Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66511 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66511 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Of course, he was eventually going to try cliff diving. Those athletes were too talented to not try to glean perspective. His thoughts scattered and any comeback was lost when his father’s name appeared on his screen. His ring tone, specifically the vibrant, loud woo hoo chorus from “Song 2” by Blur, always grabbed all the attention no matter where he was.
All the certainty from moments ago became unsteady. He hadn’t anticipated having to have this call so fast. On the fourth ring, Chad answered, “Hey.”
“Hey,” his father repeated. “Tristan forwarded me your text. Is this truly the decision you want to make? Everyone has second thoughts and down times. You’ll build back, Chad—”
“It’s what I want, Dad,” Chad said firmly. He closed his eyes as the conviction resurrected in full force. “I want this. I’ve already started fielding talent. I don’t like being tied to one sport. This is a way I can use my education and still be a part of an industry I love. Unless you don’t think I’m qualified for such a big job.” He took a gulp of a breath, sensing he was rambling, and waited for his father’s answer.
“You know I believe you can handle the job,” his dad said easily. “It’ll take a lot from you, but I agree with Tristan. You’re ready to find your purpose. I was your age when I started watching Six Degrees and Xanga. If I hadn’t tried to put the two together into a more interactive social site, Secret would have never happened. You have to remember, your strength is also your weakness. You’re young, smart, and motivated. Once you channel all your energy into a career, the world will open for you like never before. I’ve said all this before.”
Chad had to resist the urge to roll his eyes only because, yes, he’d heard all these things his whole life. “Dad, I’ve thought long and hard about this. It’s part of the reason I took some time off to really consider everything.”
“You’re in Hawaii with Ducky?” Dylan asked. “Chloe told me.”
Of course, she did. Always in everyone’s business. “I am. I’ve started cooking again. I’m enjoying it.” That reminded Chad of the chicken on the stove, and he turned to tend the sizzling meat he’d forgotten once he’d texted Tristan. “I have to go. I’m right in the middle of cooking dinner.”
“For you and Ducky?” Dylan asked, his voice betraying nothing beyond that simple question.
Who else would it be for? He even shook his head at the empty room. “Yeah. I’ll call you later. Dinner’s burning. Bye.” Chad pushed end to the call. He tossed his phone on the counter, rolled his eyes as he grabbed the tongs to turn the chicken breasts to the other side. Maybe his next mental health issue to tackle will be his daddy issues. He was a grown ass man who acted like a child every time he spoke to his father.
Anderson .Paak played at high volume from Chad’s open bedroom door. Even though they had completely different tastes in music, Ducky dropped down on the sofa, elbows on his knees with phone in hand, bobbing his head to the addicting beat. Tonight, the party wasn’t happening at their place. Instead, everyone planned to go to a nightclub, one the locals hung out in.
Much like every day of his life, he had no idea what to wear and decided on something between casual and formal, and Greer inspired, darker blue slacks, a violet button down with the shirt sleeves rolled up to right below his elbows, and tan loafers. The way the clothes fit, he might be cutting off circulation to his hands.
The joke made him laugh because there was probably some truth to the thought.
Really none of it mattered more than the glaring fact that his ad campaign had gone live that afternoon. Not just live, but on blast. His images were littered all over the place, both social and online media as well as billboards. As someone who thought Tom from Myspace was brilliant to follow all his members’ pages, Ducky had arranged to do the same on StreamTrainer’s social site. He kept getting dinged over and over each time a picture of a billboard starring his barely clad before and after pictures were posted.
Based on his level ten annoyance factor, he clearly hadn’t gotten over his anger of this campaign being allowed to go live. They shouldn’t have gone around him like they had. Maybe they could have given him a minute to get comfortable with the idea. Partnership sucked.
“Hey, you’re ready,” Chad said, causing Ducky to lift his thumbs from his cell phone and look up. Chad’s steps faltered until he came to a stop, his focused gaze zoomed in on Ducky, his brow furrowed. Ducky’s mouth dropped open. Chad had mimicked his look, pressed pants, dress shirt, all made to fit. Chad wore it so much better. He had an effortless chic that made him captivating. From the perfect sweep of his dark hair to the deep tan and light-colored eyes. He swore to God his cock just went on strike, refusing to settle down ever again. He ended up standing for comfort. “You look hot.”