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Dusty Peaks needs me to be on set. More than they let on when I initially signed the contract. They said it would be fine if I traveled back and forth to New York. But the show in New York was only supposed to last until October.

Instead, it’s been doing so well, it’s extended into the holiday season and they need more from me than they originally anticipated as well. They’re low budget so I don’t have a team of assistants like I do here. They need me whenever anything changes or they need duplicates made for an understudy who’s a slightly different size or build. It’s more hands-on than Dusty Peaks.

Then there’s my own designs, and I just found out about a potential new project with Sammy. That would take precedence over almost anything else. Anything he touches turns to gold so I’ll walk away from Don’s movie in a heartbeat if I have to choose.

I have too many irons in the fire and not nearly enough time to do the things I’ve committed to, much less all the extras.

That doesn’t even include spending time with Cash, Reid, and now Nolan. I hate disappointing anyone but I’ve officially reached my maximum workload. I’ve probably surpassed it but I don’t like to say no.

And the worst part is—right now, the only thing I can really give up is my sleepwear line. I have to have money coming in, and movie projects take so long to come together, I can’t wait until I’ve caught up on everything to take on something else. It’s a game of juggling, both projects and their timelines. So far, I’ve managed well but the more successful I get, the more complicated everything is.

Nolan is going to be so disappointed if he can’t come to Atlanta during his Thanksgiving break.

I’m going to have to set some boundaries with Dusty Peaks.

Cash and I need to talk about his expectations again, because while he says he understands my job and schedule, I know it became a serious issue with him and Shandy.

Shandy.

Fuck.

I don’t want to work with her, but she’s apparently not the kind of woman who takes no for an answer. Not easily anyway, and our last conversation ended with her saying I should talk to Alexa before she hung up.

That’s the other issue. I don’t want to disappoint Alexa Humboldt—she’s too important in the clothing design industry.

But Shandy is…difficult. Bossy. An attention whore.

She’s also the person who hurt Cash more than anyone else. Why would I even consider going into business with someone like that? There’s more to life than money. I’m well aware that comes from a place of privilege, but what’s the point of being successful if you can’t use that position to do better in the world? This might be a small thing, but Cash is more important than whatever success I might have with Shandy as the face of my clothing line.

More than that, Shandy is one of the beautiful people. I’ve seen her naked and she’s truly perfect. My clothes wouldn’t do anything for someone with a body like hers. They’re meant for women who aren’t perfect, in the eyes of society. If I’m going to have a spokesperson, it needs to be someone who isn’t the most gorgeous woman in Hollywood.

I probably should have thought of that with Serena, but her goal was to help us get the word out, not to be an official face of the company. From our conversations, Shandy wants people to associate the clothes with her wearing them.

That’s the opposite of what I want.

No, I’m going to find a way to decline her offer without alienating Alexa.

I stick my phone in my bag and pull out my headphones.

I’m going to watch a movie and forget all about the stress in my life. At least until I get to L.A. Once I meet with Sammy tomorrow, I’ll have a much better idea about what’s next. And hopefully how to deal with it.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Cash

Trips to the Midwest are always fun. I love Chicago and make a point of getting some Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza. Sometimes I order it and have enough delivered for everyone. I did that on my old team and they loved it. Other times, we go out to eat after the game if there’s time.

This year, there won’t be time to go out so I place a big order and send one of the trainers to go meet the delivery guy. Hopefully, everyone will appreciate it. Pizza isn’t the healthiest food for a pro athlete, but life is too short to be strict all the time.

“Did you order pizza from Lou’s?” Coach Teller demands.

I grimace. “Am I in trouble if I say yes?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” he mutters. “Lou’s is Viggo’s favorite. I’m in big trouble if I eat it without him.”

I hesitate. “He doesn’t have to…know. Does he?”

We both grimace this time.