All Chapters of The Pop Star and the Playboy Quarterback: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

*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

*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

*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

*Ophelia*“I spoke to my mom,” Asher tells me once we’re finally away from the studio. I was beginning to think I’d never get to leave that place. I have nothing against David, but I have no interest in ever going back.“And?” I’m nervous to hear the answer.“Well, for one, she will help with the contract.”I’m surprised, and I guess Asher sees it. “What?”“I know I’m the one who asked, but honestly, I thought she’d laugh my request off.”“Because of the fight you two had?”“It wasn’t exactly a fight, per se.” I bite my lip, Asher’s hand finding mine as he gives me a forlorn look. “It’s more like your mom hates me.”“Oh?”“She wasn’t exactly the nicest to me when we met. During dinner, she kept making all those judgmental comments. She clearly believes that I’m not worth the air you breathe. I didn’t know what to do. Usually, comments and people like her roll off my back. But your mom got under my skin, or at least, in my head.”“Is that why you mentioned her when we had our

*Ophelia*I’ve always envied those who get to sit up in the family or celebrity box at a football game. The perfect view, away from all the drunk, screaming people who want nothing more than to complain the whole game. I’ve never been able to afford seats to a professional game, so this is a first for me, and it’s incredible.Asher’s parents, Frank and Maria Slater, show up about half an hour after the game starts, shocking me. I’m shocked to see Maria in sneakers, jeans, and a jersey with Asher’s number on it, as I’ve only seen Maria as the dress or suit type. But the dressed-down version makes her seem more friendly and down-to-earth.“Ah, Miss Ophelia!” Frank calls, approaching me with an easy breeze about him. His wife follows behind with a small smile. There’s an air of awkwardness, mainly because the last time we saw one another, it was NOT a pleasant conversation. “How are you doing?”“Mr. Slater,” I smile genuinely. “I’m doing alright.” No way am I going to air my grievance