Page 124 of Not Just a Trick Play

Exasperation joins the affection in her blue, blue gaze. “Aren’t you a cocky one?

“You didn’t need to bother with the handcuffs. The red panties would have been enough. It’s like you don’t know me at all.”

“Maybe, but I wasn’t leaving anything to chance.”

EPILOGUE

AMELIA

Six monthsinto my new life, here I am, doing my spiel in the East Village. RhythmRoutes is now a five-star Google pick on every music lover’s list, thanks to a blend of humor, history, and the occasional celebrity sighting—namely, my boyfriend Jake Cunningham.

He’s become something of a fixture, blending seamlessly into the backdrop of my musical pilgrimage. He laughs with the tourists, answers questions about the neighborhood with facts he’s picked up, and manages to take a few photos with fans without ever stealing the spotlight.

We pause in front of the former site of the Gem Spa. A figure detached itself from the shadows—a press person, camera waiting.

“Jake, Amelia,” he calls out, sidling closer, a wolfish grin spreading over his thin lips. “Benji Price from TMZ. Can we talk about the rumors of your upcoming?—”

Before he finishes, a huge shadow falls across his screen. One of Jessica’s hired “buffers” appears—Jake’s idea to add alittle extra muscle when the crowd gets too cozy. This one’s a big chap, bald, biceps thick as tree trunks, with a habit of showing pictures of his miniature cockapoo to anyone willing.

“Wrong show, buddy. Here’s how this works,” he begins, voice edged with steel, “You gotta be here for music, history, or the neighborhood. Anything else? Irrelevant.”

The reporter chuckles nervously. “I was wondering about?—”

“Don’t,” he replies, gaze narrowing. “Ms. Stevens is part of Gotham Guides and the Titans. Keep it classy or keep it moving.”

Benji, aware of the many eyes on him, nods meekly and mumbles about having what he needs and beats a hasty retreat.

Jake grins and holds up his fist. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.” The security guy’s reluctant bump is paired with a headshake. He’s done this dance with him before.

I smirk and pick up where I left off, rolling along until we hit our final destination. I wrap up, offering recommendations for those wanting to explore further, and the group disperses.

Soon, it’s just the two of us.

“Nailed it,” he says, his arm sneaking around my waist to pull me into his side. “You were amazing, as usual.”

I snuggle into him, “It’s easy to be amazing when I’ve got the best material to work with,” I reply, my head resting against his shoulder. I still can’t believe how everything has turned out. “Ready to go home?” I ask.

Jake nudges me. “Economy Candy’s a couple of blocks away.”

Well, it’s not as if I’m about to refuse an offer like that.

JAKE

Hand in hand,we make our way to Economy Candy, its striped canopy fluttering in the light summer breeze. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of sugar and nostalgia.

Amelia eagerly grabs a basket, and dives into the labyrinth of narrow aisles. In minutes, it fills with a colorful assortment—everything from sour worms and peppermint sticks to a generous handful of Twizzlers. When it’s almost to the top, I catch the eye of the shopkeeper, and he gives me a subtle nod. I gently nudge her to a tucked away corner at the back of the store.

“Hey. Look.” I point to a shiny new vending machine nestled between shelves of gumballs and licorice. “They’ve got those egg things of yours.”

Amelia peers at it, her eyes lighting up for a moment before she shrugs. “Oh nice. They’re usually too big for the machines.”

I’m well aware.I grin, feeling the change clinking in my pocket. “Then maybe it’s time to take advantage?”

She wrinkles her brow. “Why bother? No toys in them like the ones you get in England.”

“The chocolate’s not reward enough?” I tease, fishing out a quarter and flashing it at her. “Come on, you know you want to. Plus, you might be surprised.”

“You spoil me.”

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