Only One Forever (Only One 8)

“Do you have a bag for Maddox?” I ask, and she grabs the bag that is on the table in front of her.

“I was going to come and give it to him,” she says, smiling at him. “Here you go, buddy,” she tells him, and he just stands beside me.

“It’s your new stuff,” I say, and he just looks at me. I grab the bag and squat in front of him. “These are your new shorts and shirts,” I say. “It’s so everyone looks the same. Do you want to go change?” I ask, and he looks around as David, one of the trainers, comes out of the changing room.

“I can take him,” he tells me. “Hi, I’m David.” Maddox just looks at him and he follows him into the changing room. He looks over one last time before he walks in as he waves at me.

I hold up my hand as the tears sting my eyes. “Do you have everything under control?” I ask Veronica, and she nods at me as I walk to my office and grab the files in the corner. I grab his file and am ready to open it when my phone buzzes, and I look down, seeing the breaking news.

Dylan Stone is going to Dallas. All the details on his record-breaking contract.

Chapter 18

Dylan

“Well, another family vacation in the books,” my uncle Matthew says as he climbs the steps to the plane. “I already miss you pains in the ass.” He looks back down at me.

“I didn’t even get drunk!” I shriek. “Why aren’t you talking to Chase, who fell asleep naked on a paddleboard?”

“That was the highlight of my trip,” Julia announces. “In fact, next year, he should just come naked.” She looks behind her at Chase, who just smiles and laughs.

“One with the earth,” he says, holding out his arms.

“I almost became one with the earth when I saw my brother’s dick,” Vivienne retorts. “I think I will have PTSD.” She looks at him. “Is that what you did with your Doctors Without Borders? Just showed up with your shlong hanging all over the place?”

“I think I’m going to be sick.” I put my hand to my mouth and look over at Chase. “You’re lucky nothing bit you.” I walk into the plane and take the first seat that is empty, which is right in front of Wilson and Franny, who are joking with each other. He leans over and whispers something in her ear, and she blushes. “Seriously, you two,” I huff out. “Enough with all that shit.” I motion with my hand.

I’m buckling my seat belt when someone sits next to me, and I look up to see it’s Erika. “How is everything going? Did the news hit?” she says, and I nod my head. Yesterday, after I told my father that I was in love with Alex and he didn’t kick me out on my ass, I made the decision I knew I was going to make anyway. I called Erika, and we sat down with Nico via Zoom. “I honestly didn’t care how much he was going to pay me because the minute I said yes to him, my whole body just let out this whole rush. Almost like you took the air out of a balloon. “It’s the biggest contract out there,” she says in a hush. “People are going to think you left for the money.”

I swallow now. No one but my father, and maybe Julia, will know why I signed with Dallas. I know that I’m going to have to tell them, but I just don’t think it’s the time. Especially since I haven’t told anyone. “I don’t care what people say. I never did,” I say, looking around. “The only ones I care about are my father and my grandfather.” I look over to see my grandfather with Bianca on his chest while my grandmother holds Bailey.

“Well, get ready for the media storm when we land,” she tells me, getting up and making her way back to Cooper. I look out the window as everyone finally loads the plane. My finger taps on the armrest as the door closes. I take out my phone and send Alex another text.

Me: Alex, please call me.

I know it will go unanswered, and I know she is going to fight with me when I finally see her, but just the thought of seeing her and finally being able to tell her how I feel will be like the weight of the world is off my shoulders.

The plane is filled with the usual chitchat, and when I look up and see that Franny has left her seat, I turn and look over at Wilson. “Come here.” I motion with my head, and he gets up and comes to sit in the chair beside me.