Page 67 of Not Just a Trick Play

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

AMELIA

Why not,indeed?

A jittery anticipation jolts through me as I peer at Jake. A million dreams, the pilot had said when I first arrived in the city. Perhaps it’s time to make it a million and one. I chew on my lip, the notion simmering, growing, until it’s ready to spill over.

“I think I’m going to do it,” I blurt out, the words a mix of excitement and a nauseating wave of fear.

Jake’s face splits into a wide, proud smile as he pulls me in for a hug that lingers a second longer than might be deemed “friendly.” I don’t care. I’m wrapped in this bubble, thrilled he’s come as Willy Wonka, and I absolutely know he dressed for me.

When I finally pull back, his eyes are sparkling and an infectious grin. The room spins. Too much joy, too much booze? I hadn’t planned on indulging quite so much, but drinks kept coming, and, well, here we are.

“You really believe I can do this?” My voice wobbles, and I hate it.

“Of course! You’ll kick ass!” His confidence is contagious, soaking into me until there’s not a single doubt left. It’s like he’s mainlining me with liquid courage.

Before I’m able to overthink things, Jake’s booming call silences the chatter. “Listen up, everyone! Amelia’s got something big coming your way. Prepare to have your minds blown—this is a game-changer, and you’re gonna want in on it the second it drops!”

His enthusiasm turns all eyes on me, and cheers erupt. Milo bumps my fist, shouting, “Next round’s on me!” Hmm, weren’t all the rounds on him? Logan’s a touch behind, offering a supportive yet puzzled, “That’s awesome! Err…what is that?”

Right—now to explain it. I suck in a deep breath, praying they don’t think the idea’s too outlandish. “Well, I’m considering a series of walking tours. But besides visiting regular tourist spots, I’d show off sites relevant to New York’s music scene. But I might add something extra—have people actually listen to the tracks as we visit the locations, so it’s a more immersive experience.”

“Oh, that’s so cool. What’s it called?” This inquiry comes from a woman in a shimmering mermaid costume.

A name for my business—that’s going on the to-do list. “Umm?—”

“We’re beta testing a few names. See which one fits best,” Rani, ever the marketer, interjects smoothly, wrapping an arm around me. “Give us your email, and we’ll keep you in the loop for invite-only previews.”

While I type her contact info into my phone, Rani seizes the moment to turn the crowd into an impromptu focus group of NFL stars and their hanger-oners. “We need a catchy name. What do you all think of ‘Verse Ventures’?”

“Lyric Lanes!” someone shouts from the back.

Amidst the creative storm, another round of shots arrives—Firebombs this time. Connor raises his glass to my venture, and we all clink our drinks together. The fiery liquid burns a path down my throat, and I wince at the sensation.

I’m trying to keep track of it all the ideas flying about, stubbing them into my notes app. “My goodness, there’s lots to do. Set up a website, plan my routes, handle publicity…” I mutter. The details are daunting, especially drunk.

“It’s a killer idea,” Rani leans in, all business. “And I can totally hook you up with some folks who’ll help.”

“I still like Song Striders!” Hunter says, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

“Nah. It’s all about the Rhythmic Roam,” Milo counters, accompanying this with a body roll, prompting groans from the group.

Vodka tonics follow, followed by another tray of mystery shots. Each drink burns less than the last, and the sounds of laughter and music weave around me, wrapping me in a warm, pleasant haze.

When “Uptown Funk” starts up, Hunter, dapper in his Phantom of the Opera tuxedo—claims “the first dance.” He whisks me onto the floor, and we swing and twirl. His cape ripples as he dips me low, drawing hoots and applause. Then it’s Milo’s turn, leading me through a ridiculously energetic chicken dance.

By the time we return to the bar, I’m breathless. Jake’s deep in conversation with a Popeye a few feet away, though he shoots me a wink that makes me tingle. Milo whisks Rani off for a spin, leaving me to mingle with a Cleopatra and a Darth Vader. We clink drinks and chat about everything from movies to my tour, which I gab about as if the ideas are fully formed.

A sudden cheer erupts as a popular song blares through the speakers, drawing the crowd to the dance floor. My new friends scribble down their contact info before they rush off, swept up in the frenzy.

“Make sure you get in touch,” Cleo calls out.

“Did you hear that?” I watch them leave, exhilaration sparking through me. I whip around to a smiling Jake, almost wobbling in my borrowed heels. “They wanted to learn more. Do I need a newsletter?”

He angles closer. His spicy, sexy scent cutting through the stale air and liquor, and I take another discreet huff.

“Did you just sniff me?” Amusement lights his eyes.

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