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Chapter 38 Ghosts
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The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 39 You’d Never Know
*Ophelia*I’ve called Mac Daddy three times since I received Lucy’s text message, but I haven’t heard from him. I’m currently rushing to the recording studio we’re working in. I don’t even understand what Lucy’s message means. What am I stealing exactly?I made sure to shoot Asher a text to let him know I arrived, and that business came up, and I couldn’t call until later. ‘Understood. Go kick ass and take names.’His confidence upped my desperation to get answers, and I burst into the studio to achieve that goal.Mac Daddy, Lucy, and others on the team all jump in surprise.“You weren’t answering my calls,” I state, walking towards my manager.“We were in the middle of a meeting,” he replies, pulling out his phone and barely glancing down at it. “And what’s that meeting?” I snap. The man we’re working with, David Letz, snaps his eyes onto me with shock. Lucy smirks in my direction, seemingly to challenge my opinion and anger. “Because we’re supposed to be here for MY album.”
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 40 Zombie
*Ophelia*Even though Mac Daddy wanted me on the red carpet tonight, he still had me in the recording studio for hours before finally cutting me loose.I’m exhausted now, working tirelessly to put this album together. I guess the silver lining to this is that David is excellent to work with and very kind which is a first since I got to L.A. I feel like someone gives a damn. It’s hard to tell what Mac Daddy is looking for, but sometimes, it doesn’t feel like he cares. Maybe I’m just too exhausted to know.I speak to Asher about the stress, and he’s on edge. “Do I need to come out there?”“For me to sing some songs?”“To make sure he doesn’t work you to death.”My heart sings. “I want it to be the best it can be, baby,” I insist. “But thank you for looking out for me.”Asher immediately responds, “I always will.”I return to my hotel, wanting nothing more than to shower and collapse into bed. But I know that’s not going to happen. I shower, the warm water comforting my fatigued
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 41 : Dangerous
*Ophelia*I’m stunned into silence. I’ve only seen her online and in gossip columns, but she’s undeniably picturesque in her long blue dress. Her long, blonde hair perfectly falls in waves down her back, and her pink nails match with her pale pink eyeshadow. The only contrast is the gold necklace wrapped around her neck. It’s a large C in what looks like real gold, and as she walks towards us, her gold heels peek out of her dress.All of this is to say Asher’s ex-girlfriend is striking in person. She doesn’t compare to her pictures. She’s the whole package. Even her breasts and butt are huge, straining the fabric in the way I know many men ogle.“Mac!” Courtney’s chipper voice comes across as sweet, unlike the voice I’d heard on the other end of Asher’s phone. She leans over, kissing him on each cheek. “Mwah! Oh, darling, it’s been ages!”“Look at you in this dress! The definition of perfection.”She turns to admire her figure. “Oh, this thing? I saw it in a store display and simp
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 42 : Frustration
*Asher*It’s pouring rain today, so Coach keeps us inside for practice. We spend the time on the weights, each of us having been given a schedule from the fitness trainer. It’s a nice, easy day, in my opinion. Sometimes, coming off the field and doing the basics again is nice. It reminds me of high school.In the off-season, my buddies and I would hit the school’s weight room together, goofing off while also doing what we needed to do for our specific positions on the team. Lifting weights and having someone spot me on the bench brings a genuine warmth to me. Currently, I’m standing behind Mark as he lifts his bar.“So, what are you doing to kill time on your days off?” I ask my buddy.“Sleeping,” he grunts, thrusting the bar up into the air with all his might. “Also got an invite from some friends to go out one night.”“Sounds nice,” I respond. “Guess it’s been a while. We’ve been non-stop for weeks; I honestly just lost track of time.”Mark replaces the bar on the rungs, sittin
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 43 : Funhouse
*Ophelia*A yawn escapes me, and I do my best to attempt to stifle it. I feel like I haven’t slept in weeks, which, in a way, I really haven’t. I’ve spent every day, non-stop, in the studio with the music I’m trying to learn. I’m also emotionally exhausted, wishing I could turn off the annoyance and frustration.“Miss Lane, do you need another coffee?” David asks into the microphone that reaches my headphones. They’re wrapped around my neck as I practice, so his voice surprises me. I look up at the glass window, and he’s looking at me with some concern. Do I look as tired as I feel?“I shouldn’t,” I say into my mic. He glances somewhere I’m unable to see, then says, “You’re working hard. I’ll get my intern to ask what everyone wants; we could all use some coffee.”I give him a small smile and mouth the words “thank you” so he knows I appreciate it. David’s been kind to me since we got started. He has kept an eye out for me, checking in, and even stepping in when he thinks Mac Dad
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 44 : Be Careful What You Wish For
*Ophelia*The next day, things start feeling much worse in the studio. I reached out to Asher last night, and he didn’t get back to me until this morning.‘Looking into something. Sorry, I didn’t message you back. Call me tonight?’I don’t understand what’s happening on Asher’s end, but I text him back that I’ll reach out. I send him kissing faces, weary of how he’ll respond, until he sends me them back, as well as a few hearts.I don’t think whatever’s going on involves Asher being distant with me. But I still stress as I leave the hotel and return to David’s studio. I was hoping Asher was going to consider coming to L.A. I would love to see him, spend my nights wrapped in his arms, and bring him around to meet everyone.But instead, I’m by myself, still, with no understanding of what’s on Asher’s mind.I grab the biggest coffee I can get for myself, opting to grab one for David as well. He’s been an actual life raft with Mac Daddy, and if anyone deserves praise right now, it’s
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 45 : Robot
*Ophelia*I walk back to the studio slowly, unsure what to think or say. Marilyn’s words keep echoing in my ears.‘Alvin drugged me.’I thought my attitude towards Mac Daddy was just exhaustion. We’ve been working together for a while, but creative differences happen. Now, I can’t help but think back on each interaction since the beginning after hearing Marilyn’s accusation.The issue I’m grappling with is she doesn’t seem untrustworthy, but I don’t know the woman. How am I supposed to trust this random woman’s word? What if she’s just out to get ME? However, I don’t exactly see how that would make any sense.I take a deep breath before I finally walk into the studio, the entire group of people I’ve been working with turning to me as the doors slam behind me.“Oh good, you’re back. Are you okay?” David’s the first to break the silence, coming up to me. His genuine kindness and concern for me and the entire group are heartfelt and touching. I nod, swallowing the lump that’s sitt
The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback Chapter 46 : Everybody Talks
*Asher*Mom doesn’t answer me on the first call or even the second. She’s a busy woman, and I’m well aware that as her son, I don’t get her attention over her clients.As I wait for her to pick up the phone, I remember Ophelia saying something about Maria Slater, involving her being a bitch. We never got into it because we were in the middle of our argument with one another. But it doesn’t mean I don’t care about why she feels that way. I don’t know what happened with the two of them, but for Ophelia’s safety, I’m going to squash whatever it is she’s done. Mom is a good person, but I can imagine she looked down on my girlfriend because no one is good enough for her son. She didn’t hate Courtney because she had a title and in Mom’s eyes, she wasn’t using me.I guarantee she thought Ophelia saw me as nothing more than dollar signs.“Maria Slater Esquire, what can I do to help you?” Mom’s voice finally sparks in my ear, and I sit up in my seat. I’m still in my hotel, my laptop open
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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
