Chapter 19
Chapter
Nineteen
Eli
Two Months Later
My fake relationship with Falcon was officially over.
Preseason had started last month, and Justine’s plan had worked so well that no one was talking about either of our scandals.
Not only that, but our socials had grown.
After seeing how well Falcon acted with me, his female following had increased by 33 percent.
My music sales had increased by 97 percent, and women were loving seeing me get the love, care, and treatment I deserved.
As great as things had turned out, I was still sad that it was over.
We were going to wait until after the season started next month to quietly announce we were taking a break so Falcon could focus on leading the Demolishers to victory this year, which wouldn’t seem suspicious because he’d made it clear nothing came before his career and team since the beginning.
I had no idea where he was taking me when he escorted me down to his Ferrari.
For the last two months, I’d been staying with him.
Now that our relationship was over, I’d been looking into buying the loft unit in his building.
I loved the community and amenities. Isaac had offered to buy it for me, and I felt like that was him trying to get back in my good graces.
I wouldn’t say I blamed him for what happened or that I was holding the way Senior treated me against Isaac, but I was at a point where he seemed just as guilty as our father did because he didn’t check him about the way he treated me.
Even with him asking Senior if he’d ever told me he loved me, Isaac told me not to make a big deal out of it to keep the peace.
At that point, I realized he’d always play the middle man, and that wasn’t good enough for me.
The 1.5-million-dollar price tag for the loft was nothing for him, so I’d let him buy it if he wanted to.
I couldn’t say when our relationship would get back to normal, because having issues behind our father was our normal.
Only difference was this time I didn’t feel the need to accept Senior’s words and behavior just for the sake of keeping the peace like I normally would.
I lifted the bouquet of red roses that were waiting for me in the car and inhaled their scent as Falcon turned into a large plot of land with a SOLD sign. Curiosity filled me.
“What’s this?” I asked, sitting up in my seat.
“This is where we’re gonna have your new home built.
” My heart dropped and eyes snapped over in his direction.
“It’s four acres of land. You’ll have more than enough space for your home, your tree house, and whatever else you want honestly.
Hell, you could put your home in the middle and still have space to build smaller homes for your kids in the future.
Either way, the full four acres is yours, and if you need it, I’ve also put a bid in for the acre behind those trees, but it’ll be a little more difficult to get that because it’s private owned. ”
“W-what?” I asked breathlessly. “You got this for me?”
“Yeah. I know you were thinking about getting the loft, but I also know you love big spaces and wanted somewhere to have your tree house built. You can do whatever you want here. I’ve looked into a few different architects and construction companies.
I’ll pay for everything, but the design will be up to you.
I meant it when I said you can stay with me as long as you want to, but I also know things might feel a little odd between us now that . . .”
He sighed and looked out of the window.
Getting out of the car, I walked a few feet through the low-cut glass and looked around.
I squealed, laughed, and cried before doing a few cartwheels that had Falcon dying laughing.
“Yoo, what the hell?” he asked through his laugh. “Did you just flip?”
“Did you just buy me four acres of land and offer to have my very own home built?”
“Well yes, but I wasn’t expecting that to be your reaction. I wish I was recording this so I could rewatch it.”
Falcon was laughing so hard it made me laugh. I didn’t care how crazy or silly I looked. I’d lived with people my whole life, and I couldn’t wait to have my own space. At this point, the only person I would have considered letting visit was Falcon.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I cheered, running and jumping into his arms.
“You’re welcome, Smiley. Anything for you. You know that.”
Fake relationship aside, I cupped his neck and kissed him.
He was still my man, regardless of the expiration date, and this gesture had just proven that.
I wasn’t sure how things would play out between us going forward.
How I’d handle being in the same room as him and not being able to touch him or kiss him.
What would our new normal look like? Right now, it didn’t matter.
Right now, what felt most normal was being in his arms, in his heart, and I would rest fully in that.
After the Last Preseason Game
When Isaac invited me to his party, I should have known he was up to no good.
He and the team were celebrating their victory before the season started in about a week.
The night started out simple enough with food and liquor, music, dancing, and socializing.
Toward the back of the house, a room was filled with UNO, spades, poker, and pool.
That was where I was spending the bulk of my time because I loved playing games.
I wasn’t as competitive as the men in my life, but I did love to win.
About two hours into the party, I’d traded Jell-O shots for beer pong and was having the time of my life.
Me and Falcon had been keeping our distance from each other, and it didn’t feel weird.
It felt how things used to be before February.
I did miss him, but I was in such a state of gratitude and appreciation for our time together that I couldn’t be too sad over no longer having him.
Isaac had invited strippers, and that was the first time he’d done that at a party he’d invited me to.
Or, at least, this was the earliest they’d ever come.
I never stayed for the whole party and couldn’t say what the hell happened after midnight.
Seeing Isaac usher the strippers to Falcon, Steve, and Mario made me feel some type of way.
I felt like he was being intentionally messy because he kept looking over at me to see if I was watching.
At that point, I was ready to go. I couldn’t stop Falcon from doing whatever the hell he wanted, because he was single.
It did make me feel good to see him shove the strippers off him with a mug, but I was over it.
I made my way into the kitchen to make me a small plate before getting ready to go.
I was tipsy but not drunk, and the urge to take another shot was consuming me.
“You having a good time?” Luke asked.
He was the running back for the Demolishers and honestly a cool guy. He was also one of the most handsome. It was probably a good thing that Isaac made me agree not to date any of his teammates because with me having such closeness to them, I’d probably be a team ho unintentionally.
“I was,” I admitted.
“What can I do to make it better?”
A smile naturally lifted the corners of my lips as I grabbed a plate to load up with party food.
“Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything you can do, Luke.”
“I’m pretty resourceful. Try me.”
“You do know if my brother comes in here and sees you trying to flirt with me, he’s going to flip, right?”
“I know, so I’m hoping you’ll make having to deal with him worth it.”
When he closed the space between us, I chuckled. “You’re brave, I’ll give you that.”
“I’m hoping you’ll give me something else.” My mouth dropped, but he quickly added, “Your number. Things are over with you and Falcon, right?”
My head shook. “Yes, but . . .” Seeing as I couldn’t tell him the only reason Isaac was cool with that was because the relationship was fake, I grew quiet.
“I’ve been waiting on my chance with you for years, and I promise if I get you, I ain’t letting you go as easily.”
I couldn’t deny the sincerity in his eyes and tone, and Luke seemed like he was a good guy. That was why when he took my hand into his and kissed it, I didn’t immediately recoil.
“Send me a message on IG, and we’ll take it from there,” I offered, to which he smiled and nodded.
“Bet. I’ll hit you up in the morning. Maybe we can do brunch.”
“Okay, cool.” I agreed as he pulled me in for a hug.
When he released me, my eyes shifted around the kitchen, landing on Falcon.
I wasn’t sure when his ass had even come in here, but there he was, standing there with a frown and rigid body like I was wrong.
Like he didn’t just have three strippers climbing in his lap.
Ignoring him, I set my empty plate on the island and excused myself.
I went upstairs to the room I occupied when I was here.
Seeing the pink walls and décor made me smile.
As frustrated as I’d been with my brother lately, I couldn’t deny that he tried.
He made sure this room was fit for a princess and that I was as comfortable as possible here.
I did miss how things were between us when I first moved in with him, but between him taking Senior’s side and trying to put women on Falcon, he was back on my shit list again.
I didn’t know if he was trying to make sure whatever was going on between us was over or if he was just being an asshole, but either way, I was going to take some time to compose myself before leaving.
Now, I was even more grateful that I’d rented a suite at the Rose Valley hotel.
It was literally a couple of blocks from Falcon’s place, but it wasn’t his place, so that was a win.
Even with him telling me I could stay with him until my home was ready, I could already tell things were going to be weird now that the season was about to start.
I had to remind myself that these parties, this team, were not my safe space.
Not my vibe. Not my people. Not anymore.
Isaac ran this show, and until he was sure things were completely over with me and Falcon, there was no telling what he’d do.
In the bathroom, I splashed water over my face. Because the truth was, seeing Falcon upset had both confused and aroused me. Being in the same space as him had aroused me. Seeing his eyes on me had aroused me.
But it didn’t matter.
We were over.
If he wanted me, he would have claimed me.
Instead, he willingly agreed to us parting ways, and that told me all I needed to know.
“And fuck him for that,” I muttered. “It’s not happening. It was real, but it’s over. He doesn’t want you anymore. Get over it.”
My exhale came out long and slow. I took three more deep breaths before drying my face and heading out. As soon as my eyes landed on Falcon sitting on the edge of the bed, I shrieked and jumped.
Why the hell was he so damn light on his feet and quiet?
And why was he even in here?
And why was my body reacting to him?
Logically, I knew I had no right to be mad at him, but I was. With a roll of my eyes, I headed toward the door, but before I could make it, Falcon was on his feet, grabbing my arm and pulling me close…