Page 101 of Right Man, Right Time
Ah, so we’ve sunk to that level of pettiness. Guess it’s fair, given what I had to say to get her in this car.
“There will be major sponsors here, people who pay me a lot of fucking money, so no donkey pervert story. Just say we ran into each other at the zoo.”
“And shield them from the true story of who you are? That’s doing them a disservice.”
“The real story would be you assaulting me in a bar, but I have enough class to hold back on telling that tale.”
She whips her head toward me. “Are you saying I don’t have class?”
“Take it as you want,” I say as I pull up to valet.
“Well, if that’s the way you want to play the game,” she says.
“Don’t, Oliana,” I say in a stern voice. “I swear to fuck, if you embarrass me in there, you won’t like the repercussions.”
“Oh Potato, I have zero plans of embarrassing you.”
Why do I find that incredibly hard to believe? But I don’t have time to hash it out with her because the valet is opening our doors.
I hand them the key and then make my way around the car where I meet up with Ollie. She takes my hand and snuggles in close to my side just in time for a few cameras to flash in our direction.
Fuck, I completely forgot about the press.
I turn to Ollie and say, “Don’t talk to anyone. Just smile, and I’ll guide you inside.”
Surprisingly, she does as she’s told, and we make it past the press box and into the venue, where we’re immediately greeted by Hector Fuentes, the CEO of Skin Leisure, the clothing brand that I recently signed a seven-figure deal with.
“Silas Taters, glad you could make it,” Hector says while patting me on the back. “And who did you bring with you tonight?”
“Hector, it’s great to see you,” I say, turning on the charm. “This is my girlfriend, Ollie Owens.”
“Ollie, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Ollie says.
“Well, help yourself to drinks and food. There are gift bags for everyone as well. Enjoy the night. We’re looking forward to cheering you on this season, Silas.”
“Thank you. We’re looking good. I feel like we have another shot at the cup this year.” I give him a handshake, and then I press my hand to Ollie’s back and guide her into the main ballroom. “Need a drink?” I ask her.
“As if you care,” she says, smiling up at me, and then grips my hand in hers. “But yes, I’m thirsty.”
I don’t give in to her need to press my buttons, so hand in hand, we walk over to the bar, where I find a very familiar face.
“Silas Taters, holy shit.” JP Cane walks up to me and holds his hand out.
We shake, and I say, “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
“I’m not alone. Brought Ryot Bisley with me. You know us. If there’s a place where sponsors are gathering with athletes, we want to be there.”
“That’s why you own the leading sports app in the world.” I bring Ollie forward and say, “JP, this is my girlfriend, Ollie Owens. Ollie, this is JP Cane. He and his brothers, Huxley and Breaker, invested in The Jock Report, something started by Ryot Bisley, his brother Banner, and Penn Cutler. Penn and Ryot both played for the Chicago Bobbies.”
“Oh, yes,” Ollie says. “I heard about The Jock Report.” That’s surprising, given she hasn’t heard about me. “Wasn’t it started because of poor reporting in the media?” Aah, that’s why she’s heard of it.
JP nods. “It was. Now the athletes have their own voice and can interact with fans without having to worry about an algorithm or having their words turned around on them. Trying to get your boyfriend to join.”
“Just haven’t had time yet. I promise I will. I’m sure I’ll need something to scroll through on our away trips.”
JP chuckles, then turns his attention back to Ollie. “What do you do, Ollie?”
