this is all fake. He’s paying my father’s medical bills. I’m giving his public image an Rx. It’s a mutually beneficial agreement. That’s all.

Then why do I feel like a balloon with too much helium and am about to pop?

26

ELLA

Jack’s gazedrops to mine. He takes my hands, kissing the knuckles. “From the first time I saw her, I knew she was my somebody.”

My gaze floats to his and I forget everything for one long moment. Nothing they say or do, the entry they deny me into their posh world, the clothes women won’t sell to me, none of it matters.

Then,pop. I remember this is fake.

Turning back to Allain and Aston, Jack says, “See, I told you they’d be excited, congratulating us, and wishing us well in our future together.” He stabs each word with sarcasm.

The corner of Allain’s lip twitches with a smile he can’t muster.

Then Aston says, “Where’s the engagement ring?”

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