11. Elodie

ELODIE

“ G o, team, go,” Nina shouts at the TV. Even though Stella is still recovering in the hospital, we’ve been messaging every day. She recommended to watch the game in this specific bar since it has a private VIP area and Aria, her best friend, will meet us here in a bit. Aria knows about our switch, and also signed an NDA.

Nina tries to kick her leg in front of her and punch upward at the same time, but she fails miserably at it.

“And this is why you were never a cheerleader,” I say, laughing and handing her a shot, our second since arriving some minutes ago.

“Ha, just be happy I’m here.” She clinks her glass against mine.

“I’m so happy I could cry,” I say seriously and toss my shot back. After a week full of practicing for the tour and having three back-to-back shows, I was thrilled when Nina announced she’s coming to visit me. I even sent the plane to pick her up, and she hasn’t shut up about it since she arrived an hour ago. “It’s been too long.”

“Right? I almost forgot what you looked like.”

“Impossible.” I grin and nod toward the TV. “He’s playing well today.”

“And how would you know?”

“Because they’re winning?”

Nina laughs. She thinks it’s hilarious that I don’t know anything about football and yet I’m dating one of the most famous players. “Why didn’t you go? We could’ve partied in the suite.”

“Because last time I went, the media blamed me for the loss. Getting booed by an entire stadium isn’t something I’d like to repeat.” I put on a brave face for Hunter since he was already dealing with losing the game, but it was horrible. The media’s been saying I’m a bad luck charm, and it hurts to read that. Stella says I should ignore it, but that’s easier said than done.

“If they pulled that shit with me there, I would’ve laid into them.”

“Well then, I’m glad we didn’t go.”

“You know you can’t avoid going forever, right?” she asks. “You can’t let the haters get you down.”

“I know.” I sigh. She’s right, and I also have to make regular appearances as part of my deal with Hunter, but the urge to hide and never show my face at a game again is strong .

“How did Hunter react when you told him you weren’t going?”

“He was okay with it.” Nina gives me a long look. “Okay, fine,” I relent. “He sounded sad, especially when Philly isn’t that far from here.”

“Aww, he misses you. You should message him and say his ass looked sexy during that touchdown dance he just did.”

“No, that’s weird. He’s not even at his phone.”

“So? It’ll be a nice surprise when the game’s over.” Nina raises her eyebrows. “The Spice Girls collectively dare you to do it.”

“I’m going to start revoking your rights to them if you keep using them on me.”

Nina cackles. “Then stop giving me reasons to use them.”

“I hate you.” I take out my phone and open my message thread with Hunter.

Me: Where did you learn those touchdown dance moves? I’m jealous.

Me: My friend thinks your ass looks hot while you run, and I have to say I might agree.

Me: Just so you know, I feel stupid writing you knowing you won’t get these until much later .

“There,” I say. “I did it.”

“See? That wasn’t so hard.”

“What wasn’t hard?” a woman asks. We glance up and startle. It’s Aria, looking just like a Disney princess with long, black hair, charming blue eyes, and a bombshell body. Her long-sleeved, silver, short dress fits her to perfection and gives off a classy yet sexy feel to it at the same time. “Hi, I’m Aria.”

“Wow,” Nina says. “You’re gorgeous.”

“So are the two of you.” Aria smiles. “I love your outfits.”

“Thanks.” Nina nudges my elbow. “See, I told you your outfit is fire.”

“Yeah…” We had an argument about what I’d wear tonight. She chose a black bandeau top for me and a black pleather skirt that falls to my knees but has a slit up the front right up to the puss. I wanted something tamer, but she insisted that wasn’t Stella’s style.

“Anyone want a Jell-O shot or five?” Aria asks, pulling a stack of them out of her purse as if we’re not at a bar and instead at a house party. It’s a total vibe, one I can get behind.

“How many can fit inside that thing?” I ask, far too curious about what else she has in that bag.

“You know I’ve never checked the max capacity,” she says.

Nina passes us each a shot. “I think we’re going to need to rectify that next time we’re together.” She says it as if we’ll be getting together regularly once I’m no longer Stella. But that’s impossible; we can’t still be in this world when Stella comes back. And that thought leaves an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach.

“Agreed,” Aria says and lifts the paper cup in the air. “To new friends.”

We all suck back the shots and immediately down another.

“Damn,” I say, “there’s something that hits different about Jell-O shots.”

“Right?” Aria smiles. “So… How’s it all going?”

“It’s hard, but I’m managing.” And that’s the truth. My body hates me, and my voice is raspy after days of performing in a row, but no one suspects a thing. The best part is sharing a connection with the fans and making their day by watching the show.

“You’re more than managing,” Nina says. “You’re thriving. I haven’t seen you this glowy in ages.”

“It’s because of the makeup,” I say, not wanting to admit in front of Aria how much I like the money aspect of Stella’s lifestyle. After worrying about making ends meet for so long, it’s a relief to be able to just enjoy life. But the pressure and the expectations that come with it, the constant rushing to and from one place and another, is all too much for me. I like a slower pace, but it’s fine because it’s only for a few months.

“It’s more than that, and you know it.”

“What about Hunter?” Aria asks. “Is he contributing to this glow? ”

“No, it’s not like that between us,” I say.

“Funny, because it looks like it is,” Nina says. I shoot her a glare, and her grin broadens.

“Hunter is hot and cold and it’s hard to keep up,” I say finally. “Sometimes, he shuts down, especially when it’s football related, but then other times he’s really kind and funny.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone describe Hunter as kind or funny,” Aria says, a considering look on her face. “You must be special to him if he’s those things with you.”

“No,” I say, “he’s nice to me because of our agreement and the fact that I’m helping him.”

“Uh-huh.” Aria doesn’t sound convinced. “Let us be the judge of that. What happens when he shuts down?”

“He turns into an asshole, and I call him out,” I say.

“And then?” Nina asks.

“He apologizes and changes his behavior.”

They both look shell-shocked by that.

“What?” I ask.

“He likes you,” Nina declares, as if she’s an expert on the subject.

“As a friend,” I say.

“I’m with her.” Aria points to Nina. “He definitely likes you.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “It’s all fake anyway, and it has to remain that way. Not when I’m not, you know .”

“I still say you just enjoy it while it lasts,” Nina says. “You’re thinking too much for your own good. ”

“Agreed,” Aria says, waving down the server. When they walk over, Aria asks, “Can we have three French Blondes?”

Once our server returns with our drinks, we all laugh and joke around for the rest of the game. Aria fits in with us like she’s always belonged, like a long-lost sister who we’ve just found. And when Hunter’s team wins? Aria teaches Nina some cheerleading moves and they chant and shake their ass around the room in celebration. I laugh at their antics, and with the help of the alcohol pumping through my blood, I’m not as hesitant to write Hunter this time.

Me: SLAY

Me: Congrats on the W.

Me: I’m so proud of you.

“Let’s move this party to somewhere more fun,” Aria says. “I know the perfect place.”

We all pile into the car and Aria gives Brian, my bodyguard, directions to the club she wants to go to. While we’re in the car, Hunter finally writes me back.

Jeggings: I’m going to print out your play-by-play and get it framed, especially the part where you think my ass looks hot.

Me: If you do that, I’ll even sign it for you. Are you celebrating tonight?

Jeggings: Not sure yet. What are you getting up to?

Me: Nina and Aria are here, so we’re going out.

Jeggings: Where?

I drop a pin of my location when we arrive. Aria pulls us through a small space that’s already packed with people. There are tables surrounding the perimeter of the club, but most people are standing and dancing. There’s a DJ on one end of the room and a bar on the other.

Brian and another bodyguard guide us up the stairs to a VIP area with leather couches and coffee tables. We’re the only ones up here, and a server comes over and takes our order for more French Blondes.

“I love this place,” Aria says. “The DJ slays all night long.”

Nina looks around in amazement. “Not going to lie, I could get used to this.”

Yeah, so could I. Getting dressed up, going out, and spending time with my friends. What more could a girl ask for?

“What were you smiling about when we arrived?” Aria asks.

“Oh, nothing. Hunter just texted me.”

“Admit it,” Nina says. “You like him.”

“No,” Aria says. “She more than likes him.”

“Admit it. Admit it,” they begin to chant and clap in unison.

“Okay, fine,” I hiss, drunk enough to say it aloud. “I like him.”

They high-five and giggle like children.

“But,” I say loudly, cutting through their antics, “only as a friend. Once he gets his extension, I’m sure he’ll move on to a new woman.”

“If it’s meant to be, it’ll work out,” Nina says with certainty.

“Very true,” Aria agrees.

“I wish I had your confidence that it’ll all be okay.” What I don’t tell them is the obvious. Once Hunter finds out I’m not really Stella, I’m pretty sure there won’t be a chance to have anything real between us.

“That’s easy,” Aria says, passing me another drink. “Get drunk enough and you’ll start to believe it too.”

I laugh and Nina clinks her glass against mine. The next hour passes in a blur of drinking and dancing. We’re so lost in our own world that when a hand touches my back, it takes me a moment to realize that some new people arrived in the VIP area .

“Hello, doll,” Jax says, sliding his hand down to my ass.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, taking a step away from him and his wandering hands.

“I heard you’d be here.” He closes the distance between us. What does he mean he heard I’d be here? I didn’t even know I was coming here until we arrived.

“Are you keeping tabs on me?” I ask.

He shrugs as if following me isn’t abnormal. I’m not sure what Stella ever saw in this guy because everything about him gives me the creeps. When he tries to pull me in for a hug, I step away and grab Nina’s hand.

“Bathroom?” I ask Nina, not waiting for her response while I pull her away.

“Holy shit,” Nina whispers, locking the door behind us once we’re inside. “That was Jax Stone. The Jax Stone. He’s shorter in person, but still hot and?—”

“Nina,” I hiss. “Fangirl later. He’s the enemy.”

“Right.” She winces. “Sorry, it’s just not every day I’m around an A-list actor.”

“I get it, but this is bad. Really bad.” I grip the sink counter like it’s a lifeline. “He’s one of the only people who’ll know I’m not the real Stella in an instant.”

“Shit.” Her face pales as the realization settles in. “Do you want to go? I’m sure we can sneak out of here somehow.” Nina spins in a circle. “Maybe climb out the window?”

We both look around the bathroom and burst into laughter at the same time. There are no windows .

“I wish I could leave,” I say, “but I should stay. S wouldn’t leave if her ex was here, so I can’t either.”

“Oh fine, let’s go back and save Aria from him.”

With Nina’s arms around mine, we head back to Aria. Aria sits stiffly on the couch with Jax across from her.

“There you are,” Aria says when she spots me. “I was just telling Jax how lovely hell is this time of year. I was hoping he’d take a trip there sometime. Preferably sooner rather than later.”

Nina laughs and sits next to Aria. Jax looks her up and down. “And who are you?”

“The woman who’ll saw your dick off with a butter knife if you keep looking at me like that.” She smiles sweetly as if she didn’t just threaten him.

Jax gives her a long look, as if trying to determine if she’s joking or not. She’s not.

“You do realize you’re interrupting our night,” I say, still standing.

“You call it interrupting, but I’m making your night,” Jax says, patting the seat next to him like I’m a dog who’ll obey its owner. “Come home with me so I can remind you what you’re missing out on.”

I take a small step back, grossed out by his words, and run into a hard wall of muscle. An arm snakes around my stomach and holds me against a rock-hard body.

“Sorry I’m late,” Hunter says.

I tilt my face up and blink at him, shocked he’s here. How is this even possible? He stamps his lips to mine, full of ownership. And I don’t hate him staking claim of me. Not one bit.

Hunter shifts me so I’m slightly behind him and lifts his chin toward Jax. “Move. You’re in our seat.”

Jax stands and looks Hunter up and down. “When she’s bored of you, I’ll be here with my arms wide open. She’ll always come back to me, won’t you, doll?” Jax asks me, but I shake my head, not wanting to say anything to escalate the situation.

“Watch your back,” Jax says to Hunter, shoulder checking him as he walks by.

We all wait until he leaves before relaxing. Hunter sits on the couch and pulls me down next to him.

“What a fucking douche,” Nina says.

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” Aria takes a sip of her drink.

Hunter faces me. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say. “But how are you here?”

“I was already on my way to the city to surprise you.”

“Really?” I can’t keep the goofy smile off my face.

“I told you, Philly isn’t that far from New York City.”

“But you should be out celebrating with your teammates.”

“I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Nina and Aria say “aww” in unison and introduce themselves as my best friends. The rest of the night passes in a blur of drinks and dancing. Of Hunter’s hands always on me. My waist, my leg, my hips, my shoulders. Everywhere he touches, my skin ignites. He only drinks water and seems happy to watch me have fun.

When I catch Nina dozing on the couch, I shake her shoulder. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

“No, you stay,” Nina says sleepily. “You’re having so much fun.”

“I can take her home,” Aria says. “She can stay at mine.”

“Yes, I agree to that,” Nina says. “Then you can have your place all to yourself.”

I roll my eyes at what she’s insinuating, but Nina insists. “Please? Stay and have fun.”

I glance at Hunter, and he shrugs. “I’m okay with whatever you want.”

I’m having fun letting loose for the first time in weeks that I don’t want it to end just yet. I head to the bodyguards and ask, “Can you take Nina and Aria to Aria’s? Hunter and I will stay for a little longer.”

Brian nods and says, “I’ll send Steve with them, and I’ll stay with you.”

We hug goodbye, and once they’re gone, Hunter pulls me onto our makeshift dance floor, my back to his front. He grinds his hips into mine, and my brain goes offline for a split second as need surges within me. Need for him to do that to me without any clothes between us .

“Why does this remind me of your touchdown dance?” I ask.

“Because I was thinking of you the entire time.”

I lean my head back on his shoulder and look up at him. “I like being on your mind.”

“You’re always on my mind,” he says. “I missed you at my game.”

I frown. When he says stuff like that, this doesn’t feel fake. I can’t tell if he really means it or not, especially with so much alcohol in my system. So, I do something super stupid and tell him the truth. Hopefully if I whisper it, he won’t hear my, “Me, too.”

His finger trails up and down my side, at the exposed skin between my ribs and hips, as we dance and dance and dance.

Eventually, after my second yawn in a row, he asks, “Shall we get out of here?”

I nod, and before I can blink, we’re already outside. Brian scans the street with a practiced eye.

“Car's not here,” Brian says, voice low and urgent. Hunter’s immediately on guard, and panic sparks in my gut.

“What’s going on?” Hunter asks.

Brian curses as a flicker of movement catches my eye. A sea of flashing lights descends upon us. Shouts rise and we’re swarmed in seconds. Paparazzi. And from the looks of it, they orchestrated this.

Shit. I grip Hunter’s arm and Brian’s already spreading his, trying to keep them back. But the paparazzi keep pushing toward us, led by two I recognize. The ones from LA that Hunter put in their place.

They pelt rude questions at me, their camera flashes blinding me. Hunter grips my hand and pulls me back to the door of the club, but the paparazzi cut us off.

I try to center myself and take deep breaths. The car has to be here soon. We’ll be okay. It’s overwhelming, but no one will hurt us. I’m pretty sure they can’t touch us, that it’s a rule or law. But the safety I thought I had disappears in the next instant when someone shoves me hard. I lose my balance, and Hunter rights me.

“Back the fuck off,” he yells, but no one listens. A jolt of true terror shoots through me. This is getting out of hand. We’re jostled again, and Hunter uses his body as best as he can to protect me.

“Stella,” Brian’s voice cuts through the chaos. I glance at him, and his face is full of fear. “Run.”