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Chapter 29 Where Do We Go From Here?
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 30 Crushed
*Asher*Is this real right now? Or does the universe enjoy fucking with me at any expense? Here I am, trying to figure out what to do with Ophelia, and these fucking pictures show up on my phone to tell a completely different story.I know I can’t lose it right now, but I also know that Ophelia continues to spin her web of lies and manipulate me with what is and isn’t the truth.“Ophelia,” I ask, doing my best to remain as calm as I can muster. “What am I looking at? What’s been going on with you two?”“Seriously?” she asks. “You know the answer. Nothing has ever been going on with Jake. He’s a friend. It’s nothing you need to worry about, Asher.”My blood burns inside me, my heart pounding harder and faster while trying to put the pieces together. This was the guy she was playing with on the street. She and the guy ran off together when I started asking her questions.So then, why not tell me the truth?I had hoped there could be a way to work everything through with Ophelia. B
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 31 Nevermind
*Ophelia*I am such a hothead. Sometimes, I forget just how different our worlds are and the various ways we’re relied on. He just made me so ANGRY. Asher has expectations he has to live up to, but saying what he did? It hurt me. And I wanted him to hurt, too.But the phone call, while explosive, also revealed my heart still isn’t over Asher. It’s so nonsensical to be into a guy who clearly doesn’t want to continue this relationship, but I’ve learned that when it comes to Asher, my heart never makes any rational sense.Jake has never been an option. I see him as a musician and a person, but I’ve never looked at him and imagined a future. He’s a great and talented person, but no romantic feelings have blossomed in the few years I’ve known him. Why doesn’t Asher believe me?It’s always been important to me to be upfront and candid with other individuals. Even when we were essentially strangers, I told Asher about my mom, something I don’t trust others to know. Camila was the except
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 32 Messy
*Asher*I haven’t heard from Ophelia in days. I want to allow her time to cool off and talk to me when she’s ready. But here I am, struggling to get through every day while she’s gone.Mark’s been trying to talk with me since that first day in the changing room, but nothing has come of it. I don’t want to deal with this without talking to Ophelia. Mark is my best friend, but he doesn’t get it. He’s never understood the pressure, even if he claims to.My sleep has been essentially non-existent, making focusing on the game impossible. Coach continues to scream at my mistakes and attitude. I give him nothing back—no words, no thoughts, no insults. “Slater, if you don’t figure out your bullshit by Sunday’s game, we’re going to have a real problem!” he barks in the locker room. The other players stay silent, too, but I watch them exchange worried glances.I only nod to Coach, not wanting to dig myself into a deeper shit hole. But what does everyone expect from me? I’m a human being, a
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 33 You Need Me Now?
*Asher*I park my car in the driveway and sit back, listening as the noise around me fades. I’m exhausted, and the only thing on my mind is taking a hot shower and smothering myself with a pillow.My muscles are sore from the practices and today’s game. I haven’t even answered AJ’s messages since I departed from the stadium. I can’t get into it with him right now. I can’t imagine he understands the nuisances I’m struggling with. Groaning, I finally gather myself to get out of the car, slamming it closed as I lock it and walk up to the front door.Something else feels off. I glance around me to pinpoint the gnawing sense in my brain, but the surrounding area was as I left it. I shake my head. God, I’m genuinely losing it.I put my key in the lock, but the door’s already open. What the hell? I know I locked it when I left.I slowly pushed the door open, peering around the corner to avoid colliding with the burglar. But it’s not a burglar. The alarms in my head that were going off
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 34 My Life
*Ophelia*From the moment I touch down in L.A., everything becomes a blur. Mac Daddy has set up what feels like a million meetings with different producers, record labels, and other famous individuals who all want to help me and work to build on the momentum of the newfound fame I’ve achieved. It’s strange to hear people want to capitalize on my voice, mostly because these producers and such know me from Asher, or the stunt I pulled at Camila’s big show.I feel like a different version of myself, the grown-up one I didn’t expect to ever meet. But even though I feel this way, everything still makes me feel like my life isn’t my own.In our third meeting, after I talk about what I’m looking for, the men continue talking as though I’m not truly there. So, I aggressively put down the Starbucks cup to garner the attention of the room. “I don’t think you heard me. I said I want to be known for my own talent?”One of the producers nods his head, turning to look at my manager. “The idea
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 35 Hurts to be Human
*Ophelia*I don’t answer any calls from Mac Daddy until I’m in a taxi.“I’ve been trying to get a hold of you all morning. Where have you been?” he snaps.“Busy,” I deadpan. “I’m going to Little Rock.”I’m sure if he were standing before me, I’d watch my manager’s jaw hang down to his feet. I’d thought long and hard about what to do since my last call with Mac Daddy yesterday. I'd been sitting in my hotel room, repeatedly reviewing our phone call in my head.And then, just like always, Asher’s face appeared. I hadn’t heard from him in a week, and I did as Mark asked, I gave him space. But I thought Asher would have finally called me by now. I thought maybe, just maybe, we could talk things out over the phone.I saw he lost his game over the weekend, and it was just another reason I wanted to call him. But I didn’t. I left him alone.And now I can’t do it anymore.“What the hell are you going to Little Rock for?”“Asher Slater,” I confirm.“You’re choosing the playboy quarterb
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 36 Little Talks
*Asher*She’s a wreck as she stands in front of my door. However, seeing her beautiful face and body, and yes, even the tears wretches in my heart. I can’t believe she’s here. Why is she standing at my front door, distressed?Instead of answering me, she shows me some pictures online. I stare at the phone, confused at what I’m seeing. It’s me and Courtney? It’s from over a year ago, and I reach out and take her phone. She crosses her arms and blurts out, “Why the hell didn’t you call me back?”“What?” I look at her like she asked me where babies come from. I’m still trying to get it through my head how she’s in Little Rock. Millions of questions fly through my brain, but I can’t settle on one. All this silence, and here she is, looking right at me with tear-stained cheeks.She huffs. “I gave you space like Mark asked. It was fucking torture, but I did it because I understood how important it was that you needed to work things out on your own. But you never called me back and—”“Ma
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 37 Flames
*Ophelia*We spend the night rediscovering one another, moments of sleep intermixed with sex, tumbling through the sheets with one another as we laugh into each other’s bodies. It’s a blur of ecstasy, moments of clarity pinpointed when I’m falling over the edge that Asher has evoked. His strength, his heart, and his body are all overtaking him. It’s a loving blur, and I wake in the morning with stiff muscles, having done more with my body in the past twenty-four hours than just serving food.It’s nice to wake up with Asher next to me, softly breathing as he gives me a soft smile. I cuddle closer, not wanting any space to sit between us as we lie together on his king-sized bed.We’re quiet for a while, but I don’t mind it. I just want to enjoy this moment, and I am. It’s so calming after the heavy storms we’ve been through recently.“I told you last night, but I mean it. I want this, Ophelia,” he whispers as he runs his fingers down my arm. “I know things started rocky, I know the
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The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 60 : Superbloom
*Ophelia*The screaming patrons of the concert hall cause the backstage area to rumble under my feet. That, mixed with my nerves, has me quivering. All my work has brought me to this moment. But I can’t help the ache in my heart not having Asher here but know there’s no time to wallow. Tomorrow is the championship game, and the team can’t go anywhere, even if they want to.I take in a deep breath, shuddering as it exits my lungs. I shake out my hands next and start pacing back and forth.“You okay, Ophelia?” Daphne appears by my side, her phone in hand as always. She’s dressed in a t-shirt with my name printed across it and a pair of jeans, with a blazer thrown on over the ensemble.She reminds me of Carolanne, and I’ve dubbed her my older sister. She’s been so attentive, helpful, and even kind to me. I’ve cherished her advice and compassion, so I know I can share my anxieties.“I’m nervous as hell, Daph. I don’t need to be. I’ve been rehearsing for months and know nothing impedes
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 59 : Anti-Hero
*Asher*“Oh, that’s nothing.” Ophelia declares this so nonchalantly that I hesitate a moment. My phone is blowing up with notifications that have tagged us both. But these aren’t standard messages people are sending. There are threats, violent thoughts, and desires. I don’t normally interact with my social media accounts. This, though, is much different.“No,” I slowly start. “Nothing is someone just saying they don’t like you. These messages aren’t nothing, Ophelia.”“It’s been happening for months, Asher. I’ve just turned off all my social media notifications.”I rear back like I’ve been stabbed. “MONTHS?!”She nods, shrugging like she’s just misremembered something that isn’t important. “Yeah, I just figure people hate me because I’m dragging your image down or something? I didn’t tell anyone, though. You have enough stress on your plate; I didn’t want to add this, too.”I can’t help but laugh at her wanting to protect me. Hasn’t she realized I’d do anything for her? “My love,
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 58 : The Grudge
*Ophelia*“Ophelia! ‘Lose It All’ is number three on the charts this week!” My new manager, Daphne McKenna, calls through the studio, excitedly running up to me. She shows me her phone, and I pull the headphones from my head to around my neck.“Holy shit!” I squeal, jumping up and down in my seat. “This is insane!”“They love you, Ophelia!” David says, coming in with a bottle of champagne. “And we’re immensely proud of you.”The interns and other workers enter the studio, handing David a towel to open the bottle without risking the equipment.“Thank you, guys, really. David, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without your support. Daphne, thank you for taking on my baggage load in such a short time. I’m so happy to have you here with us. And thank you to everyone else for all your hard work and dedication. But thank you for believing in me.”The bottle goes POP! as everyone cheers, pouring alcohol into paper cups and cheering about the room.It finally feels like I’ve e
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 57 : Missing Piece
*Asher*November comes and goes, and we’re staring down the barrel of Christmas and the New Year. Celebrating Thanksgiving with Ophelia in attendance was some of the most fun I’ve had in years. Per tradition, the Slater family plays football out in the yard while the turkey cooks. It’s nothing more than a friendly, silly time where no score is kept, and no one plays by the official rules.Ophelia initially wasn’t interested. “I like to watch sports, not play them,” she’d teased. But then, Payton and Renee asked to join in, and her entire attitude changed. “Alright, fine! If your nieces are gonna play, then count me in.” It had been a few months since she met the girls, and neither remembered my girlfriend. But it soon didn’t matter because they were busy trying to run the ball down the yard.AJ even came in to pick up Renee, carrying her past everyone so that she could score. Adorably, she tried to spike the ball with both hands, but the ball just flopped to the ground.The entire
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 56 : Out Of Your Mind
*Ophelia*I can feel Asher’s body tense, his muscles becoming predominant at the initial glance of the stocky man. As usual, his suit is too tight around his body, and as an added bonus, he’s sweating his ass off, wiping at his forehead with a handkerchief like it’s still the 1950s.“Well, well, well. Look who’s come crawling back.” Peters's voice comes out like a slithering snake. It fits perfectly with his conniving ways, and I cringe at the sound. What a bastard.“Alvin?” I inquire, taking a step forward.“Miss Lane. Have you come to your senses? Finally realized that I’ve been right all along?” It’s like he believes he is invincible in this setting, but I’m about to drop the bomb on him. I can’t wait to see his expression. I look up at Asher, who returns the glance. He raises a single eyebrow but doesn’t release the tension. I think he’s even clenching his jaw.I turn back to the pathetic excuse for a man. “You’re fired. You’re no longer my manager. If you want to address an
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 55 : Bad Reputation
*Ophelia*“Please, tell me what happened, and don’t leave anything out.”Maria connected us with a friend who specializes in contract law. She just so happens to have a location in Los Angeles, so a few days after his game, we fly out to meet with her. Asher and I sit in her office now, staring across her desk as she asks me to recount everything that’s happened with Alvin Peters since the moment I met him at the restaurant in Nashville.Emily Faith, the lawyer, has her hair wrapped in a bun on top of her head. She could be mistaken for my mother; the color is identical. She wears a grey pantsuit with a pink-collar shirt and has a steaming cup of hot coffee on her desk. She’d offered some to the two of us, but I’ve been too jittery this morning to accept anything. Instead, we were brought two cups of water. I hold mine tight in my grasp as I force myself to breathe. Emily’s hands are folded on the table, and she looks from Asher to me. I do as she asks.“I felt…funny after taki
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 54 : Love Goes On
*Ophelia*Asher’s parents take us all to dinner to celebrate the win of another game. It’s significantly more fun than any of the time I spent in L.A., and I think their son telling his girlfriend he’s in love with her put everyone in a much better mood after Courtney. We go to an upscale Italian place, but we are not properly dressed. Usually, this would make me nervous because I feel as though I’d stick out. But in truth, I don’t notice if people watch over us. I’m bursting with love and happiness for my person; being with his family is like a dream come true.Frank orders a bottle of champagne for the four of us, holding his glass up once we’ve all been given ours. “To my family and Asher's big win.”We clink glasses, taking sips together. I watch Asher’s face, wondering if he picked up on his father’s words and their meaning. I don’t think he was referring to football, at least.We order pizza and pasta, and the restaurant's vibe is inviting. The Slaters know the owner well,
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 53 : Because I Liked a Boy
*Ophelia*I can hear Asher before I see him. Courtney’s standing before him all done up, but her face is scrunched up in rage, red blotches on her cheeks and down her neck. “How dare you talk to me this way! Who the hell do you think you are?”“I don’t care who you think I am. I’m in love with Ophelia, and nothing you can say will change how I feel!”I stop in my tracks, Asher’s parents both running into me. I can’t help it. Did he just say that? Did I hear him right?“You…” I stammer out, my hand shooting up to my mouth in disbelief. Asher Slater, the quarterback, is in love? With me?My heart picks up speed, the thumping going through every inch of my body as I process the words. Asher and Courtney both jump at my single word, the two making eye contact with the three of us mere feet away. The reactions each have are vastly different. While Courtney continues to blow steam from her ears, Asher’s face relaxes, and his brown eyes tell me the truth.He loves me. In Love. With me.
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 52 : Could Have Been Me
*Asher*My teammates hoist me into the air as they begin to celebrate in the endzone. Holy shit, thank God we won. I almost blacked out while running that last thirty yards. All my brain could say to me was, “Don’t fuck this up.”“That’s our fucking quarterback!” Mark cheers, lifting his helmet in the air and spinning his arm around. “Asher Slater is a force to be RECKONED with!”My best friend seems to be drunk on the win, but I won’t spoil this for him. The guys all worked their asses off to get this win today. I’m still shocked by our win, but I scan the crowd before us, made up of teammates, reporters, coaches, and other football personnel. I look up at the family box that I know Ophelia’s in with my parents. I’d noticed when sitting on the bench in between my time on the field that the cameras continued showing off the three of them, enjoying the game and laughing together. Ophelia looked mortified a few times she appeared on screen, and all I wanted to do was tell her it w
