Page 73 of High Notes & Hail Marys

You roll your eyes. “Of course I’ve heard of the Goliaths, Pete.”

“Let me break this down for you. They want you something fierce. Never won a ring…”

“Probably never going to, at this rate. They were bottom of their division last year. And the year before that.”

He makes a dismissive shooing gesture. “Minor details. They’re better than their record would suggest. They’ve got a second-year coach…”

“...And a QB who’s more famous for putting mayonnaise in his coffee than his numbers…”

“Are you going to let me talk, man?” He sounds annoyed.

“Sorry.”

“I really think, and I’m not bullshitting you, that they are building something. Maybe not this coming season. But the big picture is there. They’re a young team. And let me tell you some things about Tennessee, Kai. Beautiful state. You ever visit the mountains? No state income tax, just like Florida, but with a lower cost of living. Amazing climate. And that Southern hospitality? To die for. Which reminds me, do you know where the Goliaths play?”

“Nashville,” you say automatically.

“Nashville!” he crows. “Just over a one-hour direct flight to Atlanta if you want to fly and see your parents. And, tell me, Kaius. Who lives in Nashville? At least most of the time?”

Just like a key being turned in a lock, the tumblers in your brain click into place. “Ster. Ster lives in Nashville.”

“Got it in one!” Peter sounds way too excited. He wags his index fingers at you. Not quite finger-guns, but disturbingly close. “That was what really clicked for me. All that flying back and forth that you and Sterling do. It’s easy when you have a private jet, but think about the emissions, bro. You get a little place in Nashville, you don’t have to travel. And he’s almost done with his tour, right? Going to be spending a lot more time at home.”

You wrinkle your nose, loathe to admit that Pete,with all his California bluster, has made a point. From Miami International to Nashville is two-and-a-half hours, not counting the travel time between your homes and the airports. Not the longest distance, but not the shortest, either. What if there was ever an emergency?

“I hear your gears spinning,” Peter observes. “Is that permission to talk to the team? Run some numbers?”

“It’s not ano,” you admit. “Definitely not ayes; don’t get it twisted. But I guess it wouldn’t hurt to find out more.”

Peter nods, obviously tremendously satisfied. “You’re a good man, Kai,” he says. “Let me do the hard work. You just think about it. Enjoy your vacation. Discuss it with Sterling. You can’t tell me that he wouldn’t be excited.”

“I will,” you say noncommittally, not specifying which one of those instructions you were agreeing to.

“Okay, man. Talk soon, okay?” Peter flashes his million-watt smile across the connection.

You nod and hang up.

Your brain is whirring all the way to the stadium, and—though you’d never admit it—for at least half the time that Sterling is on stage. You try not to feel bad, telling yourself that you’ve seenthe show three days in a row, and, as amazing a performer as Sterling is, notthatmuch has changed.

After the show, he hugs you, sweaty and happy.

You make the decision not to tell him about your talk with Peter. You need to ponder all this.

Chapter Eighteen

Comments and mentions on @sterlinggrayson’s Instagram, April 30, 2025

@kyliejenner:happy birthday to my first and forever crush. love you, ster. x

@arianagrande:hbd, baby <3

@ladygaga:Absolutely nobody does it like @sterlinggrayson. A total trailblazer and inspiration in both music and humanity. Here’s to your next trip around the sun! Next time you’re in NYC, let’s go back to The Eagle and dance on the bar.

@rollingstone:A pop star looks at thirty: on @sterlinggrayson’s milestone birthday, enjoy this retrospective of 30 audacious, eye-popping, and downright unforgettable performances from a legendary career. From bashful teen dream to long-haired sex symbol, we’ve been Graylings since Day One.

@beyonce:Happy birthday, Sterling! Jay and I wish you nothing but the very best on your special day.Loving this #throwback pic of us in thigh-highs and fringe at Coachella back in 2018.

@billieeilish:my twin flame ster-bear turns thirtyyyyyy today. i wish i was there to kiss your pretty face. eat lots of cake for me.

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