Willow scowled. “You can’t go on tour with that cockhead. He told me he’s made it his mission to fuck you.”

Eden’s chest tightened. So, Francis had been as stupid and gross as she’d feared. Fucking asshole. She shook her head. “I know he’s a dog, but the offer’s legit. I’m going on tour.”

“No, you fuckin’ shouldn’t. You’ll have other opportunities and—”

“Not like this!”

“Baby, you’re young. You have plenty of time.”

Heat flushed through Eden, magma forcing its way to the surface.

“You’ve been on top for too long,” she said, her voice shaking. “You don’t remember what it’s like to want to win.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

Eden got to her feet, unable to sit still. “You’ve played AFL for thirteen years! All your dreams have already come true. You’re not hungry. You don’t know what it’s like to want to make it. To watch DJs that suck compared to you get sponsorships and soundtrack deals!”

She kicked at the wet grass. “This is my chance. I’ve been working toward this tour my whole life, and you think I should wait for opportunities that might never come because it’s more convenient for you.”

Willow’s nostrils flared. “I think you should wait for opportunities with people who don’t want to fuck you—”

“Do you like everyone you play football with?”

“That’s not—”

“No. You don’t. But you can handle it and so can I.”

Willow tossed his champagne glass into the field. It landed with a thump. He sighed. “So, it’s done?”

“I’m going to sign the contract, yes.”

They stared at one another in the dark.

The ground throbbed with Francis’ set, ‘Hillside Boys’, mixing into ‘Bonkers’ by Dizzy Rascal. Willow groaned. “I fucking hate that dickhead.”

Eden smiled; tears rolled down her cheeks. She never used to cry. Could always bottle the pressure away in a triple-sealed nuclear reactor. Then Willow came along and emotions started ducking around her. Forced their way onto her face and out of her mouth. “I wish things weren’t so complicated with us.”

“Me too.” He opened his arms. “Hug?”

“Sure.” Eden fell into his chest, and he held her close, rocking her back and forth like she was a child.

“There’s something else,” he said.

She didn’t know if she could handle anything else, but what choice did she have? She leaned back, looking him in the face. “What is it?”

“I’ve been offered two years with The Rams.”

She smiled. “That’s amazing. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Because the Rams are based on the Gold Coast.”

For what felt like the millionth time that night, panic spider-webbed through Eden’s nervous system. “Shit.”

“Yeah.” Willow took her hands in his. “Come with me.”

“What?”