On the Shore A Small Town, Sports, Enemies to Lovers Romance

ontheshore
CottonwoodCove~Book3laurapavlovToallthewomeninmylifewhoinspiremetowritefierceheroines…I’mthankfulforYOU.
“Beautyisbeingthebestpossible
versionofyourself,insideandout.“
AudreyHepburnOntheShore
CottonwoodCove,Book3
Copyright?2023byLauraPavlov
Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystemwithoutthewrittenpermissionoftheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview.
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,brands,media,andincidentsareeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
LauraPavlov
https://www.laurapavlov.com
CoverDesign:HangLe
CoverPhotography:ReginaWamba
CreatedwithVellumcontents
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
KeepUpOnNewReleases
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Followme…oneBrinkley
Thesunwasshining,andalightbreezebustledaroundus.Itwasabeautifuldaytobeoutside.
“So,themoralofthestoryis…whenlifegivesyoulemons,makelemonade,”Isaid.
“Ohhh.Ilovelemonade,Auntie!”Gracieclappedherhandstogetherandbouncedupanddown.Myniecewasturningfiveyearsoldsoon,andnowthatIwaslivinginCottonwoodCove,Iwasabletospendlotsoftimewithher.I’dpickedherupfrompre-Kandbroughthertomyplacetohavelunchanddosomegardeningwithme.
“Well,Idohavelemonade.Let’stakeabreakandgoinside,okay?”Idroppedthehandshovelonthegroundandswipedatthesweatrollingdownmyforehead.IglancedaroundtoseethefreshdirtcoveringthefourplanterboxesI’dbuiltoverthelasttwoweeks.
Twoweeks.ThatwashowlongI’dbeenhome.
ThatwashowlongI’dbeenunemployed.
Well,technically,Iwasworkingformyself.Iwascurrentlyafreelancesportsreporter,andI’dalreadysubmittedanarticlecoveringthetruthsbehindthearroganceofprofessionalathletes.ButI’dhadoneparticularathleteinmindwhenI’dwrittenthearticle.
Ithoughtitwasmybestwork.I’dalreadyheardbackfromFootballLivemagazine,andthoughthey’dlovedthearticle,theyfeltitwastooobviousthatIwasspeakingofonespecificathlete.
Lincoln.Mother.Freaking.Hendrix.
IguesscallinghimoutastheGOAToftheNFLinthearticlewasadeadgiveaway.
Theydidn’tknowthatthemanhadgottenmefiredfrommylastjobbecausehe’dhadachildishmeltdownonapublicstage.Mostpeopleweren’tawarethatI’dlostmyjob;they’dthoughtI’djustbeenkickedoutofapressconference.
So,FootballLiverequestedthatImakesometweaks.Makeitsoundmoregeneral.
Don’treferenceanyoneinparticular.
Maybetonedownmyanger
Theirwords,notmine.
Iwasjustfinewithmyanger.
I’dputthatarticleonthebackburnerbecausethetruthwas,Icouldn’twriteitwithoutpointingoutthatmaninparticular.
AsmuchasIwantedtoprovethatIcouldmakeitasafreelancewriter,Iwasn’tatapointinmycareerwhereIcouldfinanciallypullthisoffforverylong.Iwasn’twellknownatall,andI’dbeenworkingforahorriblemanatasmallpress,tryingtomakeanameformyselfoverthelastfewyears.
Ineededtofocusononestrongstorythatwouldbeeasytosellandlandmeapositionatalargepublication.
Onewherepeoplewouldactuallyreadmywork.
FootballLivesuggestedIwriteanarticleonthetrialsandtribulationsofprofessionalfootballplayers.
Ireachedfortwoglassesandopenedtherefrigerator,pullingoutthepitcheroflemonade.
MymindwanderedtothoughtsofLincolnHendrix.
Trialsandtribulations,myass.
Thatbastardwasthehighest-paidfootballplayerintheleague.Whatdidhehavetobeupsetabout?
Thedamngoldenboyoffootball.
“Youlookskindofangry,Auntie.”Graciesatinthechairatmykitchentable,andherchubbylittlehandswerefoldedtogether.Weworematchingoveralls,asshe’dlovedminelastweek,soI’dgottenherapairofherownsowecouldbetwinstoday.
I’drolledtwobandanasandtiedonearoundmyheadandthendidthesametohers.Twolittlespacebunswithoodlesofcurlssatontopofherhead,wherethepinkfabricgatheredinaknotandtheendsstuckstraightuplikerabbitears.
Shewasadorable.
“I’mnotangry,babygirl.I’mjustthinkingaboutsomethingthatbotheredme.”Isetherglassdownandtooktheseatbesideher.
“What’syouthinkingabout?”
“Well,rememberItoldyouImovedbackhomebecausesomeonedidsomethingthatwasn’tverynicetome?”Ishrugged.Myfamilywassickofmecursingthebastard’sname,soifafour-year-oldwantedtohearaboutmywoes,Ihadnoshameinmygame.
“Yep.Andthat’swhyyou’relivinginBossmanandAuntieGeorgie’shouse,right?”Hervoicewasmyfavoritesoundinthewholeworld.Shespokewithalmostasouthernaccent,whichweallfoundhilariousseeingaswelivedinasmalltowninnorthernCalifornia.Itwasallsweetnessandinnocence,andGracieReynoldswasprobablymyfavoritepersonontheplanet.
Shewasmyoldestbrother’slittlegirl.Cagewasraisingheronhisown,soinaway,shewasallofours.
“Yep.I’mlivingintheirhouseandstartinganewjob,workingformyselfuntilIfindtherightmagazinetoworkforthistime.Thelastonewasn’tagoodfitanyway.Itwastimeforachange.”
“Andyou’regoingtogrowsallyourownfoods,right,Auntie?Andyoumakethemagicboardsnow.”Shelookedaroundthesmallspace.Pilesofseedsandafewpottedplantssatonthecounter,whiletwocanvasboardswithmagazineclippingsandabottleofModPodgesatonthecoffeetable.
WhatcanIsay?Iwasn’tusedtohavingthismuchtimeonmyhands.IwastryingtofigureoutwhatIwantedtodowithmylife.
So,I’dgrowmyownfood.
SpendtimeonmyvisionboardsanddecidewhatmydreamjoblookedlikenowthatIhadthetimetodoso.
Originally,whenI’dbeenhiredbyAthleteCentralrightoutofcollege,I’dbeenthrilled.Butworkingforacompleteassholehadbeenuninspiring.
Andbeingfiredbyhimhadbeenhumiliating.
“Yep.Theyaren’tmagicboards;theyarevisionboards.Theyholdallmydreams,”Isaidwithachuckle.
“Ilovemydreams.Youknowswhatmyteachersays?Mrs.Appleton’sarealsmartlady.”Shesmackedherlipstogetheraftershetookabigsipoflemonadeandsmiledatme.“Thisissoyummy.”
“Itisgood,isn’tit?Soon,we’llbemakingitwithourownlemonsfromthegarden.”Ihadnoideahowlongthatwouldtake.Hell,I’dneverplantedanythinginmylife.Butrightnow,IwasgoingtoenjoythistimeawayfromthelonghoursanddothingsI’dneverhadtimetodo.IwaschannelingmyinnerMarthaStewart.Tappingintoanewsideofmyself.“Tellmewhatyourreallysmartteachersays.”
Shepushedbackinherchairandmovedtoherfeetbeforeholdingherarmsupformetoliftherontomylap.Gracielivedwithmybrother,whowasaself-admittedgrump,yethe’dmanagedtoraisetheabsolutesweetestkidontheplanet.Herhandsfoundeachsideofmyfaceasshesettledonmythighs.
“Nobody’sperfects.Iftheysaysorry,justgivethemahug.”
Rivetingadvice,Mrs.Appleton.Perhapsyou’veneverbeenpubliclyhumiliated.
“Hmmm…that’sgreat.Butwhatifthepersondidsomethingreallymeantoyou?”Iasked,lookingdownathergiantchocolate-browneyesthatstudiedmelikethiswasthemostseriousconversationshe’deverhad.
“Shesaidyougivehugs,Auntie.Nobody’sperfects.Allthepeoplesmakesmistakes.”
WasherteacherseriouslyquotingaHannahMontanasong?IswearI’dheardlyricsthatsaidsomethingverysimilartothisbefore.IcalledbullshitonMrs.Appleton,butIwouldn’tburstGracie’sbubble.
“Well,I’llthinkaboutit.Butinthemeantime,we’llkeepplantingandhangingout,andnextweek,I’llhelpyoumakeyourownvisionboard,okay?”
“Yay.Myowndreamsboard.”
“Yes.Neverstopdreaming,babygirl.”
“Ilovesthedreams,”shesangout
Ilaughedandkissedthetopofherheadjustastheknockonthedoorhadusbothpushingtoourfeet.
“Daddy’shere!”sheshoutedandrantothedoor.
Cagewalkedinandscoopedherup,glancingaroundthehousewithwideeyes
“Wow.Ithoughtyouweregoingtotakeabreak.You’vealreadysubmittedonearticleandplantedmultipleboxesfulloffruitsandvegetables,anddoIevenwanttoknowwhatthoseboardsarefor?”Hepointedatmycraftareaafewfeetaway.
“Don’tyouworryaboutit.I’mawomanofmanytalents.”Ishrugged.
HekissedGracie’scheekandtoldhertogowashherhandsandgrabherbookbagwhileImovedtothekitchenandpouredhimaglassoflemonade.
“What’sgoingon?”heasked,watchingmewithconcern.
“Nothing.I’mdoingallthethingsIneverhadtimetodobeforebecauseIwasworkingtoomuch.”
“Isee.”Henodded.“Thematchingoutfitsareprettycute.ButifyoutellanyoneIsaidthat,I’llbeforcedtokillyou.Can’thavethefamilythinkingI’mgoingsoft.”
“Yoursecret’ssafewithme.Notsureifyounoticed,butI’vegotoverallsineverycolornow.ThisiswhatI’mwearinguntilIgetanewjob.I’manorganic-farming,relaxedwomannow.Iwriteafewhoursaday,andI’lljustenjoythistimeuntilIfindsomething.Butit’sprobablygoingtotakesometime,soyoubettergetusedtothenewme.”
Hiseyeswidened.“Allright.Gotit.Ifyouwanttocomehelpoutattheoffice,Icanalwaysuseahand.”
Cagewasaveterinarian,andhehadhisownpracticeintown.“Astemptingasthatsounds,Ineedtofindastoryanddazzlesomeoneenoughtooffermeapermanentposition.”
“Well,ifyouhavetimetowriteinbetweenallyournewhobbies,Ithinkyou’lllandonyourfeetquickly.”Hesmirked.“Howareyoudoingonmoney?Doyouneedalittlebittohelpcarryyouoverduringthistime?”
Alwaysthepracticalone.
“I’mfine.I’mpayingonedollaramonthinrentbecauseIinsistedonrentingthisplaceaboveboard,andMaddoxandGeorgiewroteupaformalleasewiththeridiculousrent.”Ichuckled.“AndIhadaprettygoodsavingsgoingbecauseIwashopingtobuyacondointhecityinthenextyearorso,butthatwon’tbehappeninganytimesoonnow.”
“You’llgetinwithamuchbetterorganization.Ithinkthiswasactuallyablessingbecauseyou’renotaquitter,soyouwouldn’thavebailed.Butyourhandwasforced,andyou’vegotexperienceonyourrésuméthistime.You’llsignwithsomeonesoon.Justkeepwriting.”
“Didyoujustcallwhathappenedablessing?Ohmygosh.”Iflailedmyhandsinhisface.“Areyoustilltryingtogetmetotellyouit’sokaytofangirloverthemanwhoruinedmylife?Donottrytoglazeoverwhathedidbycallingitablessing.It’soffensive.Ugh,youareallthesame.”MybrothersandMaddoxhadallfoundroundaboutwaysofseeingifIstillhatedthemanbecause,ofcourse,hehappenedtobeeveryone’sfavoritequarterbackinthispartofthecountry.
“Firstoff,Idon’tfangirl,andItakeoffensetotheaccusation.ThedudehasbeenmyfavoriteQBforyears,butofcourse,I’llagreetohatehimrightalongsideyou.NotbecauseIthinkit’samatureorrationalrequest,butbecauseyou’reabitterrifyingwhenyou’reangry.”Hesmirked.
Irolledmyeyes.“Whatever.Ineverclaimedtobematureorrational.”
“Icouldn’tagreemore,”hesaiddryly,butIsawthecornersofhislipsturnuptheslightestbit.
“Daddy,whatpetsdidyouseestoday?”Gracieasked,runningtowarduswithherbookbag.
“Itwasaslowday.ButIsawthreedogs,onehorse,andapig.ThehighlightwasMrs.Runithercominginanddemandingtobeseen.”Hetookanotherlongpullfromhisglassbeforesettingitonmycounter.
“Shehasanimals?”Iasked.Mrs.RunitherownedCottonwoodCaféandwasthemostsexuallyinappropriatewomanI’devermet.Sheharassedhercustomersabouttheirsexlives,yetitwashardtostayawayashermacaroniandcheesewasthebestintown.
“No.”Heraisedabrowatme.“Shewantedmetolookatamole…onherchest.”
Myheadtippedbackinlaughter.
ThesewerethemomentsthatIwasgratefultobebackhome.
“What’sdidyoudo,Daddy?”Gracieaskedashepulledherupintohisarms.“Didyouhelpthelady?”
“Isenthertoadermatologist.”Hisvoicewasfirm,andIwasstilllaughing.“Thanksforpickingheruptoday.”
“Thankyou,Auntie.Ilovesyou.”
“Ilovesyoumore.”Ikissedeachofherrosycheeksandthetipofhernoseasshegiggled.
“Youwanttocomeoverfordinner?”Cageaskedashewalkedtowardthedoor.Iknewmysiblingswereallworriedaboutme,butIwasdoingjustfine.
Great,actually.
“Thanks,butI’mokay.I’mgoingtoworkforalittlebitandthengoseeMomandDad.”
“Allright.We’llseeyoulater.”Heheldahandup,andIclosedthedoor.
Ispentthenexthourscanningtheinternetforsportspublicationsandwentthroughabunchofsubmissionideasbeforewalkingthefewblockstomyparents’house.Thesunwasjustgoingdown,anditwasaperfectnightforawalk.Myphonebuzzed,andIknewbeforeIlookedthatitwasthesiblinggroupchat,whichwasalwaysongoing.
Georgia
Hey,wejustgothomefromwork.Iwasswampedtoday.What’severyonedoing?
Finn
Justfinishedfilmingfortheday.IthinkJessicaCarsonisactuallyintome.Shejustaskedmetocometohertrailerandhangout.Shekeptgrindingupagainstmelongaftertheycalledthescenetoday.
Cage
Don’tshitwhereyoueat,brother.Ithasdisasterwrittenalloverit.
Georgia
Whatifyouliveinatinyhouse?Wouldn’tyouhavetoshitwhereyoueat?
Hugh
Yeah,I’mguessingFinnyboywantstoliveinatinyhouseandgetbusywithhiscostar.
StayawayfromHotty-McSnotty!IgotverynarcissisticvibesfromherinthetwointerviewsIwatchedwithher.
Hugh
Idon’tthinkhe’sthinkingofalongfuturehere,Brinks.
Takeitfromsomeonewhohasexperiencedjobstress.Notworthit.Walkaway.
Finn
She’snotmyboss.Weworktogether.Sure,shecanbeabitmuchsometimes.She’sgotsomeseriousdivatendencies,butshe’shot.
Cage
You’rejustboredbecauseReesehasbeengoneforsolong.You’relookingforacompanion,notahookup.Walkaway.
FinnandReesehadbeenbestfriendsforaslongasIcouldremember.She’dgonethroughabadbreakupwithherlongtimeboyfriend,whowasnowherex-fiancé,andshe’dbeeninEuropeforthelastseveralmonths,workingforadesignfirmthere.Thetwohadalwaysbeeninseparable,andweallnoticedthedifferenceinhimsinceshe’dbeengone.Hewasalotneedierthanhe’deverbeen,butIwouldn’ttellhimthat.
Hugh
Ilovewhenyougodeep,OldWiseOne
Cage
It’sOLEWiseOne.Don’tcallmeold,youdicksausage.
<eggplantemoji><hotdogemoji>
Georgia
MaybeFinnwouldbringoutasoftersideofJessica.Lovecandothattopeople.LookatBossman.
Cage
<pukingemoji>
Georgia
<hearteyesemoji>
Also,sincewe’reallbeingalittleemotionalhereaboutloveandhappilyeverafter,Iamheretoremindyouthatwestillhatethefootballplayerfromhell.Cagetriedtopullhissly,undercovercrapandseeifhecouldstartgettinghis“BieberFever”onforthatratbastard,andtheanswerisabig,fat,resoundingno.
Cage
Whatthehellis“BieberFever”?
Georgia
She’scallingyouafangirl.<laughingemoji>
Hugh
Iconfess.IaskedCagetofindoutifwewerestillhatingonHendrix.Itriedtochangethechannelwhentheyweregivingupdatesonwheretheythinkheisgoingtoplaynextyear,butoldhabitsdiehard,Brinks.Istillhatehimoutofrespectforyou.Ijustwanttoknowwherehe’sgoingtoplaynextseason.
Finn
Ihatehim,too.Butdidyouhearhe’sleaningtowardNewYork?
Cage
IalsoheardLosAngelesisintherunning.That’swhenIrantoturnofftheTVbecausethesoundofhisnamemakesmesick.<eyerollemoji>
You’reallabunchoftraitors.Wedonotcheerfortheenemy.
Georgia
Well,Ihatehimforsure.ButIdidcatchMaddoxwatchingSportsCenter,andhewasgluedtotheTVwhentheymentionedhim.
Notaloyaloneinthebunchasidefromyou,Georgie.
Cage
Don’tbedramatic.It’sabigask.
<middlefingeremoji>
Finn
So,wait.DoIgoforitwithHotty-McSnotty?Canwecirclebacktome?
Walkaway.Don’tmakemesay“Itoldyouso.”YouknowIhatetobeaknow-it-all.
Cage
Whoisthis,andwhatdidyoudowithBrinks?
Ichuckledasseveraltextscamethrough.Everyonesaidheshouldnotmixbusinesswithpleasure,asidefromGeorgia,whoonlywantedtoseethebestineveryone.
I’dneverbeenthatway.
Whenpeopleshowedmewhotheywere,Itypicallybelievedthem.
AndIknewexactlywhoLincolnHendrixwas.twoLincoln
MymomwasaskingmorequestionsthanIwasinthemoodtoansweratthemoment.I’dstumbledintothislittlecaféassoonasI’dpulledintotown,needingtostretchmylegsandgetabitetoeat.I’dorderedanicedcoffeeandasandwichandfoundatableinthebackofthequaintrestaurant.
I’dkeptmysunglassesandabaseballcaponoutofhabit,butnoonewasinhere,soIsetthemaside.ThiswasexactlywhatIneeded.
Somequiet.
Somepeace.
Icouldn’taskformore.
“So,howlongdoyouthinkyou’llstay?”sheaskedasIheldthephonetomyear.
“Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tevenbeentothehouseyet.DrewsaidIcanstayaslongasIwant.Apparently,heandDebarebusywithworkandthekids’activities,sotheywon’tbecomingforseveralmonths.”
“Youcouldcomehome,”Momsaid,thoughshe’doffereditmultipletimesalready.
“Iknow.Andthankyou.ButIwantedtogetoutofthecity.IneedabreakwhileIfigureoutmyshit.Idon’twantpeoplegrillingmeeverytimeIwalkoutmydoor.AndIwantyoutohavesomepeacewhileyoucontinuetogethealthiereveryday.”MymomhadahouseoutsideofSanFrancisco,whileIlivedinahigh-riseinthecity.Buteveryoneknewmethere,andthatwaswhatIwastryingtoavoidatthemoment.
Icouldn’tthink.
Icouldn’tbreathe.
“Youdowhat’sbestforyou,Linc.YouknowI’llsupportyou,nomatterwhatyoudecide.”
TherewereafewthingsthatIwascertainofrightnow.Butmymom’ssupporthadalwaysbeenthemostsolidthinginmylife.
“Iknow,andIappreciateit.There’salottoconsider,andit’sweighingonme.”
“Well,I’mhereanytimeyouwanttotalk.”
“Yougotit.I’llcallyouinadayortwoafterIgetsettled.”
“Loveyou,Linc.”
“Loveyou.”IendedthecallandtookabiteofmysandwichasIglancedaroundtheplace.Thistownwaslikesomethingoutofamovie.Itsatonthecoast,withacoveinthecenteroftown.Myagent,Drew,hadbeentellingmetogetaplacehereforyears.Heandhisfamilyusedtospendtheirsummersouthere,butnowtheirkidsweregettingolder,andtheyweren’tabletogetawayasoftenastheyusedto.
I’dalwaysbeentoobusytogetaway.
Tooobligated.
Toointenseabouttraining.
Butrightnow,Ihadoptions,andIwasn’tgoingtorushintoanydecisions.
Evenifreportershadbasicallystakedoutmyplaceinthecity,followingmetorestaurantsandhoundingfriendsandfamilytogettheinsidescoopaboutwhereIwasgoingtoplaynextseason
Itannoyedtheshitoutofme.
Andthetruthwas,Ididn’tknowwhereIwasgoing.Iwasatthepeakofmycareer.CoachAndersandIdidn’tseeeyetoeye,andI’dtriedtogetbehindhisplanfortheteameversincehe’dbeenhiredtwoseasonsago.Butoverthelasttwoyears,he’dtradedhalftheguysI’dstartedwith.Dudesthathadprotectedme.
PlayersthatI’dhadchemistrywith
Mybrothersthatshouldhavebeentherewhenwe’dwontheSuperBowlthisyear.
So,yeah,we’ddonesomethingright,butthere’dbeenalotofluckinvolved.Ouropponentshadhadanoffdayduetoatonofinjuries,andthestarshadalignedforus.
ButI’dtakenabeating.
Ourguyswereyoungandinexperienced.AndIwasallabouttheteamandhelpingoneanother,butnotattheexpenseofgettingmyheadbashedinoverandover.
Ireachedformyicedcoffeeandlookeduptoseethatawomanhadjustcomein.Shewaswearingapairofoverallsandleaningoverthecounter,laughing.
Long,darkwavesrandownherback,andshewiggledhercuteassasshespoke.
Mydickjumpedtoattention.
Damn.IthadbeenawhilesinceI’dbeenlaid.
Ididn’ttrustmanypeoplerightnow,aseveryonewantedtoknowwhatIwasgoingtodo.Andtherewerepeoplewillingtopaysomeonetoweaseltheirwayinandfindout.So,Iwaskeepingtomyself.
Icontinuedwatchingheruntilshestoodallthewayup,andIwonderedhowthefucksomeonemanagedtomakeapairofbaggydenimoverallslooksexyashell.
Sheturnedslowly—almostlikeshefeltmestaringather.
Whenmygazelockedwithdarkbrowneyes,thefamiliarityhadmedroppingmysandwich.
I’dseenthiswomanbefore.
You’vegottobefuckingkiddingme
Thiswasthewomanwho’dfollowedmeintothebathroomafewweeksback.I’dbeentryingtohaveaprivateconversationwithmymother.
Animportantfuckingconversation.
Justonedamnminutetomyself.
Itdidn’tseemlikealottoaskfor.
Thesepeoplehadnoregardforprivacy.
Nohumandecency.
Herjawfellopen,andsheglaredatme.ButIdidn’tgiveherthechancetospeak.Iwasonmyfeetandmovingtowardher.
“DoIneedarestrainingorder?Didyoufollowmehere?”Ihissed,usingmyheighttomyadvantageasIwasagoodfoottallerthanher.
Shestormedtowardme.“Youarrogant,pretentious,narcissistic—”
“Isthereanendingtoyourrant?”Icrossedmyarmsovermychest.
Shehadsomesortofpinkscarfthingtiedatthetopofherhead.
Hertanfacewasfreeofmakeup,andthewomanwasflawless.
Stunning.
Yethereshewas,onceagain,invadingmyspace.
I’dhadherremovedfromthepressconferenceaftershe’dcrossedtheline,andshe’dstayedawayeversincethen.I’dhopedshe’dgottenthemessage.
“Foryourinformation,Ilivehere,”shesaid,flailingherarms.
“Isthatyourstory?”
Shejuststaredatmeandstartedbackingawayasifshecouldn’tstandthesightofme.
Thefeeling’smutual,sweetheart.
Shemaybehotashell,butshewasjustanotherbloodsuckingreporterouttomakeabuckatmyexpense.
“What’sitliketoliveinaworldwhereyoudon’tseebeyondyourself?”sheasked,raisingabrowassheheldacupfilledwithpinkliquidinonehand.
“Areyouseriouslytryingtointerviewmenow?Ipromiseyou,ifanyonefindsoutI’mhere,I’llfilearestrainingorderagainstyousofast,yourprettylittleheadwillspin.”
DidIneedtocomplimentherwhenIwasthreateningher?
“DoyouseriouslythinkI’mhereforwork?ThatI’mhereforyou?”shesaid,shakingherhead.
Thereweregrassstainsonthekneesofherdenimoverallsandwhatlookedlikeabitofdirtonhernose.Wasthisallaplantomakeitappearthatshewashereonvacation?
“Nicetry,sweetheart.Onceabloodsucker,alwaysabloodsucker.Getbackinyourcarandgohome.”
Somethingcrossedoverherfeatures,andforaminute,itlookedlikehereyeswerewatering.Butshequicklyhardened,narrowinghergazeatme.Theteenagerbehindthecounter,who’dmademysandwichanddrinkandgiggledendlesslyjustminutesago,waswatchingusintently.IfIwasn’tmistaken,itlookedlikeshewasshootingdaggersatme,aswell.
Whatkindofestablishmentallowedamantogetstalkedandthenshamedhimforit?
“Youaresooutofline,andyoudon’tevenknowit.Ihopekarmakicksyouintheass.Andfortherecord,I’mnotgoinganywhere.Igrewuphere,youarrogantprick.So,ifyoudon’twanttoseeme,Isuggestyouhightailitoutoftown.BecauseinCottonwoodCove,theReynolds’areabiggerdealthanyouare,hotshot.”Shesmirkedandwhippedaround,long,brownhairfallingdownherback.
“Nicetry.Gobacktothecity.There’snostoryhere.”Icouldn’tpeelmyeyesoffherassasshestormedtothedoor.
Sheheldherhandhighintheairandflippedmethebirdasshepushedoutside.
Whatthefuckwasthis?
I’donlybeeninCottonwoodCoveforthirtyminutes.
How’dsheevenknowthatIwashere?
Isettledbackinmychairastheyoungblondebehindthecounterstormedoverwithapitcherinherhandandreachedformyglass.Ihadn’taskedforarefill,butshedidn’tseemtocarewhetherIwantedoneornot.
ShejustglaredatmeasifIweresomekindofcriminal.
“Doyouallowyourcustomerstogetharassedbyreportershere?MaybeIpickedthewrongtowntoescapeto.”Ireachedformyglassaftershesetitdown.
“Idon’tknowwhoyouare,butI’veknownBrinkleyReynoldsmywholelife.SheusedtobabysitmewhenIwaslittle.Andsheisareporter,butsheisn’tworkingatthemomentbecauseshelostherjob.Shejustmovedbackhomeafewweeksago.Ithinkyoumisreadthatonebigtime,Mister.”
BrinkleyReynolds.Yes.NowIrememberedthename.
Mister?WhatwasI,ahundredyearsold?Iwastwenty-fucking-nine.Noonecalledmemister.
IleanedbackinmychairasIprocessedherwords.
“Doyouknowwhyshelostherjob?”Iclearedmythroatandbracedforheranswer.
“Somebig,famousfootballplayercalledheroutpublicly,andherbosslethergo.We’renotsupposedtotalkaboutit,buthereinCottonwoodCove,weallhaveoneanother’sbacks.Wordgetsaround,youknow?Idon’tknowwhothisguyis,becauseIdon’tmuchcareforsportswithballs.”
Whatthefuckdidthatevenmean?She’druledouthalfthesportsknowntoman.
Shecouldn’tbemorethansixteenyearsold,andsheglaredatmeoncemorebeforemarchingaway.
HadIactuallygottenthiswomanfired?Ithadn’tbeenmyfirsttimegripingaboutajournalistcrossingtheline.ButIsureasshitdidn’tknowshe’dloseherjobforit.
IpickedupmyphoneandtextedDrew
Hey.RememberthatreporterIhadescortedoutofthepressconferenceafewweeksback?
Drew
Notreally.Iwasdealingwithmyownshitthatday,witheveryonehoundingmeaboutyou.Whatabouther?
Ithinkshegotfired.
Drew
Well,sheshouldn’thavefollowedyouintotheshitter.
Iscrubbedahanddownthebackofmyneck,lettingoutalongbreathIhadn’tevenrealizedI’dbeenholding.Mymotherhadbeenasinglemom,andshe’dworkedherassoffwhiletryingtoraisemeatthesametime.ThathadbeenadrivingforceinmysigningwiththeNFLandbeingabletohelpheroutandtakethatpressureoffhershoulders.AndIsureasshitwasnotaguywhowantedtocostanyonetheirlivelihood.
I’mnotacompletedick.Iwouldn’twanttobethereasonanyonelosttheirjob.
Drew
Howdoyouknowshegotfired?
Ijustranintoher.Here.Shefuckingliveshere.
Drew
Shedoes?What’shername?
BrinkleyReynolds.
Drew
Holyfuck.She’saCottonwoodCoveReynolds?
Whatthefuckdoesthatmean?
Drew
EveryoneknowstheReynolds.Theirkidsareallrockstars,andthey’repracticallyroyaltythere.Herbrotheropenedabigrestaurantthatpeoplefromthecitydrivetobecausethefood’ssodamngood.Andthefamilyownsanotherbarandarestaurant,Ithink.Oneofthebrothersisanup-and-comingactor.Someone’sadoctor.Onedoessomethinginthebookworld,andnowthatyoumentionit,Ithinkoneofthemisajournalist.
Great.YousentmetoatownwiththewomanIkickedoutofthepressconferenceandproceededtogetherfired?Andherfamilyispracticallyfuckingroyaltyhere?
Drew
<headexplodingemoji><shrugginghandsemoji>
Drew
Relax,brother.Keepalowprofile.It’llbefine.Doyouwantmetotrytocallherbossandgetherherjobback?
Doyouknowwhosheevenworkedfor?
Drew
No.ButIcanfindout.You’reLincolnfuckingHendrix.Yougotherfired.I’msurewecanuseyournametogetherrehired.Ilikeseeingthishumansideofyou.Theonewhereyoufeelbadwhenyou’reanasshole.
Fuckoff.I’mnotatotaldick,amI?
Drew
Doyouwantthetruth?Youdopaymetotellyouthatyou’reamazing.
ThenwhydoyouconstantlytellmeI’manasshole?
Drew
Kidding,brother.You’vegotthebiggestheartaround.Youjusthideitreallywell.I’llseewhatIcanfindout.
Thanks.I’mheadingtothehousenowiftheteenageratthecoffeeshopdoesn’tputahitoutonmeforaccusingBrinkleyReynoldsofstalkingme.
Drew
Wow.Youreallyareadick.
<Middlefingeremoji>
ImademywayoutofthecaféandtoDrew’shouse,mycapandsunglassesinplace.Iwastryingtohidemyidentityformorethanonereasonatthemoment.threeBrinkley
“Whatdidhesay?”GeorgiaaskedwhenIreturnedtothetable.Wewerehavingafamilydinneratmybrother’srestaurant,andI’dsteppedoutsidetotakeacallfrommyex-boss.He’dfiredmewhenLincolnhadcalledmeoutforcrossingalineandinvadinghisprivacy.Hedidn’tevenallowmetotellmysideofthestory.ItwasallbecauseLincolnHendrixwaspaidmillionsofdollarsandwasapublicfigure.He’dhadatempertantrum,andithadcostmemyjob.
“Heofferedmemyjobback.”IshookmyheadandtookmyseatbetweenmymotherandLila,mybrotherHugh’sfiancée.
“Well,that’sgreatnews.”Myfatherheldhisglassup,andeveryonereachedfortheirsasifweweregoingtotoastincelebration.
“Glassesdown,”Ihissed,lookingateachofthemoneatatime.“Heonlyofferedmethejobbackbecausethatpretentious”—IglancedoveratmynieceandthoughtaboutmywordsbeforeIsaidsomethingthatwouldhaveCagerippingmyheadoff—“guy,youknow…thefootballplayer,madeacall.”
“LincolnHendrix?”Maddoxasked,hiseyeswide.HeandLilawerealreadypartofthefamily.
“Donotevengetmestartedaboutthatratbas—”Damnit.WhydidGraciehavetobesolittlewhenIwantedtounleashalltheuglinessIcouldmusteraboutthisguy?“Ratbassethound.Yes.Donotgetallstarry-eyedaboutthatman.Hecostmemyjob.”
“Butheobviouslymadeacalltogetitbackforyou,”Hughsaid,usinghisthumbtoswipesomebarbecuesauceoffLila’scheek.IwouldswoonifIwasn’tfumingatthemoment.
“Theaudacity.Likesomeguyhasthepowertomakeacallandgetmefired.Andthenmakeanothercallandgetmerehired?Thenerve.Theabsolutecajonesonthisguy.”
“What’scajones,Auntie?”Gracieasked,andIcouldn’thelpbutlaughwhenIlookeduptoseehermouthcoveredinsauceasshesmiledupatme.
“Cajonesaretesticles,”Finnsaidashebarkedoutalaugh.
“Finn!”Mymothershookherheadandchuckled.
“Iremovedasetofcajonestodayonabulldog,actually,”Cagesaid,andthetableeruptedinmorelaughter.
“Itmeans…themanhasalotofnervedoingwhathe’sdoing.”IwinkedatGracie.
“Whynotjusttakethejobback?”myfatherasked.“Maybeherealizedhemadeamistake.”
“Please.”Irolledmyeyes.“ThemanaccusedmeofstalkinghimwhenIstoppedinCupofCoveforalemonadetheotherday.He’sprobablydoingthissohecangetmefiredagain.Heprobablygetsoffonallthatpower.”
“Itseemslikealotofworkforaprofessionalathlete,right?”GeorgiaaskedasshelookedatmelikeIhadthreeheads.“Imean,doyoureallythinkhewakesupeverydayandtriestogetyouhiredandfiredoverandoveragain?I’mwithDadonthisone,Brinks.Ithinkherealizedhemadeamistake,andhewantstofixit.”
“Ithinkhewakesupeverydayandwonderswhatwillsuithimbest,”Isnarled.
Ihatedthisman.
“Well,IadmitthatIwakeupeverydaywonderingwhatwillsuitmebest.Idon’tthinkthat’ssuchabadthing.”Finnshrugged,andIrolledmyeyesaseveryonecoveredtheirmouthstokeepfromlaughing.
Thiswasallfunandjokesforeveryone,butthismanhadgottenmefired.Itwasembarrassing.Sure,Iwasn’tawell-knownjournalist,asIhadonlybeenatitforafewyears,soithadn’tmadethenewsthatI’dbeenletgo.Butthatdidn’tmeanitwasn’thorrifying.I’dhadtocomehomewithmytailbetweenmylegsandgiveupmyapartmentinthecity.
Butasidefromthat,AthleteCentralwasnotanoption.Myex-boss,HarveyTalbert,hadbeenhorribletoworkfor.Hegaveallthegoodstoriestothemenintheoffice,andhe’dmadeoffensiveremarksaboutmysexylegsandrecommendedIunbuttonafewbuttonsonmyblousemorethanonce.Plus,themanhadabonerforLincolnHendrix.Iwasn’tgoingbackthere.
“Whatever.Ican’tworkforthatmanagain.Itwastimeforachange.So,ItoldHarveytotakehisoffer”—IglancedoveratGracie,whowaswatchingmelikeeverythingIsaidmattered—“andshoveitwherethesundon’tshine.”
“Auntiesaidtoshoveitwherethesundon’tshine!”Graciefist-pumpedtheceiling,andIlaughedsohardtearssprungfrommyeyes.Iwasn’tmuchofacrier,butthelaughterfeltdamngood.Ithadbeenaroughcoupleofweeks.
“Great.YetanothersayingMrs.Appletonwillhavetospeaktomeabout.Thanksforthat,”Cagegrumped,andmorelaughtereruptedaroundthetable.
IwasstillonedgejustknowingthatmynemesiswashereinCottonwoodCove.Hopefully,he’dgottenthehint,andhe’dgottenthehelloutoftownafterourrun-inafewdaysago.
“Well,wesupportwhateveryouwanttodo,”mymomsaid,puttinganarmaroundmyshoulder.“Iliketheideaofyoubeinghomewhileyoufigureitallout.”
“Youdon’tthinkyoucanmakefreelancingwork?”myfatherasked.
“Ithinksomeday,downtheroad,itwillbeanoption,butnotyet.Idothinkit’stimetomaketheleaptoabiggerorganization.Onethatisn’tallowedtomistreattheiremployees.IjustneedtofindareallygoodstoryandsellitsoIcangetmynameoutthere.”
“There’sthathotshothockeyplayerthateveryone’stalkingabout.Whydon’tyoutalktoHawk?”Cageasked.Ourcousin,Everly,wasmarriedtooneofthebesthockeyplayersofalltime.Hewasnolongerplaying,buthecoachedandwasveryinvolvedwiththeteam,nottomentionthefactthathekneweveryplayeroutthere.
“That’sanidea.Ineverwanttobotherhimwiththisstuff,butIcouldusesomehelptogetmyfootinthedoor.”
“IstillthinkthatarticleyouwroteaboutHawkwhenheretiredwasyourbestwork,”mysistersaid.
“Thanks,Georgie.Iwasproudofthatone.That’swhatIneed.SomethingbigtogettheirattentionandseewhatI’mcapableof.”
“Youcandoit,AuntieBrinks,”Graciesaid,clappingherhandstogetheragain.“Andit’sonourdreamsboard.”
“Thankyou,mylittleangel.”Iblewherakiss.
WespentthenexthourgettingfilledinonLilaandHugh’supcomingwedding,whichwouldbetakingplaceatGeorgiaandMaddox’shome.WewereallgoingtobebridesmaidsalongwithLila’sbestfriends,Del,Rina,andSloane.Graciewasgoingtobetheflowergirl,andwe’dallgushedoverGracie’sdressthatLilashowedusonherphone.Thetimewastickingasitwasonlyalittleovertwomonthsaway.
GeorgiaandMaddoxletusknowthattheyhadalsomadetheirdecision,andtheirweddingwasgoingtobesmall.Theywantedjustfamilyandclosefriends,andtheywerehavingtheirceremonyandreceptioninParis.
Ah…thelifeofabillionaire.
Finntoldusaboutascenehedidyesterdaywherehewasgoingtoofastandalmostgotbuckedoffahorse.HesaidJessicacamerunningouttohelphim,andhewaggledhisbrowsashesharedthestorywithus.Hisnewshowwasgoingtopremiereinafewmonths,andwewereallexcitedforhisbreakoutrole.Wewerethrilledthatweweregoingtogettoviewoneepisodeearlyatmyparents’house.He’dbeenactingforseveralyears,buthewastheleadinthisnewNetflixseries,BigSkyRanch,andeveryonewastalkingaboutit.Itwasstillsurreal,thinkingaboutmybrotherbeingamoviestar.
Cagewentonarantaboutafewclientsthatweresuperhighmaintenanceandhadcalledhimathomeafterhoursforridiculousreasons.Lifeasasmall-townveterinarianwasendlesslyentertaining,atleastforthesiblingsofthedoctor.
Myparentsjustlistenedhappily,thrilledwithalltheexcitingthingscomingup.Ifeltabitliketheweaklinkatthemoment.I’dlostmyjob.Iwaslivinginmysister’srentalhouse,tryingtopretendtobeanorganicfarmer-slash-freelancereporter.Ineededtogohomeandfindastory.Startcreatingmyfuture.Itwasn’tgoingtojusthappen.Ineededtomakeithappen.Isentaquicktexttomycousin’shusband,Hawk,asweallfinishedupdinner.
Hey,Hawk.Idon’tknowifEvertoldyou,butI’mbetweenjobs.I’mlookingforagoodstory.Somethingbig.DoyouthinkyoucouldgetmeameetingwithBreenLockhart?OrdoyouknowanyoneelsethatIcouldinterview?
IwatchedasthethreelittledotsmovedaroundthescreenandchuckledwhenapicturecamethroughofEverly,Hawk,andtheirtwoadorablekiddos’facesallpressedtogether.
Hawk
Hi,Brinks!We’reallsendingourlove.Unfortunately,thehottesttopicinsportsrightnowisLincolnHendrixandwherehe’sgoingtoplay,butI’mguessingyoudon’twanttotalktohimrightnow.
MycousinsallknewthatIhatedtheguyafterthatwholepressconferencefiasco.Thepublicwasn’tawareofallthegorydetails,butmyfamily,andmostofthepeopleinCottonwoodCove,allseemedtoknowaboutmycurrentsituation.
Wordalwaystraveledfastinsmalltowns.
Butasgossipyastheywere—theywereequallyprotectiveofthepeoplewholivedhere.
Yeah.That’sahardno.Unlesshewantedtogivemehisstory,whichisn’tlikelyconsideringthemanhatesmeasmuchasIhatehim.
Hawk
I’mstillsurprisedbythatbecause,asItoldyou,I’veknownhimforyears,andhe’snormallyareallygoodguy,Brinks.Butthemediaattentiondoesgetoverwhelming,soitsoundslikehelosthispatience.
Oh,I’msorry.Iwasjustlookingformytinyviolin.PoorLincolnHendrix…He’sthehottestthingintheNFL,hemakesmoremoneyinaweekthanmostwillmakeintheirlifetime,andhewasnumberthreeonTheSexiestManAlivelistthisyear.Ifeelsobadforhim.<eyerollemoji>
Hawk
Igetit.Hedidyouwrong.HellhathnofurylikeaThomasoraReynoldsgirlscorned.<Laughingfaceemoji>IcangetyouameetingwithBreen,butyouneedtowatchyourback.He’snotmyfavorite.He’scocky,andhe’saplayboy,sobeprepared.Buthe’lldoit.Helovestheattention.
Thankyousomuch.Loveyouguys.Hopetoseeyousoon.Givebigkissestothebabies!
AnotherphotocamethroughofhimandEverlywithpuckeredlips.
Hawk
Weloveyou.I’llbeintouch.
Weallmadeourwaytowardthefrontoftherestaurantandsaidourgoodbyes.HughandLilawereinformedthattherewassomesortofcrisisinthekitchen.
“Hey,canyoustickaroundandhelpwithafewto-goorderswhilewehandlethis?”HughaskedmeaftereveryoneelsewasoutthedoorandIwasstillsayinggoodbyetoLila.
“Ofcourse.I’vegotit.”
IspentthenexttwentyminuteschattingwithBrandy,thehostess,andrunningbacktothekitchentograbtheordersforafewcustomers.Reynolds’wasalwayspackedbecausetheyhadthebestfoodintown.
IwalkedbacktothekitchentoseeHughandLilalisteningastwoofthecooksarguedtheirpointsafterapparentlyhavingabigblowupwithoneanother
Therewasonefinalordersittingundertheheatlamp,andIcheckedthereceipt.
CaptainJackSparrow.
IhighlydoubtedJohnnyDeppwasinCottonwoodCove,andIcouldn’twaittoseewhothesmartasswaswho’dplacedthisorder.
Itookthebagtothefront,astherestauranthadallbutclearedout.Closingtimewasaroundthecornerandeveryonewasmakingtheirwayoutthedoor
Afewpeoplestoppedmeontheirwayout.ThiswaswhatIlovedaboutmyhometown.Everyonekneweveryone,anditreallywasjustlikeonebig,happyfamily.
J.R.,whohadbeenthetownSantaClausforaslongasIcouldremember,pickedmeupandspunmearoundasIclungtotheto-goorderinmyhandthatdangledbehindhisback.
“Goodtoseeyou,sunshine.”Hesetmeonmyfeet,andIpusheduponmytiptoesandkissedhischeek.
“You,too,”Isaid,beforeturningandhugginghiswife,Sandy.
Iwavedmygoodbyesandturnedjustasthedooropened.
AndtheairleftmylungsforthesecondtimethisweekwhenIcameface-to-facewithmynemesis.
Enemynumberone.
Itdidn’thelpthathewaspainfullygood-looking.AndIwasn’teasilyimpressedbymen.Butthisparticularmanwasthewholepackage.Hehadthelooks,theconfidence,andtheswaggertobalanceitallout.
AndIdespisedhim…obviously.
Hewastall,withmusclesstrainingagainsthiswhiteteeandbroadshoulders.
Shouldersofthehottestquarterbackintheleague.
Greeneyes.Blondhair.Chiseledjawwithalittlebitofscruff.
Thebastard.
Hereachedforthebillofhisbaseballcapandturneditaroundslowlyashemetmygaze.
Noonewasupatthehostessstand,asBrandywasmostlikelyhelpingthebusboy,Lionel,whoalsohappenedtobeherboyfriend,clearoffthetables.
HeglanceddownattheapronthatIwaswearing,andhisbrowscinchedtogether.I’donlyputitontoprotectthewhiteblouseandskirtthatIworebeneathit.
“Youworkherenow?”hesaid,hisvoicelow,andIdidn’tmissthepityinhistone.
Nothingpissedmeoffmorethanbeingpitied.
Well,beingescortedoutofapressconferenceandbeingfiredprobablytrumpedbeingpitied,butIstilldidn’tlikeit.
Irolledmyeyes.“That’snoneofyourbusiness.Whatdoyouwant?”
“I’mpickingupato-goorder.”Hesquaredhisshoulders,andhisfacehardened.
Ittookeverythinginmenottolaugh.
“YoumustbeCaptainJackSparrow?”Imocked.
“Justtryingtokeepalowprofile,”hesaid,glancingaroundtoseethattheplacewaspracticallyempty.“Hey,fortherecord,Ididn’tknowyou’dlostyourjoboverwhathappenedatthatpressconference.I’mhopingyougotacalltoday?”
Angercoursedthroughmyveins.Whothehelldidthisguythinkhewas?
“Idon’tneedyoustickingyournoseintomybusiness.I’mnottakingthatjobbackbecauseInevershouldhavebeenfired.IwasdoingexactlywhatIwassupposedtodo.”
“Justtakethegoddamnjob,”hesaid,hisjawclenchinglikehewasaggravated.
“Oh,I’msorryifgettingmefiredhasinconveniencedyou.I’mgoingtowriteasafreelanceruntilIgethiredbyamagazinethatrespectsitsreporters.So,unlessyouwantmetointerviewyou,I’mgoingtotreatyouexactlythewaythatyoutreatedme.”IslammedthebagoffoodagainsthischestandturnedaroundandshoutedtoLioneltocomehelpme.
“You’reridiculous,”hesaidwithanannoyinglysexysmirkonhisface.
HehadnoideajusthowridiculousIcouldbe.fourLincoln
She’djustslammedmeinthechestwithabagofribsandcalledoversometeenagekid,whowasascrawnylittlething.Thedudecouldn’tweighmorethanahundredpoundssoakingwet.
“Uh,yes,MissBrinkley,didyouneedsomething?”thesmalldudesaid,turninghisgazetomebeforehiseyesbulged.“You’re,ohmygosh,you’reLincolnHendrix.”Heproceededtobendovertograbhiskneesashestartedhyperventilatingandwheezing.
“Lionel!”Brinkleysnapped,shootinghimalookthatbasicallysaidshe’dharmhimifhedidn’tdowhatshesaid.“Escortthismanoutofhere,please.”
“Really?”Isaidwithachuckle.“I’mstandingnexttothedoor,andI’monmywayout.You’regoingtomakethispoorkidhaveapanicattackjusttoproveapoint?”
“Damnstraight.Don’tletthedoorhityouintheass,Captain.”
Ibarkedoutalaughnowbecauseshewasabsolutelyoutofhermind.
Andhotashell.
“Don’tworryaboutit,Lionel.Iwasjustleaving.Thanksforthefood,sweetheart.”
Onceagain,sheheldherhandupandflippedmethebird.Herpretty,pinklipspursedtogether,andsheraisedabrow,waitingformetoleave.
Lionelsheepishlymovedtowardmeandpushedthedooropenbeforewhispering,“IsthereanywaythatIcouldgetyourautograph?”
“Lionel!”sheshoutedfromafewfeetawayagain.“Nofraternizingwiththeenemy.”
Iquicklytookthepenandthepadhewasholdinginhistremblinghandandsigneditforhim.“Youbettergetbackinthere.She’sabitterrifying.”
Hechuckled.“Thanks.Shedoesn’tworkhere,though.She’sjusthelpingoutherbrother.Comebackrealsoon.”
I’djustbeenescortedout,andhewasalreadyinvitingmeback?
IalmostlaughedasIheldupmyhandandwavedasIwalkeddownthestreet
I’denjoyedmyfirstfewdayshere.
Lifewasslower.
I’dhadtimetothink.
DrewandDeb’shousewasrightonthewater,andithaditsowndockwithaboatandallsortsofwatertoys.I’dbetraininghardhereintheoff-season,andthefactthatDrewhadastate-of-the-arthomegymmadeitveryconvenient.I’dbeenoutforrunseverymorning,andI’devengoneforaswimthismorning.
ThiswasexactlywhatIneededtoclearmyhead.
Figureoutmyshit.
IhadabunchofoffersandneededtodecideifI’dbemovingandplayingforanewteamnextyear.Myguttoldmeitwastimetogo,butI’dalwaysbeenaloyalguy,anditwashardformetowalkawayfrommyteam,evenifmycoachwasacompleteasshole.Sure,hewaskissingmyassnowthatwe’dshockedtheshitoutofeveryoneandmadeittotheSuperBowlandthensomehowpulledoffawin.Buthewasn’tateamplayer.Hedidn’tbuildthatrelationshipwithourguys.He’dcuttoomanyofmybrotherswithnowarning.He’dmadecommentstomethathe’dcutabunchofthenewguysiftheydidn’tstepup.Theywereyoung,andtheyneededtime.Weneededtimeasateamtorebuildandfindourchemistry.Buthewasnotwillingtoputinthetimeortheworkforustodothat.Icouldn’tkeepstartingoverwithnewguyseverytimehewentonacuttingspree.
AndCoachBalboawascoachingoutinNewYorknow,andhewantedmetocomeoutthereandrebuildthatteamwithhim.I’dstartedmyprofessionalcareerwiththeman,andhewasmorelikeafathertomeatthispoint.Whenhe’dbeenletgofromtheteam,I’dstruggledtostaywhereIwas,buthe’dbeentheonetoadvisemetodoso.He’dbroughtovertwoofmybestfriends,BrettJacobsandLennyWaters.Brettwasoneofthebestreceiversintheleague,andCoachAndershadcuthimbecausehe’dhadatoughseasontwoyearsagowhenwe’dsuddenlyfoundourselvesplayingforanewcoach.Buthe’dbeenplayingphenomenallythislastseason,andhewaspushingformetomoveoutthereandgetourgamegoingagain.Lennywasarunningbackwho’dsustainedatoughAchillesinjuryandbeencutfromourteam.CoachBalboahadbroughthimon,aswell,andhewasrehabbingthatinjuryandwouldbeplayingthiscomingseasonfortheNewYorkThunderbirds.
WhenIgothome,Isatoutsideandlookedattheoceanasthewavescrashedagainstthedock.
Itwasquiet.
Peaceful.
MyphonebuzzedwithatextfromDrew.
Drew
Sheturneddownthejob.<shruggingemoji>
Yeah.IjustranintoherwhenIwaspickingupfood.Shetoldmeshewasn’ttakingthejobandtostayoutofherbusinessunlessIwantedtoletherinterviewme.
Drew
So,giveheryourstory.You’regoingtohavetogiveittosomeone.It’llclearyourconscience.
Myconscienceisfine.Igotherthejobback,didn’tI?
Drew
Youdid.Didshesaywhyshewasn’ttakingthejob?
Whothefuckknows.Somethingaboutfindingastoryandlandingherselfanewjob.Atleast,that’swhatshesaidbeforehavingmeescortedoutoftherestaurantbyateenagerwhowaslessthanhalfmysize.
Drew
Damn.Ilikethisgirl.Shedoesn’ttakeyourshit.
Whatever.She’sbeingstubborn.Ifshewantsthejob,it’sherstotake.I’vedonemypart.Ineedtofocusonmytrainingandmyfuture.Endofstory.
Drew
Agreed.I’mjustwondering…isshehot?
Who?
Drew
BrinkleyReynolds.Debsaidshe’sgorgeous.I’mwonderingifshe’sjustbeingkindorifit’strue.
She’shot.NotthatIwaslooking.
Shewasfuckinghot.Probablythebest-lookingwomanI’deverlaideyeson.ButIwasn’tgoingtoadmitthat.BecauseshewasalsobeingchildishandpettyaboutthejobandinsistingIleavetherestaurant.
Drew
Ofcourse,youweren’t.It’sbeenawhilesinceyou’vedatedanyoneseriously.It’sgottogetoldjustbangingsupermodelsandfangirls.Isthatwhyyou’rebeingamoodyassholelately?
Whatareyou?Mydatingtherapist?Wearen’tgirlfriends.Fuckoff.I’mfine.Andifyou’veforgotten,thelastwomanIdatedsoldabullshitstoryaboutmyfamilyforacoupleofthousandbucksandfuckedthatdouchebaghockeyplayerwhileweweretogether.I’mnotinahurrytogothereagain.It’sbesttokeepthingscasualwhileI’mtryingtofigureoutmylife.
Drew
Dude,youdatedanunknownactresswhowasabadbreaker-upper.Onceyouendedthings,itwasboundtogosour.Perhapsyoushouldtrydatinganon-famouspersonwhoisn’tthirstyfortheirtenminutesoffame.
Yousetmeupwithher.
Drew
Don’tshootthemessenger.ShewasafriendofDeb’sPilatesinstructor.Howthehellwerewesupposedtoknowshewasastage-fiveclinger?
Irolledmyeyesandleanedbackonthecouch.Ienjoyedsexasmuchasthenextguy,butIhadn’thadgreatexperienceswithrelationships.So,Ipreferredtokeepthingscasualmostofthetime.Mylifewascomplicatedenoughatthemomentanyway.
I’mdonetalkingaboutmydatinglife,orlackthereof.Idojustfinewiththeladies.Don’tyouworryaboutit.Talktoyoutomorrow.
Drew
Debjustsaidthathermanicuristissingleandthathershortstintinprisonwasjustbecauseherex-boyfriendmadehersitinthecarwhenherobbedagasstation.Ican’tmakethisshitup,brother.
IlaughedanddroppedmyphoneonthecouchasIstaredoutatthewater.
Forwhateverreason,thosedarkbrowneyesfloodedmythoughts.Thewayherchestroseandfellwhenshehissedatme.Thewayherlongwavesfellaroundhershoulders.Anddon’tevengetmestartedaboutherplump,pinklips.
Hell,Iprobablydidneedtogetlaid.IhadafewhookupsIcouldreachoutto,butthatwouldmeaninvitingthemhere.
SinceeverythingwentdownwithJaqueline,Iwascautiousaboutthat.Ipreferredtogotohotelsandkeepthingssurface-level.
Ienjoyedbeingincontrolofeverysituationinmylife,andsexwasnodifferent.
Mymindwanderedbacktothewomanwho’djustkickedmeoutoftherestaurant.
Ididn’tgiveashitifBrinkleyReynoldstookthejobornot.
I’ddonemypart.
Icouldrestguilt-freenow.She’dturneditdown,andthatwasherchoice
***
I’dgoneforaruneverydaythisweek,andIlovedhowquietitwasinthemorningshere.Iwasn’tswampedbyreporters,andnobodybotheredmeinCottonwoodCove.I’dbeentoafewrestaurantssinceI’darrivedhere,thegrocerystoreandthecoffeeshop,andpeoplewavedandsaidhello.Afewaskedformyautograph.Buttheywererespectful.Theyweren’taskingwhereIwasgoingtoplayorwhatmyplanswere.Itremindedmeoftheearlydaysofmycareerwhenattentionfromthefansfeltlikeanhonorandnotanobligation.Imissedthosedays.MaybeI’dbecometoojaded.Builtuptoomanywallstoprotectmyself.
Iwasheadingdownthemainroadjustasthesunwasstartingtocomeup,andawomanwasrunningtowardme.Shewaspumpingherarms,runningasimilarpacetomine,fromwhatIcouldtell.Herlongstrideshitthepavementasshehauledassinmydirection.Sheworeablacksportsbra,blackleggings,andawhitebaseballcap.Asweclosedthedistance,runningtowardoneanotherfromoppositedirections,Irealizedwhoitwas.
BrinkleyReynolds.
Herdarkgazelockedwithmineasshemovedpastme,andforreasonsIcan’texplain,Iturnedaround.
Ranafterher.
WhenIpulledupbesideher,shestartledforasecondandtoretheearbudsoutofherears.
“DoIneedtogetarestrainingordernow?”shehuffedasshecontinuedstridingatagoodpace.
“Ididn’tknowyou’dbeouthere,sothatwouldbeabitridiculous,yeah?”
“Whatdoyouwant?”
Icontinuedrunningalongsideherandglancedatherprofile.Herskinwasgolden,herexposedabswerefeminineyetdefined,andherlongponytailswayedfromsidetoside.
IsilentlywarnedmydicknottorespondtothefactthatIcouldn’tstoplookingatthewayhertitsbouncedjusttheslightestbitwithhermovements.Theyweren’tbig,buttheywereperky,andmymouthwateredatthethoughtofseeingthembeneaththeblackfabric.
OfwrappingmymoutharoundthemandtuggingherlongponytailasIkissedmywayupthecolumnofherneck.
Jesus,dude.Pullyourshittogether
“Iwanttoknowwhyyouaren’ttakingthatjob.”
Wecontinuedrunninginsilenceforanothertwoblocksbeforeshecametoanabruptstopinfrontofahouse.
“Whydoyoucare?”shesaidoverherlaboredbreathsassheleanedoverherkneesandcalmedherbreathing.
“You’rebeingstubborn.Takethefuckingjob.”Irubbedahanddownthebackofmyneckasmylaboredbreathsslowed.
“Ah…youfeelguilty?”
“Idon’tfeelguilty,”Ilied.“It’syouractionsthatledtotheeventsthatfollowed.Youdidfollowmeintothejohn.Iwaspissed.ButI’mnotthedevil.Iwouldn’twanttotakeyourlivelihoodfromyou.Iwantedyouescortedoutofthatpressconference.Endofstory.”Ishrugged.
“Asifthatwasn’thumiliatingenough.”Sheglaredatme,wipingthesweatfromherforehead.Thesunhadjustcomeout,anditwasshiningdownonher.Popsofamberandgolddancedinherdarkgaze.
“Doyouhaveanyfuckingideawhatit’sliketobehoundedbythemedia?Tonothaveasecondtobreathewithoutsomeoneshoutingquestionsatyou?Tobelovedoneminutewhenyouplaywellandhatedinthebriefmomentsthatyoufuckup?”Isaid,surprisingmyselfwithhowmuchI’djustshared.
“Crymeariver.You’rethebestquarterbackintheleague.Peoplewanttoknowwhereyou’regoingtoplay.Theywanttoknowyourstory,which,bytheway,you’rethemostclosed-offathletethatIknow.Youmakemillionsofdollarsdoingwhatyoulove.YoujustwonagoddamnSuperBowl.Youdon’tgettoplaythesympathycard.Therearebiggerissuesintheworldthanyoubeinghoundedbyreporters.You’reapublicfigure;yousignedupforthis.”
Shehadsomefuckingnerve.
“Andyousigneduptobeabloodsuckinghoundwhohasnorespectfortheprivacyofothers.So,Iguesswereapwhatwesow,yeah?”Ihissed.
Sheheldahandupjustabovehereyesasifshewerelookingpastme,intothedistance.“Oh,hey…isthatyourpirateshipoutthere,Captain?Whydon’tyougetonitandshipthehelloutoftown?Ican’tstandthesightofyou.”
“Thefeeling’smutual,sweetheart.Didn’tmeantoderailyourrunandmakeyoustop,butobviously,youcan’thelpyourselfwhenyou’rearoundme.”
“Youreallyareanarcissisticbastard,aren’tyou?”Sheraisedabrow.“Ilivehere,genius.Youdonotaffectmeinanyway,shape,orform.You’retheonewhochasedafterme.ButI’mnotgoingtogiveyouwhatyouwant,soyoucanstopbotheringme.”
“AndwhatisitthatyouthinkIwant?”Ishookmyheadindisbelief.
“Youwantmetotakethatjobsothatyoudon’thavetolivewiththefactthatyougotmefired.”
“Yougotyourselffired.Youcrossedalinebargingintothatbathroom.”
“Whatwereyousonervousaboutanyway?DidyouthinkI’dseeyourtinypeenandreporttotheworldthatthebig,badquarterbackisn’tpacking?”sheaskedwithawickedsmirk.
Ilaughed.Itwasimpossiblenotto.I’dbeencalledalotofthingsovertheyearsbythemedia.
Moody.Arrogant.Closedoff.
Butbeingaccusedofhavingatinydickwasnotoneofthem.
Iintentionallyraisedmylargehandinfrontofmyfaceandranitalongmyscruff.
“Ah…sothat’swhyyoufollowedmeintothebathroom.Youappeartobeobsessedwithmycock,andIassureyou…noonehasevercalleditsmall.”Iwatchedashereyeszeroedinonmyhand.“Bighands.Bigfeet.Youknowhowthesayinggoes.”
“Youwanttospeakontherecord?”Sheraisedabrow.
“Youwanttoaskmeaboutthesizeofmydickandwriteaboutit?”
“Yousurearefullofyourself.Fortherecord,Itakemyjobseriously.So,unlessyouwanttositdownandletmeinterviewyouforreal,thisconversationisover.”
“Don’tthreatenmewithagoodtime.Seeyouaround,sweetheart.”
“Biteme,jackass.”Shewhippedaroundandmarchedtowardherhouse,andIwantedtowalkaway.Toldmyselftomove.Butmyeyesweregluedtoherperfectass.
Whenshegottoherfrontdoorandopenedit,sheturnedaround.“Takeapicture.It’lllastlonger.”
Andthensheslammedthedoorhard.
Icoveredmymouthtokeepfromlaughing.
ShewasthemostaggravatingwomanI’devermet,yetIenjoyedbickeringwithhermorethanIenjoyedtalkingtoanyoneelse.
AndIcouldn’twaittodoitagain.fiveBrinkley
HawkhadsetmeuptomeetwithBreenLockhart,aplayerwho’dbeentradedtotheSanFranciscoLionsthisseason.He’dbeensettingallsortsofleaguerecords,includingmostgoalsscoredinasingleseason.Hawkhadcontinuedtotellmetobecautious,andEverlyhadgottenonthephoneandrepeatedlytoldmetowatchmybackwithhim.Ididn’tneedawarninginthatdepartment.Iwasalwayscautiouswhenitcametomen,especiallyprofessionalathletes.
Ihadarule:Allprofessionalathleteswereoff-limits.
Mixingworkandpleasurewasabadidea.Iwasalreadyfightingtomakeanameformyselfinamale-dominatedfield.ThelastthingIneededwastobeaccusedofsleepingmywaytothetop.
BreenandIhadbeenonthisZoomcallforhalfanhour,andhe’drefusedtoansweranyquestions.Themanwasdeterminedtomeetinperson.
“Sorry,Ipreferface-to-faceinterviews,especiallyifyou’regoingtowriteabigstoryaboutme.Soweshouldspendsometimetogether.”
“AZoomcallisface-to-face.ItoldyouthatIdon’tliveinthecityanymore,andwhenwesetupthismeeting,youdidn’thaveaproblemdoingitoverZoom,”Iremindedhimbecause,sofar,thishadbeenatotaldeadend.
“Well,Idon’thaveagamenextweekend,andI’vebeenmeaningtogetoutoftown.IthinkatriptoCottonwoodCovesoundslikeagreatidea.”
Inarrowedmygaze.“You’recominghereformetointerviewyou?”
“Yes.Youcanshowmearoundtown,wecangettoknowoneanother,andyoucanaskasmanyquestionsasyouwant.I’manopenbook.”
“Ifwemeetinperson,thenyou’llbeanopenbook?Becauseyouappeartobeaclosedbooksofar,asyouhaven’tansweredonequestionyet.”
“Allingoodtime,BrinkleyReynolds.”Hesmiled,andIwasfairlycertainhischarmworkedonmostwomen.
Personally,Ididn’tlikeit.Itwasabitcheesy.He’dspenttheentiretimecirclingaroundmyquestions.Hell,I’dtakethatbastardLincolnHendrix’sclosed-offpersonalityoverthisguy.BecauseatleastwithLincoln,youknewwhereyoustood.
Mindyou,hewasacompletejackass,butatleasthewasastraightshooter
Icouldworkwiththat.
“Fine.Sendmethedates,andI’llreservethetimetomeetwithyou.”
“Areyousingle?”heasked,whichwasnotonlycompletelyunprofessionalbutnervy.Hehadn’tansweredoneofmyquestions,nowhethoughthewasaskingthequestions?
“Idon’tdateathletes.”EventhoughIwasannoyedthathe’dasked,I’dpreparedforthisafterwhatHawkandEverlyhadtoldme.I’dhavenothingmorethanfriendshiptoofferthisguy.ButbuildingrelationshipswiththepeopleIinterviewedwasalsoimportantinmyindustry.
“Andwhyisthat?”heteased.Hewasusedtogettinghisway.
“Ifindthatmostprofessionalathletesareprettyfullofthemselves.Youtraveloftenandcouldeasilystray,andyou,BreenLockhart,haveareputationforbreakinghearts.”
“Ahhh…youdidyourresearch.Well,wecanbefriends,right?Andfriendscanspendthedaytogether,talkingabouttheirlives?That’swhatyouwant,isn’tit?”
Irolledmyeyes.“Iwouldliketointerviewyouandtellyourstory.”
Ineededadamnjob,andIwasn’tevensurethisstorywouldgetmeinthedoor.ButIwasfairlycertainthatIcouldsellittooneoftheNHLmagazines,andatleastthatwouldgarnermesomeincomewhileIworkedonbuildingmyportfolio.
“Okay.I’llsendyouthedates.Seeyousoon,BrinkleyReynolds.”
IendedthecallandgottoworkresearchinghimmorethanIalreadyhad.Hisstorywasadecentone.HisfatherandhisgrandfatherhadbothplayedfortheNHL,andhe’dputonhisfirstpairofskatesassoonashestartedwalking.Peoplewouldeatitup.
Theylovedagoodlegacystory.
So,allIhadtodowasgethimtoopenupandsharethingsthatnooneknewabouthim.Digdeeper.Findoutthemotivation.Didhetrulylovethesport,orhaditbecomeajob?
Lastly,I’dfindoutwhathadchangedinhislifesincehe’dhitthisnewlevelofsuccess.
AfterI’dreadeverythingthatIcouldfindabouthim,Imadeanearlydinnerandsatdowntoscantheinternet.
ThefirstthingtocomeupwasaphotoofLincolnHendrix,whichofcourse,wastrendingatthemoment.Everyonewasbitingatthebittoknowwherehewasgoingtoplay.Severalwell-knowncommentatorsweremakingguessesaboutwherehe’dgo,andnoonethoughthe’dbestayinginSanFrancisco.Itwasrumoredthatheandhiscoachdidnotseeeyetoeyeonthings.
Ididn’tblamehimforbeingunhappywithCoachAndersbecausetheguyhadn’tdoneanythingtoprotectLincoln.He’dtakenarealbeatingthispastseason.Andeventhoughthey’dwontheSuperBowl,itwasknownthathe’dbeenthereasonthey’dpulleditoff.
I’dalwayswonderedabouthisbackground.Hewasoneoftherareathletesthathadmanagedtokeephispersonallifeprettyprivate.Asidefromafewchattyex-girlfriends,therewasn’talotoutthereabouthim.Hismotherattendedmostofhisgames,andasfarasIknew,hedidn’thaveanysiblings.I’dneverheardanythingabouthisfather,either.
IhatedthatIwantedtoknowmore.HatedthatI’dbeenthinkingabouthimtheselastfewdayssinceI’dseenhimonmyrun.HatedthateverytimeI’dgoneonarunsince,I’dlookedforhim.
Ireadafewarticlesaboutallthepredictionsthatpeopleweremakingandwonderedwhowouldbetheluckyonetobreakthenews.KnowingLincoln,he’djustgooutandannounceitwithoutanywarning.
Everyoneintownwastalkingabouthowhewashereandtraininghardforthenewseason.Itwasfunny,hereinCottonwoodCove,noonewouldeversellaphotoorcallanewsstationtosaywhathewasupto.Itwasthatquintessentialsmall-townmentality.Arespectthing.Everyonewasabitprotectiveofthepeoplehere.Eveniftheywerehereforashorttime.
Butitdidn’tstopthemfrombeingexcitedtoseehimaroundtown.
Iclosedmylaptopandfinisheddinnerbeforechangingmyclothesandgettingreadytoheadtomyparents’house.
Finnhadgottenanearlycopyofthepilotepisode,andweweregoingtowatchittogethertonight.
Asidefromalltheexcitementaboutthefamousquarterbackbeinghere,Finn’snewseries,BigSkyRanch,wasthetalkofthetown.Iwasthrilledforhim.He’dalwayshadsmallrolesinthings,butthiswasthefirsttimethathewastheleadinaseries.He’dbeenworkinghardforyears,andIwasexcitedforhimbecausethisfeltlikeitwasgoingtobehisbigbreak.
Iwalkedthefewblockstomyparents’house,thehomeI’dgrownupin.Thewatersatoffinthedistance,anditwasaperfectspringevening.Nottoohotjustyet,butnotcoldeither.
Large,overgrowntreescurvedoverthestreetleadingtomyparents’house,andImademywayupthecobblestonepathtothefrontdoor.
WhenIsteppedinside,Gracierushedoverandjumpedintomyarms.Icarriedherthroughthehousetothelargefamilyroom.Everyonewasthere,andFinnwasmessingaroundwiththeremote,buthelookednervous,whichwasrareforhim.
Wemadeourroundshuggingeveryoneandsettledontotheoversizedsectionalcouch.IsatbetweenGeorgiaandLila,andmymomhadplattersoffoodoutonthecoffeetable.Chickenfingersandtatertotsandpizzarolls.
AlsoknownasReynolds’partyfood.
ItwasliketheSuperBowlbutevenbetterbecauseitwasmybrotherweweregoingtobecheeringon.
“Finnseemsnervous,”IwhisperedinGeorgia’sear,andLilaleanedforwardandnodded.
“Ithinkheis.Ihopeweloveitbecausehe’sgoingtobewatchingusclosely,”mybabysistersaid.
“Whatifit’sawful?”Cageasked,andeveryoneturnedinhisdirection.
HughbarkedoutalaughasGraciesatonhislap.“Smooth,dude.”
“What?I’mjustasking.I’mnotgoodatfakingit.So,whatdowesay?”
“Iguessyoutellmethetruth,ass—”Finnturnedaroundandglaredathimbeforehiseyesmovedtoourniece.“Uh,askmeifyouhaveanyquestions.”
“Thatwasmyonlyquestion.”Cageshrugged,andmymotherchuckledwhenshesettledbesidehim.“Okay,timeforyoutogotoGrammieandPopsroomtowatchyourmovie.”Cagecarriedmyniecedownthehalltomyparents’bedroom.
“It’sgoingtobeamazing,Finn.We’resoproudofyou,”Isaid,asIpoppedapizzarollintomymouth.
Weallagreed,andmyfatherusedtheremotetoputtheRomanshadesdownanddarkentheroom.Myparentslovedwatchingmovies,sothey’dmadethisroomthecoziestspaceinthehouse,withallthemovietheatrevibes.
OnceCagereturned,westartedtheshow.
Andthenexttwohourswereabitjaw-dropping.
FinneganCharlesReynoldswasgoingtobethebiggestnewsinHollywoodinacoupleofmonths.
IhadalumpinmythroatasIwatchedhim,forgettingthathewasthesameguywho’dturnedmydoorknobaroundinhighschoolandlockedmeinmybedroomfromtheoutsidebecausehethoughtitwashilarious.
He’dalwaysbeenaprankster.
Funnyandeasy.
Butafterwatchinghiminthisrole…Finnwasofficiallyanactor.
Thecreditsrolled,andweallsatinsilenceasheflippedonthelights.
Georgiahadtearsstreamingdownherface,andIknewitwasmorethanthecaraccidentthathadjusthappenedinthepilotepisode.Itwasprideforourbrother,whowasabouttoseehisentirelifechange.
MaddoxhadhisarmaroundGeorgiaandshookhisheadatFinn.“Getreadyforwhat’scoming,brother.Thatwasfuckingamazing.”
“Yeah?”Finnasked,hisgazemovingfromeachofus.
“Finn,”Icroaked.“I’msoproudofyou.”
“Thisisyourmoment,Finnyboy.”Hughpushedtohisfeetandpulledhiminforahug.
Mymotherwrappedherarmsaroundhimnext,andmyfatherjustsatthere,shakinghisheadandtellinghimhowimpressedhewasandgoingonandonabouthowbreathtakingthescenerywas,aswell.
Everyonetookturnscongratulatinghim.LilawentonabouthischemistrywithJessicaCarson,hiscostar.GeorgiaandIhuggedhim,makingaFinnysandwich.AndthenitwasCage’sturn.
HewrappedanarmaroundFinnandshookhimalittle.“You’reagoddamnmoviestar,brother.Don’tforgetuslittlepeopleoverhereoncetheworldknowswhoyouare.”
LilaandIweregushingaboutthehorsesandhowimpressedwewerewithmybrother’sridingskills.MymomwenttogogetGracieoutofherbedroom,butshe’dfallenasleepwatchingTheLionKing,soshe’dreturnedempty-handed.
Wesataroundtalkingandlaughingandeatingallthefoodaswegushedabouthowtalentedourbrotherwas.
Icouldn’twaitfortherestoftheworldtofindout.
***
“So,youprovedtobehonestaboutyourclaimofbeinganopenbook,”Isaid,asIsettledacrossthetableatReynolds’withBreenLockhart.We’dspentthelastfewhourswalkingdowntothecove,tomyfavoriteplaceonthewater,wherewesatonthesandybeachandchattedforabit.I’dtakenhimtoallmyfavoritespotsdowntownearliertoday,andnowwe’djustarrivedatReynolds’fordinner.
“Itoldyouso.Andthanksforshowingmearoundtown.Ilikeithere.Asidefromthatbookstore,”hesaid.I’dlaughedathowantsyhe’dgottenatmyfavoritebookstoredowntown.
Heshivereddramatically,clearlymakingapoint.“Ihatebooks.Ihatedschool.Hockey’stheonlythingIeverreallyshinedat.Andit’squiteclearthatIreallyshine.Butdon’tincludethestuffaboutmystrugglesinschoolinthearticle.”
“Iwouldneverincludeanythingyoudidn’twantinthere.ButIthinkit’sniceforyoungkidswholookuptoyoutoknowthateveryonestruggleswithdifferentthings.EventhebiggesthockeyplayerintheNHLhasstruggles.”
“Iguessso.ItendtofocusonalltheareaswhereIthrive,though.Thebookstoredefinitelywasn’tmyfavoritepartoftheday,”heteased.“Everythingelsewasdamngood.”
“Well,youwereatrooper.AndyoumadeMrs.Short’sdaybystoppingin,sothankyou.She’sownedOnceUponaTimesinceIwasakid.”
“Howaboutyourday?DidImakeitagoodone?”heasked.
Breenwasmyage,butheappearedyoungerthanmeinmanyways,mostlywithhiscockyattitudeandthewayhebraggedabouthimselfanychancehegot.He’dbeenflirtinghisassoff,andIknewhewasaplayer.Buthewasn’tawful,andI’dbefriendswithhimaslongasheunderstoodthatitwouldneverbemorethanthat.
“Itwasagoodday.IthinkIhaveplentyofinformationtogetthisarticlewritten.I’llsendittoyoubeforeIsubmitittomakesureit’sgoodtogo.”IsmiledasDaniellebroughtuseachaglassofwine.
“So,thisiswhatit’sliketohaveafemalefriend?”heasked.
“Iguessso,Breen.”I’dmadeitclearthefirsttimehe’dbeencompletelyinappropriatewhenwewerehavinglunchandaskedmeifhecouldspendthenightwithme.
“Ahhh…I’mnotusedtowomennotwantingmore.ButIcanlivewithit.You’rebeautifulandcoolashell.So,Iguessyoucanbemyfirst.”
Ichuckled.“Youmakeitsoundsodirty.”
“Anytimeyouwanttomakeitdirty,youjustsaytheword.I’dlosemyplayboywaysforagirllikeyou.”
“I’msureyousaythattoallthegirls.”
“Hedoes,”adeepvoicegrowled,andIlookeduptoseeanannoyed-lookingLincolnHendrixstandinginfrontofourtable.
Whatthehellwashedoinghere?
Andwhywasmyheartracingatjustthesightofhim?
IthadbeenoveraweeksinceI’dseenhim,andI’dactuallybeendisappointedthatIhadn’trunintohim.
Whydidhelooksoangry?
AndwhywasIsohappythathewashere?sixLincoln
BreenfuckingLockhartwasnotaguyIcaredfor.Andforwhateverreason,seeinghimwithBrinkleyReynoldshadmybloodboiling.
Wasthisherfuckingboyfriend?
“LincolnHendrix?Whatapleasantsurprise,”thedickheadsaidashesmirkedatme.
WeweretwoprofessionalathleteswholivedinSanFrancisco,sowe’dmetseveraltimes.He’dalsofuckedmyex-girlfriendwhileweweretogetherandmadesuretotellmewhenwe’drunintooneanothershortlyafterourbreakupayearago.I’dbeenhappytobeoutoftherelationship,andtherewerenobrokenheartsthere,butadudewhowasproudtotellyouthathe’dhookedupwithyourgirlwhileyouweretogetherwasnotagoodguyinmybook.
Iwasfarfromperfect,butI’dneverfuckwithsomeone’srelationship,norwouldIeverbeunfaithfulwhileIwasinone.
I’dcuttieslongbeforeI’ddisrespectawoman.
“Nothingpleasantaboutit.”Iraisedabrow.
Thefuckerjustchuckled.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Brinkleyasked,butshedidn’tsoundasvenomousasthelasttimewe’dseenoneanother.
Ihadn’trunintohersince,andithadirritatedthefuckoutofme.I’deventriedrunningatdifferenttimesinthemorningthisweektoseeifshewasoutthere,butI’dhadnoluck.AndI’dcometoReynolds’everynightforthelastthreedaystopickupmyto-goorder,hopingtoseeher,butshehadn’tbeenhere.
Andnowshewasherewiththisasshole?
“I’mpickingupdinnerandsawyousittingoverherewiththisone,”Isaid,flickingathumbatBreen.
“Thisone?Don’tpretendyoudon’tknowmynameorthatI’mnotthehottestthingontheicerightnow.”Thefuckersmirked.
“Yeah.Accordingtoyou.You’vebeenrelevantforawholefuckingfifteenminutes.Andwithyourheadbeingthisbig,I’dgiveitfifteenmoreminutesbeforeitallblowsup.”
I’dbeenaroundforawhilenow,andI’dseenathleteslikeBreen,whofinallyhadtheirfirstkickassseasonafterseveralunimpressiveyearsplaying.He’dburnedthroughmoney,tryingtolooklikeaballerhisfirstfewyears,andnowhewasactuallyplayingwellforthefirsttimeinhiscareer,andhecouldn’tstoptalkingaboutit.Successcouldgotoaguy’sheadquickly,andnoonelastedverylongoncetheyfellofftheirpedestals.
Becauseyoucouldn’talwaysbeontop.
Youhadtoswallowthelossesandstayhumblethroughthewins.
Workhardeveryfuckingday,andrememberthattherewasalwayssomeoneyounger,faster,andstrongercomingupnext.
“Ah…areyoustillpissedaboutmefuckingyourgirlbackintheday?”
“Sure.I’mreallypissedaboutthat,”Isaid,nothidingthesarcasm.
“Okay,let’stakeatimeout.Breen,enjoyyourwine.I’mgoingtogethisorder,andI’llbeback.”Brinkleypushedtoherfeet.
Shewaswearingdarkjeans,asilkywhitetanktop,andapairofsexyheels.
Whydidthatpissmeoff?
Shelookedfuckinggood.
Didshemaketheeffortforhim?
Herhandwrappedaroundmybicep,andsheurgedmethroughthediningroomanddownahallway,whichIassumedledtothekitchen.Oncewewereoutofviewofeveryone,shewhippedaround.
“Whatthehellwasthat?”Shethrewherhandsintheair.
“Whatareyoudoingwiththatdude?He’sbadfuckingnews.”
“Well,that’srich,comingfromyou.Hehasn’tgottenmefiredorbeenescortedoutofanyestablishmentsyet.”Sheraisedabrow.
“GoodChrist,woman.Justtrustmeonthisone.”
“Idon’tknowwhyyoucare.Butforyourinformation,he’saclient.I’mwritingastoryonhim,”shesaidasshebackedupagainstthewallinthedarkhallway.IstoodsoclosethatIcouldfeelherwarmbreathonmycheekasshespoke.Lavenderandhoneyfloodedmysenses.Andfuckmeifmydickdidn’tjumpathernearness.
“Justwatchyourback.”Iranahandthroughmyhair.“Idon’tknowwhyyou’dwasteyourtimeonaguylikethat.”
“It’snotrocketscience.Ineedtofindajob,soIneedastory.”
Icouldn’tpullmygazefromherplump,pinklips.
“Youwereofferedyourjobback.Whynotjustfuckingtakeit?”
Shesighedandshookherhead.“Notthatyou’reoffthehookforgettingmefired,butitwasaterriblejob,andI’mnotgoingback.It’stimetomoveup.Butinordertodothat,IneedathletestointerviewsoIhavesomethingtooffer.”
“Youdon’tneeddickheadclients.”
WhywasImovingclosertoher?Mychestbrushedagainsthers.
“Wellthen,Iguessthatrulesyououtasapotentialclient?”shesaid,andherlipsturnedupinthecornersasifshewereproudofherself.
“Areyouaskingmetobeyourclient,sweetheart?”Myvoicewasgruff.
Hergazesearchedmine.“Youwanttotellmeyourstory,LincolnHendrix?”
“Youwanttoknowmystory?”
“Notparticularly,”shesaid,rollinghereyes.“Buttheworldwantstohearit,soIwouldn’tmindtellingit.”
“Yousureyoucanhandleit?”Mytongueswipedouttowetmybottomlipbecausemymouthwasdryfromstandingthisclosetoher.
“Don’tflatteryourself.Icaneasilyhandleit.”
“Ifyoutellit,you’llneedtoshadowmewhileI’mhere.Getthewholestory.Youwon’thavetimeforclownslikeBreenfuckingLockhartwhileyou’reworkingwithme.”
WhatthefuckwasIdoing?
“Whohasthebigheadnow?”sheaskedassheraisedabrow.
Anddamn,didIwanttodipdownandtastehersweetmouth.
Pressheragainstthiswallandburymyselfinsideher.
Dipmyfingersintothosejeansandseehowwetshewasforme.
HadIeverwantedanyonemore?
“Itoldyou.There’snothingsmallaboutme.”
Herheatedgazelockedwithmine.
“Comingthrough!”someoneshouted,andwebothstartled.Isteppedtotheside,justasawomancamethroughthedoorwayleadingtothekitchen,carryingalargetrayloadedwithplates.
ShelookedatmebeforeglancingoveratBrinkleyandsmiling.“Hey,Brinks.What’sgoingonouthere?”
“Hi,Danielle.Iwasjustcomingtogethisto-goorder.”
Theotherwomanchuckledandwalkedoff,andBrinkleysquaredhershoulders
“Isthisforreal,orareyoumessingwithmebecauseyoudon’tlikemyclient?”
“Ifyouagreetodoit,youdoitright.I’lltellyoueverythingoverthenextfewweeks,andI’llletyouknowwhatisonandofftherecord.”IheldupmyhandasshestartedtoaskaboutwhereI’dbeplayingnextseason.“Ihaven’tdecidedwhereI’mgoingtoplayyet,andthat’sthetruth.ButI’llagreetoletyoubethefirsttoshareit.”
“Whyareyousuddenlydoingthis?”Shenarrowedhergazeandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.
“Idon’thaveafuckingclue.Maybeit’sthesmalltownrubbingoffonme.Myagentkeepsnaggingmetodosomeinterviews,sothiswillkeephimquietandmakeeveryonehappy.AndIcandoitallrighthereinCottonwoodCove.”
“Luckyyou.Andanamazingreporterjusthappenstolivehere.”Shetappedherfingeragainstherlips.“Oh,that’sright.Youknowthat.You’rethereasonshehadtotuckhertailbetweenherlegsandmovebackhome.”
Hertailwasn’ttheonlythingIwantedtoputbetweenherlegs.
Jesus.Whatthefuckwasgoingonwithme?
Iwasnotthatguy.
Ididn’tfuckaroundwithwomenwhohatedme,nordidImixbusinesswithpleasure.
Ever.
Sheannoyedme.Shewasstubbornandargumentative.
SowhatifI’dgottenofftothoughtsofherintheshowerafewtimes?
Iwouldn’tactonit.
“Ifyoucan’tmoveforward,thiswon’twork.Maybeitwasmeanttobe.Nowyou’rehere,andyoucanhavefullaccesstomylife.Who’stheluckyonenow?”
“I’lldowhatIhavetodotobuildmybusiness.Countmein.”Sherolledhereyes.“Stayhere.I’llgetyourfood.”
IpulledmyselftogetherwhileIwaited.
I’dneverwantedtoopenmylifetotheworld.Toopenmyselfupthatway.
I’dpridedmyselfonkeepingmylifeprivate.
Separatefromfootball.
Shecamebackimmediatelyandhandedmethebag.“So,howdoesthiswork?”
“Areyouavailabletomorrowmorningtostart?”
“Iam.IcanworkonBreen’sstoryoutsideofourworkhours.”
Ihandedhermyphone.“Putinyournumber.I’lltextyouwheretomeetmeforourruntomorrowmorning.”
“Oh,I’mrunningwithyounow?”
“DoyouwanttoseewhatIdo?TheworkIputin?Allofit?”
“Ido.”
“I’lltextyouthetime.Howareyougettinghome?”
“What?”shehissed.
“Watchyourbackwiththatguy.”
“Careful,Captain.Youalmostseemlikeyoucare,”shesaid,backingawaywithacockygrinonherface.
“Inyourdreams,sweetheart.”
ImademywaytothefrontoftherestaurantbeforebumpingintoLionel,whoalwaysseemedtofindmeeverytimeIcametopickupmyfood.
“Mr.Hendrix.Um,hi.Er,hello,sir.IthoughtIsawyoucomein.”
Itriednottolaugh.Hewasalwaystrippingoverhiswords.“Relax,Lionel.YoucancallmeLincoln.Brinkley’sbrotherownsthisplace,right?”
“Hugh?Yeah.He’smyboss.”
“Ishearound,byanychance?”Iasked.Ididn’tknowwhyIwassoconcernedabouther.Shewasn’tmyproblem.Hell,Ihardlyknewthewoman.
Well,shewastechnicallyworkingformenow.
TheleastIcoulddowasmakesureshewasokay.
“Yep.He’sinthekitchen.Doyouwantmetogogethim?”HelookedthrilledthatIwasaskinghimforsomething,whichwassomewhathumorous.
“Thatwouldbegreat.It’lljusttakeaminute.”
WhatthefuckwasIdoing?Lionelhurriedoffjustasateenagegirlthatwasalwaysstandingbehindthehostessstandapproachedme.
“You’rethefootballplayer,right?HenryLincoln?”
“LincolnHendrix.”
“I’mBrandy,Lionel’sgirlfriend,”shesaidwithawidegrinonherface.“He’sasuperfan,Iguess.Hecan’tstoptalkingaboutyou.So,Iwantedtoseeifmaybeyoucouldhelpmeoutwithasurpriseforhisbirthday?It’soursenioryear,soIwanttomakeitextraspecial.”
Welcometosmall-townliving.Normally,I’davoidinteractionslikethis,buthereinCottonwoodCove,itwasjustthenorm.
“Whattypeofsurprise?”
“Well,Lionelisthekickerforourhighschoolfootballteam.”
Iwasn’texpectingthat.Ihadn’tguessedthekidwasanathlete,butthatwasthething.Youneverknewwhatsomeonehadinsidethem.Hell,Iwasascrawnykidonce,too.
“Ididn’tknowthat.Goodforhim.”
“IthoughtmaybeyouandIcouldplanasurpriseoutonthehighschoolfootballfield.Hejustplayedhislastseasonandwashopingtoplayincollege,buthehasn’tbeenrecruitedyet.Iknowhemissesitalready.So,Iwasgoingtodoapicnicoutonthefootballfieldandbringcupcakes,andIthoughtmaybeyoucouldcomeoutandsurprisehim.Throwtheballtohimafewtimes.Watchhimkickafewtouchdowns.”
“Fieldgoals?”Icorrectedherbecausesheclearlydidn’thaveacluewhatshewastalkingabout.
“Po-tay-toe.Po-tah-toe.I’mnotasportygirl.ButIdoloveLionel.AndIthinkitwouldprobablybethebestgiftIcouldgivehim.”Sheshrugged.“Well,we’vealreadydonethedeed,andIthinkthat’sgoingtobetoughtobeat.”Shewaggledherbrows.
WasIinsomekindofsmall-towntwilightzone?Whythefuckwasshetellingmethis?
Butgo,Lionel.Goodforhim.
“Yeah.Tellmethedayandtimetobethere,andI’llshowup.”
WhywasIagreeingtodothis?
“NextTuesday.Sevenp.m.CottonwoodCoveHighSchoolfootballfield.”Shequicklywrotetheinformationonapieceofpaperandfoldeditupbeforesquealingthehighestpitchknowntoman.Iwascertainwindowswereshatteringeverywherewithinaten-mileradiusanddogswererunningforcover.
Islippedthepaperintomybackpocketandnodded.
“Youwon’tregretthis,JimiHendrix.”
Forfuck’ssake.
“Yeah.Yougotit.”
Iturnedaroundjustasatallmanwithlong,darkhairwalkedtowardme.
Hewasn’tsmiling,andIwonderedifheknewthatIwastheguywho’dgottenhissisterfired.
Ididn’thavesiblings.Ididn’tknowwhatpeoplesharedwithoneanotherwhenitcametothatkindofstuff.
Butasheclosedthegapandhisgazenarrowed,Iwasfairlycertainheknew.
“I’mHughReynolds.HowcanIhelpyou?”Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.Themanstoodeyeleveltome,andweweresimilarinsize,whichwasn’tthenorm,consideringIwasabigdude
“Hey.I’mLincolnHendrix.Ijustwantedtogiveyouaheads-upabouttheguywithyoursisteroverthere.”I’dneverbeenthisguy.Ididn’tgetinvolvedinotherpeople’sbusinessbecauseIdidn’tlikepeopletogetinmine.ButIcouldn’thelpthisburningneedtomakesurethatshewasokay.
Maybeitwasguiltoverwhathadhappenedbetweenusweeksago.
Ididn’tknow.
ButI’dalwaysbeenamanwhotrustedmygut.
“Iknowwhoyouare.I’mabigfan,actually.Well,thatisuntilyougotmysisterfiredandshecondemnedusalltoalifeofhatingyou.”Heraisedabrowandsmirked.“Andnowyou’reconcernedabouther?”
Obviously,theywereclose.
Iranahanddownmyface.“Ididn’tknowIgotherfired.Iwaspissedthatshefollowedmeintothatbathroom.Itwasadickthingtodo.Itriedtogetherherjobback,butshewouldn’ttakeit.”
Hechuckled,hislipsturningupinthecorners.“That’sBrinksforyou.Shebeatstoherowndrum.Itwastimeforhertomoveon.Heroldbosswasarealdickhead.Andwe’regladtohaveherbackhomefornowanyway.”
“She’sgoingtostartshadowingmetomorrow,andshe’llbethefirstonetobreakthenewsaboutwhereI’mgoingtoplaynextseason,”Isaid,andIdidn’tknowwhyIwassayingsomuchtothisguy.
“Really?Shehadn’tsharedthatwithme.”
“Ijustspoketoher,andweagreedonit.Shestillhatesme,butIthinkherworkismoreimportanttoherthanherdislikeforme.”
“Isee.Andyou’reconcernedaboutBreenLockhart?”heasked,andtherewashumorinhistonenow.
“He’sadick.”
“Wow.Tellmehowyoureallyfeel.”Hesmirked.
“Listen,youdon’tknowme.Igotyoursisterfired.Shehatesme.”IshruggedasIglancedacrosstherestauranttoseeBrinkleylaughingatthetablewhereshesatacrossfromBreen.“Iunderstandthatyouhavenoreasontolistentome.Ijustdon’ttrusttheguy,andIwanttomakesureshegetshomesafely.”
“Igotyou,man.Iappreciateit.Iwillmakesureshegetshomesafely.”
“Great.Thanks.”
“Yeah,ofcourse.AndIseeyouorderingfromhereeverynight,Captain.”Hebarkedoutalaugh.“Butyoudoknowthatyou’rewelcometocomeeathere,right?Brinkleycan’tbanyoufromtherestaurant.”
“Sure.NexttimeI’llgrabatable.”
“Allright,haveagoodnight.Lookingforwardtoseeingwhereyouplaynextseason.”
“Youandmeboth.Yoursisterwillbethefirsttoknow.”Iheldupahandandwavedbeforeheadingtothedoor.
“Seeyoulater,AbrahamLincoln,”thehostesscalledafterme,andIshookmyheadbeforeexitingtherestaurant
Ididn’tmindthatshedidn’thaveafuckingcluewhoIwas.Iactuallykindoflikedit.
Ilikedthistown.
AndthefactthatIwasjustanotherguyhere.
WhenIgothome,therewasamessagefromDrew,tellingmethathewasgettingpressureaboutwhenI’dhavemydecision.IfIknewwhereIwantedtoplay,I’dtellhim.Ijustwasn’tthereyet.
Workingonit,brother.I’mgoingtoletBrinkleyReynoldsshadowmeforthenextfewweeksandtellmystory.She’llbreakthenewsaboutwhereI’mplaying,aswell.ButIwillhaveboundariesaboutwhatI’mwillingtoshare.Thewholefuckingworlddoesn’tneedtoknoweverydetailofmylife.
Drew
Youareafuckingsofty,aren’tyou?
<middlefingeremoji>
IsatdownandpulledoutmydinnerandputonESPN.Therewerefourguysdiscussingmyfutureasifwewerepersonalfriends.Ilistenedastheyweighedoutmyoptions,andIshookmyheadwithdisbeliefasoneofthedudessaidthathewasprettycertainthatIwasstayinginSanFrancisco.Hesaidthathehadavaluablesource.
Whothefuckwashissource?BecauseI’dlovetotalktothem,aswell.
Ididn’tknowwhereIwasgoing,sotherewasnosourcethathadthatanswer.
AndassoonasIhadit,IwasgoingtogiveittoBrinkleyReynolds.
Thiswouldbemywayofmakingamends.
I’dbeenthereasonthatshe’dlostherjob,whetherIwantedtoadmititornot.Andnow,she’dgettobreakthisstory,anditwouldbeagoodwayforhertogetherfootinthedooratanothermagazine.
Itwastherightthingtodo.
Evenifitwouldpainmetohavesomeonehangingaround,askingmequestionseveryday.
Iwasgettingreadyforbedandpickedupmyphonetotexther.
Hey.Let’smeetat7:00a.m.downbythecove.Areyouupforafour-miler?
Thethreelittledotsmovedaroundthescreen,andIfoundmyselfstaringimpatiently,waitingforheranswer.
B.R.
Captain,isthisyou?
Areyoumeetingsomeoneelseforaruntomorrowmorning?
B.R.
Obviouslynot.Butyoucouldlearnsomemannersabouttextingsomeoneforthefirsttime.So,let’sgooverhowthiswillwork.Howlongareyougoingtoletmeshadowyou?
Areyouhomeyet?
Ididn’tknowwhyIasked.WhyIcared.ButIneededtoknowbeforeIansweredherquestion.
B.R.
Yes,I’mhome.Thanksforgoingtomybrotherandaskinghimtofollowme,bytheway.
You’rewelcome.Ican’ttellyoumystoryifyouaren’taroundtohearit.
B.R.
So,nowBreenLockhartisamurderer?
Whoknowswhatthatdickheadiscapableof.
B.R.
Well,sofar…greatconversation.Flirtybanter.Andheboughtmedinner.Whatabastard.
He’sprobablyfuckingyourserverbehindtherestaurantbecauseyoudidn’tgohomewithhim.
B.R.
You’resuchanasshole.
I’vebeencalledworse.
B.R.
So,what’stheplan?Irunafewmileswithyou,andyou’lltellmewhereyou’regoingtoplaynextseason?
Inyourdreams.
B.R.
Letmeguess.You’regoingtowastemytime?Shocker.
Idon’tknowwhereI’mgoingtoplayyet.That’sthehonesttruth.Takeitorleaveit.YoucanaskmeotherquestionsuntilIfigureitout.Ithoughtyouwantedthewholestory.
B.R.
WhatamIallowedtoask?
Whateveryouwant.
B.R.
Really?You’regoingtotellmewhateverIwanttoknow?
No.Isaidyoucouldaskmewhateveryouwant.I’llanswerwhatIwanttoanswer.Tomorrow.7:00a.m.
B.R.
Ihateyou.
Rightbackatyou,sweetheart.
WhywasIexcitedtoletherinterviewme?Ihatedthisshit.
ButIwascountingdownthehoursuntiltomorrowmorning.sevenBrinkley
MyphonevibratedasImademywaytowardthecove,andIglanceddowntoseethegroupchatalreadygoing.
Hugh
ThefootballplayerthatweareallsupposedtohatehasapparentlyhiredBrinkstotellhisstory,andshe’syettomentionit.
Cage
Absolutebullshit.Youdemandwehateaguythatwe’veidolizedforyears,andnowyou’reworkingforhimandfailtomentionthat?
Don’tgetyourpantiesinatwist.Hehiredmelastnight.Thesunhasbarelycomeup.Ihaven’thadachancetofillyouinyet.
Georgia
GoBrinks.Doyoustillhatehim?
Ofcourse,Istillhatehim.He’sthedevil.ButIneedthisstory,andhe’swillingtotellit.
Hugh
HewasalsoworriedaboutherbeingwithBreenLockhartandcameoutofhiswaytoaskmetomakesureshegothomesafely.
Didsomeonegiveyouabottleoftruthserumthismorning,LooseLipsReynolds?
Georgia
Swoon.<hearteyesemoji>
Hugh
Justspeakingthetruth,Brinks.
Finn
Damn.Hardtohateadudewhowaslookingoutforyou.
It’sallpartofhisgame.HeandBreenhaveabeefoverapersonalissue
Cage
Releaseusfromthisridiculousdemandtohatetheman.Ihaven’tbeenrightsinceIagreedtothisstupidpact.
Didyounotmakeusallswearthatwe’dnevertalktoJimmyPetersagainafterhestoleyourfifth-gradebookreport?
Cage
Iwastenyearsold.Youcanbefriendthedudenowifyouwant.Mindyou,he’smissingtwoteethandreeksofwhiskeyeverytimeIseehimatRoddy’sMotorShop.Buthaveatit.He’sallyours.
Hugh
HesmelledlikepicklestomewhenIwastherelastweek.
Finn
Interesting.Ithoughthesmelledlikedeviledeggs.
Georgia
I’mkindofhungrynow.
I’mhere.FirstmeetingwithyourfavoriteQB.Youcanworshipthemanifyouwant,youbigtraitors.
Georgia
Maddoxwillbesohappy.Canyoutakeaselfiewithhimforme?
<eyerollemoji>
Cage
Sendmetheselfie.
Finn
Iwantit,too.
Hugh
Well,ifeveryoneelseisgettingit,justsenditmyway.
<middlefingeremoji>
Ituckedmyphoneintomyfannypackandcontinuedwalking.I’dalwaysbeenamorningperson,soIdidn’tmindmeetinghimthisearlyforarun.I’dplayedcollegiatevolleyball.Icouldholdmyownwhenitcametocardio.AndIcouldn’twaittoseeifhewasamanofhiswordorifthiswasjustsomesortoftwistedgameforhim.
He’dactedirrationallylastnightwhenhesawmewithBreen.
Breenwasaplayboy,andofcourse,he’dtakenhisshot.
Buthe’dmissed.
BecauseIcouldtakecareofmyself,andIdidn’tneedwarningsfromsomearrogantNFLplayerwho’dbeenanasstomemoretimesthanhehadn’t.
Nowhewassuddenlyconcernedaboutme?
Imademywaythroughthetreesanddowntowardthecove.Itwasagorgeousmorning.Aperfectdayforarun.Thesunwasshining,andIcouldhearthewaterlappingagainsttheshoreasImademywaytoourmeetingpoint.
Ithadbeenanicebreakbeingbackhome.Ihadn’trealizedhowmuchI’dmissedthesimplethings,likeaquietmorningorapeacefulrunoutsideversusabusygyminthecity.
I’dbeenworkinginmygardenandhadevenstartedcookingandexploringnewrecipes.
Lifewasslowerhere.
Calmer.
Easier.
IlookeduptoseeLincolnstandingwithhisarmsfoldedoverhischest,glaringatme.
“You’relate.”Heraisedabrow.
Iglanceddownatmywatchandlaughed.“It’s7:02.Seriously?You’recallingmelate?”
“Iwashereatseven.”
Irolledmyeyes.“Well,I’mherenow.Areyougoingtotellmewhat’soff-limitsandwhatI’matlibertytoaskyouwhilewerun?”
“No.Therunisjusttogetsomeexercise.Wecanmakesmalltalk.NothingIsayontherunisontherecord.Gotit?”
Igroaned.“WhymakemecomeontherunifI’mnotinterviewingyou?”
“Don’tyouneedapenandpaperoralaptoptodoaproperinterview?”
Iwasgoingtorecordhim,butIdidprefertohavemyiPadwithme.
“Fine.Runfirst.Questionsafter.”
Wewalkedtowardtheroad,andheturnedtolookatme.Hewastallandtoogood-lookingforhisowngood.
ItmademedislikehimevenmorebecauseIhatedthatIfoundhimsoattractive.
“It’sfourmilestomyplace.Wecanstopthere,andyoucanaskthreequestionstoday.So,takeyourtimetochoosethemwiselywhilewe’reontherun.”
“Threequestions?That’sridiculous,”Isaidaswestartedrunning.Hemovedtotheoutsideoftheroad,forcingmetotheinside,whichseemedlikeachivalrousgestureforajackass.
“We’vegotweeks.Nosenserushingit.”
Ourpacewasprettyquick,butnothingIcouldn’tkeepupwith.“Didyoudrivedowntothecove?Ididn’tseeacar.”
“No.Irantherethismorning.Iwantedtogetalongrunin.”
Iwouldn’tlie.Iwasimpressed.Butitwasn’ttoosurprising,seeingasthemanwasconsideredamachineintheworldoffootball.
“So,amIallowedtomakebasicsmalltalkwhilewerun?Ordoesthatcountasoneofmythreequestions?”Iwasfairlyfluentinsarcasm,andImadesureheknewIwasannoyed.
Hechuckled.“Smalltalkisfine.Butitgoesbothways.Youasksomething,offtherecord.Igettoasksomething.That’showsmalltalkworks.”
“Saystheguywhobarelyspeakstothepress.Nowyou’retheexpertonsmalltalk?”
“Offendingmewillnotearnyouanypoints.Stopfightingitandjuststartwiththedamnsmalltalk.”Heglancedoveratmewithonebrowraisedbeforeturninghisattentionbacktotheroad.
“Oh,thisisjustsotwisted,”Isaidasmybreathinggrewabitlabored.Ihadahunchhewaspushingthepaceinhopesofkeepingmequiet.Butthen,whybringmeouthereatall?Icouldhavejustmethimafterhisrunfortheinterview.“HowareyoulikingCottonwoodCove?”
“Iactuallylikeit.Icanfinallybreathe.”
Honest.
Humble.
Unexpected.
“Goodanswer.”
WeraninsilenceforafewminutesbeforeweturnedthecornernearMainStreet,andhespoke.“Didyougrowuphere?”
“Yep.I’velivedheremywholelife,asidefrommytimeawayatschool.IplayedcollegiatevolleyballforfouryearsandthenmovedtoSanFranciscotobeclosetohomeafterIgraduated.”
“Thatexplainstherunningskills,”hesaid.“Doyouwanttomovebacktothecity?”
“Um,youjusthadyourquestion.It’smyturn.Aren’tyouthesmalltalkexpert?”
Helaughed.“Touché.Goahead.”
“AreyoureallygoingtoCottonwoodHighSchoolnextweektohelpBrandysurpriseLionel?”IaskedbecauseBrandyhadcorneredmybrotherandmelastnightwhenwewereleavingReynolds’andtoldusabouthersurprise.
“Yes.IlikeLionel.He’sagoodkid.”
“Yeah.Hereallyis.He’shaditrough.”
“Howso?”heasked.
“Hisdadranoffwithsomewomanwhenhewas,like,fiveyearsold.It’salwaysjustbeenhimandhismom.Heworksattherestauranttohelpherpaythebills.Hewashopingtogetafootballscholarship,butnothing’spannedoutyet,sohe’sprobablygoingtogotocommunitycollegehereintown.”
Lincolnwasquiet.Likehewasprocessingmywords.
“Iknowhe’sakicker.Isheanygood?”
“I’veneverseenhimplay,butmybrother,Hugh,andhisfiancée,Lila,wenttoallhisgamesthisseason,andtheysaidhewasreallygood.Butit’sasmalltown.Hewasn’tonanyone’sradar,andhismomdidn’treallyknowhowtogoabouthelpinghimputhimselfoutthere.Lilahadhimreachouttoafewcollegecoaches,buthehasn’theardanythingyet.”
“It’satoughroad.First,you’refightingforacollegescholarship,thenyou’retryingtogetdrafted.”
“Saystheguywhoprobablyhadendlessscholarshipoffersandgotdraftedbeforehegraduatedfromcollege.”
“Wrong.IstartedplayingatasmallcollegeintheMidwest.Itwastheonlyonethatwantedmeandofferedmemoney.AndthenItransferredintoabiggerprogram.”
Iknewhe’dgraduatedfromtheUniversityofAlabama,butIhadn’trealizedhe’dtransferredin.Somuchabouthimwasunknown.
“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“It’snotsomethingItalkabout.Ialsodidn’tgointhefirstroundofthedraft.Hell,Ibarelywentinthesecondround.Nooneexpectedmuchfromme,butthatonlymademeworkharder.That’spublicknowledge,soI’mguessingyouknowthat.”
“Idid.Isthecollegestuffontherecordformetoshare?”Iaskedasweturnedthecorner,movingontothestrand,thepaththatranalongthewater,andhepickedupthepace.
“No.It’sallsmalltalk,sweetheart.Ifyouwantitontherecord,you’llhavetoaskitagainasoneofyourthreequestions.”Hechuckledasheglancedover.“I’mthehouseattheendofthepath.Let’sgo.”
IpumpedmyarmsashardasIcouldaswesprintedalongthewater,andIgaspedforair.
Icouldn’tfeelmylegs,andwhenwecametoastop,IdryheavedwhenIbentovertocatchmybreath.Itwasalittlemortifyingwhenaloudburpescaped,andalargehandcamedownonmyback.
Ibarelyfeltit,butitwasthere.Hepattedmeafewtimes.“Toomuch?”
Ipushedtostandandwipedmymouthwiththebackofmyhand.“Never.”
“Comeon.Let’sgetyouhydrated.”Ifollowedhimashewalkedaroundthesideyardandledmetothebackdoor.
Wow.Thehousewasrightonthewater.
“Isthisyourhouse?”IaskedasIsteppedinsideandtookinthedarkwoodbeamsontheceiling,whichmatchedthefloors.We’dcomeinthroughthebackdoorandenteredthroughthekitchenandfamilyroom.
“No.Thisismyagent’shouse.”
“It’sbeautiful,”Isaid,feelinglikeIwasgoingtohurlagain.Ihadn’tpushedmyselfthishardinalongtime.
HestudiedmeandthenwalkedtotherefrigeratorandpulledoutablueGatorade.“Drink.”
“Sobossy,”Isaidasmythroatconstricted,andIdryheavedagain.
“Keepyourinsultsinforafewminutesuntilthathitsyoursystem.”
Ididn’targuethistime.Idrank,andhepulledoutachairinthekitchen,unscrewedthelidfromhisbottle,andstartedchuggingit.
Afterafewsips,Ifeltremarkablybetter.
“ThanksfortheGatorade.”
“Better?”
“Yes.”
Henoddedandpushedtohisfeet.“Areyouhungry?”
“No,thankyou.IthinkI’dpukeifIatesomethingrightnow.”
Hegrabbedtwobananasandreturnedtohisseat.“Savethisforwhenyou’refeelingbetter.”
Inodded.Hewasbossy.ButIdidn’tminditatthemoment.
“Thanks,Captain.”IsmiledbecauseIcouldn’thelpmyself.
Herolledhiseyes.“Youlikethatone,don’tyou?”
“Imean.CaptainJackSparrow?HowcanIresist?He’sthebest.Whatmadeyoupickthatname?”
Hechuckled.“Offtherecord?”
Somethinginmychestsqueezedatthewayhelookedatme.Likehe’dbeenburnedtoomanytimestotrustanyone.
I’dalwayshadagiftforreadingpeopleandwasfairlycertainIwasreadinghimwellrightnow.
“Yeah.Iwon’tprintanythingyouaren’tcomfortablewith.”
“MymomthrewmeapiratepartyeveryyearuntilIwastenyearsoldandIthoughtIwastoocoolforathemedparty.Ilovedpiratesasakid,andshelovedthatIwasintoit.So,anytimeIuseanalias,it’sJackSparrow.ButseeingasBrandy,whoIdidn’tknowthen,answeredthephonewhenI’dcalledinthatfirsttime…”Hepausedandlaughed,andIwassurprisedbyhowmuchIlikedthesoundofhislaugh.“IsaiditwasanorderforJackSparrow,andshereplied,CaptainJackSparrow?”Hemimickedhervoicesodramaticallythatitmademelaughharder.
“So,whatwasIgoingtosay?No?ButLionelmusthavetoldherIplayedfootballbecausenowshe’scalledmeeverynameunderthesun—noneofthembeingmyactualname.”
“That’sprettyhilarious.Youdon’thavetouseanaliashere.Nooneisgoingtosellyouout.Thepresshasn’tarrived,havethey?Iftheyknewyouwerehere,they’dbealloveryou,right?”
“Yeah.I’vekeptaprettylowprofile.Butthosewhohaveseenmehaven’tdoneanythingaboutit.Iworriedyourboyfriend,thatdouchebagLockhart,woulddosomething,butthatwouldbeprettylow,evenforhim.There’sanunderstandingamongstathletes,evenifwedon’tlikeoneanother.”
“Myboyfriend?He’saclient.Whatisyourdealwiththatguy?Hehookedupwithyourex?Didshebreakyourheart?”IaskedbecauseI’dtriedgooglingit,butnothinghadcomeupabouthimandBreen.Justthathe’ddatedJaquelineBarrettandthenshe’dgonetoeverynewschannel,sharingeverythingsheknewabouthimafterward.
Heclearlydidn’topenupinrelationshipseither,becauseshedidn’thavemuchtosaythatwasn’talreadypublicknowledge.
“Hellno.AndthisisstillofftherecordbecauseIdon’twanttogiveheranymoreattentionthanshe’salreadygottenbysellingsomestoryaboutmymombeingasinglemomandraisingmeonherown,whichpeoplealreadyknow.Butshetriedtoactlikeshehadintimatedetails,whichshedidn’t.I’dendeditwithherbecausewehardlysawoneanother.Shelikedtocometomygamesandwearmyjersey,butwehadnothingincommon.Justsomegoodfuckingsex,Iguess.IrealizedIdidn’tmissherwhenweweren’ttogether,andIbrokethingsoff.Endofstory.Andthat’swhenLockhartranintomeatasportsbanquetandtoldmehe’dbeenbangingherwhileweweretogether.Ithinkheactuallythoughtweweregoingtobondoverit.Butitwasdisrespectfultoher,andeventhoughIdon’tcareforher,Idon’tlikepeoplethatshitonwomen.”Heshrugged.
NotwhatIexpectedhimtosay.
I’dassumedithadhurthisego,andhewasmadforhimself.
“You’resortofarudegentleman,”Isaid,beforeIcouldstopthewordsfromleavingmymouth.
Heraisedabrow,andhislipsturnedupinthecornerstheslightestbit.“Whatever.Hewasproudlytalkingaboutit,anditpissedmeoff.Didhetryanythingwithyou?”
“You’reserious?”
“DoIstrikeyouasajoker?”
“No.ButIdon’tknowwhyyoucaresomuch.”Ishrugged.
“What?Ithoughtthiswassmalltalk.”Hetookanotherpullfromhisdrinkandsmirked.
“Heaskedtotakemehome,andIturnedhimdown.IwasveryclearthatIwasonlyinterestedinfriendship.Mycousin’shusband,HawkMadden,hadalreadywarnedmelongbeforeyoustormedthecastle.”Irolledmyeyes.
“Hawk’smarriedtoyourcousin?”
“Yep.”
“Nowthat’sastand-updude.I’vemethimseveraltimes,andhe’sagreatguy.”
“Hesaidthesameaboutyou,whichisshocking.”Ichuckled.
Wesatinthequietforafewminutes,andhedevouredhisbanana.IpeeledminebackbecauseIwasfeelingbetter.Iputthetipinmymouth,andasIwastakingabite,hisheatedgazelockedwithmine.
Holybananaballs.
Hadeatingabananaeverfeltthissexybefore?ButIcouldn’thelpmyself;Islowlyslippeditintomymouth,pausingbeforeItookabite.
Enjoyingeverymomentoftorturinghim.
Mytongueswipedoutalongmybottomlip,andIdidn’tmissthewayhishandsfistedonthetableashewatchedme.
GettingunderLincolnHendrix’sskinwasmynewfavoritething.eightLincoln
We’dbeeninthegymatDrew’shouseforovertwohours,andshe’dwatchedmeworkoutandtypedafewthingsintohernotesapponherphone.Iwasfinewithhersharingthedetailsofmyworkout.Itwasn’tcompletelytraditional.
Iwasold-schoolinalotofways.Growingupwithnomoney,I’dtrainedhardinthealleybehindourdumpylittlehouse.Iusedtoworksidejobsforneighbors,mowingtheirlawns,washingtheircars,anddiggingholesintheirbackyardsforplantsandtrees.AllthoseskillshadmademestrongerwhenIwasateenager.
So,Istilljumpedropeeverysingleday,justasIhadasayoungkid.
Sure,nowIdiditinsideafancygym.ButIdidn’tneedit.Icouldtrainanywhere,underanyconditions.
Ididmyupper-bodyworkout,whichIdidfourdaysaweekintheoff-season.Iran,Iswam,Ibiked,Ilifted,Ijumped,andIpushedmyselfeverysingledayashardasIcould.
Musicwasbellowingfromthespeakers,butshedidn’tseemtomind.Sheappearedtobeinterestedinmyroutine.Ihopedlettingherinonthissideofmylifewasn’tgoingtobitemeintheass.
Butsofar,havingsomeonetorunpartofmyworkoutwithwasn’tabadthing.AndseeingthewayhereyesscannedacrossmybicepsasIcontinuedmyrepslongaftermyarmswereburning,pushedmeon.Therewasrespectthere,andIfeltit.
Afteranotherhour,Idroppedonthematonmybackandgroaned.
Anotherdayinthebooks.
Shewalkedovertomyphoneonthebenchandturnedthemusicdownbeforecomingovertositonthematafewfeetfromme.
“Howoftendoyoupushthishard?”sheasked.
“Sixdaysaweekintheoff-season.It’smytimetobuildandstrengthenbeforetheseasonstarts.Ialwaysgivemyselfonedaytorecover.”
“It’simpressive.”
Isatforwardsowewerefacingoneanother.“I’msureyou’vepushedyourself,beingacollegiateathlete.”
“Yeah.Wedefinitelydid.Itwasalotofwork.Imissitsometimes.ButIstillrunacoupleofdaysaweekandswimwhenI’mhome.”
ThoughtsofBrinkleyinabathingsuitfloodedmymind.
“Youcanjoinmeonmyswims.I’vebeencross-trainingafewdaysaweek.”
“Sure.Seeingasnowyou’vemademeyourtrainingpartner,whendoestheactualinterviewstart?”
Ismirked.“Iknewyouweregoingtoaskthat.”
“Don’tgetabighead.I’mareporter.ItwassortofinevitablethatI’dask.”
“Allright.Threequestionstoday.Makethemcount.”
“Icanaskanything?”
“LikeIsaid,I’llanswerwhatI’mcomfortablewith.IfyouaskaquestionthatIdon’twanttoanswer,I’lljusttellyoutomoveontothenextone.”
“Fine.”Sherolledhereyes.“I’mgoingtorecordthis,soanythingthat’snotontherecord,justbesuretosaythatsoIcanmakeanotelaterwhenItypeupourconversation.”
“Fairenough.”Myjawticked,andIpreparedfortheworst.
“Whydoyoulooksouncomfortable?”
“Idon’tliketalkingaboutmyselfoutsideoffootball.”
I’dneverbeenonetoputmyselfinvulnerablesituations,andforwhateverreason,Ididn’tfeellikeIwasincompletecontroloverthisinterview.
“Thenwe’llstartwithfootball.”Herlipsturnedupinthecornerstheslightestbit,andhergazelockedwithmine.Sheheldupthephonetoshowmethatshewashittingtherecordbutton.Shesaidthedateandthetime,andherdemeanorchangedinthatmoment.Hershoulderssquared,andsheletoutalongbreath.Shetookherjobseriously,thatmuchwasclear.
“Didyouknowthatyouwantedtoplayfootballwhenyouwereyoung?”
She’dthrownmeaneasypass,andIappreciatedit.
“FromthefirstmomentIheldafootballinmyhands,somethingchangedinme.”
“Howso?”
“Idon’tknow.Iwasmaybefiveorsixyearsoldwhenmygrandfathergavemeafootball.Ijustremembercomingalive.Wakingupeverydayandwantingtoplay.”
Irememberedthatdaywithmygrandfatherlikeitwasyesterday.
“Likeitwasapartofyou?”
“Sure.I’dsaythat’safairstatement.Itwasallfunandgamesbackthen.Iplayedflagfootballforyears,andthenthingsstartedchanginginhighschool.ItwasnolongerjustahobbyorsomethingIlookedforwardtodoing.ItwaswhatIwantedtopursue.”
Shenodded.
“So,Lincoln,tellusaboutthenextlevelofplay.Aboutgettingrecruitedtocollege.”
Ihelduptwofingerstoremindherthatthiscountedasquestionnumbertwo.
Sheglaredinresponse,andIforcedbackasmile.Ilikedirritatingher.
“IgotoneoffertoplayatasmallcollegeinIowa,whereI’dgrownup.MyhighschoolcoachknewJackHardin,whocoachedatIowaStateCollege,andhetookachanceonme.He’salsothemanwhohelpedmetransfertoAlabamafromthere.Istillwasn’ttheirbestguy,soIdidn’tgetatonofplayingtimewhenIfirstarrived.ButIwastrainingwithtop-notchcoachesandathletes.Learning.Takingitallin.Workingmyassoffeverydaytotrytogetbetter.”
Shepausedandstudiedmeforalongminute,asifshewascontemplatinghernextquestion.IalreadyknewIwasn’tgoingtolikeitbythelookonherface.
“We’veallseenyourmotheroutthereateverygame.Canyoutellusaboutyourfatherandifheplayedaroleinyourfootballjourney?”
Icouldfeelmyfacehardening.Myhandsfisted,andImadeaconsciousefforttorelaxbeforeIspoke.“Nextquestion.”
Wesatinsilenceforaminute.“Tellmeaboutthedraft.”
“Notalottotell.IwashappytogetdraftedbySanFrancisco.Iwastheirsecond-stringQBwhenIfirstcameon,andPeteMcGuireendedupinjured,whichputmeoutonthefieldbeforeanyonethoughtIwasreallyready.”
“Andyouprovedeveryonewrong,didn’tyou?”
“Notsureaboutthat,butI’dsaytheseasonwentwellthatyear.Wedidn’tmakeittotheSuperBowl,butwefinishedsecondinourdivision.”
“That’swhereyoustartedplayingwithBrettJacobsandLennyWaters,right?”
“Yep.They’remybrothers,andImissplayingwiththem.”Iknewexactlywhereshewasgoingtotakethis.
“Thatleadsustothequestioneveryonewantstoknow.TherearerumorsthatyouwilljointhemoutinNewYork.Iknowyouhaven’tmadeyourdecision,butisthattheteamyouareconsidering?”
“Thatwasthree,sweetheart.That’senoughfortoday.”
Shegroanedandturnedoffherphone.“Thisisn’tusuallyhowthisworks.”
“Tellmehowitworks.”Ipushedtomyfeetandheldoutahandandpulledherup.
TherewasachargewhenwetouchedthatIcouldn’texplain.
Iquicklydroppedherhand.
“Well,assoonastheconversationstartstoflow,you’recallingitdone.That’susuallywhenthingsstartgettinggood.”
“Iguessyou’llhavetobecreative,then.”
“You’reenjoyingmakingthisdifficult,aren’tyou?”
“Listen,I’mgivingyoumystory.MorethanI’veevergivenanyoneelse.Youcanshopitaround.Usethistoleverageyourdreamjob.Butwegoatmypace.We’vegottime.”
“Fine.”Shefollowedmebackouttothekitchen,andIguzzledanotherGatorade,offeringherone,butshehelduptheoneI’dgivenherearliertoshowmeshewasstillworkingonit.
“So,werethosequestionsokay?YouseemedirritatedwhenIaskedaboutyourfather.”
Shedidn’tknowwhentostop,butshe’dlearnquicklythatIwouldn’tsuddenlychangemymind.Shewasgood,butnoonewasthatgood.Therewerethingsthatwereoff-limits,andshe’dhavetorespectthat.
“ItoldyouthatifIdidn’twanttotalkaboutsomething,Iwouldtellyoutomoveon.”
Shenarrowedhergaze.“So,istalkingaboutyourfatheroff-limits?”
“IfIsaynext,youcanassumeit’soff-limits.”
“You’resocondescendingsometimes.”
“Youasked.Ianswered.Dealwithit.”Iwasinafoulmoodfromthementionofmyfather,butIwasn’tabouttosaythat.
Everyonewasalwayscurious.AsifeverythingI’daccomplishedcouldn’thavehappenedwithoutastrongmanleadingmethere.
Well,Iwaslivingproofthatastrong-asswomancouldleadyouwhereveryouwantedtogo.
Mymotherhaddonethat.
She’dbelievedinmesincethefirstdayI’dtoldherthatIwasgoingtobeafootballplayerwhenIgrewup.Shesupportedmeandshowedupforme.
Thatwaswhatpeopleshouldbeaskingabout.
“Howdoesthiswork?Wemeetonceaday?YoutorturemeinaworkoutandthenIgettoaskthreequestions?”
“Correct.”
“Okay.Whattimetomorrow?”sheasked,reachinguptotightentheelasticonherponytail.Herfacewasfreeofmakeup,andherskinshimmeredinthesunlightpouringthroughthekitchenwindows.Hershirtrosetheslightestbit,asliverofhertonedstomachpeekedout,andmydickhardenedagain.Iwasgoingtohavetofiguresomethingoutaboutthatsituationbecausemybodyhadaphysicalreactiontothiswoman,whichwasnotcommonforme.
ButBrinkleyReynolds’presencehadmealittleoffmygame.
“Tomorrow,we’regoingtorunandswim.So,meetmehere,andbringyourswimsuit.We’lldoarunandthenswimamile,andthenyoucanaskmethreemorequestions.”
“You’rejustplanningtoexhaustmesoIcan’taskmuch,aren’tyou?”
“Nah.You’llbefine.”
“Damnright.”
“Goodtoknow.Let’sgo.I’llgiveyouaridehome.Plantobehereat7:00a.m.tomorrow.Getyourquestionsready.Youdidn’tfindanythingouttodaythatyoudidn’talreadyknow.”Ismirked.
“Wedidn’tknowyourgrandfatherboughtyouyourfirstfootball,”shesaidassheglaredatme.“I’mpacingmyself,Captain.You’velimitedmynormalformofquestioning,soforgivemeifittakesmeaminutetogetonboardwithyourweirdfreakinginterviewprocess.”
IchuckledasIgrabbedmykeys,andwewalkedoutsidebeforesheslippedintothepassengerseat.Shewasquietinthecar,andIfiguredshewastired.WhenIpulledupinfrontofherhouse,Iputthecarinpark.“Getsomerest,sweetheart.Tomorrow’sgoingtobeabigday.”
“I’llprobablygodoanotherworkouttoday.Thatwasnothingforme.”SheshruggedasIsteppedoutofthecarandcamearoundtoherside,butshewasalreadygettingout.“Youdon’tneedtoopenmydoor.I’mquitecapable.”
Ishrugged.“It’sahabit.Mymotherisasticklerforthatshit.”
“LikeIsaid…you’resomesortofrudegentleman.”
“IguessIam.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”
“Youwill.”Sheheldherhandup,andthistime,shedidn’tflipmeoff.Shewaved.AndIstoodtherelikesomesortofcreeper,watchinghermoveupthewalkwaytoherdoor.
Iquicklypulledmyeyesfromstaringatherassandgotbackinmycar.
Idrovebackhomeandheadedstraightfortheshower.
Myheadfellagainstthemarblewall,andIgrippedmydick.
Ineededsomerelief.
IclosedmyeyesasIslidmyhandupanddownmyengorgedshaft.Hotwaterpeltedmyback,andthoughtsofBrinkleyReynoldswrithingbeneathmefloodedmythoughts.
Mylipsglidingdownhersilkyskin.
Overthecolumnofhernarrowneck.
Lickingandsucking.
MyhandscoveringthoseperfecttitsbeforeIliftherup,herlegswrappingaroundmywaist.
Iimagineddrivingintoheroverandoverandherheadfallingbackassherodemycock.
AndIwentrightovertheedge.
Wemaynotbeabletostandoneanotherforlong,buttherewasnodoubtwe’dfucklikerockstars.
So,I’dallowmyselfthisfantasyinmyhead.
AslongasIdidn’tactonitinreallife.
***
“Didyougivehermyphonenumber?”IhissedatBrinkleyafterwe’dgottenbacktomykitchenafterourrun.
We’dworkedouttogethereverydayforthelastweek.
We’drun.We’dswum.We’deatenafewmealsbackatmyhousetogetherbecausewe’dbeenstarvingafterourworkouts.
Ididn’tmindhangingoutwithher,evenifshefoundreasonstoarguewithmeoverthesmallestthings.
I’drejectedatonofherquestionsthisweek,andshewasstillangryaboutit.
Shewasfuckingfunnyandwitty,andIwasstillpissedathowfuckinggoodshelookedinabikini.
“Ididn’tgiveBrandyyourphonenumber,youbigbaby.YouorderdinnerfromReynolds’allthetime,andyougiveyourphonenumberwhenyoucallin.”Shelaughed.
“Oh,I’mabigbaby?She’stextedmefivehundredfuckingtimesaboutthissurprise.IsaidI’dshowup.Nowshe’sgotmeonatimeschedule,andshewantsmetostayforawhileafter.IthoughtIwastossingaball,watchingthedudekickoneortwofieldgoals,andgettingthefuckoutofthere.”
Shesmiledandshookherhead.“Heidolizesyou.You’llbemakinghisbirthdayreallyspecial.”
Myphonedinged,andIhandedittoher.“ThisiswhatI’mdealingwith.”
Shetookitfrommeandlookeddowntoreadthetexts.“Um,wow.Shehastextedyoualot.Shewantsyoutomakeaposterforhim?”
Igroaned.“HowthefuckdidIgetmyselfintothis?Idon’tevengotobirthdaypartiesformyclosefriendsthatoften.NowI’mpracticallyhostingthisfuckingbirthdayparty.”
“Okay,you’rebeingalittledramatic.It’snotthatbigofadeal.I’llhelpyou.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.I’llmaketheposterifyougivemefourquestionstoday.”
Istudiedthelittlediva.“You’refuckingkiddingme,right?”
“Nope.That’sthedeal.Orwecanjustdotheusualthree,andyou’reonyourown.”
“Fine.Fourquestions.Youmaketheposter,andyouhavetogowithmetonight.Idon’twanttobeathirdwheelinsomehighschoollovefest.”
“HowdoyouknowIdon’thaveplanstonight?”
“Doyou?Ifso,Iguessifyouwanttheextraquestion,you’llcancelyourplans.”Iwantedtoknowifshehadplans.Iassumedshedidn’thaveaboyfriendbecauseshe’dnevermentionedone.ButIsuddenlyneededtoknow.“Unlessyourboyfriendwillhaveaproblemwiththat.”
Sheraisedabrowandchuckled.“Verysly.It’sagoodthingyou’reafootballplayerandnotareporter.Thatwasnotsmooth.Ifyouwanttoaskmesomething,youcanjustask.Unlikeyou,Idon’thaveatonofrules.”
“Well,you’reprettygoodatavoidingthequestionbecauseIbelieveIalreadyaskedit,andyoustillhaven’tanswered.Doyouhaveplanstonight,andwillyourboyfriendmindifyoucancelthem?”Icrossedmyarmsovermychest,anxiousforhertoanswerthedamnquestion.
“Idon’thaveaboyfriend,andIdon’thaveplans.”
Reliefflooded,whichmadenosenseatall.Iwasn’ttryingtodatethewomaninterviewingme,evenifIwasgettingofftothoughtsofherintheshowereveryday.ThatwasbecauseIwasahornydude,nothingmore.Wewerespendingalotoftimetogether,andshewasattractive.
Endofstory.
“Whythehelldidyoumakethissodifficult,then?”
“BecauseIcould.”Sheshrugged.“Youcertainlyhaven’tmademylifeeasy.”
“Why?Becauseyou’vevomitedtwiceinthelastweekfromatoughworkout?”
“Ididnotvomit.Iburped.”Sheclearedherthroatandtippedupherchin.“Butyouhaven’tmademyquestioningveryeasy.So,I’mgoingtonegotiatewithyou.AndIwon’tgoeasyonyoueither.”
“Let’shearit.”
“Igetfivequestions.”SheheldupherhandwhenIstartedtointerrupt.“Oneofthosequestionsisofftherecord.Igettoaskyousomethingthatyouhavepassedonthisweek.Iwon’twriteaboutit,butIwanttoknow.”
“Why?”Igrouched.
“BecauseI’mspendingweekswithyou,andI’mcurious.Youcanaskmeanything.It’sallofftherecord.”
“No.”
“No?”shesaid.“Fine.You’reonyourowntonight,then.”Sheflashedawickedsmile.
“Youreallyareapainintheass,sweetheart.”
“Noargumentthere.”
“There’salwaysanargumentwithyou.”
“So,what’sitgoingtobe?Justtheusualthreequestions?”Shesmirked
“Fine.Five.Oneisofftherecord.”Iglaredather.
“Deal.”
“WhydoIfeellikeI’mmakingadealwiththedevil?”
Shechuckled,andIcouldn’thelpbutlaugh.
BecauseIknewshewasgoingtoaskmesomethingIdidn’twanttoanswer.
Butforwhateverfucked-upreason,IwaswillingtoplayalongbecauseIwantedhertocomewithmetonight.
Andthatmadenosense.nineBrinkley
Hefinisheduphisworkout,andIfoughttheurgetostareathimashewalkedmyway.He’dtakenoffhisshirttoday,andconsideringwe’dswamtogethermultipletimes,I’dseenhischestbefore.I’dstared.I’ddrooled.I’dforcedmyselftolookaway.Buttoday,Iwasproppedupononeofthebenches,andIdidn’twanttolookaway.
Let’schalkituptoresearch.
Hisarmswerepuremuscle,hischestchiseledandcut.Butitwashisabsthathadmyattention.Themanhadatleastaneight-pack.I’dbeendyingtocountthemtheotherday,butIdidn’tallowmyselfthatpleasure.Today,Iwasgoingtoahighschoolsurprisebirthdaypartywithhim.Theleasthecoulddowasletmeperusehisperfectbody.
Hehadatoweloverhisface,wipingawaythesweat,andmygazelingeredonhistannedtorso,movingdowntoabitofdarkhairthatledtohishappytrail.IlickedmylipsasIwonderedwhatlaybeneaththosegymshorts.He’dmadeseveralreferencestothesizeofhishandsandhisfeet,andifthemythwastrue,hewasmostdefinitelypackingthegoods.
Iwasinthemomentjustasabulgestrainedagainsthisshorts.Hell,thethinggrewrightbeforemyeyes.Iquicklysnappedmygazeuptofindhimwatchingme.
“Likewhatyousee,sweetheart?”Hisvoicewasalltease,butitwasgrufferthanusual.
“I—no.Iwasjust—”Itrippedovermywords.Ipausedtoclearmythroatandpullmyselftogether.Wasithotinhere?“IwasthinkingaboutthequestionsIwasgoingtoask.”
“Isee,”hesaid,runningahandoverthescruffonhisface.“Well,let’sgettoit.”
Itriedtoshakeoffthefactthathisgiantschlonghadjustreactedtomyattention.Ifollowedhimouttothekitchen,andhepulledoutafruitplatterandtwobottlesofwater.Hehadhiredawomantocomehereandstockhisfridgeandcleanforhimthislastweek,andIwasdefinitelyreapingthebenefitsofallthefoodinhishouse.
Wesatatthekitchentable,andIpulledoutmyiPadthatI’dbroughtwithmetheselastfewdayssoIcouldrecordandtakenotesatthesametime.Ithelpedmefromstaringattheguythewholetime,atleast.
“So,I’mgoingtoaskyoutheonethat’sofftherecordfirst,justsoyoudon’ttrytoweaseloutofitbytheend.”
“Fine.Ifitendsupoutsideofthisroom,I’llcanceltheinterviewindefinitely.”
“I’maprofessional.Youdon’tneedtothreatenme.HaveItoldanyoneanythingthusfar?”
“Idon’tknow.IguessI’llhavetoseewhatBrandyknowstonight,”hesaid,buthissmilewasplayful.
Themanwasimpossibletoread.
“Okay.Iwasweighingmychoices,butI’mgoingtogowiththisonebecauseit’salwaysbotheredme.”
“Ican’twaittohearit,”hegrumped.
“Whydidyouhavesuchanover-the-topreactionwhenIwalkedintothebathroomthatday?”Icouldstillrememberitsovividly.Thewayhe’dlookedatmelikeI’ddonesomethingterribletohim.Hewassoangry,andIdidn’tunderstandwhyitwassuchabigdeal.Ididn’tcatchtheguywithhispantsdown.Andhe’dmadeitclearthatitwouldn’tmatterifIdid.
Hepushedtohisfeetandwalkedtothecountertotearofftwopapertowelsforus.Wealreadyhadnapkins,whichsatbesideourplatesthatwereloadedupwithfruit,buthewasclearlythinkingoverhisanswer.Hedroppedapapertoweldowninfrontofmeandthensatbackdown.Hisgreengazelockedwithmine,andhejustsatthereforthelongestmomentbeforehefinallyspoke.
“Ayearago,mymotherstartedchemo.She’dbeendiagnosedwithstage-threebreastcancer.Andthedayyouwalkedintothebathroomwasthedaywegottheresultsthatithadn’tspread,andthechemohadworked.Ijustneededafuckingminutetoprocessit.I’dthoughtofeveryawfulthingthatshemightsaywhenshecalled,andwhenitwasgoodnews,Iwasrelievedandemotional,andIdon’tknow…IguessIoverreacted.”
Myheartsank.I’dthoughtofamillionreasonswhyhe’dfreakedoutthatday,andnonehadeverbeenanythingclosetothis.
Alumpformedinmythroat,andItriedtofindmywords,butittookmelongerthanitnormallydid.
Iwasn’tthatgirl.Ididn’tgetweepyduringcommercialsandfallapartoverrelationships.
Iwasusuallyprettyrocksolid.Strong.Determined.
Butsomethingaboutwhathe’dsharedhadmeoffkilter.
“I’msorry,”Iwhispered,shakingmyheadafewtimesinhopesofpushingawaythebuildingtearsthatthreatened.“Mydadhadcancerafewyearsago.He’sokaynow,butitwasreallyscary.It’sthereasonImovedbacktoSanFranciscoafterIgraduated.So,Iunderstandallthosefeelings.AndIshouldhaverespectedyourprivacy.”
“Well,don’tbenicenow.That’snothowthisworks,”hehissed,andthenwebothlaughedathowridiculoushewasbeing.
“Howdoesthiswork,Captain?”Iasked.
“Turntherecorderbackonandaskyournextquestion.”
Inoddedandpulledmyselftogether.IenjoyedthispartofourdaytogetherbecauseIgottoaskwhatIwantedtoask.Butworkingoutwithhimshowedmeadifferentsideofhim.ThemanwascommittedmorethananyonethatI’devermetorshadowedorwrittenabout.
Hewokeupeverysingledayandputinthework.
Heatewell.Hedidn’tdrinkawholelot,andhehadsharedthatduringtheseason,hedidn’tdrinkatall.Hewastheepitomeofasuperiorathlete.
“Tellmehowyoubuildchemistrywithyourteammates,”Iasked.I’dalwayswonderedwhysomepeoplejustworkedtogetherandothersdidn’t.I’dseensomeofthebestQBsplaywithtop-notchreceivers,andtheycouldn’tputaplaytogether.I’dneverunderstoodit
“It’skindoflikelife,youknow?”heasked,tiltinghisheadtothesideashethoughtaboutit.Hisdarkblondhairwascutperfectlyonthesidesandalittlelongerontop.Hiseyeswereuniqueincolor,andI’dcaughtmyselfstaringafewtimeswhenhewasn’tpayingattention.Agoldrimsurroundedhissagegreengaze,andpopsofcaramelshowedinthesunlight.“Sometimesyouclickwithpeople,andsometimesyoudon’t.There’snorhymeorreasonmostofthetime.I’vebeenluckythatI’veclickedwithalotofamazingplayerswhoshowupeverydayandworkhard.So,weworkatit,right?Wekeeptryinguntilwegetthere.Noteveryonewantstoputinthework.Noteveryoneneedsto,Iguess.”
Inodded.“Igetthat.Haveyoualwaysputinthework?”
Itwasawastedquestion,butIwantedtohearwhathe’dsay.Hadthismanalwaysbeenthisdriven?Thisdeterminedtobethebest?
“Always.”Heclearedhisthroat,andmygazezonedinatthewayhisAdam’sapplebobbedthere.“Thingsnevercameeasytome,butIwasalwayswillingtogiveiteverythingIhadtogetbetter.Thatshitpaysoffwhenyoukeepatit.”
“Therearealotofkidsouttherethatprobablylikehearingthat.So,youweren’tasuperstarasakid?”
“Ididn’tsaythat.”Hesmirked.“ButIworkedatbeingasuperstar.Howaboutthat?”
Inodded,feelingmycheeksheatagainatthewayhewatchedme.
“We’vebeensofocusedonyourprofessionallife,Ithoughtwecouldtakeaminutetotalkaboutyourpersonallife.Areyoudatinganyone?Inquiringmindswanttoknow.”IbitdownonmybottomlipasIwaitedforhimtoanswer.I’dbeendyingtoask.Thepressmadehimouttobeabitofaplayboy.Iwonderediftherumorsweretrue.
“Yeah?Anyonespecificwanttoknow?”
Ipausedtherecording.“Noonespecific.Justanswerthedamnquestion.”
HechuckledwhenIhitrecordonmyphoneagain,andIshothimawarninglook.“Idatecasually.Thatsuitsmeatthemoment.Itravelalot,andIdon’thavetimeforcomplications.”
Buzzkill.
Onemorequestion.
“Okay.Lastquestionfortoday.Ifyouweren’tafootballplayer,whatwouldyoubedoing?”
Hiseyeswidened,andhetossedhishandsupinashrug,lettingmeknowhedidn’tlikethequestion.“Idon’tknow.ThisisallI’veeverwantedtodo,andI’mdoingit.So,Ican’timaginemylifeoffthefieldjustyet.”
“Youdon’thaveanyhobbies?”
Hereachedformyphoneandturneditoff.“Youalreadygotyourlastquestion.Anditwasalameone.NoonegivesashitwhatI’ddooffthefield.Don’twasteyourquestionsondumbshit.”
Thefreakingnerveofthisguy.
“Oh,you’retellingmehowtodomyjobnow?”
“IfIthinkIcandoitbetter,Iwill,”hesaid,pushingtohisfeetandwalkingtotherefrigeratortograbawater.
“I’vehadenoughofyoutoday.”IreachedformykeysanddroppedmyiPadintomytotebag.“I’mgoinghome.”
Heleanedagainsttherefrigeratorandstudiedme.“You’renotgettingoutofgoingtonight.”
“I’mquiteaware.Imadeadeal,andI’llfollowthrough.Butyou’reannoyingmeatthemoment,soI’mgoingtotakeatime-out.”
“Whatthefuckisatime-out?Areyoualwayssuchachild?”Hestalkedtowardme,takinglongstrides.
Iturnedaroundandwalkedtowardthedoor.Ididn’tappreciatehismoodinessmostofthetime.
“Atime-outmeansI’mtappingout,genius.I’mfairlycertainyouknowwhatitmeans,seeingasyouwereprobablyputintime-outoftenasakidwiththatattitudeofyours,”IhissedasIreachedforthedoorhandle.
Hislongfingerswrappedaroundmywrist,andheturnedmearound.“Whyareyousopissed?”
“Youcalledmedumb,”Isnapped.“Idon’tappreciateit.I’mdoingyourstupidworkoutsandgoingalongwithyourridiculousgameofthreequestionsaday.Idon’tneedtobeinsultedbyanarrogant,pig-headed,stubborn,moody,jockboy.”
Hiseyeswidened,andhemovedcloserasmybackrestedagainstthefrontdoor.HisfacewassoclosetomineIcouldsmellthepineandsandalwoodmixedwithhismustysweatthatsomeonecouldbottleandsellforaridiculousamountofmoney.Mychestwasrisingandfallingfastnow.
Theman’sstankwasanaphrodisiac.
“Jockboy?”
“Youheardme,”Isaid,butmyvoicewasallbreathyanddesperate.Whatthehellwaswrongwithme?Hisnearnesshadsomesortofsickeffectonme.
“Ididn’tcallyoudumb.Isaidyourquestionwasawaste.TellmewhyyouaskedifIwasdating,”heasked,hisvoicegruff.Isqueezedmythighstogetherinresponse.
“BecauseI’mareporter,”Isaid,glaringathimwhenallIwantedtodowaswrapmyarmsaroundhisneckandpullhismouthtomine.Justonetaste.“It’smyjob,ordidyouforget?”
“Ididn’tforgetanything,sweetheart.”
“Areyoudoneharassingmenow?”Iwhispered.Normally,amancallingmesweetheartwouldgrateonmynerves,butcomingfromhim,itwassexy.Ugh.“Ineedtoleavebeforeyoudragmetocrashahighschooldatetonightbecauseyou’retoomuchofachickenshittogobyyourself.”
Ineededoutofthishouse.Hishandswerepressedagainstthedooroneachsideofmyface,cagingmeinnow.AndIlikedit.
Thathadallsortsofwarningbellsgoingoff.
IwasnotgoingtofallfortheguyIwasworkingwith.
Themanwho’djustadmittedhedidn’tdate.
Whatdidthatevenmean?
Hejustgracedendlesswomenwithhisgiantpackage.Rockedtheirworldandgavethemalltheorgasmsbeforekickingtheirasstothecurb.
Itdidn’tsoundhorribleatthemoment.
Withhismuscledchestrightinfrontofme.
Hesmiled.“I’llpickyouupinanhour.Beready.”
“Canyoubackyourbigolebodyupandgiveagirlsomeroom?”
Henodded,hisheatedgazelockingwithminebeforehesteppedbackandreachedbehindmetopullopenthedoorknob.Hisarmgrazedthesmallofmyback,andgoosebumpsrandownmyarms.
“Seeyoulater,Captain,”Isaid,tryingtokeepmyvoiceevenwhenIwasmoreturnedonthanI’deverbeeninmylife.
Fromwhat?Fightingwiththisjackass?Thatwasmyweakness?
Hedidn’trespond,andIturnedaroundwhenIslippedintomycar.Hewasstillwatchingme.
Withanevilsmileonhisface.
Heknewhewasgettingundermyskin,andheenjoyedit.
Thebastard.tenLincoln
MyphonebuzzedthroughmyBluetooth,andSiriletmeknowthatitwasBrettJacobs.BrinkleyandIweredrivingtothefootballfield,andshewasdefinitelygivingmethecoldshoulder.Whoknewwhatshewaspissedaboutnow.So,maybeI’dtrappedheratmyfrontdoor,forreasonsthatmadenosensetome.
Thewomanwasconsumingme,andIwasn’tokaywithit.
Ididn’tgetconsumedbywomen.
Igotconsumedbyfootball.
Thatwasit.
Hell,Ihadn’tevenkissedheryet,andshewasinvadingmyeverythought.Icouldn’ttakeafuckingshowerwithoutseeingherface.
Thoseeyes.
Thatmouth.
Hermouthwasnormallyclosedinmyfantasies,unlessitwaswrappedaroundmycock.
Becauseusuallywhenshespoke,shewasirritatedwithme.
ButthispullIfelttowardherwasunexplainable.
Ineededtoputsomedistancethere,buthereIwas,takinghertocrashahighschooldatewithme.
I’dnevermessedaroundwithdrugsofanysort,butIhadahunchthatBrinkleyReynoldswasmyownpersonalkindofaddiction.
Andthatdidnotsitwellwithme.
“Ineedtotakethis.Anythingyouhearisofftherecord,”IsaidasIglancedather.
“Ofcourse,itis.Everythingisofftherecordwithyou,Captain.”SherolledhereyesasIansweredthecall.
“Hey,dude.I’vegotthatreporterItoldyouaboutinthecar,sowatchwhatyousay.”
Brinkleyglaredatme,andIchuckled.
“Oh,thehotonethatyougotfired?”
Thefucker.
“Ididn’tsayshewashot,youdickhead.”
“Hey,Brinkley.Hedidtellmethatyouwerehot.Long,darkhair,darkeyes,andyoucanholdyourownwhenyourunwithhim.That’shighpraisecomingfrombig,badLincolnHendrix.”Hechuckled,andIshookmyhead.
“Hi,Brett.WeactuallymettwoyearsagobeforeyouleftSanFrancisco.Youwereveryniceandoneoftheonlyguyswillingtobeinterviewed,unlikeclosed-offHendrixoverhere,”shepurred.
Wasshefuckingflirtingwithhim?
“Closed-offHendrix!”Hebarkedoutalaugh.“Youdefinitelyknowhowtohandlehisstubbornass.AndI’malwayshappytoobligeabeautifulwoman.”
“Doesthisshitreallyworkforyou?”Igrumped.“What’sup?We’reabouttopulluptothefootballfield,andI’vegottogetoutofthecarbecauseI’vesomehowbeenwrangledintosurprisingsomekidforhisbirthday.”
“Brinkley,don’tlethisassholepersonalityfoolyou.He’sgotthebiggestheartintheNFL.”
“Well,he’sreallygoodathidingit,”shesaid,lookingoveratmewhenIputthecarinpark.
“It’sallanact.Imean,trustme,he’satotalassholetostrangers.Andhe’skindofanassholetohisfriends.”
“Isthereapointtothisfucked-upstory?”Iasked.
“I’mjustgivingyouahardtime.Coachsaidyou’reflyingoutherenextweek.Ithinkit’stimetopullthetrigger.”
“Didyounothearmetellyouthattherewasareporterinthecar?”
“Please.It’sdinnertimethere.Wellpastworkinghours.Ifyoudidn’tlikeher,shewouldn’tbeinthecarwithyourightnow.”
“I’mhangingup.I’llbetherenextweek.It’sjustadiscussion.Drewwillbethere,too.”
“Hey,whydon’tyoubringthebeautifulBrinkley?Ifshe’sshadowingyou,sheshouldbecomingwithyoutocheckouttheprogram.”
“Callyoulater,dickhead.”
Iendedthecallandturnedtofaceher.Herlipswereturnedupinthecornerstheslightestbitlikeshe’djustwonsomething.
“Whatareyousmilingabout?”
“So,youthinkI’mhot,huh?”Shelaughed.Shewaswearingacute-as-hellwhitesundressthatfelloffhershoulderswithapairofcowboyboots.
“You’llhavetoasktomorrowduringyourallottedquestiontime,”Isaid,pushingoutofthecar.
“Idon’tneedtoasksomethingthatIalreadyknowtheanswerto!”sheshoutedasImademywayaroundthecarandopenedherdoor.
“Sowhat?Heaskedifyouweregood-looking.WhatwasIgoingtosay?”
“Well,weknowwhatyousaid,don’twe?”
Iturnedsofastshedidn’thavetimetomove.Onceagain,Ihadherbackedupagainstthecarwithbothhandsoneachsideofherprettyface.
“Areyoutellingmeyoudon’tthinkI’mgood-looking?Icaughtyoustaringearlier,didn’tI?”
Sheflashedmeawickedsmile.“You’reallright.Definitelynotmytype.”
“Oh,really.Andwhat’syourtype?Sexistpigswhoplayhockey?”
“YouhavearealobsessionwithBreenLockhart,don’tyou?Youalmostsoundjealous.”
Isteppedbackanddroppedmyarms.“Notthejealoustype,sweetheart.Let’sgo.”
Shereachedintothebackseatforthepostershemadeandhandedittome.Wefellintostridebesideoneanother,andwewalkedtowardthefootballfield.
“So,NewYorkiswhereyou’rethinking,huh?”
“It’shighonthelist,”Isaid,nottellingherthewholetruth.ItwastheonlyoneonthelistbesidestheteamI’dbeenplayingfor.IwasfairlycertainIwasreadytomakethedecision,anditwouldprobablyhappenverysoon.“HowaboutyougowithmetoNewYorknextweek?NothingwillgotoprintuntilafterImakemydecision.Butyou’llgettomeetafewoftheguysandseethatI’mnotacompleteassholewhenI’maroundthepeopleI’mcloseto.I’llfindouthowmuchIcantrustyouatthatpoint.”
“HaveIgivenyouanyreasonnottotrustme?You’resoskepticalofpeople,”shesnarledbesideme.
Icametoastop.Shewasright.She’dgonealongwitheverythingI’daskedofhersofar,andI’dbeenanassholemostofthetime.“Asidefromarguingwithmedaily,you’vedoneeverythingI’veasked.”
“Isthatanapology?”sheasked,tuckingherdarkhairbehindherear.
Shewassofuckingpretty.
“Doyouwantanapology?”
“Ido,actually,”shesaid,puttingherhandsonherhips.
“Good.Askforittomorrowasoneofyourquestions.”IstartedwalkingandchuckledwhenIheardhergruntfrombehindme.
“You’resuchastubbornass.”
“Beencalledworse,sweetheart.Usuallybyyou,ifI’mbeinghonest.”
“Iftheshoefits,”shehissedasshejoggedtocatchuptomeasIstrodetowardthefield.
“Oh,theshoefits,butithastobespeciallymadebecauseit’ssobig.”Iwinkedaswecametoastopatthechain-linkfence.
LionelwassittingonablanketwithBrandy,wholookedupandsquealedthatdeafeningsoundagain.
“Youcame!”sheshouted.
Thegirlhadtextedmefivethousandtimes.DidIhaveachoice?
“Let’sgo.”Brinkleyelbowedmeinthesideandreachedforthegatebeforepushingitopen.Shemarchedinfrontofme,hertannedlegsstridinginherbootstowardBrandyandLionel.Icouldn’ttakemyeyesoffherass.
Herhairmovedfromsidetosideacrossherback.
“Mr.Hendrix.Isthatyou?”Lionelsaid,pushingtohisfeetashehuggedBrinkleyquickly.
“Itoldyou,youcancallmeLincoln.”Iextendedahand,andheshookitwithabitmorestrengththanI’dexpected,andthenIhandedhimtheposterthatBrinkleymade.She’dgoneallout,andtherewasmostlikelyglitterallovermycarnow.“HappyBirthday,buddy.”
“Howisthishappening?”hesaid,lettingmyhandgoashebentoverhiskneeslikehe’ddonethefirsttimeI’dmethimashetriedtocatchhisbreath.
“IarrangedforJimiHendrixtomeetusouthere,”Brandysaid,andBrinkley’sheadfellbackinafitoflaughter.
“Baby,hisnameisLincolnHendrix.He’stheGOAToftheNFL.”Lionellookedatmeandshruggedlikehewastryingtoapologize.
Hell,Ididn’tmind.Ilikedfeelinglikeanormaldude.
“Yikes.TheGOAT.Isthatliketheboobyprize?”Brandyasked.
Brinkley’sgazelockedwithmine,andshesmiled.Thesunwasjustgettingreadytotuckbehindtheclouds,andthoselastbitsofsunshinemadehergoldenskinshimmer.
Lionelgroaned.“He’sthebestofthebest.TheGOATmeansthathe’sthegreatestofalltime.”
“Go,Jimmy,”Brandysaidassheclappedherhandstogether.
Nowitwasmyturntolaugh.“Howaboutyoushowmehowyoukicktheball?Iheardyou’renottoobadyourself.”
“Frommygirlfriend?”Lionelquipped,andhisfaceturnedbrightred.
“Fromyourstats.Ilookedyouup.You’vegotanimpressiverecord.Howaboutyoushowmewhatyoucando?”
Thenexthourwasspentwatchingthiskidkickthehelloutoftheball.Hemadeeverysinglefieldgoalheattempted.Thefieldlightshadcomeononceitgotdarkoutside,andhewentoutforafewpasses,andItossedhimtheball.
“Isuckasareceiver,”hesaid.
“Hey,I’dsuckasareceiver,too.Youfindyourplaceonthefield,andthenyouworkyourassofftobethebestatit.You’reakicker,Lionel.Andadamngoodone.”
“You’rekiddingmerightnow,”hesaidasItossedhimtheball,andwewalkedbacktowardBrinkleyandBrandy.
“Youreallywanttoplaycollegeball?It’snotaneasypath,brother.”
“Iwantitmorethananything.”
“Allright.I’mgoingtomakeafewcalls.Putyournumberinmyphone,”Isaid,handinghimmycellashegapedatme.“I’llseewhatIcandotohelp.”
IstartledwhenIsawhiseyeswaterinthelightfromaboveus.Iknewwhatitwasliketofeelasifyourdreamwasimpossibletoreach.I’dbeenthereonceortwicemyself.
“I,er,thankyou,Lincoln.Evenifnothingcomesoutofit,thankyoufortonight.Thisgoesdownasthebestnightofmylife.”
Iextendedmyarmtohimagain,buthelungedtowardmeandhuggedme.
IpattedhisbackbecauseIwasn’treallysurewhattodo,butthekiddidn’tmove,soIputmyotherarmaroundhimandlethimjustsitthereforaminute.
Brinkleywassmilingbiggerthansheeverhadbefore.Normally,itwasawickedsmile.Oranevilsmile.Orasarcasticsmile.
Butthisonewasagenuinesmile.
Notanounceofhateorirritationthere.
Hefinallypulledback,andheswipedathisface,keepinghisheaddown,andIknewinthatmomentthatI’ddowhateverIcouldtohelpthiskid.
Wesaidourgoodbyes,andBrandywasstillsquealingbehindusasBrinkleyandImadeourwaytothecar.Shehadn’tsaidanythingyet,andoncewewerebothinsideandbuckledup,sheturnedtome.
“Thatwasreallynice,Lincoln,”shewhispered.
“Ican’tpromiseanything,butIcangetsomeeyesonhim.He’sadecentplayer.Hehasn’tbeencoachedmuch,sothere’salotofpotentialthere.”
Shenodded.“Yeah.Allheneedsisachance,right?Thenit’sinhishands.”
“Yep.Areyouhungry?”Iasked.Hell,I’ddraggedherthere.TheleastIcoulddowasfeedher.
“Starving.”
“Whatdoyoufeellike?”
“Hmmm…”Shethoughtaboutit.“Whatifwejustgrabsomeburgersandshakes?Thatis,ifyoucanhandleonenightofgreasyfood?”
“Trustme.Icanhandleitjustfine.”
“Allright.HeadouttoMainStreet.We’llgrabthefood,andI’lltakeyoudowntomyfavoritespotonthecove.You’veprobablyneverbeenthere.It’sasecretlocals’place.”
“Allright.Thatsoundsgood.”
Andthatwasexactlywhatwedid.
Shetookoffherbootsandwalkedbarefootthroughthesand,leadingmetoaspotthathadtheperfectviewofthewaterandthesky.
“Thisisprettyamazing,”IsaidafterIpoppedafewfriesintomymouth
“Iloveitouthere.”
“Icanseewhy.It’ssoquiet.”Thecricketswerechirping,anditalmostsoundedmusicalinthebackground.
“Didyoulikegrowingupinasmalltown?Ordoyouprefercitylife?”sheaskedbeforetakingabiteofherburgerandwatchingme.
Ididn’tfeeltheneedtoremindherthatthiswasofftherecord.Iknewitwas,andIfeltcomfortablethatsheknewit,too.
“ThetownIgrewupinwasalittlelargerthanCottonwoodCove,butnotacitybyanystretch.Ilikeditbackthen,andbeingherehasremindedmethatIlikeitmorenowthanIthoughtIwould.”
“Andyoudon’thaveanysiblings,right?”
“Nope.Itwasjustmeandmymom.”
“Ialwayswonderedwhatitwouldbeliketobeanonlychild,”shesaidbeforelaughingandshakingherhead.“Don’tgetmewrong.Ilovemysiblingstodeath.ButwhenIwasyoung,Iusedtowonderwhatitwouldbeliketogetalltheattention.”
Nowitwasmyturntolaugh.“Somehow,Iimagineyougotplentyofattention,sweetheart.”
“Why?BecauseI’msohot?”Awidegrinspreadacrossherface,andmyfuckingchestsqueezed.
IneededtotreadcarefullybeforeIgotinovermyhead.
Ididn’tknowwhereIwasplayingnextyear.
Mylifewasupintheair.
Ididnotneedcomplications.
AndBrinkleyReynoldswasbecomingahugecomplication.
“You’rehot.It’snosecret.Don’treadintoit.”
Sheshrugged.“Ithinkthat’sthefirstcomplimentyou’veevergivenme.”
“Yeah?Well,wedon’twantyourheadtogettoobig.”Itriedtomakelightofit.
“Don’tworryaboutmegettingthewrongidea.You’renotmytypeeither.”Sheraisedabrow.“Ihaveahardandfastruleaboutnotdatingprofessionalathletes.”
Wewerebothposturingandclearly,wewerecompletelyfullofshit.
Iwantedher.
Shewantedme.
ButthatwouldbeaboutthedumbestthingIcoulddorightnow.
“It’sagoodthingthatit’snotanoption,then.Let’sfocusonworkandgetthisstorydone,”Isaid.
SomethingcrossedherfacethatIcouldn’tread,butshequicklystraightened.
“That’stheplan,Captain.”
Damn.
Inanotherworld,I’dcomeupwithawholedifferentplanforBrinkleyReynolds.elevenBrinkley
Don’tmindme.I’vejustboardedaprivateplanetoheadtoNewYorkonaworktrip.#sorrynotsorry
Georgia
Yes!Maddoxisthrilledthatyou’veliftedthehatebanonLincolnHendrix.
Cage
Seeingastheguytriedtogetyouyourjobbackandthenofferedyouthestoryofalifetime—Ithinkit’sfairtosaythebanislifted.
Hugh
Andhewasworriedaboutyougettinghome,andnowhe’stakingyouonatrip?Yeah…timetopulloutourHendrixjerseys,boys.
Finn
Areyougoingtogiveusanyinsidernewsaboutwherehe’splaying?
No.Hehasn’tactuallytoldmewherehe’sgoingtoplay,sohecouldstillscrewmeoverifhewantsto.ButheencouragedmetoreachouttoFootballLiveandSportsToday,whicharetwoofthebiggestmagazinesoutthere,andletthemknowI’dbebreakingthestory.I’mgettingallsortsofoffersnow.
Cage
Sorry.Mr.WigglesteinknockedupJaneyLowery’scorgi,Louise,andtheLowerysdidnotwanttobreed“porgis”.So,it’sarealshitshowoverhere.Theythinkitshouldhavebeenuptohertomakethatdecision.
UptoJaneyorthedog?
Georgia
Herbody.Herdecision.
Cage
Yep.We’vehearditallalready.ShefeelsLouise,thetwo-year-oldcorgiwhoeatsherownshit,shouldhavehadasaybeforeMr.Wigglesteinwentandhumpedherintheirbackyard.Thisismylife.
Hey,it’sabitch’sworld;we’rejustlivinginit.
Hugh
<laughingfaceemoji>
Georgia
Damnstraight.<fist-pumpemoji>
Cage
So,isNewYorkhistopchoice?Inquiringmindswanttoknow.
IfanyofyoumentionwhereI’mgoing,IwillshaveoffyoureyebrowsandcoveryourfaceinSharpiegraffitiwhileyou’resleeping.Thisistopsecret.Nothingwillruinareporter’scareerfasterthanchattysiblings.
Finn
Damn.Youareterrifyingwhenyou’remakingthreats,Brinks.
Hugh
Becauseyouknowshe’llfollowthrough.
Georgia
Damnstraight.I’vetoldMaddoxhecan’ttellasoulanythingyoutellus.HewantstobuyseasonticketsforallofuswhereverLincolnisgoingtoplay.
Don’tdoanythingyet.IwillletyouknowrightbeforeIbreakthestory
Cage
Howgenerousofyou.Whatareyougoingtodo,tellusawholetwominutesbeforeyoutellthewholeworld?Youdon’tthinkyoucanthrowusaboneandtellusmaybeaweekearly?
Hugh
Didyoureallygothere?You’reabraveman.First,you’refightingfortherightsofaknocked-upcorgi,andnowyou’relecturingBrinks?
Sleepwithoneeyeopen,Dr.Puplovin’.Andkeepyourmouthszipped.
Georgia
LOL!Mylipsaresealed.<kissemoji>
Cage
Takeitdownanotch.WhoamIgoingtotell?Idon’tlikeanyoneenoughtodiscussthiswiththem,andfrankly,I’mnotsureIlikeanyofyoutoday.AndGraciedoesn’tcareaboutfootball.Mr.Wigglesteindoesn’tgivetwofucksaboutwhereLincolnisgoingtoplay;hejustwantstobeballsdeepinLouise,andI’vebeenforcedtoseparatethemwhilethey’rebothherewiththeirowners,whoarehavingmeltdowns.
Finn
Whereareyou?
Cage
I’minmyoffice,takingabreather.It’safuckingJerrySpringershowoutthere.Andnow,mysisteristhreateningmewhenIjustaskedasimplequestion.
Thepilotcameouttospeaktous,andtheflightattendantsaidshe’dbebringinguspastriesandmimosasshortly.
Sorry.I’llhavetoplotyourdemiselater.We’retakingoff,andIwasjustofferedamimosa.NochattingaboutwhereI’mgoing.Loveyouguys.
Severalemojiscameflyingacrossmyscreen,butIturnedoffmyphoneandlookeduptoseeLincolnwatchingme.Hesatdirectlyacrossfromme,asthetworowsfacedoneanother.Weweretheonlytwopeopleonthisplane,asidefromthetwopilotsandtheflightattendant.
Lincolnhadbeenmoredistanttheselastfewdays,sinceourlongchatoutatthecove.We’dgottentoknowoneanotherthatnight,butthenhe’dbeenmorereservedthefollowingmorning.
Alltheflirtybanterhadhalted.
Itwasmyjobtofollowhislead.Iwantedthisstory.
No.Ineededthisstory.
So,hewasincontrolwhenitcametohowmuchhewantedtoshare.
We’dspentthelastfewdaysrunning,swimming,andinthegym.I’dneverseenanyoneworkoutashardashedid.AndIrespectedthehelloutofit.
Therewerealotofathletesouttherewhohadatonofnaturaltalent,buttheydidn’tputinthework.
Thenthereweretheathleteswhoworkedhardandwerecommitted.
AndthentherewasLincolnHendrix.
Themanwasnextlevel.
ItwasnowonderthathewastheGOAToftheNFL.
Hedeservedthetitle,andthatwasn’talwaysthecaseinprofessionalsports.
Thehardestworkerdidn’talwayswin,butthisman—he’dearnedit.Ihadn’tsaidthosewordstohimyetbecausehespentmostofourtimetogetheraggravatingme.ButI’dsoftenedalotsincewe’dstartedworkingtogether.Itdidn’treallymatterthathewashotandcoldandservingmeupaheartydoseofwhiplashdayafterday.Iwasgettingtoseetheday-to-daylifeofthebestplayerintheNFL,soIwasgrateful.
“Isyourfamilyokaywithyoutravelingwithme?”heasked.
“I’magrown-up.Ofcourse,theyare.Anddon’tworry,theywon’ttellasoulthatwe’regoingtoNewYork.I’vethreatenedthemwiththeirlives,”Isaid,justastheplanestartedmoving.
Hechuckled.“Youdon’tneedtothreatenanyoneonmybehalf.I’mnotworriedaboutpeopletalking.I’mjustnottalkinguntilIhavesomethingtoshare.ButwordwillgetoutthatI’minNewYorkbecauseit’sinevitable.AndeveryonealreadysuspectsI’mleaningthatway.”
“Andwouldtheyberight?”
“Yes.I’mnotreadytogoontherecordwiththat,butthestorythatyou’rewritingisn’tgoingtoprintuntilafterImakethefinaldecision,soyoucanincludethisconversationinyourarticleifyouwantto.”
“Whyareyoubeingsoniceallofasudden?”Iasked.MygazenarrowedasIstudiedhim.
Hebarkedoutalaugh.“AmInotusuallynicetoyou?Ithoughtwewerepastthat.”
“Well,you’vebeenalittleweirdsincewewereoutatthecovelastweek.”Myhandsgrippedthearmchairsoneachsideofmeaswelefttherunwayandthegroundbehindus.Mystomachdippedaswetookoff.
“Relax.Wehavethebestpilotsoutthere.”Hiseyeslockedwithmine.“HowhaveIbeenweird?We’vebeenworkingouteveryday,andI’veansweredyourthreequestionseachtimeyou’veaskedthem,haven’tI?”
Ourflightattendantapproached,handinguseachamimosa,butLincolnrequestedablackcoffeeinstead.Iorderedachaitealatteandthenstaredawkwardlyatmylovelychampagneflute,unsureifitwouldbeunprofessionaltodrinkit.Thiswaswork,afterall.Shesetdowntwobasketsofpastriesinfrontofusandlefttogogetourhotdrinks.
Hislipsturnedupinthecornersashewatchedme.“Drinkit.You’refine.Ijusthaveabunchofmeetingsandneedtobeonmygametoday.”
Hewasalwaysonhisgame,wasn’the?
Itookasipofthesweetcitrusandbubbly.“Okay,then.It’sdelicious.”
“Answerthequestion,”hedemanded
Ipausedwhenourhotdrinksweresetinfrontofus,andIthankedtheflightattendantbeforeshesteppedaway.
“Well,wewereverychattythatnight.Youknow,sharingthingslikenormalfriendsdo.Butthenthenextday,youwereallbusinessagain.”
“Wehaveaworkingrelationship.”Heuncuffedhissleevesandrolledthemup,exposinghismuscledforearms.I’dnevernoticedaman’sforearmsbefore,butLincoln’swere—spectacular.Unfortunately,hisvoicewasharsh,anditrubbedmewrong.
Itwaslikeawrestlingmatchwithhim.I’dgofrombeingtotallyturnedontocompletelyannoyedwithhim.
“Well,wealsospendalotoftimetogether,andwhenyousharethings,therecanbeafriendshipthere.Ordidn’tyouralienleadersteachyouthat?”Iraisedabrow.
“Youknow,IthinkyouforgetthatI’mtheclient.I’mdoingyouthefavor.”Hiseyeslandedonmymouth,andIquicklybrushedmyfingerstheretomakesuretherewasnopowderedsugarlingeringaftertakinganoversizedbiteofthepastry.
“Areyounotgoingtoeatthese?Theyaresogood,”Isaidoveramouthfulofcake.
“Don’ttalkwithyourmouthfull.”Hesmirked.
Ifinishedchewing.“Don’tbesowork-focusedallthetime.Wecouldbefriendswhoalsoworktogether.”
“Youwanttobefriends,sweetheart?”heaskedashecontinuedtostareatmymouth.
Ipulledoutmyphoneandturnedmycameraaroundtoseewhathewaslookingat,butitwasjustmylips.Idroppedmyphoneintheemptyseatbesidemeandraisedabrow.“Idon’tseewhynot.Weworkouttogether.Wespendhoursadaytogether.Weeveneatseveralmealstogether.Nowwe’retravelingtogether.So,friendshipisthenaturalthingtohappen,right?”
“That’sfine.”
“It’snotfine,”Ihuffed.“Ishouldn’thavetobegforit.Everyonewantstobemyfriend.I’magoodtime.”
Hechuckled.“Hasanyoneevertoldyouaboutthenumberoneruleinsales?”
“Whatarewetalkingaboutnow?”Iaskedbeforeleaningforwardanddigginginhisbasketfortheothersugareddonut.“Itakeityouaren’tgoingtoeatthisbecauseyourbodyisanationaltreasureorsomething?”
Hesmirked.“Goaheadandeatit.”
“So,whatisthisbigsalestipyou’regivingme?”
“Yousaidthatyouwantedtobefriends,andIagreedtoyourrequest.Stoparguing.Yougotwhatyouwanted.”
“Andthat’sthenumberoneruleinsales?”
“Yes.Stoptalkingwhenyougetwhatyouwant.Peopletalkthemselvesoutofdealsallthetime.”Heshrugged,reachingintothebasketandtakingoutablueberrymuffin.
“Well,don’tmakemesounddesperate.Icouldtakeorleavethisfriendship,”Isaid,myvoicealltease.
“Isthatright?”
“Yep.Butsinceyou’resowilling,I’llgowithit.”
Hepoppedpartofthemuffinintohismouthandbrushedhishandstogether.“So,let’stalkaboutwhatyou’llbedoingwhilewe’reinNewYork.”
“I’llbeshadowingyou,right?”
“Mostofthetime.You’llmeetmyagent,Drew.We’llbemeetingwithCoachBalboaandJeffRoblesalone,butyouwon’tsitinonthatmeeting.That’snotsomethingthatcanbesharedinthearticle.”Hiseyeswerehard,andhisshouldersweresquaredasifhewerepreparingforanargument.
WasIthatdifficult?
“Ah…themoneytalk.Igetit.It’llbepublicknowledgewhenitgoesthrough,butIunderstandyouwanttoprotectyourprivacyfornow.”Ishruggedandreachedformyteaandtookasip
“I’lltellyouwhathappensafter.Butit’llbeofftherecord.”
“Wow.Thankyoufortrustingme.”Iraisedabrow.
“Well,we’refriends,right?That’swhatfriendsdo.”
“Doyouneedalessononthat?Itseemskindofforeigntoyou.”Iusedmyhandtocovermymouthtokeepfromlaughing.
“Ihavefriends,butIkeepmycirclesmall.JusttheguysItrust.Idon’treallyhavefemalefriends,ifI’mbeinghonest.”
“That’sright.Youjustsleepwiththemandthenkick‘emtothecurb.”Imeantitasajoke,butitdidn’tcomeoutsoundinglikeone,nordidhelooklikehefounditevenremotelyhumorous.
Heleanedforward,nothidinghisirritation.
“Haveyouseenmewithalotofwomeninthetimethatyou’veknownme?”hehissed.
“No.ButIdon’tknowwhatyoudowhenwepartwaysatnight.”
“Hmmm…let’ssee,I’veeatendinnerwithyouthelastfournights.I’vethenmetyoubeforethesuncomesupthefollowingmorning.DoyouthinkI’mcallingrandomwomentomeetmeinCottonwoodCovewhenthesungoesdown?”
“Well,howwouldIknowwhatyoudo?It’snotlostonmethatyourjerseynumberissixty-nine.”
“Younoticedthat,huh?”Hebarkedoutalaugh.“Mymom’sbirthdayisJuneninth,sowhenthatnumberwasavailablewhenItransferredtoAlabamaincollege,shebeggedmetotakeit.Shethoughtitwasgoodluck,andIdidn’thavethehearttotellherthatitmeanssomethingdifferenttoanyonewithadirtyfuckingmind.”
“So,youtookonefortheteam,”Isaid,tryingnottolaugh.
“Sure.AndonceIstartedplayingmore,Iwasn’tgoingtojinxmyselfandchangeit.So,longstoryshort,I’mfuckingexhaustedwhenwefinishfortheday.Igotobed,justlikeyoudo.”
“Don’tbesocockyaboutit.”Icrossedmyarmsovermychest.“HowdoyouknowI’mnotoutdancingthenightawaywithmyendlessmalesuitors?”
Hislaughwasloud,anditbellowedaroundtheairplane.“Becauseyou’reyoung,sothefactthatyoujustcalledthemmalesuitorstellsmethatit’snothappening.”
“Well,that’sonlybecausemynewclientisrunningmeintotheground.I’mtootiredtodateatthemoment.Butit’snotbecauseoflackofinterest,”Iassuredhim.
“Youdon’thavetotellmethat,sweetheart.Ihavenodoubtyou’vegotplentyofguysafteryou.”Hesippedhiscoffeeashiseyesscannedmyface,likehewasmemorizingeverylineandeveryfeature.
Andthenheleanedbackandlookedoutthewindowlikehewasmadaboutsomething.
AsIsaid…themanwasgivingmeanendlesscaseofwhiplash.twelveLincoln
WhenwearrivedinNewYork,wemadeourwaytothehotel.WedroppedourbagsoffinourroomsandheadeddownstairstothebarareatomeetwithDrew.IallowedBrinkleytositinonthismeeting.
Itrustedher.
I’dalwaysbeenamanwhotrustedmygut,andIdidn’thaveanyconcernsabouther.
AsidefromthefactthatIcouldn’tstopstaringathermouth.Atherpillowy,pinklips.Thewaytheywereperfectlyheart-shaped.
Northewayherdarkeyesalwaysmetminehead-on.
Itriedtoputsomedistancebetweenusafterournightatthecove.I’dallowedthingstogettoopersonal.ThelastthingIneededwastofallforthewomanwritingastoryaboutme.Hell,ifthingswentwrong,shecouldcausemealotofgrief.
I’dbeendownthatroadbefore.
Rightnow,Ineededtofocusonmycareer.WhereIwasgoingtoplay.MakingsureIwasintopshapeandreadyfortheseasontostart.
AflingwithBrinkleyReynoldswouldbeadistractionIdidn’thavetimefor.Shewasn’tthetypeofwomanthatwouldgoalongwithsomethingcasual,andIwasn’tthetypeofmanwhocouldaffordtodoanythingmorethanthatatthemoment.
Afootballplayer’scareerwasn’tthesameasatraditionalcareer.Youdidn’tplayuntilyouweresixty-fiveyearsold,afterwhichyou’drideoffintothesunsetandretire.I’dplayhardfortheyearsthatmybodyandmindallowedmeto.
AndIwouldnotfuckthatup.
Stayingatthetopwasalotofwork.Therewereyounger,strongerpeoplecomingupeverysingleday.Ineededtostrikewhiletheironwashot.
Focus.
IglancedoveratBrinkleyaswerodedownintheelevator,andmyeyestraveledoverherblousebeforeIcouldstopthem.Hertitswerefuckingperfect.
I’dseenthemseveraltimesinsportsbras,tanktops,andinherbikinitop.
Hell,I’dmemorizedthemwhenI’dfuckedmyhandintheshowertothoughtsofthiswoman.
Iclearedmythroatandforcedmyselftolookawaywhenthedoorsopened.
“Drewisyouragent,andyouguysareclose,right?”shewhisperedasmyhandfoundthesmallofherback.
“Yes.He’soneofmybestfriends.It’shishouseI’mstayingatinCottonwoodCove.”
“Yes.Iknewthat.”Shenoddedasifsheweretakingmentalnotes.
“Thereheis.Lookingstrong,myman,”Drewsaid,pullingmeintoahugandslappingmeontheback.Hewasafewinchesshorterthanme,fitandlean.
“Thanks.Goodtoseeyou,brother.”Iturnedmyattentiontothewomanbesidemeandheldoutahand.“ThisisBrinkleyReynolds,thereporterItoldyouabout.”
“Yes,”hesaid,glancingoveratmewithasmirk.“Nicetomeetyou.I’mgladhebroughtyouwithhim.”
Thedickhead.
“Me,too.”Shesmiledandextendedherhand.“Nicetomeetyou,aswell.”
“It’sslightlyoutofcharacter,ashenormallydespisesjournalists.”
“Youdon’tsay?”Sheoozedsarcasm.“IwishIcouldsaythatIwassurprisedtohearthat,butseeingashegotmefiredfordoingmyjob…Ithinkthat’safairstatement.”
Drewlaughed.“He’sjustabiggrumpsometimeswhenhegetshounded.So,I’llgiveyouaheads-up.Wehavealittlesituationthathappenedinthelastfewhours.Jaquelinewasaskedaboutyouinaninterviewthismorning,asherfiveminutesoffamehaveclearlydwindled.Butwithyournamebeingeverywhererightnow,Ithinkshe’slookingtogetherselfbackinthespotlight.ShehasthatnewTVseriescomingout,soshe’sobviouslyouttheretryingtogetanyattentionthatshecan.”
Mychesttightened.Icouldtellthiswasn’tgoingtobegoodnews.
“Whatdidshesay?”Iasked.
“Well,shewasaskedbyareporterifshehasanyideawhereyou’regoingtoplayandifyoustillspeaktooneanother.”
“Wedon’t.”Myshouldersstiffened.ThiswasthesideofthisbusinessthatIdespised.
“I’maware,Linc.Butshesaidshe’sbeenwithyouwhileyou’vebeen,”hepausedandhelduphispointerandmiddlefingertomakeairquotes,“‘inhiding’.Sheactedlikesheknewtheinsidescoopandthatyoutwohadrekindledyourrelationship.”
“Whatthefuck?Whywouldshedothat?”
“Thisisridiculous,”Brinkleyhissedasshecrossedherarmsoverherchestandshookherhead.
“Wewon’trespond,butIjustwantedyoutobepreparedifyougethounded.You’renotinCottonwoodCoveanymore.Thebloodhoundsareoutandrampantinthiscity,”DrewsaidbeforeturningtoBrinkleyandwincing.“Nooffensemeant.”
Shechuckled.“Listen,therearetwotypesofreporters.Idon’tgetoffendedbecauseIdon’tmakeupstories.Imaybepushyaboutgettingthetruthoutofpeople,butI’dneverreportonsomeone’spersonallifebasedongossip.”
Inoddedasmyeyeslockedwithhers
Shereallywasafriendofmine,wasn’tshe?
Shewasgettingallworkedupaboutthisinsteadoftryingtospinastoryforherownarticle.
Shedidn’taskmeifanyofitwastrue.Shealreadyknewitwasn’t.
“Ifiguredasmuch.Thisguydoesn’ttrusteasily,andyou’rehere.Sothatsaysalot.”
Sheshrugged,butherlipsturnedupinthecornersjustthetiniestbit.Mostpeoplewouldn’tnotice,butInoticedthesethingsabouther.Hell,InoticedalotmorethanIwantedtoadmit.
Shedidn’tneedtobeherewithmeonthistrip.
Thetruthwas—Ididn’twanttobeawayfromherforthenextfewdays.
Inormallycravedalonetime,butsinceI’dstartedworkingwithher,Icouldn’tgetenoughofher.
WemadeourwayoutsidetothecarthatDrewhadwaitingforus.Myagentledtheway,andIhadBrinkleymoveinfrontofme,myhandonherlowerbackonceIsawtheguyswithcameraslineduprightoutsidethedoor.Itmeantthatsomeoneatthehotelhadmostlikelymadeacallandtippedthemoff.Itwasshockingwhatpeoplewoulddoformoneythesedays.
Sellapersonoutwithoutsomuchasathought.
“Lincoln,areyouintowntomeetwithCoachBalboa?”oneofthemshouted,andIputmyheaddown,urgingherforward.
“Nocomment,”Isaid.
“JaquelineBarrettsaidyoutwoarebacktogether.Isshehelpingyoudecidewhereyou’regoingtoplay?”
“Nocomment,”Isaidagain.
“Jaquelinealludedthatthetwoofyoumightbemovingintogether.”Thistime,thedudeshovedhiscamerarightinmyface,nearlyhittingmeintheforehead.
BeforeIcoulddoanything,Brinkleyturnedandsteppedinfrontofme.
“Backthefuckoff.Hesaidnocomment,”Brinkleyhissed,herteethgrindingtogether.
Drewchuckled,andIstaredwithdisbeliefasthedriverofourSUVopenedthebackdoorforustoslipinside.
“Andwhodowehavehere?”ThemanaimedhiscameradirectlyatherasIblockedhisviewandhurriedherinsidethecar.
“Yourworstfuckingnightmare,”Isaidwithawink.“She’stheonlyoneI’mgivingmystoryto.Don’twasteyourtimehoundingmeanymore.Youwon’tgetagoddamnthingoutofme.”
Islippedintothecarandpulledthedoorclosed.
“Lookatyou,girl,”Drewsaidasheturnedaroundtolookatusfromthefrontseat.
BrinkleybuckledherselfinasDrewtoldthedriverwheretogo.
“Thatwasrude,”shesaid.“Henearlyhityouinthefacewiththecamera.”
“Youdidn’tneedtodothat.”Iglancedoverather,butI’dbelyingifIdidn’tadmitIlikedit.
Likedseeingthatsideofher.
“Iguessyou’reright.Therearealotofbloodsuckersoutthere.”Sheshookherhead,andIchuckled.
Myhandgrazedhersbetweentheseat,andIdidn’tpullitaway.
Andneitherdidshe.
***
MymeetingwithCoachBalboaandJeffRobleshadgoneexactlyasplanned.They’dofferedmewhatwe’ddiscussed,andI’dtoldthemIwasreadytomakethemove.
Itwastime.
MytimeplayinginSanFranciscohadcometoanend.
Icouldn’tplayforamanthatIdidn’trespect.
Thisfeltright.
Thiswasthecoachwho’dgivenmemyfirstbreak.Amanwhobelievedinmeanddidwhateverheneededtodotoprotectme.
Protecthisplayers.
Andplaygoodfootballatthesametime.
Plus,I’dbeplayingwithmybrothersagain.
Brinkleyhadgonetoacoffeeshopnearthestadium,andwe’djustpickedherup.
Shehadn’taskedmeanythingaboutthemeeting.SheknewI’dshareitwithherwhenIwasready.
I’daskedthemtoholdoffonanyannouncements,asI’dpromisedthestorytoareporter,andIwasamanofmyword.
She’dbreakthestorysoon.
IwouldcontinuetraininginCottonwoodCoveuntilpreseasonstartedandwewereexpectedtoreportfortrainingcamp.
Iwasgratefulforthisquiettimeawayfromitall.
“Goodmeeting,brother.I’mhappyforyou,”Drewsaidaswepulledupatthehangartodrophimoff.Hewasflyinghomebecausehissonhadatennismatchinthemorningthathedidn’twanttomiss.
BrinkleyandIwouldbestayinginNewYorkandmeetingupwithBrettandLennyandafewotherguysfromtheteam
Ijumpedoutofthecarandclappedhimontheshoulder,justasBrinkleysteppedoutofthecar,surprisingusboth.
“Itwasgreattomeetyou,Drew.”Shesmiledandextendedherhand.“I’mgladhehasyoulookingoutforhim.”
“Ifeelthesameway,bosslady.Thatwasbadasswhatyoudidearlier.Keeplookingoutformyboy,okay?”Drewshookherhandandwrappedhisotherhandaroundtheoutsideofhersandnodded.“Can’twaittoreadyourstory.It’sabouttimesomeonedidthismanjustice.”
“Don’tgetallsappy.Gethometoyourfamily.Thanksforbeinghere,”Isaid,asheheldhishandupandwavedandwalkedtowardtheplane.
“Ilikehim,”shesaid,bumpingmewithhershoulder.
“Yeah.He’sagoodguy.”Iopenedthebackdoorandguidedherinside.
“We’remeetingwithyourfriendstonight?Areyousureyou’reokaywithmegoing?Icanstayatthehotelandorderroomserviceifyouwantsometimealone,”shesaid.
ButIdidn’t.Iwantedherthere.
“No.It’llbefun.You’lllovethem.Iftheyhitonyou,justtellthemtofuckoff.”Ichuckled.
Sherolledhereyesandthengroanedwhenwepulleduptothehotelandshenoticedthecameramenlinedupoutfront.
“Fuck,”IhissedasIcalledthehotelfrommyphone.
Iletthemknowthattherewasanissue,andtheysaidthatthey’dphonedthepoliceandweretryingtogetthemremoved.Theytoldmetoheadaroundthebackofthehotel,sothecarpulledawayfromthecurbandmadeitswayaroundtheblocktothedooratthebackofthebuilding.
Securitywastheretogreetus,andtheyhurriedusinsideandontothestaffelevator.
Brinkleywasquiettheentiretime,andIthankedthetwomenfortheescortoncewearrivedatourfloorandsteppedofftheelevator.
“Youokay?”Iaskedaswemadeourwaydownthehallwaytothetwosuitesattheend.
“Yeah.I’mfine.”Sheturnedaroundandleanedagainstherdoor.“Ididn’tknowhowbaditwas,Lincoln.I’msorryforfollowingyouintothebathroomthatday.”
Herdarkeyeslookedsoempatheticitnearlybroughtmetomyknees.
Butnow,Ihadthoughtsofdroppingtomykneesandburyingmyfacebetweenherthighs.
Touchingher.
Tastingher.
Mycockswelled,strainingagainstmyzipper.
Whatthefuckwashappeningtome?
Iwasamanwhopridedhimselfoncontrol.
Itwastimetoreinitin.
“Don’tworryaboutit.Iknowyoudidn’tmeananythingbyit.”Ibackedawayfromherandslippedthekeyintomydoor.“I’llseeyouinanhour.”
Sheheldherhandupandnodded.“I’llbeready.”
AndfuckmeifIdidn’twanttopullherintomyroom.
Havemywaywithher.
Makeherfeelgood.
Butinstead,Imademywaytothebathroomandturnedonthecoldestshowerpossible.
Thiswassteponeofreiningitin.
ButI’dallowmyselfonemoretimetofantasizeaboutherbeforeIshutoffallthosefeelings.
I’djustmadeahugedecisionformycareer.
IshouldbethinkingaboutmyfuturewiththeThunderbirds,notthesexyreporternextdoor.thirteenBrinkley
Iwasprobablytheluckiestwomanontheplanetatthemoment.We’dbeentakentoaprivateroomatthehotelrestaurant,andIwasseatedatatablewithsomeofthebestplayersintheNFL.
Lincolnsatbesideme,andBrettJacobswasontheothersideofme.LennyWaterssatdirectlyacrossfromme.PeteGarner,theThunderbirdskickerwhoalsohappenedtobethebestkickerintheleague,satnexttohim,andTerryLangley,oneofthebestlinemenintheleague,wasseatedattheheadofthetable.
We’dlaughedandtalked,andthey’dgrilledmeabouthowIhadgottenLincolntohiremetotellhisstory.Everyoneknewthemanwastightlippedandguardedhisprivacyfiercely.
I’dheldmyown,tellingthemabouthistraining,andtheyrazzedhimaboutmeracinghimonourrunsmostdays.I’donlyhadafewbitestoeatbecausemystomachhadfeltalittleoffsinceI’dhadlunchatthecaféneartheofficeswhileLincolnwasathismeeting
IhopedIwasn’tcomingdownwithanything,butIwasdoingeverythinginmypowertopushitaway.
“Youdidn’teatmuch.Areyouokay?”Lincolnleanedclosetomyearandwhispered.Hislipsgrazedmyskin,andchillsrandownmyback.
Iglancedaroundtoseeeveryonedeepinconversation.
“Yeah.Justfeelingalittleoff.”Ishruggedlikeitwasnobigdeal.Hisgazewaslacedwithconcernashestudiedme.
“Youlookalittlepale.”
“I’mfine,”Isaid,forcingmyselftolookbackattheguyswhohadjustfinishedanotherroundofcocktails.
I’dpassedonthealcoholicbeverages,andIwasgratefulbecauseIwasfeelingqueasy,andanyamountofboozewouldprobablyhavemehurlingrightnow
Thebillcame,andLincolnquicklysignedit,lettingtheguysknowhewascallingitanight.Everyonegottotheirfeet,andeachoneoftheselargementookturnspickingmeupoffthefloorandhuggingmegoodbye.
Brettspunmearound,andIthoughtIwasgoingtovomit,butIdidmybesttohideitandchuckled.
Wewavedourgoodbyesandheadedtowardtheelevator.
Iwassweatingprofuselynow,andItuckedmylipsbetweenmyteethandbreathedinslowlythroughmynose.
Lincolnclosedthespacebetweenus.“You’redefinitelysick,sweetheart.”
“IthinkImighthavefoodpoisoning.Ihaven’tfeltrightsinceIatethatsandwichatthecafé.”Ibentovermykneesandgroaned.Mystomachwascramping,andIcouldn’tstandupstraightanylonger.
Hebentdowninfrontofme.“You’reokay.I’vegotyou.”
Hishandmovedtomyback,makinglittlecirclesandsoothingmeinawayIdidn’tevenknowwouldbecomforting.
“IthinkI’mgoingtobesick,”Isaid,fightingthetearsthatwerethreateningtofall.
Thiswassoembarrassing.
“Ifyouneedtobesick,justletitout.”
“Ican’tpukeintheelevatororthehallway,”Isaid,feelingpanicked.
“I’llgetitprofessionallycleaned.Don’tworryaboutit.”
Theelevatorwastakingforever.Ofcourse,wehadtobeonthetopfloor.IcroucheddownwhenthecramphitmesoseverelythatIcouldn’tstandup.
Whenthedoorsopened,Ilookedup,unsurehowIwasgoingtomove.Lincoln’shandsmovedbeneathmythighsandaroundmyneck,andhescoopedmeupeffortlessly.Iburiedmyfaceinhisneckandbreathedhimin.Turnsout,pineandsandalwoodweremyfavoriteanti-nauseamedicine.Atleastforthebrieffewseconds,untilthenextbouthitmelikeatidalwave.
“Oh,God,”Igroaned,coveringmymouthwithmyhand.“Youneedtoputmedown.”
Ofcourse,thestubbornassdidn’tlisten.Hejustwalkedbrisklytowardthedoor.Ifoundmykeyinmypurseandhandedittohim,andhepushedthedooropenandcarriedmetothebathroom.
Ipointedatthedoor.“Thanksforeverything.Youcango.I’mokay.”
Idroppedtomykneesandunleashedthetsunamifrommystomach.
Iheavedoverandoverjustasthefaucetturnedon,andIglanceduptoseeLincolnwettingawashcloth.
“Itoldyoutoleave!”Ishriekedasthetearsfelldownmyface.
Ididn’tthinktherewasanythingleftinmybodyatthemoment,soIflushedthetoiletandleanedagainstthewall,buryingmyfaceinmyhands.
Couldtherebeanythingmorehorrifyingthanvomitingexorcist-styleinfrontofthehottestguyontheplanet?
Hebentdown,hishandfindingmychinandforcingmetolookup.Heusedthewarmcompresstocleanupmyfaceandthenmovedtositbesidemeonthefloorashewrappedanarmaroundme.
“I’mnotleaving.”
“Whycan’tyouletmebemiserablebymyself?”Isniffed.
“BecauseIwanttohavesomethingtoteaseyouaboutwhenwegethome.”Histonewasdry,butIfelthisbodyquakebesideme.
Ichuckledandgroanedatthesametime.“Ihateyou.”
“Hateyou,too,sweetheart.”Hepulledmeagainsthischest,andhisfingersstrokedthesideofmyface,movingdowntomyjaw.
Itfeltsogood.Icouldn’tpushhimawayifIwantedto.
Well,untilroundtwohit.
Anditdid.
Ispentthenextseveralhoursviolentlyheavingintothetoilet.
Idozedoffsomewherealongtheway,afternothingbutbilewasleftinmybody.
Ididn’trememberhowmanytimesI’dgottensick.Ionlyrememberedthebeautifulmanwho’dstayedinthebathroomwithmeuntillateintothenight.
He’dorderedgingeraleuptotheroomandforcedmetotakeafewsips.
Ididn’tknowwhenithadallstoppedorhowI’dgottenintothisbed.
ButwhenIopenedmyeyes,therewasatinyglimpseofsunlightcomingthroughthecrackoftheblackoutcurtains.
IlookeddowntoseeIwaswearingthehotelrobe,withmybraandpantiesonunderneath.Myhairwaspulledintosomesortofmessybunonmyhead,andIdidn’trememberdoingthat.
Isatforwardandglancedaround.Mystomachfeltsomuchbetter,andthenauseawasgone.Mystomachgrumbledwithhungerpains.Mygazecaughtonthelargeshapebesidemybed,andIblinkedafewtimestomakeoutwhatitwas.Lincolnwaslyingonthefloorwithapillowandaverysmallbathtoweldrapedoverhisshoulders.
“Hey,”Iwhispered,andhejumpedupasifafirealarmhadjustgoneoff.Hewasontwofeetandreachingforme.
“Youokay?Areyousickagain?”Hisvoicewasgroggy,hisblondhairgoingineverydirection.
“No.No,I’mfine.Ifeelgreat,actually.Youdidn’tneedtosleepinhere.”
Hesatdownontheedgeofthebedandranahandthroughhishair.“It’sfine.Isleptgreat.”
Ilaughed.“You’resuchaliar.Yousleptwithabathtowelonthehardfloor.”
“Hey,youthreatenedacameramanformeyesterday.TheleastIcoulddoisstaywithyouwhilethedemonswhoinvadedyourbodyfoundtheirwayout.”
Icoveredmyfaceandchuckledsomemore.“You’reagoodfriend,LincolnHendrix.”
“Justtotheoneswhocount.”
“Wasthatacompliment?”Iteased,bumpingmyshoulderwithhis.
“Ifyoutellanyone,I’lldenyit.”Heturnedtolookatme,tuckingaloosestrandofhairbehindmyear.“Butyeah,itwasmeantasacompliment.Areyousureyou’reokay?”
“Iam.I’mactuallystarving.”Ipushedtomyfeetandwalkedtothebathroomtoquicklybrushmyteeth,asIrealizedmybreathwasprobablyhorrific
“Let’sgetshoweredandgograbsomefood,”hesaid.
“Don’twehavetocatchaplanesoon?”
“Ipusheditbackafewhours.Iwasn’tsurehowyou’dbefeelingthismorning.”
Iwasstartledbyhiskindnessattimes.
“CanIorderoneofeverythingonthemenu?”Iwipedmyfacewithacleanwashclothandturnedtofacehim.
“That’sasurewaytogetsickagain.Let’sstartwithanormalbreakfastandseeifyoucankeepitdown.”
Ismiledandnoddedinagreement.“Fine.Hey,how’dIgetinthisrobe,Captain?”
Hiseyeswidenedashescannedmybody.“Youwerecoveredinvomit.Youstartedtearingyourclothesoffinbetweenheaves,soIgrabbedtherobeandwrappeditaroundyou.Ididn’tseeanythingthatIhaven’tseenwhenwewereswimming.Scoutshonor.”
“Iwasn’tworriedaboutthat.IjusthopedIdidn’tembarrassmyselfanymorethanIalreadyhadbyvomitingprofuselyinfrontofyou.”
“Nope.Ijustdidn’tknowonetinywomancouldhavethatmuchgreenslimeinherbody,”hesaid.
Ichuckedthewashclothathimandpointedatthedoor.“Gogetcleanedup.I’mgoingtotakeashower.”
Henoddedandwalkedbackwardtowardthedoor.“Ashowersoundsgood.”
Hisheatedgazelockedwithmine,andmyentirebodytingled.
Ashepulledthedooropen,hetoldmetobereadyinthirtyminutes.
Iletoutalongbreathandturnedontheshower.
Myattractiontothismanwasundeniable.Butactingonitwouldbefoolish
TherewasareasonthatIhadano-datingpolicywhenitcametoprofessionalathletes.
I’dalwaysdatedmenthatweresafe
Mylastboyfriend,Kaeran,wasarealsnoozefest,andmysiblingshadhadafielddaywithhisname.
Butatleasttherewasnoriskthereofgettinghurt.I’dalwaysbeencautiouswithmen.I’dneverbeenthatgirlthatgotallhunguponaguy.
Ipreferredittobetheotherwayaround.
Tostayincontrolinthatareaofmylife.
ButwhenIwaswithLincoln,Ididn’tfeellikeIwasincontrol.
Itterrifiedmeandexcitedmeallatthesametime.
Iletthehotwaterbeatdownonmyback,andIthoughtaboutthefactthatIwastheluckyonewhogottowritehisstory.
Butourtimetogetherwouldeventuallycometoanend,andthethoughthadmystomachchurningalloveragain.
BecauseIdidn’twantthistimetoend.
***
“Myeyesweredefinitelybiggerthanmystomach,”IsaidasIleanedbackinmychair.
“It’sgoodtotakeitslow.”
Myphonevibratedonthetable,andIreachedforit.Myfamilywasprobablywonderingwhathappenedtome,asIhadn’ttalkedtoanyonesinceyesterdaymorning.
Tomysurprise,itwasanemailfromSportsToday.IgaspedasIreadthemessagefromtheireditor,whomI’dsubmittedthestorytoonatotallongshot.ThisparticularmagazinehadneverrespondedtoanythingI’dsubmitted.
Theywerethegoldstandardofthesportsnewsworld.
“Ohmygosh,Lincoln,”Iwhisper-gasped.
“What’swrong?”
“SportsTodayisthetopsportsmagazineintheindustry.IsentthemasubmissionregardingthearticleI’mwritingaboutyou,aswellasafewpastarticlesthatI’vewritten,sotheycouldseemywork.Iexplainedallthatwewouldbecoveringoverthenextfewmonths,”Isaid,shakingmyheadindisbelief.
“Whatdidtheysay?”
“Theysaidtheywantedthestory,andtheywereimpressedbymywritingsamples.Theywanttodiscussthiswithmeassoonaspossibleaswellaspossiblydoingsomethingfulltimetogetherinthefuture.”
“Lookatyou.Waytogoafterwhatyouwant.Ithinktheyareallgoingtobefightingoveryou,sweetheart.”Hewinked,andmystomachdidtheseweirdlittleflips.
“So,howwillthiswork?Itsoundslikeyouknowwhereyou’regoingtoplaynextyear,”IwhisperedasIglancedovermyshoulder.“I’mguessingyouwon’twanttowaittoannounceit.Andwehaven’treallydiscussedhowitwouldallworkafterthestorybreaks.”
Heleanedbackinhischairandranhishandoverthescruffonhisjaw.“Well,Ican’treallybethereasonyouloseanothergig,canI?”
“Imean,Ihavepartofastorytowrite,butIthinkthere’salotmoretodiveinto.”
“Agreed.”Heleanedforwardandreachedforhisorangejuice.“YoucanbreakthenewsonwhereI’mplayingandteaseanupcomingstorythatyou’rewriting,aswell.”
Itriedtokeepmysmilefromtakingovermyentireface,butIknewIwasfailingmiserably.
“Okay,I’lljustaskyouafewmorequestionsonourflighthomeaboutwhyyou’rechoosingtheThunderbirds,andthenI’llwriteupyourannouncementtonight.Youcanobviouslylookitover,andthenyoujustsaywhenyouwantthestorytogopublic.”
“Ithinkit’stime.Andthenwe’llresumeworkasusual.”
“Soundslikeaplan,Captain.”Myteethsankintomybottomlip.
Iwasthrilled,evenifafewmoreweekswiththisbeautifulmanweregoingtobedeliciouslytorturous.fourteenLincoln
“Whyarewedoingthis?”shehissed,andIdidn’tmisstheirritationinhervoice.
I’dpulledoutthekayak,andweweremakingourwayaroundthecove.Brinkleycouldn’tgetintoarhythmwithherpaddles,anditwasfunnyashelltowatch.Shedidn’tlikethatshewasn’tgoodatsomething.
Hell,Iunderstoodthat.
Iwasacompetitivedude.
“Becauseit’sagoodupperbodyandcoreworkout,andsometimesyouneedtochangeitup.Stopbeingababyandgiveyourselfaminutetofigureitout.Andstopdeflectingandanswerthequestionthatyouseemtobeavoiding.”
“I’mnotbeingababy!”sheshoutedandlookedoverhershouldertoglareatme.“I’mjustpartneredwithamanwhorefusestoletmelead.You’regoingtoofast,andI’mjustwastingenergy.”
“WhatcanIsay?Iliketolead,sweetheart.”Wasn’tthatthefuckingtruth.ButIwasn’ttalkingaboutthisfuckingkayak.ThiswomanwassodeepinmyheadnowthatIcouldn’tthinkstraight.
She’daskedherfinalquestionsontheplanelastnighttowriteuptheannouncementaboutwhereI’dbeplayingthisseason.She’dagreedthatIgottoaskafewquestionsthismorningduringourworkoutbecauseshe’dbeenrelentlessontheplane.Yethereshewas,deflectingthequestionandfocusingonthegoddamnkayak.
I’ddroppedheroffatherhouseafterwe’darrivedbackinCottonwoodCoveafteralongtravelday.
Normally,I’dbeanxiousaboutalonetimeafterspendingallthattimetogether.
Thatwasthefucked-upthing.Iwasn’tlongingfortimeaway.
IwasactuallycountingtheminutesuntilIsawheragain.
“You’resuchapompousass.”Herpaddleshotintothesurfacesideways,intentionallycausingwatertoshootupandhitmeintheface.
Thatwasallittook,andI’dhadenough.Idroppedmypaddlesintotheboatandleanedmybodytotheside,easilycausingthekayaktocapsizeaswebothtumbledintothewater.
Iknewitwasn’tdeepsincewe’dstayedclosetotheperimeteraswemadeourwayaroundthecove.
Wewentunder,andIpushedtomyfeetandstood,shovingthewaterawayfrommyfaceandlaughingasIwatchedher.Shesputteredwaterandranherhandsoverherhair,whichwastiedbackinalongponytail,blinkingexcessively.
“Whatthehelldidyoudothatfor?”Myeyeszeroedinonherwhitetanktop,notmissingthewayhernipplesstrainedbeneaththefabric.Sheattemptedtomarchtowardme,buthermovementswereslowedbythewater,andshestoppedafewinchesinfrontofme.Thewatersettledjustbelowherperfecttits,andshewassurroundedbytheaquasea.
“Youwerebeingabrat.IthoughtI’dhelpyoucooloff.”
“I’mabrat?”shegaspedandshookherhead.“That’srich.”
“Iansweredeverythingyouaskedonourflighthome.YouagreedtoanswerafewquestionsthatIhadthismorning,andsofar,you’vedonenothingtocooperate.”
“Saysthemostdifficultmanontheplanet.”Sheraisedabrow.
“Thankyou,sweetheart.Istrivetobethebest.Thatmeansalottome.”Ilovedfuckingwithher.
“Itwasaninsult.”Shecaughtmygazeandfollowedit,lookingdowntoseeherheadlightswereonhighbeam.Apinkhuesettledonhercheeksasshecrossedherarmsoverherchest.
“YousaidthatIwasthemostdifficult.Thatmakesmethebest,doesn’tit?”
Shesighed.“Idon’tknowwhyyoucaresomuch.You’retheonewhogotmefired.WhyareyouinvestedinthereasonthatIdidn’tchoosetogobacktomyoldcrappyjob?”
“Let’ssee.Youhatedmeforcostingyouthatfuckingjob,butthenwhenyougotitback,yousaidno.Iwanttoknowwhy.”
“You’reawfullynosyforafootballplayer.Maybeyoushouldconsiderbeingabloodsucker,”shesaid,andthecornersofherlipsliftedasifshewereproudofherwittycomeback.
Thegirlnevermissedabeat.
“Answer.The.Fucking.Question.”
Hertongueswipedouttowetherplumpbottomlip,andmyhandsfistedbeneaththewaterasIfoughttheurgetomovein.Coverhermouthwithmine.
Tasteherandtouchherandwrapherlegsaroundmywaist.
Rubmycockagainstallthatsweetness.
Jesus.Iwasfuckinglosingit.
“Fine.HarveyTalbert,myoldboss,isamisogynisticpigmostofthetime.HetoldmetodowhateverIhadtodotogetyoutotalktome.So,Idid,andhefiredmeforit.”
“Ialreadyknewthat.Tryagain.”Therewassomethingmorethere.Someonedesperateforajobdoesn’tturndownanofferwhenitcomesunlessthere’sareason.
Shesighedandlookedaway.“Henevertreatedmelikeareporter.He’dmademeuncomfortableafewtimes.”
“Howso?”Iasked,feelingsomethingunexplainablebuildinsideme.
Anger.
Rage.
Sheclearedherthroat.“Theweekbeforehefiredme,I’dgonetohim,askinghimwhymyinterviewsweren’tgettingtopbillingwhenIknewtheywerebetterthansomeofthearticlesthathewasrunning.HesuggestedthatIhavedinnerwithhimathisplace.Heletmeknowthatspendingtimewithhimoutsideofworkwasthefastestwaytogetmoreexposureinthemagazine.Iturnedhimdown,obviously,andthenheletmegoshortlyafter.Obviously,Iwasjustsomeonethathewantedtofuck,nothingmore.”
“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”Ididn’tevenrecognizemyownvoice.Iwassopissed.“Whydidn’tyoutellmethatinthebeginning?”
“Firstoff,it’snoneofyourbusiness.Andsecondly,weweren’texactlyfriends.”Shelookedawayagain,hereyesscanningthewater.
Myfingersmovedbeneathherchin,turningherfacetowardme,waitingforhergazetofindmine.“Well,we’refriendsnow.Iwillfuckingruinthatman.”
Sheshookherheadandshrugged.“Justleaveitalone.It’sprobablythereasonheonlyhasmenworkingthere.AndIhaven’ttoldanyoneaboutthis,includingmyfamily.They’dfreakout.So…thisisofftherecord,Captain.”
“I’msorrythathappenedtoyou.ButI’mgladIgotyoufiredfromthatpiece-of-shitjobnow.”
“Well,you’renotcompletelyoffthehook.Youwerestillatotaljerktomewhenyougotmeescortedoutofthepressconference.”
“Whydidn’tyoujustwaituntilIcameoutoftherestroom?”
“Please.I’dbeentryingtoaskyouquestionsformonths.Butanytimeyouwereinpublic,therewerejournalistsswarmingyou.Mostofthemaremen,andIhatethefactthatI’mshorterthanallofthem.”Sherolledhereyes.“I’djumpandwavemyhands,butyouneversawme.”
Somethinginmychestsqueezed.
Somethingunfamiliarandforeign.
Ididn’tjustlustafterthiswoman—Iactuallycaredabouther.
Iwantedtokillthatfuckingex-bossofhersforthewayhe’dtreatedher
AndIwaspissedatmyselffornotbeingmoreawareofhereffortstotalktomeinthepast.
Myhandstillrestedbeneathherchin,mygazesearchinghers.Flickersofgoldandcopperbouncedaroundthosedark,gorgeouseyes.“Iseeyounow,sweetheart.”
“It’saboutdamntime,”shewhisperedandthenchuckled.
“Agreed.Sohowabouttoday,wechangethingsup?”
“Howso?”sheasked.
“We’llfinishtheworkoutbackatmyplace,andthenI’mgoingtoshadowyoutoday.IwanttospendadayinthelifeofBrinkleyReynolds.”
Shesmiled.“What?Why?”
“BecauseI’veletyouintomylife,andIwanttoseewhatyoursislike.”
“Well,Ishadowyoumostoftheday,sothatmaynotbeveryexcitingforyou.”
Ibarkedoutalaugh.“Iwantyoutodowhatyou’ddoifyouweren’tworkingwithme.”
“Really?”
“Yes.We’refriends,right?That’swhatfriendsdo.”
Shenodded.“Okay.Prepareyourself.Mydayscanbeveryexciting.Idon’tknowifyoucanhandleit.”
Iletmyhanddropfromherfacebecausetheurgetokissherwastoofuckingstrong.Isteppedbackandreachedforthekayakandhelpedherclimbbackin.ThenIjumpedinmyself,tippingusovertwomoretimesbeforewefinallyfiguredouthowtobothgetinwithoutfalling.I’dlaughedmyassoffasshe’dsputteredwatereverytimewe’dtippedover.
Wewerebothsoakedbythetimewemadeourwaybacktomyplace.
Ifinishedmyweightworkoutandtookaquickshower.Brinkleylefttocatchashowerherself,andthenIwasonmywayovertomeetheratherhouse.
WasInervous?
Ispenteverydaywiththiswoman.
Whywasspendingadayinherlifeanydifferentfromwhatwedideveryotherday?
MyphonerangjustasIpulledinfrontofherplace,lettingmeknowitwasDrew.
“What’sup,brother?”
“Haveyoubeenontheinternettoday?Seenanewspaper?”
“No.I’minCottonwoodCove.Nobodyheregivesashitaboutwhat’shappeningoutintherealworld.”Ilaughed.IknewBrinkley’sstoryaboutwhereIwasgoingtoplaywasn’tgoingtobreakuntiltheendoftheweek.She’dmadeadealwithSportsTodaythatshewouldbreakthestoryintheirmagazine,andthey’dmadeitclearthey’dliketobringheronfulltimeinthefuture,astheyhopedtheywouldgetthecompletestorythatshewaswritingaboutme.
Hechuckled.“BrinkleyReynolds’pictureissplashedeverywhere,dude.Thatpapcaughtaphotoofherjumpinginfrontofyouandtellinghimtostepthefuckoff.”
Iscrubbedahanddownmyface.“Thatfucker.It’llblowover.”
“Notsure.Peopleontheinternetseemtobelovingit.Imean,she’sthishot-as-hellwomanjumpingintorescuethebig,badLincolnHendrix.”
“Areyoudrunk?”Iaskeddryly.
“Fuckoff.I’mtellingyou,it’sabigfuckingdeal.Peoplearerunningwithit.It’llworkoutnicelywithherannouncement,though.Everyonewillknowyou’reworkingtogether,notdating.Rightnow,everyonewantstoknowwhosheis.ButthishasdefinitelydrownedoutJaqueline’sinterviews.”
“Neveradullmoment.”
“Whereareyou?”
“I’mpickingherup.She’sgoingtoshowmearoundtown.I’mshadowinghertodayinsteadoftheotherwayaround.”
Helaughed.“Youlikeher.Whydon’tyoujustadmitit?”
“Idonot.We’refriends.Weworktogether.Shealsohasano-dating-professional-athletesrule.She’spissedatmemoreoftenthanshe’snot.AndI’mmovingacrossthecountrysoon.ThereareamillionreasonswhyIshouldn’tgothere.Can’thappen.”
“My,ohmy.Thisissofuntowatch.I’veneverseenyoulikethis,Linc.I’vegottoadmit—Ilikeseeingyousquirm.”
“Idon’tsquirm.Andyou’reanasshole.ButIdoneedafavor.”
“Nameit,”hesaid.
“WearenevergivingsomuchasabreadcrumbtoAthleteCentralaslongasHarveyTalbertisthere.Canyoumakesureallyourclientsareawarethatthedudeisaclass-Acreep?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.AndsinceI’dreachedouttogetBrinkleyherjobback,he’sbeentryingtokeepthecommunicationopenforsomefutureinterviews.I’llshutitalldown.”
“Thankyou.LethimknowthataslongasI’manathlete,hewon’tsomuchasgetanodfromme.He’safuckingpieceofshit.”
“Well,Iguessweknowwhyshedidn’ttakethejobback.”
“Yep.Thanks,brother.We’lltalksoon.”
Iendedthecallandgotoutofthecar.WhenImademywayupherwalkwaytothefrontdoor,shepulleditopenbeforeIknocked.
“Myphonehasbeenringingoffthehook.Thegigisup,Captain.Apparently,peopleknowI’mworkingwithyou.I’mgettingallsortsofjoboffers.”Shechuckledandthendidsomesortoflittletwirlydance.
“Yeah,Drewjustcalled.It’llsetupyourannouncementnicely.Andthegoodnewsis,youwillhaveoptionsforwhereyouwanttoworkwhenthisisallsaidanddone.”
Thoughtsofthiscomingtoanenddidn’tsitwellwithme.
Ishookitoffandfocusedontoday.Now.
JustlikeIalwaysdid.
Sheinvitedmein,andIglancedaroundherplace.I’donlyevermadeittothefrontdoor,andI’dneverbeeninvitedinside.Theplacewascuteandcozy.
VeryBrinkley.
Shewaswearingawhitetanktopandapairofdenimoveralls,justlikethefirstdaythatI’dmether.
“Exactly.It’sallveryexciting.EverythingissetwithSportsToday.Theysentovermycontractfortheannouncement,andtheykeepbringingupafuturejobopportunityforme.It’smadness.”Shesmiledandthrewherhandsupintheairandshrugged.
“Youdeserveit.”
“Ido,don’tI?”Shelaughed.“Okay,so…I’vegotlotsofthingssetupforustodotoday.We’restartinginthegarden.I’mgrowingmyownfood,andIloveit.Followme.”
ShehandedmeapairofredfloralglovesandlaughedwhenItriedtoshovemyhandsintothemwithnoluck.
“Itoldyou—bighands,sweetheart.”Ismirked.
Shesuckedinabreath.“Yeah,you’vementionedthatmanytimes.”
Wespentthenexthourwithmefollowingheraround.Ididn’tmindit.Infact,followingthiswomanaroundwhileshewasdownonherknees,withaperfectviewofherass,wasmynewfavoritewaytospendmyday.Therejustwasn’tmuchhappeninginhergarden,asapparently,she’dplantedseeds,andfromwhatIknewfrommymother’sexperiencegardening,shehadalongwaytogo
Wetalkedaboutthefactthatshewasgoingviralontheinternet.
Shewascompletelyunfazedandmuchmoreexcitedabouttheprofessionalopportunitiesthatwerenowcomingherway
Wespentthenexthourmakingvisionboards.Imadefunofhertheentiretime,asshehadmecutoutwordsandphotosfrommagazinesandstickthemonthiscanvasboard.ButI’dbelyingifIdidn’tadmitIwashavingadamngoodtime.
Itdidn’tmatterwhatIwasdoing—justthatIwasdoingitwithher.
“Allright.That’senoughofthisfortheday.Nowit’stimeforallthegoodstuff.Buckleup,Captain.Thingsareabouttogetveryexciting.”
Ididn’tneedtobuckleup.
Iwashereforit.fifteenBrinkley
“So,thisiswhatyoudowhenyouaren’twithme?”LincolnaskedasIguidedhimtothegatedentranceatMaddoxandGeorgia’shousebecausehe’dinsistedondriving.Igavehimthecodetotypein,andthegrandirongatesopened,andwemadeourwayupthedriveway.
“Yes.Andit’sSaturday,somysisterandMaddoxaren’tworking.ShewaswaitingformetofinishupworkwithyousoIcouldcomeovertodiscussweddingplans.Butsinceyou’reworkingformetoday,wegettocomeearly.”
“Thisisanicehouse.”
“Yes.Georgia’sfiancé,Maddox,boughtitwhenhemovedfromthecitytoCottonwoodCove.”I’dfilledhiminonMaddoxowningthepublishingcompanywheremysisterhadmethimandstillworkedwithhim.
IrecognizedWyle,Maddox’sbrother’scarinthedriveway.Ihadn’tknownhewasgoingtobethere.Wemadeourwaytothedoorandrangthebell.Georgiapulleditopen;herblondehairbouncedonhershoulders,andshebeamedatus.
“LincolnHendrix.IapologizenowforanythingMaddoxsaysthat’sinappropriate.”
Lincolnjustchuckled,appearingcompletelyrelaxed.We’dcrossedsomesortoflinewithoneanother,andtherewasacomforttherenow.
Therewasanobviousattraction,aswell.Atleastonmyend.ButIwouldnotactonit.
Iwasfinallygettingmybreakprofessionally.Myemailinboxwasfloodedwithjobopportunities.SportsTodayhaddroppedthenewsthismorningthatLincoln’sannouncementwouldbecominginafewdays,andthey’dlistedmynameasthejournalistwhowouldbesharingthenews.
Nopressure.Justtheentireworldwaitingtohearwherehe’dbegoing.
Itseemedridiculoussincethenewswasoutthathe’djustbeeninNewYork,wherehewasrumoredtobegoing.Butfanswantedanofficialannouncement.Theywereparticularthatway.
“Whatcouldhepossiblydo?”IaskedasGeorgiahuggedLincolnandthenturnedherattentiontome.
“Wyleishere,too,”shewhispered.“That’sMaddox’sbrother,andhe’salsoasuperfan.Buttheypromisedtheywouldplayitcool.”
Lincolnjustshookhisheadandsmiled.
WemadeourwaythroughthegrandestateandfoundMaddoxandWyleinthekitchen,huddledtogetherliketheyweretwoschoolgirlswaitingfortheircrushtoarrive.
“Areyouseriouslythisexcitedtoseehimwhenyouhaven’tseenmeinseveraldays?”Iasked,raisingabrowatmyfuturebrother-in-law.“Hey,Wyle.Nicetoseeyou.”
“Hey.Ijustclosedonmyhouse,andIneededsome,er,eggs.Yeah.Iwasoutofeggs.So,GeorgietoldmeIcouldcomegetsome.”Wyleclearedhisthroatashisgazemovedtothefootballstarbesideme.“Imaginemyluckthatmyfavoritequarterbackwascomingoveratthesametime.”
Maddoxcamearoundtheislandandextendedahand.“Nicetomeetyou,Lincoln.I’ma—”Hepausedtolookatme,andIrolledmyeyesbecausethiswasridiculous.
“Ohmygosh.Justgoaheadandgushalloverhim.It’sfine.”
“Well,I’mabigfan.AsidefromthetemporarytimethatIhadtopretendtohateyouforBrinkley.Andbytheway,Brinks,Iamequallyexcitedtoseeyou.”
Maddoxwalkedoverandwrappedhisarmsaroundmeandhuggedme.
“Sure,youare.”Ilaughedwhenhepulledback.“Iheardyou’vegotyourmancavealmostdone.Ican’twaittoseeit.”
Maddox’sgazemovedfrommetomysister.Helookedalittlenervous,whichwasunlikehim,butIguessthatcouldbethefactthathisfavoritequarterbackwasstandinginhishouse.
“Don’tworry,baby.There’snothingtobeembarrassedabout.”GeorgiachuckledandleanedagainstMaddoxbeforehewrappedhisarmsaroundher.Iwassohappyformysister.She’dfoundtherealdeal.Thismanlovedhersofiercely,andIabsolutelylovedit.Lovedthemtogether.“Comeon.We’llshowyouhisplayroom.”
“It’samancave,Tink.Aplayroomisforachild.”Maddoxkissedthetopofherheadandledusdownthehallway.
He’dhadthiscustomlibrarydoneformysister,soshe’ddecidedtodesignaroomjustforhim.Whenshepushedthedooropen,myjawfellopen.They’ddonealottothisroomsinceI’dseenitlast.Therewasawallwithfourlargetelevisionscreensandaleathercouch.They’dputinabarareawithcherrywoodandamarblecountertopinthecorner.Therewasapooltableinthecenteroftheroomanddark-framedsportsphotographshungalloverthewall.
IimmediatelynoticedLincoln’sframedjerseyhangingonthewallandwalkedtowardit.
“Hey,Ihaven’tbeenfriendswithhimforthatlong.Whendidyoufindtimetogethisjerseyframed?”Isaid,myvoicealltease.IactuallylikedthatMaddoxwasasuperfanbecauseLincolndeservedallthefanfare.Themanworkedsohard.
“Healreadyhadit,andhe’dkeptitinthegarageuntilyougavethethumbs-up,”Georgiasaidoverherlaughter.
“IgotitforhimforChristmastwoyearsago.”WyleglancedatthejerseybeforelookingoveratLincoln,whowasreadingsomethingonthewall.
“Whatareyoureading?”IaskedasIwalkedinhisdirection.
Iwasstunnedtoseeseveralofmyarticlesframedandhangingonthewalls
“IlovedthisarticlethatyouwroteaboutHawk,”Lincolnsaid.“Ijustdidn’tknowyouwroteitatthetime,norhadIputittogetheruntilnow.Youdidthemanjustice,andhedeservesthat.”
Ifeltalumpforminmythroatandturnedtoseeeveryonewatchingme.MaddoxraisedabrowwhenIgavehimaquestioninglook.
“It’sasportsroom.Ofcourse,wewanttohaveyourwordsonthewallsinhere.We’reproudofyou,”Maddoxsaid.“Hell,Iwaswillingtohatemyfavoriteplayerforyouuntilhemadethingsright.”
“Youdidgiveitatry,andIappreciateit.Andthankyouforincludingmyworkinyourmancave.I’mhonored.”
ThenexthourwasspentwithMaddoxandWyleaskingLincolnendlessquestionsandtalkingaboutsomeoftheirfavoritemomentsofthegamesthey’dbeentoovertheyears.
GeorgiaandIsatonthecouch,andsheshowedmehertopthreefavoritedressesthatshe’dnarroweditdownto.WehadplanstogowithmymomandLilatothecitytogethertowatchhertrythemonnextweek.Sheshowedmethecolorschemeforthewedding,whichwouldbetakingplaceinParis,France,attheendofthesummer.HughandLila’sweddingwascomingupinafewweeksandwouldbetakingplacehereatGeorgiaandMaddox’shome.They’dbebringinginalargetentandtablesandevenport-a-pottiesforguests.
Icouldn’tbelievemybrotherandmysisterwouldbothbemarriedinafewmonths.I’dbeensobusywithworkandmynewclientthatI’dlosttrackoftime,andthingsweregettingrealnow
We’dendeduporderingtakeoutandhavingdinneralltogether,andnoweveryonewasactinglikethey’dknownLincolntheirentirelives.
“So,dowehavetowaituntiltheendoftheweektoknowwhereyou’replaying?”Maddoxasked,andIglancedoveratLincoln.Ihadn’ttoldasoulbecauseitwasn’tmysecrettotell.Well,notyet,atleast.
Lincolnchuckled.“IthinkIcantrustyou.Imean,youdidn’twanttohatemeonherbehalf,butyoufollowedthrough.That’sagoodman.”
“Dude.Itwillgotothegravewithus.”Wyleheldhishandsupdramatically.
Ilaughedandusedmyhandtocovermymouth.“It’sbeingannouncedinafewdays.Youdon’thavetogotothegravewithit.”
“YouknowwhatImean,”hesaid,glancingfrommetoLincoln.
“I’mheadingtoNewYork,”Lincolnsaid,withoutanounceofhesitation.
“Iknewit!”Maddoxshouted.“IboughttheseasonticketsalreadybecauseIdidn’twanttoriskthemsellingout.”
“Well,behonest,Bossman.Youboughtseasonticketsinthreeplacesbecauseyoudidn’ttotallyknowwherehewasgoing.”Mysisterchuckled.
“Youboughtticketsforthreeteams?”Igasped.
“That’sifyoudon’tincludethefactthatwealreadyhavetheseasonticketsinSanFrancisco,”Wyleadmitted
“Well,yeah.IhadtheminSanFrancisco.IgotsomeinNewYork.ButtherewassometalkaboutChicagoandTampa.”Maddoxshrugged.“ButIcansellthem.Itwasworthit.”
Theroomeruptedinlaughter.
“Damn.Youdonotmessaround.Thanks,buddy.Hey,ifyouguyseverwanttocomedownontothefield,justletmeknow.”
MaddoxandWylebothgapedathim.
“That’sahardyes,”Wylesaid.
“Well,theirfatherandbrotherswouldn’tbepleasedifweleftthemoutofit.”
“Ohmygosh.Cagewouldlosehisshitifyouwentdownonthatfieldwithouthim.Dad,Hugh,andFinnwouldjustspendafewhourspouting,”Isaid.
“Icangetyouallapass.It’snotaproblem.”Lincolnwinkedatme.
Damn,themanwassmooth.
MaddoxandWyleweretrippingovertheirwords,andGeorgiaturnedtoLincolnandhuggedhim.“That’sreallyniceofyou.Hey,whydon’tyoucometoSundaydinnertomorrowatourparents’house?Itwouldseriouslybethebestsurprise.”
Heglancedoveratme,andIshrugged.
Wewerefriendsnow,right?Ishouldhavethoughttoinvitehimmyself.
Wehuggedeveryonegoodbye,andofcourse,theguysallexchangednumbers.TheyinvitedLincolntoguys’nightatHugh’shousenextweekforcardsandbeers.
Mybrotherswereliterallygoingtoloseitbecausethey’dgettoseehimtwicethisweek.
Itwaslatebythetimewelefttheirhouse.
Ihadn’texpectedtostaythatlong
Lincolnopenedmydoor,andIgotinsideandbuckledupashecamearoundandslippedintothedriver’sseat.
“Thatwasgreat,”hesaid,glancingoveratme.“Thanksforlettingmetagalong.”
“Sure.”Ichuckled.“Imean,you’rehangingontheman’swallsbecausehe’ssuchafan.Youwerehardlytaggingalong.”
“Hey.You’rehangingontheman’swalls,too.Don’tsellyourselfshort.”Hestartedthecarandglancedoveronemoretime.“AmItakingyouhome?”
Ididn’twantthenighttoend.We’dbeenoutallday,andIwasn’treadytosaygoodbye.
“Areyouhungry?”Iaskedbecauseithadbeenafewhourssincewe’dhaddinner.
“Starving.ButIthinkeverything’sclosed.It’slate.”Hepulleddownthedriveway.
IsentatexttoHugh.
Hey.IsReynolds’alreadyclosedup?I’mwithLincoln,andwearestarving.Yourapplepieandicecreamsoundreallygoodrightnow.
Hugh
IjustgotoffthephonewithMaddox.Areyoufuckingkiddingme?We’regoingtogodownontothefieldatagame?I’dgiveyoumyfirstbornrightnowifIhadone.
Ifiguredyou’dlikethat.<winkyfaceemoji>
Hugh
Therestaurantisclosed.You’vegotakey,andyouknowthealarmcode.Gohelpyourself.Justlockupandsetthealarmwhenyouleave.Loveyou,Brinks.
“Okay,let’sgotoReynolds’.Parkintheback.”
“It’sopen?”heaskedashedrovetheshortdistancetodowntownandpulledinbehindtherestaurant.
“No.ButI’vegotakey,andHughsaidtohelpourselves.Getreadyforthebestpieyou’veeverhad.Theyhavethisamazingbakerwhorunsthebakerynextdoorandprovidesthemwiththebestdesserts.”Lincolnopenedmydoor,andwemadeourwayinside.Iflippedonthelightsasweenteredthroughthekitchen.
“Wow.Thesearesomeserioussiblingperks.”Hetookthepiefromme,andIreachedfortheicecreamandthewhippedcream.
Icutuseachasliceofpieandpoppedthemintothemicrowavetogetthemwarmedupjustalittlebit.Iaddedascoopoficecreamandsprayedabunchofwhippedcreamontop.ItippedmyheadbackandsprayeditintomymouthbecauseIcouldn’thelpmyself.
Oldhabitsdiehard,Iguess.
WhenIputthecaponthewhippedcreamandlookedup,Lincoln’sgreeneyeswerewatchingmesocloselythatitmadeitdifficulttobreathe.
Well,thatandthefactthatIhadanabnormalamountofsugarycreaminmymouth.
Iquicklyswallowedashewatchedmeintently.
Hemovedcloser,andhisthumbcamedownonmyupperlip.
“Youhavealittlelefthere,”hesaid,holdinghisthumbouttomeasheofferedasmallamountofwhippedcream.
Ididn’tknowifalienshadtakenovermybody,butoninstinct,mymouthopened.Histhumbslippedinside,andIswirledmytonguearounditandsucked.Desireflooded,andmygazeneverlefthis.
Hepulledhisthumbout,andhismouthcrashedintomine.Mylipsparted,andhistongueslippedinside.Thekisswasneedyanddesperate,thewaywebothclungtooneanother.Heliftedmeoffthefloorandsettledmyassonthemetalcounterinthekitchen.Hestoodbetweenmythighs,andIcouldfeelhiserectionthroughhisjeansasitpressedagainstmycenter.Myfingersweretangledinhishair,andhislargehandswereoneachsideofmyface,asifhecouldn’tgetcloseenough.IwassoturnedonthatIcouldn’tseestraight.Ibuckedagainsthim,needingthatfriction.Needingtofeelhimagainstme.
Hekissedmeharder.
Faster.
Heliftedmefromthecounter,andmylegswrappedaroundhiswaistashecarriedmetothewallbesidetherefrigerator.Hepressedmybackagainstthecoolwall,andhishandsgrippedmyassasheslidmeupanddownhishardcockasIgroundupagainsthisgiganticdenim-coveredbulge.Hismouthinvadedmineashelickedandnippedandkissedmelikehe’ddieifhestopped.I’dneverfeltmorewanted.
MyhandstuggedathishairasIbuckedagainsthim,andmyentirebodystartedtingling.
HadIeverwantedanyonemore?
“Lincoln,”Igroanedintohismouthasthisgrowingneedtookover,andmyheadfellback.
“Letgo,sweetheart,”hewhispered,ashekisseddownmyneckandcontinuedrockingmefasteragainsthim.
Iwasdry-humpingmyclientinthemiddleofmybrother’skitchen.
AndIdidn’tevencarebecausenothinghadeverfeltsogood.
Starsexplodedbehindmyeyesasmyentirebodystartedtoshake,andIwentrightovertheedge.
OncemybreathingcalmedandIwasabletoopenmyeyes,Ifoundhimwatchingme.
ThelookinhisgazewasnotwhatIexpected.
Hedidn’tlookscaredthatwe’djustcrossedaline.
Hedidn’tlookbotheredthatI’dfinishedandhehadn’t.
Therewasnosignofpanic.
HelookedatmelikeIwasthemostbeautifulwomanhe’deverseen.
Passmethewhippedcream,please.
BecauseIonlywantedmore.sixteenLincoln
I’dbeenwithmyfairshareofwomenbefore.
I’dhadafewfailedrelationships,afewflings,andplentyofcasualnightswithwomenthatdidn’tgobeyondthat.
Butthis.
BrinkleyReynoldsfillinghermouthwithwhippedcreamandthenrubbingherselfagainstmydick.
Nothinghadeverbeensexier.
Iwasdonefor.
IfIneversawawomancomeundoneagain,Iwouldstilldieahappyman.
Seeingherfallapartfromjustmymouthonhers.Herbodyrubbingagainstmine.
Ihadn’tevenseenhernakedorbeeninsideheryet.
Hadn’ttouchedherortastedherthewayIwasdesperateto.
Itdidn’tmatter.
Hergazesearchedmine,andIcarriedherbacktothecounterandsetherdown.MyfingersstrokedherfaceasIpushedthedarkhairbehindherears.
“Youokay?”Iasked.
“Umm…I’veneverbeenbetter.I’mguessingyou’vegotalittlesituationgoingon,though,”shepurred.
Hadthereeverbeenasexierwoman?
Ireachedforherhandandresteditovermythrobbingcock,strainingagainstmyjeans.
“Nothinglittleaboutthesituationgoingonhere,sweetheart,”Isaid,myvoicegruff.
Herhandcontinuedtostrokemeupanddown,andIsqueezedmyeyesclosed.
“You’rerightaboutthat.You’vegotquitethepackageonboard,Captain.”Shewaggledherbrows.
“Youreadytodroptheno-dating-professional-athlete’srule?”Isaid,nippingatherlips.
Hereyeswidened.“Youdon’tevendateoften;whyareyouaskingthat?”
“BecauseIwanttodateyou.”
Hereyebrowsnarrowed,andsheshookherhead.“Don’tsaythat,Lincoln.Don’tsaythingsyoudon’tmean.”
Shepushedmebackandhoppedoffthecounter,movingtoherplateofpieandtakingabiteasifthiswereallabigjoke.
“Hey.”Ilockedmygazewithhers.“Idon’tsaythingsthatIdon’tmean.I’dthinkyou’dknowthatbynow.”
“Let’ssee,youhaven’tdatedinquiteawhile.Youcan’tstandmemostofthetime,andweworktogether.Oh…andyou’removingacrossthecountry.Toyou,I’mjustsomesmall-townsmokeshow.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.
Ibarkedoutalaugh.“Well,youarehot,andyoudidgrowupinasmalltown,soifthatmakesyouasmall-townsmokeshow,sofuckingbeit.Butthat’snotthereasonthatIwanttodateyou.”
“Youjustwanttodatemebecauseyou’reprobablyhornyandyou’restuckhereinCottonwoodCove.”
Thefuckingnerveofthiswoman.
ShetookanotherbiteofpieandraisedherbrowatmelikeIwasthecrazyone.
Iforkedsomepie,tippedtheutensilback,andflungitather.Achunkofappleandsomesortofcrumblyshitlandedonhercheek,andshegasped.
Nowitwasmyturntolaugh.Ihadn’texpectedtoaimsowell,butdamn,itservedherfuckingright.
IwasasoffendedforherasIwasformyself.First,heraccusingmeofnotknowingwhatIwantandthenhersayingthatI’monlyinterestedinherbecauseshe’stheonlythinghereinCottonwoodCove.
Whatthefuckwasherdeal?
Shereachedforanapkinandwipedherface,turningherbacktome.
“Ican’tbelieveyoudidthat,”shewhispered.
Mychestsqueezedbecauseshewasalloverthefuckingplace,andIdidn’tknowwhatthehellIwasdoingwhenitcametoher.Imovedcloserjustassheturnedaroundandaimedthecanofwhippedcreamatmeandsprayedmeintheface.
“Takethat,sucker.Youhavenoideawhoyou’redealingwith,LincolnHendrix!”Sherantotheothersideoftheisland,holdingthecaninherhand,hereyeswildandfulloffire.Shewaslaughinghysterically,andIcouldn’thelpbutdothesame.
Iswipedthewhippedcreamawayfrommyeyesandshookmyhead.
Ireachedformyplateofpie,carryingitwithmeasImovedaroundtheislandthatsatbetweenus.Herchestwasrisingandfalling,andourlaboredbreathsfilledtheairaroundus.
Istalkedtowardher,almostpredatory.
ThewayIwantedthiswomanwasn’tanythingI’deverexperiencedbefore.
“Putthewhippedcreamdown,”Isaid,closingthedistancebetweenus.
Shestudiedme,settingthecanonthecounter.
Istoodrightinfrontofher,mygazelockedwithhers.“Openyourmouth.”
“Someone’sfeelingfullofhimself.”Hervoicewasbarelyawhisper.
Iraisedabrow,waitingforhertodoasIsaid.Hermouthfellopen,andIscoopedupsomepieandfedittoher.ShegroanedasshesealedherlipsaroundtheforkbeforeIpulleditout,andshechewedslowly.
“IalwaysknowwhatIwant.YouthinkbecauseIhaven’thadarelationshiprecentlythatitmeansthatI’mincapable?That’sneverbeenmyproblem.”
“So,what’syourproblem,Captain?”sheasked,hervoicesexyashell.
“Ihaven’tfoundanyoneworthdoingitwith.TherewasJaqueline,butitwasdoomedfromthestart,”Isaid,takingabiteofpieformyselfbeforeImovedtheforkbacktohersweetmouth.
“Whywasthat?Becauselifeontheroadmakesitimpossible?Becauseyouhaveendlesswomendroppingtotheirkneesforyou?”
Istudiedher.Shelikedtoacttough,butshewasfuckingscared.“Wehadnothingincommon.Therewasnoconversation.Nolaughter.”
“Justhotsexandlotsofit,right?”Shepursedherlipsandsquaredhershoulders.
“Sure.Itwasjustsex.Webothhaveourpasts.Ihavenothingtohide.Thesexwasfine,butattheendoftheday,thatgotold.Asdidherannoyingdesireforattentionandthespotlight.”Isettheplatedownonthecounter.“That’swhyInormallykeepmyrelationshipscasual.Ihavenevercravedthecompanyofawoman—untilnow.”
“Really?I’msupposedtobelievethatyoucraveme?”Shetriedtoactunaffected,buthercheekspinked,andInoticedherbreathswerecomingfastagain.
“Yes.BecauseIdo.”
“You’llgetbored.So,wecanagreetoaone-nightthing,becauseIcan’tdenythatIwantyou,too.Butthat’sallitis.Onenight,thenwegobacktoworkingtogetherandpretenditneverhappened.”
“Nothappening,”Isaidasmyhandmovedtothesideofherneck,mythumbstrokingalongherjawline.“It’sallornothing.”
WasIreallyfuckingturningdownonenightwithher?
Thiswasafirst.
Shesteppedbackandshookherhead.“Whyareyoumessingwithmyhead?”
“AmI?”
“Yes.Ijustagreedtoaone-nightstand.Offeredforustogetwhateverthisisoutofoursystems.Andyou’returningmedown?”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest,andherfacehardened.Shewaspissed.
“Correct.”
“Why?”
“BecauseIdon’twantyouinmybedforonenight,BrinkleyReynolds.Itwon’tbeenoughforme.”Mytongueswipedouttowetmylips,andhereyesmovedthere.
“Idon’tdateathletes.Idon’tsetmyselfuptogethurt.Yougetonenight,andthat’sit.Finaloffer.”Hergazelockedwithmine,lettingmeknowshewasn’tbackingdown.
ButneitherthefuckwasI.
“Nodeal.”Mydickstrainedsohardbehindmyzipperthatitwaspainfullyuncomfortable.ButIwasgoingtostandmyground.
“Fine.Let’sleavethingsastheyare,then.”Sheraisedabrow.
“Allright.Friends?”Iheldoutmyhand.IknewI’dwearherdown.Thispullwastoostrongwithus.I’dgonemyentirelifeneverwantinganythingrealwithanyonebeforenow.Iwasn’tgoingtofuckitupbystartingoutthewrongway.Thiswomanwasgoingtobeworththewait.
“You’reastubbornass.”Sheslappedmyhandawayandstartedputtingeverythingbackintherefrigerator.Shewipeddownthecounter,andIcleanedupthefloor.
Ourdrivetoherhousewasquiet,andshestaredoutthewindow.
WhenIpulledinfrontofherhouse,sheturnedtofaceme.“Iwillsendtheannouncementovertoyoutonighttolookover.Wehaveafewdaystomakesometweaksifyoudon’tlikethewording.Butit’sprettybriefandtothepoint.”
“Soundsgood.Andwe’reofftomorrow,sonoworkout.”
“Right.”
“AmIstillinvitedtoSundaydinner,orareyourevokingtheinvitation?”
“Well,seeingasI’mnottheonewhoinvitedyou,Idon’tthinkitwouldbefairtouninviteyou.”
Shewassofuckingcutewhenshewasmad.
Andwhatwassheevenmadabout?
ThefactthatIlikedher?
Alot?
“Great.I’llmeetyouoverhere,andwecangotogether.”
“Fine.Thatsoundslikeaplan.Goodnight,friend.”Shepushedherdooropen,andIjumpedoutofthecar.
“Friendsdon’twalkoneanothertothedoor,”shehissed,glancingoverhershoulderatme.
Ireachedforherarmjustasshewasabouttoputthekeyintothedoor.Iturnedheraroundtofaceme.
“Iwillalwayswalkyoutothedoor.Stopbeingastubbornass.”Isetonehandoneachsideofherface,cagingherin.
“I’mthestubbornass?”Sheshookherheadandglaredatme.
“Yes.You’repissedbecauseIdon’twanttojustfuckyouforonenightwhenyouknowyouwantthesamethingthatIdo.Thatmakesyouastubbornass.”
“You’resofullofyourself.Youcan’tstandthefactthatIdon’twanttodateyou,canyou?”
“No.Ican’t,”Isaiddryly.“Becauseyou’relying.”
“Oh,really?WhywouldIlieaboutthat?”
Imovedcloser,invadingherspace.Myforeheadrestedagainsthers.“Becauseyou’rescared.Becausethefutureisunknown.BecauseIdon’thaveagreattrackrecordinrelationships,andfromwhatyou’vetoldme,neitherdoyou.”
“You’lltireofme,Lincoln.You’removingtoNewYork.Ilivehere.”
“Youdon’tevenknowwhereyou’regoingtobelivinginafewmonthswhenyoupublishyourstory.”
“Yourstory,”shesaid,raisingabrow.“It’sbetterthatwedon’tcrosstheline.Thingswillgetmessy.”
“Ithinkthingsarealreadymessy,sweetheart.ButI’veneverbeenaguythatwasafraidofthelonggame.So,I’lljusthavetoshowyouthatyou’rewrong.”Isteppedbackandmademywaydownherpath,walkingbackwardasshewatchedme.
“I’mrarelywrong,”shesaid,andthecornersofherlipsturneduptheslightestbit.
“We’llseeaboutthat.”
Iwaitedforhertostepinsidebeforegettingbackinmycaranddrivingtheshortdistancetomyhouse.
WhenIgothome,Icheckedmyphoneandsawanemailfrommycollegecoach,JackHardin.I’dreachedoutaboutLionel,andhe’dgottenbacktome.Hesaidtheywereactuallylookingforabackupkickerbecausetheirfirst-stringkickerhadgraduatedthispastyearandtheyweredowntooneguy.I’dsenthimthefilmthatI’dtakenofLionelkickingafewfieldgoalsthatdayoutonthefield,andhewasinterested.Healsosaidheknewofafewsmallprogramsonthelookoutforakicker,andhe’dpassonthewordaboutLionel.Theyweren’thugefootballprograms,buttheywouldallowhimtoplay,andIwashopingthey’dofferhimsomethingtohelppayforhisschooling.IsenthimLionel’scontactinformationandthensentLionelatext,aswell,tolethimknowthatheshouldbelookingoutforacall.
Itwaswellpastmidnight,andIdidn’texpectaresponseatthishour,butthekidwasfullofsurprises.
Lionel
Ican’tbelievethis.Idon’tknowhowtothankyou,Lincoln.
Justkeeptrainingandbeopentoanycallsthatcomeyourway.IfyouwanttocometrainwithmeandBrinkleynextweek,wecanworkonbuildingsomemuscle,whichwillmakeyoustronger.
WhatthefuckwasIdoing?
IguessIrememberedthetimeIwasworriedaboutplayingincollege,andIdidn’thaveafuckingcluehowtogoaboutit.Neitherdidmymom.Ididn’thaveafathertohelpguideme,andIknewthatLioneldidn’teither.So,apartofmefeltlikeIcouldofferthattohiminaway.Atleasthelphimoutwherehisownfatherhadfailedhim.
Lionel
Iwouldloveto.Iwilldoanythingyousay.
IfonlyBrinkleyReynoldswouldsaythosesamewordstome.
Thentheworldwouldbeaperfectplace.seventeenBrinkley
LincolnandIdrovetomyparents’houseafterhearrivedatmyhouse.Hewasactinglikenothinghadgonedownlastnight.Meanwhile,Ihadn’tsleptawink.I’dtossedandturnedwithmemoriesoftheworld’sbestorgasmfloodingmymindallnightlong.
Jesus.
Thefactthatthemosterotic,sexy,amazingmomentofmylifehadhappenedatmybrother’srestaurantinthemiddleofthekitchenwasbeyondanythingIcouldcomprehend.I’dgoneforsomepieandleftwithawholelotmorethanthat.
WasIsweatingnow?
Wepulledupinfrontofmyparents’houseandhecamearoundtohelpmeoutofthecar.
“Yourcheeksareprettyflushed.Wanttotellmewhatyou’rethinkingabout?”hesaidwithacockysmirk.
“What?I’mnotflushed.It’shotoutside.”Icouldn’tlookathim.
“It’sseventy-fivedegreestonight.Actually,it’sprettycoolwiththebreeze.Ithinkyou’rethinkingaboutthatkisslastnight.”
“Ofcourse,youdo.Becauseyou’rearrogantandcockyand—”IthrewmyhandsintheairbecauseIwasflustered.Hewasright.ThatkisswasallIcouldthinkabout.
Hewrappedhisfingersaroundmywristandturnedmetofacehim.“Youcan’tstopthinkingaboutitbecauseneithercanI.Itwasagoodfuckingkiss.ThebestI’veeverhad.”
“Stop,”Iwhispered,glancingaroundtomakesurenoonewaswatchingusbecauseIwassuddenlyridiculouslyturnedon.
“Thewayyourockedupanddownmycocklikeyoufuckingownedit…Becauseyoudo,Brinkley.Thiscanallbeyoursifyouwantit.I’llmakeyoucomesomanytimesyouwon’tbeabletoseestraight,sweetheart.”
Thebastard.
Mybreathswerelabored,anddesirepooledbetweenmythighs.Thiswasnotgood.
Ipressedmyfingerstomytemples.“Okay,thisstopsnow.Myparentslivehere.Nomoretalkaboutlastnight.Let’sgo.”
Hechuckled,andwestartedwalkingagain.“Youalittlefrustrated,baby?”
“I’mfine,”Ihissedaswewalkedupthecobblestonesidewalktowardthefrontdoor.Iturnedaroundandpokedmyfingerhardintohischest,andIwantedtotearhisbuttonsopenandkisseveryinchofhim.MyGod.Whatwashappeningtome?“Bestbehavior,Captain.”
“Always.”Thebackofhishandgrazedmine,andgoosebumpsrandownmyarmsandlegs.
Oncewesteppedinside,allhellbrokeloose.Everyonegawkedandfawnedoverthefootballstar.
“Lincoln,Ican’tbelieveyou’rereallyhere,”mymothersaid.Thewomandidn’tgiveadamnaboutfootball,butshewassuddenlyveryinterestedintheman.
MaddoxandWylewerethere,andofcourse,theywerelaughingandtalkingandtellingmybrothersthathewascomingtoguys’nightthisweek.
CageintroducedGracietoLincoln,butmybrothercouldbarelyformasentencewhenhetriedtospeak.
HughandFinnwerecompletelycomfortableandactinglikethey’dbeenbestfriendswiththeguyforyears.
“Ithinkhe’shavingagoodtime,”Georgiasaidaswestoodseveralfeetawayfromthem,sippingourwine.Lilawalkedovertojoinus,asmymomwasbusyinthekitchen.
“Hedoes.Andthiscanbeanoverwhelminggroup.”Lilachuckled.
“Yeah.Imean,they’reallfallingalloverhim.Idon’tknowwhyhewouldn’tenjoythat.Themanhasabigego.”
Georgiastudiedme.“It’sokaytosaythatyoulikehim.Heseemslikeareallygoodguy.”
“Iagree.Don’tfightit,girl.He’shot.You’rehot,”Lilasaid,wagglingherbrows.
“He’sfine.We’refriends.”
“Oh,Iknowthatface.Youlikehim,”GeorgiawhisperedbeforegrabbingmineandLila’shandsandtuggingustowardthehallway.“Tellme.”
“It’snothing.I’mattractedtohim.Weaccidentallykissedlastnight.Andthenhepretendedthathewantedtoactuallydateme.Giveitarealtry.Seewhereitgoes.It’sridiculous.Iwasonboardwithaone-timefling—noriskofanyone’sfeelingsgettinghurt.Buthewantedtogoandmakeitcomplicated.”
“You’veneverevenhadaone-nightstand.Whyareyoupushingforthat?”Georgiaasked.
“Imean,maybeheknowsonenightjustwon’tbeenough,”Lilawhispered.
“I’mnotagainsthavingaone-nighter.Ijusthaven’tfoundanyonethatIwantedtogiveitatrywithandthatIwassuperattractedto.Plus,he’snotthedatingtype.He’safreakingfootballstar.Comeon.AmItheonlyonethatseesit?Thiswouldneverwork.”
“Footballstarsdateallthetime.It’snotunheardof.”Lilashrugged.
“Andheneverstopsstaringatyou.MaddoxandIbothnoticeditwhenyouwereoveryesterday.Andyou’realwaystogether.Whyareyousoafraidtogiveitatry?”
“Thereareamillionreasonswhyitwon’twork.”
“TherewereamillionreasonswhyyourbrotherandIwouldneverwork,andlookatus,”Lilasaid.
Georgiachuckled.“Agreed.AndtheideaofMaddoxandIfeltimpossibleatfirst.Givemeonegoodreasonwhyitcan’twork,”Georgiasaid,puttingherhandsonherhips,andLilastoodbesideher,waiting,aswell.
“Icannameseveral.He’safreakingfootballstar.He’smovingacrossthecountry.Weannoyeachotherdaily.”
Georgiastudiedmeforalongmomentbeforeshespoke.“Youreallylikehim,andyou’reafraidofgettinghurt.That’snewforyou,isn’tit?”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Comeon,Brinks.You’veneverdatedamanwhochallengedyou.Youtendtodatereallypassiveguyswhoyoutireofquickly.Butthere’snoriskthere,isthere?”
“Yeah,Ihavetoagree.ThatKaeranguyhadthepersonalityofasnail,”Lilasaid,andsheandGeorgiabrokeoutinafitoflaughter.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Obviously,IprefertodateguysthatIdon’tfightwith.That’ssortofagoodthing.”IchuckledandlookedupwhenLincolnsaidmyname.
“That’sjustthearrogantfootballplayerbraggingabouthowyou’regettingallthesejoboffersbecauseyou’resotalented.He’ssuchapig,”Georgiasaid,makingnoattempttohidehersarcasm.
“Thenerveofhim.”Lilasmirked.
Thankfully,mymothercalledusalltothetablefordinner.
“Okay,enoughofthisconversation.Let’sgoeat.I’mstarving.”
Weallsataroundthetable,andmyfatherlookedsostarstruckitwasdifficultnottolaugh.
Lincolnsatbesideme,withCageandGracieontheothersideofhim.HughandLilaweredirectlyacrossfromus,andGeorgiaandMaddoxsatbesidethemwithWyleontheothersideofthem.Finnwasnexttome,andmyparentswereeachattheheadofthetable.
WepassedtheplattersofchickenandmashedpotatoesandcornonthecobaroundthetableasGracieaskedLincolnseveralquestionsaboutfootball.Itwasadorablethewayheansweredeachoneasshelistenedintently.
“Iwanttothankyouforwhatyou’redoingforLionel,”HughsaidashepassedtherollstoLila.“Heworkedwithmethismorning,andhewasallexcitedthatyoutextedhimlastnight.”
“WhatishedoingforLionel?”myfatherasked.
“He’shelpinghimoutwiththehopethatLionelcancontinuehisfootballcareerincollege.Evenifhejustwalksontoateam,itwouldbegoodforhimtogoawayandexperiencecollege.Thedudehasbeenworkingforalongtime,andhedeservesachancetojustbeanormalcollegekid,andifhegottoplayforateam,itwouldbetheicingonthecake,”mybrothersaid.
“He’sagoodkid.I’mhappytohelp.”
Iglancedoverathim.“Didyouspeaktothecoach?”
“Yeah.He’sgoingtoreachout,andhepassedhisnametoafewotherprograms.”
Wow.He’dreallyfollowedthrough.Iwasimpressed.
Ihadn’trealizedhe’dmadethecall.
“So,Lincoln,Idon’tknowawholelotaboutyououtsideofbeingafootballstar,”mymothersaidasshescoopedsomesaladontoherplate.“Areyoumarriedordating?”
Leaveittomyparentstomakethingscompletelyawkward.
“Mom,”Igroaned.“Weworktogether.That’snotsomethingyoushouldask.”
Everyonechuckled,andmymomsmiledatme.
“Brinks,”shemimickedme,andtherewasmorelaughter.“Youspendeverydaywiththisman,youjustflewacrossthecountrywithhim,andhe’satourhomefordinner.Thisiscalledsmalltalk,mylove.”
“Grammielovessmalltalk,”Graciesangout,andIsighed.
“Actually,Alana,it’sfunnyyoushouldask.I’mnotmarried,butIamtryingtodateyourdaughter.She’sjustputtingupabigfightbecauseshe’sabitstubborn,whichI’mguessingisn’tnewstoanyofyou?”
No.He.Didn’t.
Thetablewassilentastheyalltriedtohidetheirsmiles,whichwasnotthenormforaReynolds’familydinner.MyeyesprobablydoubledinsizeasIgapedathim.
“Sheispainfullystubborn.Icouldn’tagreemore,”Cagesaid,breakingthesilence.“Butifyoudowinherover,dowegetseasonticketsforlife?”
HughandFinnlaughed,andIrolledmyeyes.
“Maddoxalreadygotyouallseasontickets,sodon’tbepimpingmeout,”Ihissed.
“Whatdoespimpingmean?”Gracieasked.
Damnit.Icouldn’tevenhaveameltdownwithoutfeelinglikeanasshole.
“I’dbehappytoanswerthisone,”Wylesaid,andtheentiretableturnedandshoutedtheword:No
Morelaughter.
“It’sanadultword,”Cagesaid,shootingmealook.“Oneyourauntieshouldn’tbeusing.Andthankyou,Maddox,forthetickets,andLincoln,whateverperksdatingoursistergetsus,I’dbedownfor.”
Myhandscamedownonthetablehard,andIshookmyhead.“Youareallabunchoftraitors.”
“Hey,weloveyou.WejustreallyloveLincoln,”Finnsaidbeforechompingdownonhiscornonthecob.
“Youallhavebeenaloteasiertowinoverthanthisone.”Lincolnflickedhisthumbatmebeforereachingforhisglassofwine.
“She’sneverbeeneasy,”Cagesaid,shakinghishead.“Thegirlhasexhaustedmemostofmylife.Theotherthree—pieceofcake.”
EveryoneatthetablelostitasFinnthrewhishandsintheair.“Hey.Wehavenames.Wemaybeeasy,butwehavefeelings,too.”
“Um,Iwascalled‘thisone’,”Isaid,elbowingLincolninthearm.“Andyouwerefarfromeasyyourself,Cage.”
“Allright.Let’srelax,”myfathersaidwhilestilltryingtopullhimselftogether.
“Easyorstrongordifficultorhilarious…weloveyouallthesame.”
“Wait.Whatdoesthatmean?”Iasked,becausenotonesinglepersonhadyettosaythatIwasn’texhausting.“Mom,amIexhausting?”
“Honey.You’reperfectjustthewayyouare.”
“Ithinkthatsaysitall,”Finnsaidwithawidegrinonhisface.
“Whatever.Youcanallsidewiththefootballgodoverhere.ButI’vehadmoresuccessfulrelationshipsthanhehas.”
“IthinkMomisbestequippedforthisone.”Georgiawinked.“Lincoln,didyouknowourmomwasatherapist?”
“Yes.Brinkleydidtellmethat.So,let’shearit,Alana.Whywon’tshedateme?”
“Iamgoingtotortureyouslowlywhenweleavehere,”Iwhisper-hissedinLincoln’sear,andheturnedandwaggledhisbrows.
“I’mlookingforwardtoit,sweetheart,”hesaid,closetomyear.
“So,obviouslyIdon’tknowLincoln’sdatingpast,butIknowBrinkley’s.Threeseriousrelationships.Notoneofthemwassomeoneanyofusthoughtyou’dwindupwith.Theywereall—hmmm…mildinpersonality.”
“Interesting.”Lincolnchuckled.“I’mguessingshehadalotofcontroloverthoserelationships.Notalotofriskthere.”
“Bingo,”mymothersaid.
Whatthehellwasthis?
“Areyoukiddingmerightnow?Okay,let’shearit.Howmanylong-lastingrelationshipshaveyouhad,LincolnHendrix?”Iraisedabrow.
“Well,Ihadahighschoolgirlfriendfortwoyears,andwebrokeupwhenwewenttocollege.”
“Letmeguess.Youbecamethebigmanoncampusandkickedlittlesmall-townSuzietothecurb?”
“Wrong.Iwenttoasmallcollegeandhardlyanyoneknewmyname.Mygirlfriend’snamewasnotSuzie—hernamewasLucy—andshefellinlovewithhercollegeprofessorandendedthingswithme.”
“Whatalittletartlet,”Georgiasaid,andeveryonelaughed.
“It’sfine.Therelationshiphadrunitscourse.Ithinkshemarriedthedudeandhasakidortwonow.Allworkedoutwell.”
“Next?”Iasked,armsfoldedovermychest.
“ItransferredtoAlabamaandmetBarbie.Wedatedforalmostayear.Shewantedtogetmarriedandhavekids,andIdidn’t.So,shegavemeanultimatum,andIwalkedaway.”
“See?Afraidofcommitment.”Iglancedaroundthetable,lookingforpeopletobackme.
“Iwastwentyyearsold.Marriageandkidswerenotonmyradar.Iwashonest.Shewashonest.Noonegothurt.”
“Imean,Igetthat.Ihardlythinkanyoneatthistablewantedtogetmarriedwhentheyweretwentyyearsold,”Cagesaid,obviouslysidingwithLincoln.“Continue,Linc.”
Linc?
Mybrotherdidn’tusenicknamesforanyonebuthisdaughterandhissiblings.
Clearly,Lincolnhadwonthemanover.
“Igotdraftedrightoutofcollege,andmyfocuswasfootball.”Heglancedatme.“I’vehadtwogirlfriendsoverthelastsevenyears.Neitherlastedmorethanayear.Lynettecouldn’thandlethefactthatItraveledsomuch.Shewasjealous,andmylifestylewastoomuchforher.Jaquelinewasanactresswhowantedhertenminutesoffameandsoldastoryaboutmymothertothetabloids,andshewasalsounfaithful.So,I’veremainedsinglebecauseit’seasier.AndGodknowsthatBrinkleyisn’teasy,butforwhateverreason,Ijustdon’tcare.Itdoesn’tscareme.”Heturnedtowardme.“Youdon’tscareme,BrinkleyReynolds.”
“Wow.Shescareseveryone.Thisisafirst,”Finnsaid,andCageagreed.
“AuntieBrinksdoesn’tscaremeeither,Links.Hey,LinksandBrinks.That’sarhyme,Daddy.”
Everyonelaughed,butIjuststaredatthemanbesideme.“Aren’tyoualwaysclosedoffandguarded?What’swithalltheconfessionstonight?”
“Ilikeyou,andIlikeyourfamily.Dealwithit.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”
“Ithinkhewinsthisone,honey,”mymothersaid.
“Isaywekeephim,”Wylesaid,andeveryonecheered.
“Isaywekeephim,too,Auntie.”Graciecameoverandclimbedonmylap.
Iactedannoyed,butthey’dallhitanerve.
BecauseIwantedtokeephim,too.
Butwantingsomeonecamewithalotofrisks.
Andthatterrifiedme.eighteenLincoln
I’dneverbeenquitesochattyinagroupbefore,buttheReynolds’suremadeiteasy.Ifeltcomfortable,andIhadareallygoodtime.
I’dalwayswonderedwhatitwouldbeliketohavealargefamily.
Onewholovedbig.
Theyweretherealdeal,anditdidn’tsurprisemebecauseIknewBrinkley’sfamilywouldbeamazing.Shetalkedaboutthemoften.
Shewasquietafterwegotintothecar.Idrovetowardherhouse.
“Hey,let’sgobacktothatspotatthecove.”
“Yeah?Youlikeitthere,huh?”
“Ido.Ialwaysthinkbestontheshore.Listeningtothewaves.Iusedtogooutthereallthetimeasateenager.Nooneunderstoodmypassionormydrivebackthen.Hell,Idon’tknowifmostpeopleunderstanditnow.”Shechuckled,buttherewassomethinginherwordsthattoldmeshemeantit.
“Theyunderstandyou,andtheyloveyou.There’snoshameinbeingstrongorpassionateordriven.”
Ipulledthecardownnearthecove,andwefoundablanketinmytrunk.Wegotoutandwalkeddowntothesand.Thetidewascomingin,andthewatermovedprettyfaruptheshore.
Shespreadtheblanketoutandploppeddownafewfeetfromthewaterlineandpulledoffhersandals.“God,Iloveithere.”
“Yeah,it’snice.Icanseewhyit’syourfavoriteplace.”
Sheturnedtofaceme.“Ican’tbelievehowmuchyousharedtonightwithmyfamily.That’sveryoutofcharacter.”
“Itis.ButIlikethem.AndIhavegrowntotrustyou,andforwhateverreason,thatmakesmetrustthem.”
“Doyouthinkthisisjustsomesortofconquestnow?”SheheldupherhandtostopmewhenIwasabouttoarguewithher.“I’mjustsaying.Maybeyoujustlikewinning,andyoudon’tlikethatI’mnotgivingyouwhatyouwant.”
“Isthatreallywhatyouthink?”
“Idon’tknowwhattothink.Imean,wherecanthisevengo?It’ssocomplicated.Iworkforyou,andyoucanhaveanyoneyouwant.Whyme?”
Imovedcloser,pullingherhandsinmine.“Firstoff,ifIwasjusttryingtowinsomething,Iwouldhavetakenyouuponyourofferlastnight,wouldn’tI?Instead,Ididn’ttakeyourshittyoffer.Iwantedmore.Iwantmorenow.Ihaddinnerwithyourfamily.That’sthekindofshitInormallydread.ButIdiditbecauseIwantyou.That’sit.It’snotthatcomplicated.ButI’mnotateenageboywhosneaksaround.IfI’mwithawomanforonenight,sure,it’sprivate.ButifI’mwithsomeone,thewayIwanttobewithyou—Iwon’thidethat.I’dwanteveryonetoknowthatyou’remine.”
“Itdoesn’tworkthesameforme.IfinallyhaveoffersinaprofessionthatI’veworkedreallyhardtobreakinto.Ican’tlettheworldknowthatI’msleepingwithmyfirstclient.It’salreadyhardenoughasawomantryingtofindaplaceformyselfinthisfield.”
Inodded.Shemadeagoodpoint.
Afairpoint.
“Iunderstandthat.AndIcanworkwiththat.WhatIcan’tworkwithisonenightwithyou.I’mnothereforthat.Ihaven’tfeltlikethisbefore,andIwanttoseewhereitgoes.So,ifyoufeelthesameway,wecankeepitbetweenusfornow.AslongasyouandIknowthatit’s—”
“Thatit’swhat?”shewhispered.
“Youandme.Together.Nooneelse.Idon’tshare,Brinkley.Iwantyouandonlyyou.Andwecankeepitquietuntilyoulandajob,andyoupublishthestorythatyouwroteaboutme.Wecansaywegottogetherlaterwhenwe’rereadytoshareit.”
“Youthinkwe’regoingtolastthatlong?”sheasked,hereyeswateryasthelightfromthemoonshonedownonher.“Youdon’tthinkwe’llkilleachotherfirst?”
“Iguesswe’llhavetosee.ButIcantellyouthismuch,”Isaid,placingmyhandbeneathherchinandturningherfacetolookatme.“IhaveveryfewthingsthatI’vebeensureaboutinmylife,andthisisoneofthem.”
“Tellmewhatyou’resureabout,”shesaid,movingcloserandclimbingontomylap.Sheworealittlewhitedress,andmyarmswrappedaroundher.
“Mymother’slove.I’veneverdoubteditforonedayofmylife.”Myfingersintertwinedwithhers.“Footballwasitforme,andIknewitatayoungage,andI’veneverwavered.”Iclearedmythroat.“AndthepullthatIfeeltowardyouisdifferentfromanythingI’veeverfeltbefore.So,I’mtrustingit.”
Shelookedaway,staringoutatthewater.“Ithinkyou’regoingtobreakmyheart,LincolnHendrix.”
“That’sjustfeartalking,sweetheart.Igetit.What’shappeninghereisscaryasshit.”Ichuckled.“ButsincewhendoyouorIletfearstopusfromanything?”
Sheturnedtofacemeasatearslippeddownhercheek.“I’veneverfeltlikethis.Anditterrifiesme.”
“I’vegotyou,BrinkleyReynolds.”
Shenodded,andafewmoretearsfell,andsheswipedathercheeks.“Okay,then.I’mallin,Captain.Youbetternotcrashthisboat.”
ThatwasallIneeded.Myfingerstangledinherhair,andIpulledhermouthdowntomine.
Thistime,ourkisswasslower.Likewebothknewwecouldtakeourtimebecausetherewasn’tanexpirationdateattachedtoit.Sheturnedinmyarmssoshewasstraddlingme.Ourmouthsneverlostcontact.
Ourtonguestangled,andourhandsexplored.
Thewavescrashedagainsttheshoreafewfeetaway,andIcouldstayhereforever,kissingthisgirl.
Underthemoon.
Ontheshore.
Shegroundupagainstme,andmycockswelledinmyjeans.Ipulledbacktolookather.Herlipswereswollenfromkissingmeforthelastthirtyminutes.
Shetuggedatherdress,pullingitdownandexposingastraplesswhitelacebrabeneath.Myfingerstracedoverherbreastsbeforemovingtoherbackandunlatchingthebra.Thefabricfellbetweenus,exposingherperfecttits.I’dfantasizedaboutthemsomanytimes,yettheywereevenmoreperfectthanIcouldhaveimagined.Myfingersteasedhernipples,andshegroaned.Iwrappedmyhandsaroundhersmallwaistandliftedherjustenoughsomymouthcouldcoverherbreast.Ilickedandsuckedandflickedherhardpeakwithmytonguebeforemovingtotheotherside.Itookmytime,movingfromonetothenextasshearchedherbackandreveledinit.
“Lincoln,Iwantyousobadly,”shewhispered.
“Youdon’thaveafuckingclue,sweetheart.”Iliftedherupandplacedheronherbackontheblanket.Itossedthebratothesideandglancedaroundtomakesurenoonewasaround.Ihoveredaboveher.“IfyouknewhowmanytimesI’vegottenofftothoughtsofyouandthisbody.”
“Tellmemore,”shepurredasherteethsankintoherjuicybottomlip.
“I’dgripmycockeverysingledayintheshowerafterourworkouts.”Ileanedforwardandkissedherneck,makingmywaydownherbody.“I’dstrokemyselfoverandovertothoughtsofyoursmartmouth,yourperfecttits,andthispussythatIwantedtoclaimasmine.”
“OhmyGod,”shewhispered.
Ipulledherdressdownpastherwaistandthighsbeforetossingitbesideus,leavingherinnothingbutalacywhitethong.
“Haveyouthoughtofmewhenyouwerealone?”
Shesuckedinabreathandnodded.“Alot.”
“Howoften?”
“Everyday.Sometimestwiceaday.”Shesmiledupatme.
“TellmewhatIwasdoingtoyou.”
“Iwillwhenyoutakeoffsomeofthoseclothes.Idon’tlikebeingtheonlyoneundressed.”
Ipusheduponmykneesandunbuttonedmyshirt,shovingitoffmyshoulders.Brinkleysatforwardandreachedforthebuttononmyjeans.
Soeager.Iwrappedmyfingersaroundherwristsandpulledthemaway.“Notyet.Iwanttotasteyoufirst.Isthatsomethingyou’vethoughtabout?”
“Mmm-hmmm,”shesaidasIdroppeddown,pushingherlegsapart.
“AllthisprettylaceIneedtoworkaround.”Ikissedheroverthefabric,myfingerstracingalongherinnerthigh.
“Lincoln,”shewhisperedasherfingerstuggedatmyhair.
“DoyouhaveanyideahowlongI’vethoughtaboutthismomentrightnow?Aboutburyingmyselfbetweenyourprettythighs?”
“Howlong?”sheaskedasshewrithedbeneathme,andIranmyfingersoverthelacecoveringherpussy.
Backandforthslowly.
“SincethenightyouhadmeescortedoutofReynolds’,I’vewantedtodroptomykneesrightthere.Spreadyouwide.Tasteyou.Makeyoucryoutmynameoverandover.”
“Please,”shemoaned.
Islippedthelacyfabrictothesideandreplacedmyfingerswithmytongue.Herhipsjerkedinresponse,andIliftedherlegsandsettledthemovermyshoulderstogivemeevenbetteraccess.
“Isthiswhatyouwant?”IaskedasIcontinuedteasingherwithmytongue.
BreathinginallthatsweetnessthatI’dbeencravingforweeks.
“OhmyGod.Yes.”
Igrippedherhipsandtookmytimelickingandsuckingandtastingher,overandover.I’dbringhertotheedgeandthenpullback.
Herthighstightenedagainstme,andshebuckedharder.
Faster.
Andthistime,Ididn’tpullback.
Islippedonefingerinside,andshegasped.
“Sofuckingtight,”IsaidasIslippedinandoutofherbeforeslidinginanotherfingerandfeelinghertightenaroundme.
Shebuckedfaster,herbreathsfillingthespacearoundus.
Isealedmymouthoverherclitandsuckedbeforeflickingmytongueagainsthersensitivebundle.
Ifeltitbeforeithappened.Thewayherbodytrembledandshookbeforeshecriedoutmyname.Istayedrightthere,waitingforhertorideouteverylastbitofpleasure.
Onceherbreathingslowedandherbodysettled,Ireluctantlypulledmyfingersoutandsatuponmyknees,slippingthemintomymouthasIwatchedher.
“Wow,”shewhispered.“Thatwassomething,Captain.”
Ileaneddownandpushedherdarkhairawayfromherface.“You’reallsassandfirewhenyouspeak,butyou’repurefuckingsugarbetweenyourlegs,sweetheart.Idon’tthinkI’llevergetenough.”
“Youcanhaveasmuchasyouwant,”shesaidwithachuckle.“Butnowit’syourturn.”
Shepushedupandshovedmebackenoughforhertogetuponherknees,facingme.Shereachedformyjeansandunbuttonedthembeforeslidingthemdownmythighs.Next,shereachedforthebandofmyboxerbriefs,andIdidn’tmissthewayherbreathcaughtassheslidthemdown,mycockspringingfree.
“Holyshit,”shewhispered.“Idon’tthinkthere’sanywaythat’sgoingtofit.”
Nowitwasmyturntochuckle.“We’lltakeourtime.There’snorush.”
Shebitdownonherjuicybottomlip.“Okay.YouknowIdon’tscareeasily.Pleasetellmeyouhaveacondom?”
Ipushedtomyfeetandshovedmyclothingallthewayoffbeforereachingintothebackpocketofmyjeansformywallet.Ipulledoutacondomandtoreoffthetop,removingthelatexfromthepacket.Shereachedforitandtookitfromme.Ithoughtshewasgoingtoslideiton,butinstead,shesurprisedmeasshegrippedmycock.Hertonguecameouttolickthetip,andsheswirledhertonguearoundseveraltimes.
“Jesus,”Ihissed.“You’rekillingme.”
Shelookedupatme,longlashesflankingthosegorgeous,darkeyes.Thelightfromthemoonshonedownonherlikeafuckinghalo.
Hermouthcameovermydick,herhandatthebaseassheslowlymovedupanddown.Myheadfellback,eyesclosed,andIreveledinthemoment.
Nothinghadeverfeltbetter.
Ipulledback,placingahandoneachsideofherfacejustenoughthatshereleasedmewithapop,lookingupatmewithconfusion.
“Youfeeltoogood.AndIwanttobeinsideyounow.”
Shenodded,herhandstremblingassheslippedthelatexovermyswollencock.
Icoveredherhandswithminetohelpheralongandthenurgedherback.
Herlegsfellopen,makingroomforme,andIteasedherentrancewithmytip,rubbingitupanddownalongherseam.
“Isthiswhatyouwant,sweetheart?”Iasked.
“Yes.”
Imovedinslowly,justalittlebitatfirst.Mygazelockedwithhers.Hereyeswerehooded.Lipsplumpandbeggingtobekissed.Iranmytonguealongherbottomlipbeforemymouthclaimedhers.Ipressedforward,usingalltherestraintIhadtotakeitslow.
Inchbygloriousfuckinginch.
Shewassotight.
Sowet.
“Don’tstop,”shewhispered.“Iwanttofeelallofyou.”
Ipulledbacktolookather,makingsureshewasokay,andIpushedforward.Icontinuedtomove,herhandonmyfacenow,lettingmeknowshewantedmore.
“You’resofuckingperfect,”IsaidasIpushedallthewayin.Ipausedforaminutetogivehertimetoadjusttome.
“Nothinghaseverfeltthisgood.Youwereworththewait,”shesaid,hervoiceasexymixofneedanddesire.
Iwatchedher.Waited.Andherlipsturneduptheslightestbitinthecorners,andshegavemeasmallnod.
Ipulledback,slowlyatfirst,beforethrustingbackin.Shearchedupinresponse,lettingmeknowthatshelovedit.Mymouthcoveredherperfecttit,andIflickedherhardpeakwithmytongue.
Iswearthiswomanwasfuckingmadeforme.
Shetuggedatmyhair,pullingmymouthuptohers.OurtonguestangledasIthrustinandoutofher.
Wefoundourrhythm.Meetingoneanotherthrustforthrust.
Iknewshewasfuckingclosebecauseshesqueezedmycockwithforce.Herwallstightenedaroundme,herbreathsoutofcontrol.Iwantedtowatchherfallapartthistime.Ipulledback,takingbothofherhandsinmineandpinningthemaboveherhead.Myotherhandmovedbetweenus,knowingexactlywheresheneededmetotouchher.
AndIwatchedasthisbeautifulwoman’seyesclosed,lipsswollenfromwhereI’dkissedher,chestrisingandfalling.
“Lincoln,”shecriedout.Herbodyshook,andImovedfaster.
Once.
Twice.
AndIexploded,goingrightovertheedgewithher.
Wavessplashedagainstthesand.
Abreezemovedaroundus.
AndIwishedIcouldstayrightherewithherforever.
Ontheshore.nineteenBrinkley
Mybreathingfinallyslowedaftertwoofthemostepicorgasmsofmylife.LincolnHendrixwasnotonlyarockstaronthefield,butheknewhiswayaroundawoman’sbody.I’dneverhadanorgasmwithamanbefore,thoughI’dobviouslyhadplentybymyself.
Thiswasnew.
Andletmetellyou—themandelivered.
IftherewasaGOATawardfordeliveringthebestorgasms,hewouldholdthattitle,aswell.
Icouldn’tbelievethatIwaslyingonthebeachbuttnaked,orthatI’dliterallycriedouthisnamelikesomethingyou’dseeinapornomovie.I’dneverbeensoturnedoninmylife.I’dneverallowedmyselftobethisvulnerablewithaman.Losingcontrollikethis.
AndIwashereforit.
Controlwasoverrated.
Hepulledoutofmeandtuggedoffthecondom,tyingtheendandsettingitbesideourclothing.Ifiguredhe’dgrabhisclothes,soIsatforwardtoreachformine,buthestoppedme.
Hecametositbesideme,pullingmeontohislap.Hereachedforthecornersoftheblanketandwrappeditaroundus.
Wesatthere,lookingoutatthewater.
“Ididn’thurtyou,didI?”
Mygentlegiant?Heactedalltoughontheoutside,buthewasasoftybeneath.
“Ofcoursenot.Ifyoudidn’tnotice,Iwasn’tcryinginpain.Thatwaspurepleasure,Captain.”
Hetightenedhisarmsaroundme.“Yeah.Inoticed.Justwanttomakesureyou’reokay.”
Itippedmyheadbacktolookathim.“Thatwasamazing.”
“Didyouexpectanythingless?”
“Ah…thereheis.Mycockyfootballstar.”
Hekissedthetipofmynoseandlookedbackoutatthewater.
“Yourfamilyisprettyamazing.Musthavebeenfungrowingupwithallthosekidsinthehouse.”
“Yes.Itwasthebest.Butitwasalsochaoticandcrazy.Welovehard.Wefighthard.Butwealwayshaveoneanother’sbacks,nomatterwhat.”
“That’scool.It’slikeyourownbuilt-infootballteam.”
Aloudlaughescaped.“Neverthoughtofitlikethat,butyes,I’vegotmyteammatesforlife,Iguess.”
Hewasquietforaminute,andthereweresomanythingsIwantedtoaskhim.
“Youandyourmamaarereallyclose,huh?”
“Weare.She’sthebest.She’salreadylookingathomesinNewYorknow.Thewomanhassupportedmeformyentirelife.”
“Shesoundsincredible.”
“Sheis.You’regoingtoloveher.”
Mystomachflippedatthewayhespokeaboutthefuture.Likeitwasano-brainerthatI’dmeethismother.
“Ilookforwardtoit.”Iclearedmythroat.
“Somethingyouwanttoaskme,sweetheart?”
“Yeah.It’snotforthestory;it’sjustforme.”
“Thenthereisnothingoffthetable.Askaway.”
“Well,Iknowyoudon’tliketotalkaboutyourfather.ButIjustwonderedifyoutalktohim?”
Heletoutalongbreath,andIwaited.“MyfatherleftshortlyafterIwasborn.Justtookoffandwantedanewlife,Iguess.Theywereyoung,andshegotpregnantwhenshewasonlynineteenyearsold.Mymomusedhernameonmybirthcertificatebecauseshewasfullypreparedtoraisemeonherown,whichshedid.Hekeptintouchwithmymotherandwouldcheckinacoupleoftimesayear,andthenheeventuallystoppedreachingout.Heremarriedafewyearslaterandhadanewfamily.LastIheard,hehadasonandadaughter.I’venevermetthemandhavenoideawheretheylive.Wherehelives.”
Iturnedtofacehim,placingahandonhischeek.“Wow.Hesoundslikeaselfishasshole.”
“Probablyafairdescription.”
“Doyouwanttomeethisotherchildren?”
“Iusedtowonderaboutit.Idon’tevenknowiftheyknowaboutme.Butattheendoftheday,Idon’tknowhimorthem,nordoIconsiderthemmyfamily.Themanleftmymomtofendforbothofusonherown.Heneverpaidchildsupportbecauseshedidn’tputhisnamedownonthebirthcertificate.Shesaidheusedtosendmoneynowandthentotrytohelpout.MymomworkedreallyhardtomakeendsmeetwhenIwasgrowingup.That’swhyIwasprettyhorrifiedthatI’dgottenyoufired.I’dneverintentionallytakesomeone’slivelihoodfromthem.”
“IknowthatnowthatIactuallyknowyou.Yourmomsoundslikesucharockstar.So,shestruggledfinancially?”
“Oh,yeah.Ididn’tgrowupwithalot,asfarasmaterialitems,buttherewasashittonofloveinthathouse.Welivedonpeanutbuttersandwichesandmacaroniandcheese.Butwealwayshadagoodtimetogether.We’dplaycardsandboardgames,andtherewasalwaysalotofloveinourhome.That’sprobablywhyIoverreactedwhenyouwalkedintothatbathroom.I’dbeenonedgeeversinceshegotdiagnosed.She’skindofitformeasfarasfamilygoes.”
MyheartachedforayoungLincolnandhismother,whowereclearlyontheirown.
“Iknowhowscaryitis,”Isaid,leaningmyheadagainsthischest.Thesoundofhisheartbeatsoothedme.“ItoldyouthatmyfatherwasdiagnosedwithcoloncancerwhenIwasincollege.ItwasthereasonIcamebacktoSanFranciscowhenIgraduated.I’dinternedforabigmagazinebackeastthathadofferedmeaposition,butIknewIneededtobeclosetohome.Itwasascarycoupleofyears.”
“He’sokaynow?”
Inodded.“Heis.Andhopefully,itstaysthatway.Everytimethepoorguyevencoughs,weallgetnervous.”
Lincolnchuckled.“Igetthat.Ididmyresearchwhenmymomgotsick.Wantedtobesurewegotherthebestcarepossible.I’malwaysonherabouteatingrightandgettingrest.Shepushesherself.Nevermissesanyofmygames.”
“Shelovesyou.”
“Shedoes.Andshedeservesabreak.She’slivedherentirelifeforme.Iwanthertodothingsforherself,youknow?”
“Yeah.MyauntBethlostherbattletopancreaticcancerwhenmycousinswereyoung,andUncleJackjustfocusedonthem.Makingsuretheywereokay.Butnowthey’regrown,andweallworryabouthim.Ithinkmycousinswouldbeokaywithhimdatingnow,well,asidefromDilly.”Ilaughed,andheshotmeapuzzledlook.“She’sjustsuperprotectiveoverhim,andIdon’tknowthatanyonewouldbegoodenoughforhiminhereyes.”
“Igetthat.Mymom’sdatedafewguys,nothingserious.ButIdidn’tfindasingleoneofthosedudestobenearlygoodenoughforher.”
Ishookmyhead.“Igetit.You’reprotectiveoverthepeopleyoulove.It’sagoodqualitytohave.”
Wesattherequietly,listeningtothewavesforafewminutes.
“Tellmewhyyouloveyourjob.Wheredoyouseeitgoing?”heasked.
“I’vealwayslovedsports.Ispentmychildhoodandteenyearstryinghardtobeatmybrothersateverything.So,choosingacareerinthesportsindustrywasano-brainer.ButIalsohavealoveforknowledge.Information.Learningaboutpeopleandwhatmakesthemtick.”
“Youareanosylittleone,”heteased.
Ielbowedhiminthestomach,andhetightenedhisgriponme.“Imajoredinjournalism,andIinternedatStriveForwardmagazine,andmymentorwasthissupercoolwoman,Audrey.Shewouldtellmehowmuchpowertherewasinthewrittenword.Theabilitytocommunicatewithhundredstothousandstomillionsofpeople.Theabilitytomakepeoplefallinlovewithasport,aperson,oraplace.Theabilitytochangepeople’sperceptionaboutanindividualifthey’vebeenpresentedunfairly.Itwasawaytouseyourvoiceforgood.AndIfounditinspiring,Iguess.ButIalsoknowthere’sanotherside.Thesideofthebloodsuckers,”Isaidwithachuckle.“ButIalwayswantedtobefair.Tellthetruth.AndIwasdrawntoyoubecausenoonereallyknewyourstory.”
“Jesus.I’mnotabovesayingwhenI’mwrong,andIwasverywrongaboutyou.Ishouldn’thavecalledanyoneabloodsucker.Yearsofbeingstalkedandhoundedbythepressputabadtasteinmymouth.Butitwasn’tafairassessment.It’sjustlikeanything—thereisgoodandbadeverywhere.Therearegoodfootballplayers,andthentherearepeoplethatareoutthereforthemoneyandthefame.So,Iapologizeforthewaywemet,evenifIdon’tregretit.”
“Andwhyisthat?”Itippedmyheadbackandstudiedhim.
“Becauseyouwouldn’thavecomehome.Wewouldn’tbesittinghererightnow,afterthebestsexofmylife—butt-assnakedontheshore.”
“Wasitthebestsexyou’veeverhad?”Iasked.
“Fuckyeah.Itwasforme.”Heraisedabrow.
Ismiled.“Itwasforme,too.Iwasn’tgoingtoshowallmycardssoeasily,butsinceyoudid,I’lladmitit,too.”
“Andyouwantedtodoitjustonce.Itoldyou,oncewouldneverbeenough.”
“Youwereright,”Isaidasheflippedmeoverontomyback,andIbrokeoutinafitofhystericallaughter.“Thisonetime,youwereright.”
“Onlythisonetime?”heasked,leaningdownandkissingmehard.
“Thistimewastheonlyonethatreallymattered.”
Henodded.Hisgazewassoftashetookmein.“Comeon.Let’sgetoutofherebeforewegetcaughtnakedandenduponthecoverofeverynewspaperandmagazineintown.They’realreadytalkingaboutyoujumpingtomydefenseinthepress.”
Hehelpedmetomyfeet,andwebothquicklyslippedbackintoourclothes.
“Ithastobeclosetomidnightnow.Weneedtogetsomesleep.We’vegottobeupearlyforourruninthemorning.”
Hetookmyhandandledmetothecar.“Yep.Andit’snotgoingtobeeasygettinganysleepwithyounakedinmybed.”
Isuckedinabreath.Iwonderedifwe’deachgotoourownplacesonceweleftthecove.
“That’spresumptuous,”Iteased.“YoujustthinkI’llsleepatyourhouse?”
“Youwantmetochaseyou,sweetheart?”hesaid,nothidinghissarcasm.“BecauseIwill.Ifthat’swhatyouneed.ButIwantyouinmybed.Iwanttowrapmyselfaroundyouandwakeuptoyouinthemorning.”
“Well,whenyouputitthatway.”IshruggedafterIgotintothecar,andhereachedovertobucklemyseatbelt.Normally,I’dslapsomeone’shandawayfordoingthat,butatthemoment,I’dletthismandojustaboutanythingtome.
“Good.Let’sgohome.”
Iclosedmyeyesaswedrovetowardhishouse.Icouldn’trememberatimethatI’dbeenthisrelaxed.
Thishappy.
Thiscontent.
***
ThelastfewdayshadbeenbusybetweenLincoln’sinsaneworkoutsandmeintalkswithSportsToday,asI’dbebreakingthisnewswiththem.I’dbeenbusymakingtweakstothefinalstatementthathadbeenreleasedthismorning.
LincolnHendrixWillBeSigningwiththeNewYorkThunderbirds.
ItwasnowpublicknowledgethatLincolnwastellingmehisstory,andIwasalsothesamewomanwho’djumpedtohisdefenselastweekwhenwe’dbeeninthecity.
Myphonerang,andIwatchedLincolnthroughtheslidingglassdoorsashepushedagigantictireupanddownthedrivewayasanextracoreworkoutthathelikedtodo.Heworeapairofbasketballshorts,noshirt,andanavybaseballcapturnedbackwardonhishead.
Thereshouldbesomesortofruleaboutsexymenwearingtheircapsbackward.Itcausedmyovariestogointooverdrive.
Every.Damn.Time.
Hischestwastannedandchiseled,andthemusclesinhisarmsstrainedeachtimehepushedtheoversizedtireanothercoupleoffeet.
Iansweredthephoneandputitonspeaker.
“Hey,Ever,”Isaid,happytoseemycousin’snameonthescreen.
“Hi,superstar.So,youbrokethenewsaboutwhereLincoln’splayingnextyear,andit’salleveryoneistalkingabouthere.I’minthecitywithHawkandthekidsforagame,andthisstoryiseverywhere.”
“Yeah,Ithinkpeoplehavebeenwaitingtoseewhathewasgoingtodo.Iknowlocalfanswon’tbethrilled,butI’msurealotofthemwillfollowhimtotheThunderbirds.”
“Ithinkso,too,”shesaid.“ThevibeI’veheardisthateveryonesortofblamesTonyAndersfornotprotectinghim.”
“Itwouldbethetruth.”
“So,areyougoingtotellmewhat’sgoingonwithyoutwo?First,youdefendthemanagainstapaparazzo,anddon’tevengetmestartedthatLincolnistwiceyoursize,andyoustilldecidedtojumpin.Ithinkwhatpeoplelovemostaboutthatphotogoingviralisthewaythathewaslookingatyou.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Iasked,tryingnottochucklebecauseitwasridiculousthatI’djumpedinfrontofhim,butI’ddoitagainifIfeltlikehewasbeingthreatened.
“Well,forstarters,you’relikeafiercemamabear,readytothrowdown,andhelookslike—”Shepausedandlaughed.“He’slookingatyoulikeyousetthesun,Brinks.Justcompleteadoration.”
“Saysmycousin.Clearly,you’rereadingintoitabit.”Ismiled,eventhoughIknewshecouldn’tseeme.TheselastfewdayshadbeenfilledwithendlesstogethertimeformeandLincoln.Workouts.Sex.Laughter.Fights.Boardgames.Late-nightdinners.Andtonight,weweretakingouttheboatforthefirsttime.
“Spillit,Cuzzy.Takeitfromsomeonewhoknowsthatlookwell.”
Isighed.We’dneverkeptsecretsinourfamily.OurcousinsusedtospendtheirsummershereinCottonwoodCove,andwegrewuptogether.“Ilikehim.”
“Youdon’tsay?”Sheoozedsarcasm.“Imean,themanisbeautiful.He’safreakingrockstaronthefield.AndfromwhatGeorgietoldmelastweek,youtwoarealwaystogether.”
“Well,Iamworkingforhim,inaway.So,wearetogetheralot.We’llcallthatresearch.”Ichuckled.
“I’msureyou’reverythorough.”
Wewerebothlaughingnow.
“Idomybest.”
“I’mguessingyou’rekeepingthisonthedown-lowuntilthestorybreaksandyousecureajob?”
“Absolutely.Idon’tneedtobeknownasthewomanwhosleptherwaytothetop.”
“Itsucksthatwehavetoworryaboutthat.Hedoesn’thavetoworryaboutathing,andthat’showitwaswithHawk.Ihadtobeverycarefulmyself,andwekeptithiddenforquiteawhile.Butpeoplearegoingtojudge,regardless.You’regoingtohavepeoplethathateyouforstealingtheheartofthehottestfootballplayeroutthererightnow.Jealousyisanuglybeast.”
Ihatedthethoughtofeveryoneknowingandgettingintoourbusiness.“Well,untilIhaveasignedcontractforafull-timeposition,we’llbekeepingthistoourselves.AndtheThomassisters,ofcourse.”
“Well,youknowwetakeittothegrave.I’mhappyforyou.Imissyou.I’llseeyousoon.We’llallbeinCottonwoodCoveforHughandLila’sweddingnextmonth.”
“Ican’twait.It’scomingupsosoon.AndthenParisforGeorgie’s.Thankgoodnessyou’reallmarriedbecauseit’shardtokeepupwiththeseweddings.”
Shelaughed.“Damnstraight.Maybeyou’llbenext,Brinks.”
“Okay.I’mhangingup.That’sridiculous.”
“We’llseeaboutthat.Loveyou.”
“Loveyoumore.”
Iendedthecallandshookmyhead.
Marriagewasn’tevenintherealmofmyimagination.Don’tgetmewrong,IwasthrilledforLilaandGeorgia.ButIhadtoomuchtoaccomplishbeforeIevenconsideredthat.
Didn’tI?
Whydidthethoughtexcitemeasmuchasitterrifiedme?
IlookeduptoseeLincolnwalkingtowardmefromthebackyard.Hisgazelockedwithmine,andIhadmyanswer.
ItterrifiedmebecausealifetimewithLincolnHendrixmademystomachflutter.
Andthatwasneversupposedtohappen.
Butherewewere.twentyLincoln
“Isthiswhatyoudoeveryday?”Lionelaskedafterheheavedintoabushforthethirdtime.
Brinkleystoodthere,rubbingherhandacrosshisbacktocomforthimasshespoke.“Don’tbetoohardonyourself.Hisworkoutsarenotnormal.”
Mygazelockedwithhers.
That’sright,sweetheart.Myfavoriteworkoutswerewithherinthebedroomatthestartandendofeveryday.
HercheekspinkedbecausesheknewwhatIwasthinking,butsherolledhereyesandsmirkedlikeIwasridiculous.Thiswasourshtick.MesayinghowcrazyIwasabouther,andheractinglikeIwasgoingtotireofheranydaynow
Butthatwasn’tgoingtohappen.
ItwasabigpartofthereasonthatIwantedmymomtocomeoutthisweekend.I’dtoldherI’dmetsomeone,andshewasexcitedtomeetBrinkley.
Theywerethetwomostimportantwomeninmylife,andIwantedthemtomeet.
“IcanfeelI’mgettingstronger,though,”Lionelsaid.He’dworkedoutwithusfourdaysthisweek,andhe’dpukedeverytime.Thepoorkidwouldneedtodoublehiscaloriestomakeupfortheseworkoutsandthefactthathecouldn’tmakeitthroughaworkoutwithoutchuckinghisbreakfast.
“Youaregettingstronger.So,whatdidCoachHardinsaywhenyouspoketohimyesterday?”Iasked,andweallthreedroppeddowntositinthegrass,lookingoutatthewater.
“Hesaidthey’reinterested.Heisn’tsureifhehasanymoneyleftinthebudgetbecauseit’ssolatenowandtherecruitingseasonisbasicallyover.Buthewantsmetocomeoutthere,somymomispricingsometickets.”
“Don’tworryaboutthat.I’vegotyou.I’llgetyouthere,”Isaid,andBrinkley’seyessnappeduptomeetmine.“Doyouwanttoplaythere?”
“Yes.Theyhaveareallygoodbusinessschool,whichiswhatIwanttomajorin.”
“ThenhowaboutyouandIgocheckitout?”
“What?You’recomingwithme?”
“Fuckyeah,Iam.I’lltalktoyourmomandmakesureshe’sgoodwithit.Youneedtohavesomeonethereaskingtherightquestions.We’renotgoingtoletyougooutthereandgetpushedaround,Lionel.You’vegotdecentstats,andyouhaven’tevenreallybeencoachedyet.Thepotentialisthere.Ibelieveit.So,we’llmakesurethatCoachHardin,andanyoneelsewhoreachesout,knowsit.”
“Idon’tknowhowtothankyou.”
“Howaboutyoudoubleupyourcaloriesafteryourworkoutssoyoudon’twitheraway?Canyoudothatforme?”Thekid’sbiggestissueatthemomentwasthefactthatheneededtoputsomeweightandsomemuscleonhisbones.
“Icouldstartmakingyougreenjuicesfrommygardenifthingswouldevergrow.I’vebeenwaitingforever,”Brinkleysaid,shakingherhead,whichmademelaugh.
Everydamndaywewentandcheckedonthatridiculousgarden.Ithadalongwaytogo,andwholevegetablesandfruitswerenotgoingtojuststartpoppingupthatquickly.Itwouldtaketime.
Iwantedtodosomethingforher,andIknewthatshewouldneveraskforhelpwithanything.
So,Georgiahadmetafewpeoplefromthenurseryatthehousethismorningforme,tooverseesomeupdatestothegardenthatIwantedtosurpriseBrinkleywith.
“Thanks,MissBrinkley,”Lionelsaidaswestartedwalkingtowardthehousewherehiscarwasparked.“I’lltrytobulkupsome.”
Therewasanawkwardpausethere,andIknewsomethingwasup.
Iknewthelookonhisface.
Hewantedthisbutdidn’thavethemeanstodoit.
Hismotherlivedonafixedincome,fromwhatBrinkleyhadtoldme.Shecouldn’tjustdoublehergrocerybill.IshouldhavethoughtofthatbeforeIcalledhimoutforit.
Iclappedhimontheshoulder.“I’vegotsomethingsthathelpedmealotwhenIwastryingtoputonsomeweightbackintheday.Letmelookintoitforyou.”
Henoddedashestoppedinfrontofhiscar.“Iappreciateit.AndIgetfreedinneratReynolds’whenIwork,andIdon’tthinkHughwouldmindifIincreasedmyportionsabit.”
“Ofcourse,hewouldn’t.”Brinkleysmiled.
“I’llseeyoubothtomorrowifyou’restillokaywithmejoiningin?”heasked.
“Absolutely.”Iheldupmyhandandwaved.
Afterhepulleddownthedriveway,Brinkleyturnedtome.“Lookatyou.You’regoingwithhimtoseetheschool?”
“It’snotabigdeal,”Isaid,avoidingherstare.
“You’reabigsofty,Captain.”
Sheranforthebackdoor,andIchasedher.Iscoopedherupanddroppedherontothecouch,hoveringoverher.
“DoIstrikeyouasasofty?”IteasedasIthrustmyerectionagainsther.
Shelaughedandtuggedmedownbeforemymouthcrashedintohers.
WhenIpulledback,sheglancedatherwristtocheckthetime.“Shit.I’vegottograbafastshowerandthenpickupGraciefrompreschool.Myparentsweren’tabletopickheruptoday,soI’mgoingtogogether.”
“I’llcomewithyou,”Isaid,scoopingherupandcarryinghertowardthebedroom.
Isetherdownonthebathroomcounter,andherlipsturnedupinthecorners.“Really?We’regoingtotheTipsyTea;yousureyouwanttocomewithus?”
“Iam.”Ismirkedbeforeturningontheshoweraswebothstrippedourclothesoffandsteppedin.
Obviously,wecouldn’tkeepourhandstoourselves,soshoweringtogetherwasmynewfavoritething.Ipressedheragainstthewallandthrustintoher,asmylipsfoundhers.
Wewerelikeafinelytunedship.Wecouldgoatitforhours,orwecouldfindourreleaseinminutes.Ourbodiesfittogetherliketheyweremadeforoneanother.
Wequicklydriedoff,andBrinkleyslickedherhairbackintoabunatthenapeofherneck.Shedabbedalittleglossonherlips,didsomethingtohereyelashes,andwewereoutthedoor.
I’dinsistedondriving,sowe’dmovedthecarseatthingyintomycar.Brinkleyguidedmetotheschoolandtalkedmethroughthepickupline.I’dneverheardofadrive-throughwhereyougotachildattheendoftheline,butIalsohadverylittleexperiencewithchildren.
“Theresheis,”Brinkleysaidassherolledthewindowdownandwaved.
AwomanescortedGracietothecar.ShewasprobablythecutestkidI’deverseen.Sheworeanavyplaidjumper,awhiteblousebeneath,andsomenavykneesocks.Herhairwaspulledupintwobunsontopofherhead.Butshewasn’tdonningthebigsmileshe’dwornthelasttimeI’dseenher.
“Haveagoodone.We’llseeyoutomorrow,Gracie,”thewomansaid.
“Goodbye,”Graciesaidquietly.“Hi,AuntieBrinksandLinks.”
Brinkleyglancedatme,herbrowscinchedtogetherasIpulledoutofthecirculardriveandheadedtowarddowntown.
“Hey,howwasyourday?”
“Fine.”
“Fine?It’snotlikeyoutobethisquiet.Didsomethinghappentoday?”
Shedidn’trespond.IglancedinmyrearviewmirrorasIpulledinfrontoftheteaplace,andGraciejuststaredoutthewindow.
“Somethingisup,”Brinkleywhisperedclosetomyearbeforesheunbuckledherself.
WegotoutofthecarandwalkedintotheTipsyTea,whichwassomesortoflittlegirlstore,andeverythingwaspinkandfloral.Itsmelledlikewatermelonbubblegum.Anelderlywomanwalkedover,andBrinkleyintroducedme.
“ThisisMatilda.Sheownsthisgorgeousstore.Matilda,thisisLincoln.”
“Nicetomeetyou,Lincoln.CongratsonsigningwiththeThunderbirds.We’llmissyouplayingforSanFrancisco,butmyhusbandandIwillbecheeringyouonallthesamethisyear.”
“Iappreciateit.”
“I’mguessingit’saspecialdaywithAuntieBrinks,andyou’llgettopickoutalovelyprize?”MatildabentdowntogreetGraciebeforeshootingalookatBrinkley.
Apparently,everyoneherewasfluentinthebehaviorofthiskid,asidefromme.Hell,sometimesIdon’tfeelliketalking.Doesn’tmeananythingotherthanIdon’tfeelliketalking.
“Yes,ma’am,”Graciesaid,andshegaveasmallsmile.
“Great,well,youenjoyyourselves.Wegotsomenewthingsinthismorning,sogowanderaroundandcheckitout.”
Shewavedandwalkedtowardthecashregister.
BrinkleyfollowedGraciedownanaislewithawholelotofpinkshit,andherphonebuzzed.
“Oh.It’sJohnJonesfromFootballLivecalling,”shegasped.
“Gotakeitoutside.I’vegotthis.”
“Okay.Thankyou.I’llberightback,Gracie.StaywithLinks.”
GracienoddedasBrinkleydartedoutofthestore.Wecametoastopinfrontofapairofpinkcowboyboots.
“Doyoulikethose?”Iaskedasshestudiedthem.
“Ido.Butthat’safancypresent.”Shepickedoneupandsmiledatit.
“Ithinkweshouldtrythoseon.”Ibentdownandunbuckledhernavyschoolshoesandlookedonthebottomforthesizebeforefindingapairofbootsofthesamesize.Sheheldontomyshoulderwithhertinyhands,andIhelpedherslipintothem.
“PrestontoldmethatI’mweirdbecausemydog’snameisBobPicklepants.”Sheshrugged.Wasthissomesortoflittlegirlconfessional?Ididn’tknowwhatwashappening,butI’dgowithit.
“Prestonsoundslikeatool.IlikethenameBobPicklepants.Andthere’snothingweirdaboutyou,GracieReynolds.Isayyourockthesepinkbootsatschooltomorrowandignorehim.”
Herbrowscinchedasifshewereconsideringsayingsomethingbutwasn’tsure.“HesaidI’mweirdbecauseIdon’thaveamama,too.”
Mymotherfuckingchesttightenedsomuchitwaspainful.ItookherlittlehandinmineasIremainedbentdownsoIcouldlookintoherdarkeyesthatweresosimilartoBrinkley’s.Theywerewateringjusttheslightestbit,andIwantedtobeatthefuckoutofthisPrestonkidforhurtingher.
“DoyouknowthatIdidn’thaveadadgrowingup?AndI’mcertainlynotweird,amI?Ithinkitmakesusextracoolbecausewe’vegotoneparentthatlovesusenoughfortwo.Notmanypeoplecansaythat.”
Hereyeswidened,andherlipsturnedupinthecornerswithagenuinesmileassheusedthebackofherhandtowipeawaythesingletearthathadjustrolleddownhercheek.Thislittlegirlwassomethingspecial.
“You’renotweird,Links.We’rebothextracool,”shesaid,asifI’djustfixedallherproblems.
IwantedtodriverightdowntothatschooltomorrowandgivePrestonapieceofmyfuckingmind.
Kids,man.Theycouldbebrutal.
“Ithinkthatpinkhatwouldlookawfullycuteonyouwiththeboots,”Isaid,becausenowshewaslookingdownatherfeetandsmiling.
“Ican’tgettwoprizesinoneday,”shesaid.“That’snottherules.”
“Well,I’mheretoday.Ithinkweshouldgetacoupleofthings.”Ireachedforthehat,butbeforeIplaceditonher,shetuggedathertwolittlebunssittingonherhead.
“Weneedstotaketheseoutfirstorthehatwon’tfit.Canyouhelpme?”
Igentlytriedtoremovetheelasticfromeachone,butIdidn’twanttoyankherhair.Sheshockedmewhensheplacedahandonmycheekandsmiled.“Youwon’thurtme,Links.DaddysaysI’mthetoughestgirlaround,nexttoAuntieBrinks.”
Ichuckledasherhairsprunglooseanddarkspiralcurlsfelldownaroundhershoulders.Iploppedthehatonherheadandpushedtostandallthewayup.
I’dneverevenknownthattinyhumanscouldbethisadorable.
Shehurriedtothemirrorandgasped
“Ilookextracool,don’tI,Links?”
“Yousuredo.”
Matildacamewalkingoverandclappedherhandstogether.“Well,aren’tyouthecutestgirlintheworld.Andyou’lllookperfectatthefairthissummer.”
“Iinsistongettingthem,”Isaid
“Ican’tbelieveit.CanIwearthemoutofthestore,MissMatilda?”
“Yousurecan.”
Iheldherlittlenavyshoesinmyhandandglancedaround.“Isthereanythingelsethatyoulike?”
Thosedarkeyesgrewwideagain,andshecoveredhermouthwithbothhands,asifshecouldn’tbelieveI’daskedthequestion,andIswearI’dgetthislittlegirloneofeverythinginthisstoreifsheaskedforit.
Matildapointedtothebackofthestoreandsaidthatthey’dgottensomenewdressesin,soIfollowedGracieoverthere.Butshe’dpassedbythesundressesthatwerehangingonarackandgaspedwhenshesawarackfullofwhite,puffydressesthatlookedmorelikeweddinggowns.
“Links,”shewhispered,andherlittlevoiceshook.“Lookatthatone.It’sarealprincessdress.Notapretendone.”
MatildachuckledandpulleddowntheoneGraciewaspointingto.
“Thisisaflowergirldress.Ithinkyou’regoingtobeaflowergirlinyouruncleHugh’sweddingandyourauntGeorgia’sweddings.Butdidn’tyoualreadygetdressesforthose?”
“Yes.”Gracienodded.“Theyarerealprettybutnotfancylikethisone.”
“Ithinkyoushouldtryiton.YoucanwearittoSundaydinneratyourgrandparents’house,”Isaid.
Matildachuckled,andGraciejumpedupanddownastheolderwomansaidshe’dhelphertryiton.IwaitedandwalkedovertothefrontofthestoretoseeBrinkleyonthephone,pacingincirclesoutinfrontofthestoreasshespoke.
“Links!”Gracieshouted,andImademywayback.Shetwirledaroundanddidsomesortofcurtsy,managingtokeepherpinkcowboyhatonherhead.“Lookatme.I’mareal,liveprincess.”
Matildawalkedout,carryingherschooluniformandraisingabrowatmeasifthiswasgoingtobeatoughonetoturndown.
Butthatwasn’tgoingtohappen.
Thisgirlhadgottenherhearthurttoday,andifafancydressandsomebootsandahatmadehersmile,I’ddoittentimesover.
Hell,I’dgivehermygoddamnkidneyifsheneededitrightnow.
Thiswasnothing.
“Idon’tseehowwecanwalkoutofherewithoutit,”Iteased.“Let’sgetit.”
“Doyouwanttowearitoutofthestorewiththebootsandthehat?”theolderwomanasked.
“Yes,ma’am!”Graciejumpedupandattemptedtogivemeahigh-five,butshemissed,whichmademelaugh.Matildacutoffthetagsandmadeherwayaroundthecounter.
Ihandedovermycreditcard,andwetossedherschoolclothesandshoesintoabag.
“Thankyou,Links.Thisisthebestdayever.”GraciesmiledupatmeasIreachedforherhandtoleadhertowardtheexit,justasthedooropenedandBrinkleywalkedin.
Onebrowraised,sheputherhandsonherhips.“What’sgoingonhere?”
“MeandLinksisextracool,Auntie.”
Damnstraight.
Enoughsaid.twenty-oneBrinkley
WemadeourwayovertoCottonwoodCafébecausetheplacewasariteofpassageintown.AndLincolnhadbeenavoidingitbecausehe’dheardtherumorsaboutthedirtyoldbirdthatworkedthere.
“So,tellmehowweendedupwiththisbeautifuldressandthecutebootsandhat?”IaskedasGraciewalkedbetweenus,withonehandinmineandtheotherinLincoln’s.WhenI’dsteppedoutoftheadorableboutique,they’dbeenfriendly,butnowtheyappearedtobebesties.Andmyniece,whohadbeencompletelyoffwhenwe’dpickedherup,seemedtobebacktoheroldself.
“Don’tyoulovetheseboots,Auntie?”Graciesaid,kickingherfootupfrombeneaththefrillywhiteflowergirldresstoshowthepinkcowboyboots.“LinkssaysIlookverycool.”
Shewasliterallysurroundedbyanabnormalamountoftulle,andsheworethecutestpinkcowboyhatandboots,andmyheartwasthreateningtoexplode.
Ilovedthislittlegirlsomuch.
Andthefactthatthismanhadjustpamperedherthewaythathehadandturnedherspiritsaround—myheartcouldn’ttakemuchmore.
Iwasdyingtoknowwhathadhappened.GraciehadbeenupsetwhenI’dsteppedoutsidetotakethatcallandnowthesetwoseemedtobefastfriends,soIassumedshe’dsharedsomethingwithhim.
“Linksisright,”Isaid,overmylaughter.“ButDaddyisgoingtobealittleannoyed,seeingashehasthatwholespendingrule.”
Lincoln’sheadsnappedinmydirection.“Whatkindofrule?”
“I’monlyallowedtogetherpresentsundertendollarsonouroutingsunlessit’sherbirthdayorChristmas.”
“When’syourbirthday?”Lincolnaskedherashescrubbedahandoverthescruffonhisjaw.
“It’scomingup,”shesaid.“It’srightafterUncleHugheyandAuntieLila’swedding,right,Auntie?”
“Yep.Junetwenty-third,babygirl.It’smyfavoritedayoftheyear.”
“Perfect.Wecancallthisanearlybirthdaygift,”hesaidashereachedforthedoor.Thenhesurprisedmebyleaningdownandwhisper-shoutingtoher.“Butdon’tyouworry.I’llgetyousomethinggoodforyourbirthday,too.”
Unbelievable.
“LikeIsaid—you’reasofty.”
“Ipreferreditwhenyoucalledmearudegentleman.”Heleanedclosetomyear,andhiswarmbreathtickledmyneck.
Damn,thismandidcrazythingstome.
Thislastweekhadbeenawhirlwind.Somuchfortakingitslow.Ourpassionforoneanotherwasasstrongasourdisagreementswere.Andwehadplenty.
Hewasbossyashell,andIdidn’tlikebeingtoldwhattodo.
Tonight,wewerestayingatmyhouse.He’dgottenhiswaythelastfewnights,butIwasputtingmyfootdown.
“Well,lookyhere.It’sabouttimeyoubroughtthefootballplayerover.I’veheardyou’vebeeneverywhereintownbutmyplace,”Mrs.RunitherpurredasshemovedintoLincoln’sspace.
IttookeverythingIhadnottolaughashisshouldersstiffened.HeheldontoGracie’shandlikeshewasasecurityblanket.
“Uh,hello.I’vejustbeenbusy.”Lincolngaveahalfnodandtooktheslighteststepbackward.ButMrs.Runitherdidn’tmissabeat.Shewasn’tabouttoletafine-assmandistancehimselfwithoutafight.Shemovedalongwithhim,andhestartled,glancingoveratme.
“There’sJ.R!”Gracieshoutedandaskedifshecouldgosayhello,andItoldhershecould.LincolnlookedveryunhappywhenshedroppedhishandandMrs.Runithertookitinhersandintertwinedherfingerswithhis.
Thiswasanewoneforher.
“My,ohmy.Lookatthesehands.Ilikeamanwhoknowshowtohandlehisballs,”shesaid,andInearlylostitbecauseLincoln’sdiscomfortwasimpossibletomiss.
Hetuggedhishandbackandshovedthemintothepocketsofhisjeans.
“Tellme,LincolnHendrix.Doyoulikeatigerinthebedroom?Ordoyoupreferyourwomentobesubmissive?”
“Areyoureallyjustgoingtostandtherewatching?”hehissedatme,andIcoveredmymouthwithbothhandsbecausethiswasjusttoogood.
Itwouldn’tevenmatterifthemacandcheesewashorribleatthispoint.
“Mrs.Runither,I’mnotsurehowtoanswerthatquestion,butIcantellyouthis,”hesaid,lookinglikehiscockyselfallofasudden.“IprefernottobeaskedinappropriatequestionswhenIgoouttoeat.”
“Oh,helikestoplaycatandmouse?YouknowIloveamanwholikestoplay.”Shewinkedatme.“Comeon,y’all.Let’sgetyouatablesowecanfeedthefootballstar.Nothingbetterthanawell-fedman.AmIright,Brinkley?”
“Iprefertobewell-fedmyself;Idon’treallycarehowmuchthebigguyeats.”Myvoicewasalltease.
WestoppedtosayaquickhellotoJ.R.,thenLincolnscoopedupGracieandcarriedhertothetablewithus.Iwasn’tsureifhewastryingtohelpher,consideringshekepttrippingoverherlongdress,orifhewasusingherasashieldfromtheoldhorndog,Runither.
Whentheelderlywomansteppedawayandwe’dsettledintothebooth,LincolnleanedforwardsoonlyIcouldhearhim.“Iwillpayyoubackforthat.Getreadyforatigerinthebedroom.”
IwhippedmyheadtomakesureGraciewasn’tlistening,butshewastoobusywavingatJ.R.
“Promises,promises.Youmadethewoman’sday.Itwouldn’tkillyoutoflirtwithher.”Ismirked.
“You’rebarkingupthewrongtree,sweetheart.She’snotmytype.”
“What’syourtypes,Links?”Graciesuddenlyturnedherattentiontous.
“I’mlookingatit.”Hestaredatmebeforeleaningdownandkissingmyniece’sforehead.
Themanwasfullofsurprises.
***
We’ddroppedGracieoffatCage’shouse,andhedidn’tevengiveLincolnanyshitforbuyinghersomanythings.Instead,hepraisedthemanandthankedhimforspoilinghisdaughter.
Whenwepulledupinfrontofmyhouse,Iturnedtohim.“IthinkIneedsomefansofmyown.”
Hechuckled.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Mybrother.He’salwaysgrumpyandirritated,butwhenyou’rearound,he’sridiculouslycheerful.Thankyousomuchforspoilingmygirl,”Isaidinmycheesiestvoice,mimickingCage.
“Hey,don’tbejealousthatyourbrotherappreciatesmeandyourniececalledmeherbestie.Servesyourightforfeedingmetothatpiranha,Runither.DoyouknowwhathappenedwhenIaskedyoutowalkwithmetothebathroomandyourefusedtogowithme?Doyou?”hesaid,allloudandboisterous,whichmademelaugh.
“Shefollowedme.Andshewasgrabbingatmyshouldersandreachedupandranthoselong,creepynailsthroughmyscalp,claimingtherewasafeatherinmyhair.Ithinkshedrewblood.Shereallydugherclawsinthere.”Heleanedforward,restinghisbigheadbetweenmybreasts.
Icouldn’tstoplaughing.Iranmyfingersthroughhishairandheldmyphoneupwiththeflashlighttohumorhim.“Um.There’snobloodhere,buddy.Ithinkyou’regoingtomakeit.How’dyougetawayfromher?”
Hewhippedhisheadbackuptolookatme.“IbelchedinherfaceandsaidIwassick.Mymotherwouldbedisgusted.Butseeingasyouthrewmetothewolves,Ihadnochoice.”
“Hey,iffootballdoesn’tworkoutforyou,Ithinkyouhaveafutureinthedramaticarts,youbigbaby.”Ipushedoutofthecar,andhedidthesame,comingaroundtocatchmydoorbeforeIsteppedallthewayout.
“I’mabigbaby?Iwasviolated.Where’sthesympathy?”Hecrowdedmeasmybackrestedagainstthecar,andhepushedincloser.
“Doyouneedsomepampering,LincolnHendrix?”Iteased,myhandsfistinginhisT-shirtandtugginghismouthdowntomine.
“IthoughtIwasyourdirtylittlesecretfornow.Youwanttokissmeinthemiddleofthestreet,sweetheart?”
Desirepooledbetweenmylegs,andIsuckedinabreath.Hislipsgrazedmine,andIsqueezedmyeyesclosed.Itwasdarkout,andIdoubtedanyonewaswatching.
ButthelastthingIwantedtodowasblowupmycareerbeforeitevenbegan.
“Let’sgoinside,”Iwhispered.
Hishandmoveddownbetweenusandslippedbeneathmyshortdress.Hisfingerpushedmylacethongtothesideanddippedinjusttheslightestbit.
“Sofuckingwet.”Hepulledhishandawayandpoppedhisfingerintohismouthandgroaned.“Iguessyou’llhavetowait,seeingasyoudon’twanteveryonetoknowthatyou’remine.”
“You’reevil,”Isaid,fallingforwardandrestingmyheadonhischest.
HechuckledandmovedsofastthatIdidn’tknowwhatwashappeninguntilhetossedmeoverhisshoulderlikeIweighednothing.Hishandfoundmyassasitmovedbeneathmydressagain,andhejoggeduptothehouse.HeturnedaroundasIlaughedhystericallysothatIcouldputthekeyintothedoor.OnceIpusheditopen,hecarriedmeinsideanddroppedmeontothecouch.
“WhatamIgoingtodowithyou,Captain?”Iasked,teasing.
“Whateverthefuckyouwanttodo.”Heleaneddownandkissedmehardbeforetuggingmetomyfeet.
Istartedtopullhimtowardmybedroomwhenhestoppedme.“Don’tyouneedtowaterthedamngardenfirst?”
Hewassuchababyaboutthefactthatwehadtocomeoverheredailytotakecareofit.Itmaynotbeimpressiveatthemoment,butsomeday,thisgardenwouldfeedwhoeverlivedhere.I’dprobablybelonggonebeforethathappened,butIwasn’treadytothrowinthetowelyet.Plus,myherbgardenwascomingalong.
“Ahhh…youdocare.HowaboutIwaterandyouweed?”
“Therearenoweedsbecausetherearenoplants.Thereareliterallysticksandmetalshitfortheplantsthathaveyettogrow.”Hebarkedoutalaugh
“Oh,you’rejusthilarious,”Isaid,tryingtohidethefactthatIwasn’tbeingsarcastic.Themanwasreallyfunny.Iflippedonthelightsoutbackandreachedformyglovesbeforepushingopenthedoor.WhenIsteppedoutside,mymouthfellopen.
Thereweretomatoesandcucumbersandcorn.Twotreesthathadn’tbeenthereyesterdaywerefullofavocadosandlemons.Therewerebusheswithblackberriesandraspberries,andheadsoflettucewerealongthebackwall.
“Whatisthis?”Iasked,myvoicejustaboveawhisper.
“Surprise.”Hecamearoundfrombehindandwrappedhisarmsaroundme.Hischinrestedontopofmyheadbecausehewasridiculouslytall.“Nowyoucanmakewhateveryouwantfromyourgarden.”
I’dhadafewromanticgesturesinmyday,butthiswasbeyondanythingIcouldhaveeverimagined.Itwasn’taboutbuyingafancypresentwithLincoln.Hell,he’dseenmyniecehurtingtoday,andhe’dletherpickoutwhatevershewantedtomakehersmile.AndheknewthatIwasdeterminedtomakethisgardengrow,sohe’dfoundawaytomakeithappen.
Beneaththisbroodyathletewassuchatenderheart,andhecontinuedtosurprisemeateveryturn.
Oneminute,hewasracingmeinthewaterduringourswimsanddunkingmyheadashespedpastme,andthenext,hewasplantingagardenformeorrockingmyworld.
“Thisis—”Iturnedaroundtolookathimandthrewmyhandsupintheair.
“IsBrinkleyReynoldsspeechless?AllIhadtodotokeepyoufromyellingatmeisputinagarden?”heteasedashemovedcloser.
“I’mnotspeechless.I’mprocessing.”Iplacedmyhandsonhisshouldersandjumpedup,wrappingmylegsaroundhiswaist.“You’renottoobadforasecretboyfriend.”
“Good.Maybeyoushouldkeepme.”Hisvoicewasgruff.
MaybeIshould.twenty-twoLincoln
“So,isthishowyoutwospendyourdays?”mymomaskedasshesettheplatesdownwithsandwichesandchips,placingalargebowloffruitinthecenterofthetable.
MymomandBrinkleyhadhititoffwhenthey’dmetyesterday.TheonlyproblemIhadnowwasthatBrinkleywouldn’tstaythenightatthehousewithmewhilemymomwashere.NorwassheokaywithmesneakingovertoherplacelastnightbecauseshesaidmymotherwouldknowIhadleft.Shedidn’twanttomakeabadimpression.
Whataboutthefuckingimpressionshewasmakingonmydick?
Sure,I’dgonewithoutsexforweeksbeforeI’dmether.
ButnowthatI’dhadher,Ididn’tfunctionwellwithoutherinmybed.
Andthatwasahugefuckingproblem.
I’dspentmostofmylifemakingsureIdidn’tneedtodependonanyone.
Myjobwastotakecareofmymomandtakecareofmyself.
Butnowthiswomanhadcomplicatedthings.
AndIwasinafoulmoodduetoabadcaseofragingblueballs.
Tryrunningsixmileswithanerection.
It’snofun.
“Yes,heputsintheworkeverysingleday.It’simpressive.”Brinkleysmiledatme.
ShethoughtitwashilariousthatIwasstrugglingafteronedaywithoutherbodypressedagainstmine.
Therewasnothingfuckingfunnyaboutit.
“Alwayshas.Doyouknowthisboyusedtowakeupatfiveo’clockinthemorningtomoweveryoneintheneighborhood’slawnswhenhewasinmiddleschool?Hewasbornwithashrewdworkethic.”
“Theappledoesn’tfallfarfromthetree.”Iwinkedather.Shewasleavingoutthefactthatshe’dbeenupatthesametime,headingouttocleanhouses.She’dworkedtwojobsaday,sixdaysaweek,mostofmylife.Theonlytimeshe’devertakenoffwastoattendmygames.Everysingleoneofthem.Mymomworkedherassofftoprovideforme,andIwouldnevertakethatforgranted.
“Lincolntellsmethatyou’regoingtobemovingtoNewYorkwithhim?”
“Iam.Can’tmissmyboy’sgames,youknow?”Momsaidbeforetakingabiteofhersandwich.Shelookedthin,whichalwaysconcernedme.Ihadgroceriesdeliveredtohereveryweek.Organic,healthy,wholefoods.I’dbeendoingthissincebeforeshefoundoutshehadcancer.Whenyouspendyearseatingshitfoodbecauseyouliveonabudget,it’shardtorememberthatwhatyouputintoyourbodyactuallymatters.Itreallyfuckingmatters.
Butoldhabitsdiehard.
Mymotherwouldgowithoutfoodinordertogivememore.Thatshitwouldneverhappenagaininmylifetime.
Shedeservedtoliveouttherestofherdaysbeingfuckingwaitedonlikeagoddamnroyal.
So,thefactthatIcouldbuyherabeautifulhomeinwhatevercityshechosetoliveinandkeepherrefrigeratorwell-stocked—wastheleastIcoulddo
“Ilovethatyounevermisshisgames.That’showmyparentswerewithus,too.Anditwashardwithfivekids,butoneofthemwasalwaysthere,nomatterwhat.Sometimestheyhadtosplitupiftwoofushadsomethingonthesameday.”Brinkleychuckledasshereachedforhersuntea.
“Thatmusthavebeensofun,growingupinahousefullofkids.”Momshookherheadwithabigsmileonherface.“Ialwayswantedabigfamily.ButnowI’lljusthavetohopethisonegivesmeabunchofgrandkids.”
Jesus,Mom.
Takeitdownanotch.
Sheknewwewereseeingoneanother,andsheaskedmelastnightafterItookBrinkleyhomehowseriousitwas.
Wehadn’tbeentogetherthatlong,butforwhateverreason,itfeltserioustome.
IftheconnectionIfeltwasthemeterforhowseriousIwasabouther,I’dbewalkingthisgirldowntheaisletoday.
ButwhothehellknewwhatwasgoingtohappenintwomonthswhenIheadedtoNewYorkforofficialtrainingcampattheendofJuly.
Itwastoosoontotalkaboutthatshit.
Butnottoosoontothinkaboutit.Wewerekeepingthingsquietfornow,butwehadn’ttalkedaboutwhatwouldhappenafterthestorywasreleased.BecauseI’dbeleavingwhenthathappened.Andshedidn’tknowwhereshewasgoing.
“Allright.Ithinkthat’sabitmorethananyoneneededtoknow.We’vegotplentyoftimeforthat.”Itookthelastbiteofmysandwich.
Mymom’seyeswidened,andshesmiled.“Well,that’safirst.”
“What’safirst?”IaskedasBrinkleylookedbetweenmeandmymother.
“Well,wheneverI’djokeaboutgrandbabiesinthepast,you’dalwayssaythatfootballwasyouroneandonlylove,andunlessIwantedlittlefootballstobabysit,Ishouldgiveitup.”
Brinkley’sheadfellbackinlaughter.“Icanhearhimsayingthat.”
“You’reoverthinkingit.Iwasjustsayingthatwehaveplentyoftimebeforeyoustarttakingcareofabunchoftinyfootballs,”Iteased,tryingtomakelightofthefactthatshewasright.Itwasthefirsttimethatthethoughtdidn’tmakemewanttocrawloutofmyskin.
Itdidn’tmeanI’dchangedmymind.Ihadnoexampleforafather,andIknewthedamagethatamancoulddotoakidifhewasn’tthereordidn’tstepuptotheplate.
IhatedthatIwastheonlykidontheflagfootballteamwhodidn’thaveafatherinthestands.Therewereamillionexamplesofhowshittyithadbeen,knowingthatmyfatherhadchosentowalkawayfromme.
Thatwasn’taneasythingforakidtoprocess.
ButIguess,inaway,seeingBrinkleywithherfamilyshowedmetheotherside.Howfuckinggoodafamilycouldactuallybewheneveryonestuckaround.
Iwouldn’tanalyzeittoodeeply.Mylifewasabouttochangedrastically,andIdidn’tknowwhatthefuturelookedlike.
“You’reridiculous,”Brinkleysaid,smilingatmewiththistenderlookinhereyes.
“Linctoldmethatyourbrotherandyoursisterarebothgettingmarriedthissummer.AretheygettingmarriedhereinCottonwoodCove?”
“Mybrother,Hugh,andLilaaregoingtogetmarriedhere.MysisterGeorgia,andherfiancé,Maddox,haveagorgeoushomelookingoutatthecove.Theyhavetheyardforit,soHughandLilaaregoingtohavetheceremonyandreceptiontherenextmonth.”Shefiddledwithhernapkininherlap.“AndGeorgiaandMaddoxarehavingasmallweddinginParisinSeptember.So,we’vegotalottolookforwardtooverthenextfewmonths.”
“Wow.Yourparentsmustbethrilled.”Mymotherclappedherhandstogetherlikeshe’dneverheardanythingthisimpressive.
Didn’tpeoplegetmarriedeveryday?
Thewomanwasanover-celebrator.Alwayshadbeen.AndIwouldn’tchangeafuckingthing.
“Yeah.Theyarethrilledaboutit.Ithinkit’shardinourfamilywiththeexamplemyparentssetinaway,youknow?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Iasked,curiousaboutthisbecausewehadneverdiscussedit.Andwediscussedalot.Weworkedoutforhourseverydaywithjustconversationormusic,soyoucouldgettoknowsomeoneprettyquicklythatway.
“Well,they’vebeenmarriedforthirty-threeyears,andthey’restillridiculouslyinlove.Mydadfreaksouteveryyearwhenmymomgoesonagirls’tripwithherbestfriend.Hewandersaroundthegrocerystoreaimlesslylikehe’smissingalimb.”Shelaughedandshookherhead.“Hestilltellsthestoryabouthowheknewshewastheonebecauseallthehaironhisarmsstoodonendwhentheymet.So,Ithinkweallhavethebarsetprettyhigh.Andwedon’twanttosettleforanythinglessthantherealdeal.”
Interesting.
This,Icouldrelateto.
Ineverbelievedinsettling.
“ThatisthesweetestthingI’veeverheard.Ilovethattheyhavethatkindoflove.Andit’sanamazingthingfortheirchildrentogrowupsurroundedbyit.Whatdoyourparentsdo,Brinkley?”
“Mymomisatherapist.So,she’safabulouslistenerandnotshyontheadvice.”Shesmiled.“Andmydadownsabarandarestaurantintown,butwhenhegotdiagnosedwithcancerafewyearsback,hesteppedawayfromthebusiness.Mybrother,Hugh,andhisfiancéeruneverythingnow.Mydaddoesconstantprojectsaroundthehouse,andthey’retravelingalotnow.Andapparently,they’llbeheadingtoNewYorkbecausethewholefamilyhasseasonticketstoseetheThunderbirds.”
Moreclappingfrommymother.Herglasswasalwaysendlesslyhalffull.Shelovedtomakeabigdealoutofthegoodthings,andshehadagiftforspinningbadnews.
WhenI’dgetupsetaboutotherkidsgoingontripswiththeirfathersorthrowingthefootballwiththeirdads,she’dalwayssaythatwewereluckythathewalkedawayifhewasn’tgoingtobewhatweneeded.
Surroundyourselfwithgoodpeople,Lincoln.
Shesaidthosewordstomeeverydaygrowingup.I’dkeptmycirclesmall.I’dusedthosewordstoguidemewhenImadethedecisiontoleaveSanFranciscoandtheteamI’dbeenplayingforsinceIstartedmyprofessionalcareer
Simplewordswithawholelotofmeaningbehindthem.
Andrightnow,IwassurroundedbythetwobestwomenthatIknew.
“Well,then,IhopeI’llgettoseeyouatagamethisseason,”mymomsaid.
“Oh,yes,Ihopeso.Wehaven’treallytalkedaboutthatstuffyet,”Brinkleysaid,glancingatmewithasmile
“Areyouareporternow,Mama?”Iteased.
“No.Ijustthought—I,er,youtwoarespendingalotoftimetogether.Ijustwonderedwhereyousawitgoing.”
“Annnndthat’sourcue.Weshouldgetgoingifwe’regoingtotaketheboatout.”Ipushedtomyfeet.
Brinkleylaughedoverherwords.“Hashenottoldyouaboutthethree-questionrule?”
“What’sthatabout?”
“Heonlyallowsmetoaskthreequestionsaday.Itrytosneakinafourthquestionallthetime,buthestickstohisrules.”
“He’salwaysbeenabitofarulefollower.”Momchuckled.“I’mjustgoingtogotomyroomandgetchanged.Givemeaboutthirtyminutes?”
“Takeyourtime,”IsaidasIwatchedhergodownthehallwayintoherroomandclosethedoor.
“Whyareyougettingallagitated?Herquestionsdidn’tbotherme,”Brinkleywhispered.
Itookherhandandtuggedherdownthehallwaytothebedroomandclosedthedoor.
Mymouthwasonhersthesecondthedoorwasclosed.“I’lltellyouwhyI’magitated.Ifuckingmissedyou.Yoursmartmouth.Yourbody.”Ikisseddownherneck.
“Yourmomisrightdownthehall,”shehissed,butherfingersweretangledinmyhair,tuggingmecloser.
“Whatifwe’requiet?”Isaidagainstherearandnippedatherlobe.Shenodded.
Ipulledbackandmovedhertothedresser,wherealargemirrorsatonthewallaboveit.Iturnedheraround,andshewatchedmeinthemirror,herhoodedgazelockedwithmine.
“Imissedyou,too,”shesaid,hervoicelowandlacedwithdesire.Sheshovedhershortsdownherlegsandkickedthemtothesidebeforejuttingherassbackinmydirection.
Itookinherpeach-shapedassandwhitethongthatwasdoingverylittletocoverit.“God.Iloveyourfuckingbodysomuch,sweetheart.”
“Ineedyounow.”Herheadfellbackagainstmychest,andIreachedintomypocketforacondomandhadmyshortsandbriefsdownwithinseconds.Irolledthelatexovermythrobbingcockandwatchedherinthemirror.
Ileaneddownandtorethelacefabricrightoffherbody,andhereyeswidened.Itossedhernow-decimatedthongonthefloorandranmyfingersalongherpussy.
“Sofuckingwetandready,”Iwhisper-growledagainstherear,andherbreathswerelabored.
Iteasedherwithmytipbeforepushingin,slowlyatfirst.
Hereyesclosed,lipsparted.
Ishovedthestrapsofhertanktopandbradownhershoulders,exposingherbeautifultits,asIpulledoutandthrustbackin.Isqueezedherbreasts,teasinghernipplesaswefoundourrhythm.
Faster.
Harder.
Shemetmethrustforthrust.Everysinglefuckingtime.
Herbodywasmadeformine.
Shewasmadeforme.
“Lincoln,”shewhisperedandplacedherhandoverhermouthtoremainquiet.Ourbreathswereoutofcontrol,andmycockswelledinsideher,aswewerebothovercomewithdesire.
Myneedforthiswomanwasferal.
Completelyoutofmycontrolatthispoint.
Myhandmovedaroundherhips,findingherclitandknowingjustwhatsheneeded.
“Comeforme,baby,”Idemanded.
Herbodyshookandconvulsedasshewentrightovertheedge.Shebitdownonherhandtokeepfromscreaming.
Ipumpedintoheronemoretime.
Andthatwasallittook.
Ifollowedherintooblivion.
IcamesohardIcouldn’tseestraight.
AndIonlywantedmore.twenty-threeBrinkley
“Iloveyourmom,”Isaid,nohesitationinmyvoice.Thoseweren’twordsItossedaroundlightly,butAbiHendrixwasanamazingwoman
“Shelovesyou,too,”Lincolnsaidaswesettledontothecouchonthebackdeck,lookingoutatthewater.
“She’ssoopen.Shetoldmeallabouthercancerjourneywhenwestayedupchattinglastnight.”
“Isthatwhenyoumademedriveyouhomeafter?Mymomismorethanawarethatwe’resleepingtogether.”
Irolledmyeyes.“Iknow.Butshewashereforaweekend.Idon’tneedtobegettingbusywithhersonwhileshe’sinthehouse.”
“Gettingbusy?Isthatwhatwe’redoing?”Aloudlaughescaped.
Thesunhadjusttuckedbehindthehorizonandtheskywasamixoforangesandyellowsandpinks.Itlookedlikeawatercolorpainting.Welovedtositouthereeverynightandwatchthesungodown.
I’dneverspentthismuchtimewithamanbefore.Weweretogetherallday,everyday.Myworkandpersonallifehadcompletelymeshedtogether.I’msureI’dbrokenamillionprofessionalrules,butforwhateverreason,Ididn’tcare.
Icouldn’tpullbacknowifIwantedto.
AndIdidn’twantto.
“Ithinkwe’redoingmorethanthat,”Isaid.“Inoticedyoushuttheconversationdownquicklywhenyourmomaskedaboutthefuture.”
Heturnedtofaceme,studyingmeforthelongesttimebeforehespoke.“Ididn’tthinkitwasaconversationthatmymothershouldbepartof.Areyoureadytohaveit?”
Iraisedabrow.“Sure.Let’sdoit.”
“Allright.Well,wheredoyouseethisgoing?”
Nowitwasmyturntolaugh.“Areyouputtingthisonme?”
“No.Ijustwantedtogiveyouachancetogofirst.”
“Who’stherudegentlemannow?”
Hechuckled.“I’mnotafraidtotellyouhowIfeel,Brinkley.”
“I’mlistening.”
“Idon’tonlyloveyoursmartmouthandyourhot-as-shitbody,”hesaidashemovedcloser.
“Youareofftoareallygoodstart,Captain.”
“I’mnotjoking.”Heplacedhisfingersbeneathmychinandforcedmetomeethisgaze.“Ifuckingloveyou.I’mallin.”
Isuckedinabreath.Icouldfeelmyeyeswatering,andIblinkedseveraltimes.
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Iwhisperedasatearrolleddownmycheek.
“ExactlywhatIsaid.Iloveyou.”
Inoddedashisthumbswipedacrossthemoisturemovingdownmyface.
“Iloveyousomuchitfreaksmeout,”Isaid,myvoicetremblingasthewordsleftmymouth.“ButIdon’tknowhowthisworksafterweleavethisbubble,andthatterrifiesme.”
“Lifeisscary,baby.ButI’vegotyou.Youdon’tneedtobeafraid.”
“It’sdifferentforyou,”Isaidashepulledmeontohislap.
“Howso?”
“You’reinlovewitharegularperson.I’minlovewithLincolnHendrix,theGOAToftheNFL.There’sgoingtobewomenthrowingthemselvesatyou,andIdon’tevenknowwhereI’llbeliving.Ihaveafewoptionsonthetable,butI’mleaningtowardgoingwithSportsToday,whichwouldmeanIwouldliveinSanFrancisco.”
“You’rethinkingtoomuch,sweetheart.We’llfigureitout.Otherwomenwon’tbethrowingthemselvesatmebecauseIwon’tbelooking.There’sonlyonewomanIsee.OnewomanthatIwant.”
“Maybethat’sbecauseI’mtheonlyonehereinCottonwoodCove.Thisbubbleisgoingtopop,andtherealworldisgoingtobewaitingforyou.”
“DoyouthinkI’mthatguy?I’venevercheatedatanythinginmylife.Idon’ttakeshortcuts.Ifthisisn’tworking,I’dhaveenoughrespectforyoutotalktoyouaboutitfirst.I’dexpectthesameinreturn.IkeepmycirclesmallbecauseIlikeitthatway.ButI’mloyaltothepeoplethatIlove,andIthinkyouknowthatdeepdown.Hell,Ithinkyou’redrawntoit.We’resimilarthatway.”
Inodded.Hewasright.Iwasthesameway.Ikeptmycirclesmall,andIwasfiercelyprotectiveofthepeoplethatIloved,aswell.
“Iagree.Buttemptationwillbethere.Thepresswillbehoundingyouagain.Ourliveswon’tbeprivateanylonger.”
“Ididn’tsayitwouldbeeasy,butit’llbeworthit.AndifyouendupinSanFrancisco,I’llflyouttoseeyouorflyyououttoseemeasmuchaswecan.I’vegotaccesstoplanes,andwe’llmakeitwork.Peopledoitallthetime.”
Icouldn’tbelievewewerehavingthisconversation.
Thatwe’dbothbeencompletelyhonestabouthowwefelt.
Itwasscaryandexhilaratingallatthesametime.
“So,we’redoingthis?”
“I’dsaywedon’thaveachoiceatthispoint.There’snoturningbacknow.I’mtoofargone,”hesaid,andhewrappedhisarmstighteraroundme.
Hewasright.
Wewerebothtoofargone.
***
“Youaresuchatraitor.You’veonlyknownhimforafewmonths,andyou’recheeringforhimoveryourownsister?”
“Correct,”Cagesaiddryly,andeveryonelaughed.
We’dcometoMaddoxandGeorgia’shousebecauseHughandLilahadmettheirweddingplanneroverheretodiscussthefinaldetailsfortheirwedding,andwe’dstoppedbytoseeeveryone.CageandGraciewereoutrunningerrands,sothey’dstoppedby,aswell.FinnwasdoingthefinalscenesforBigSkyRanch,andhe’dbeenworkingalotlately.
Ofcourse,oncewe’dshownup,thatledtoGeorgiainsistingweplaypickleball.Let’sjustsaythatLincolnHendrixmaybeamazingwithafootball,butIdidplayvolleyballforalongtime.Andwithmysisterbeingoddlytalentedatthesportofpickleball,she’dtaughtmeathingortwo.
HeandIhadgoneatitforthelasthour,andhe’dmanagedtoedgemeout,allwiththeannoyingcheeringfrommyoldestbrother.
“IcheersforAuntieBrinksandLinks!”Gracieshouted.
“Heisthebestfootballplayeroutthere,sodon’ttakethelosstoohard,”Hughsaid,placinganarmaroundmyshoulder.
“It’sfine.”IrolledmyeyesandhandedmyrackettomysisterbeforeglaringatCage.“Youbestsleepwithoneeyeopen.”
“Hey,rememberthatIplayedyoufirst,andyougloatedaboutbeatingme.Lincdoesn’tgloat.”
“Please.Hegloatssomuchhedoesitinhissleep!”Ithrewmyhandsintheair.
“OnlywhenIhavereasontogloatinmysleep,sweetheart.”
CageandHughhigh-fivedhim,andIpunchedhimintheshoulder.
“We’releaving.Ineedtogocheckonthegarden.”
MybrothersbothlaughedbecausetheyfoundithilariousthatIwassoinvested.
“Youshouldseeit,”Lincolnsaidashereachedformyhand.“It’stakenoff.”
MaddoxandGeorgiasmirkedatoneanotherbecausetheyknewhe’dbeenthereasonitwascurrentlyagardenthatcouldholditsownonanyhomeandgardenshow.“She’sgotagreenthumb.”
Normally,Iwouldcallhimoutforcoveringforme,butIwasannoyedwithCage,soIletthisonego.
Wesaidourgoodbyesanddrovetomyhouse.Wespentverylittletimetherebecause,withLincolnhavingaplaceonthewater,alongwithanamazinghomegym,itwastheobviouschoicemostdays.
Butthegardenwasmything.Andyes,he’dhadawateringsystemputin,soIdidn’tneedtobeouttherewiththehoseeveryday.ButIlikedtogochoosesomeitemsfromthegardenthatwecouldusefordinnerorforbreakfastthenextday.
Therewassomethingverysatisfyingaboutgrowingthefoodthatyouate.
Whenwepulledinfrontofmyhouse,webothstaredatthetallguysittingonmyfrontsteps.
“Whothefuckisthat?”Lincolngrumped.
“Idon’tknow.Butlet’sgreethimabitfriendlierthanthat.”
Igotoutofthecar,whichearnedmeaneyerollfrommyboyfriend,whohadhurriedaroundtoopenmydoor.
“It’snotagoddamnrace,”hesaidunderhisbreathashepinnedmetothecar.“ButIdoneedtogetyoualone.”
“Didyouforgetthatwehaveastrangerwaitingforusafewfeetaway?”Isaidwithalaugh.
Hepulledback,andIpattedmyhairintoplaceandwalkedtowardthehouse.Ourunknownvisitorwasstandingupnow,andthecloserwegot,thecleareritwasthathewasstrikinglygood-looking.Hewastall,closeinheighttoLincoln,withbroadshouldersandwavybrownhair,andheappearedtobeinhisearlytwenties,ifnotyounger.
“Ididn’texpecttoseeyouhere,Lincoln.”Hestudiedthemanbesideme,butnotthewaysomeonehavingatruefanmomentwould.Thiswasdifferent.
“DoIknowyou?”Lincolnasked.“Whothefuckwereyouexpecting?”
IturnedtolookatLincoln.Themanwassuchahotheadwhenitcametopeoplehedidn’tknow.“Turnitdownanotch,Captain.”
“AreyouBrinkleyReynolds?”theguyasked.
Lincolnsteppedinfrontofme,wrappinghisfingersaroundmywristtokeepmebehindhim.“Areyouafuckingreporter?”
“DoIlooklikeafuckingreporter?”Theguyraisedabrowwiththesamebadattitudeasmyboyfriend.
“I’mgoingtoaskyouonelasttime.Who.The.Fuck.Are.You?”
IsteppedoutofLincoln’sgriptostandbesidehim.
Theguycrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“I’mRomeoKnight.I’mfairlycertainthatyou’remybrother.”
Lincoln’sshouldersstiffened,andhisjawstrainedwhenIglanceduptolookathim.
“YourlastnameisKnight?Who’syourfather?”ThatwasallLincolnasked.
“KeithKnight.”HecontinuedtostareatLincoln,andyoucouldcutthetensionwithaknife.
Isteppedforward,desperatetolightenthingsup.“Hi,Romeo.I’mBrinkleyReynolds.How’dyoufindmyhouse?”
Hewentontoexplainhowhe’drecentlylearnedthathehadabrother.He’dtriedmessagingafewtimesonsocialmedia.Whenmyarticlecameout,he’dlearnedthatIwaswritingastoryaboutLincolnandinterviewinghimwhilehetrained.So,he’dresearchedmeandfoundoutwhereIlived.Heassumedhe’dhavebetterluckfindingareporterthanafootballstarwholivedaveryprivatelife.
“Heraddressisnotlistedonapublicsite.”LincolnwasreallyhunguponthefactthatRomeohadfoundmyhouse,andhehadyettoacknowledgethatthiswaspotentiallyhisbrother.
“IstoppedattheCottonwoodCafé,andthegirlbehindthecountertoldmewhereIcouldfindyourhouse.”Hehadanedgetohim,verysimilartothedispositionofthemanbesideme.Betweentheattitude,thestrikinglooks,andtheheight,thatwasasfarasthesimilaritiesran.Romeowastan,withdarkeyesanddarkerhair.
“Shejustgaveyouheraddress?Whatifyouwereatrainedfuckingkiller?”Lincolnhissed,andRomeorolledhiseyes.
“Iamaboxer,butI’veyettokillanyone.”
“HowamIsupposedtoknowifyou’rereallywhoyousayyouare?”
“Ourfather’sbirthdayisonChristmas.HewasborninClearance,Iowa.Heandyourmomdatedinhighschool,andshegotpregnantaftertheygraduated.Thestorygoesthatheranoffshortlyafteryouwereborn.Yourmotherdidn’tputhisnameonthebirthcertificate,andyoutookherlastname.”
“Whatareyouherefor,money?Didmyfathersendyou?”
“Fuckyou.Idon’tneedyourmoney.Iguessyou’reasbigofanassholeasthemediahasmadeyououttobe.”Hestalkeddownthewalkway.
“Lincoln.Thisismostlikelyyourbrother.Heisn’ttheonewholeftyou.Hejustfoundoutaboutyou,”IsaidasIsqueezedhishand.
“Fuck,”hesaidunderhisbreath.“Romeo.Holdup.”
Romeoturnedaround,notmakinganyefforttohidehisannoyance.“Youbeckoned,yourhighness?”
Theyhadasimilardrysenseofhumor,nodoubtaboutit.
“Whyareyoucomingaroundnow?”Lincolnasked.
Heshovedhishandsintohispocketsandglancedawaybeforelookingbackinourdirection.“Ididn’tknowaboutyou,dude.Atleastnotbeyondbeingafamousfootballplayer.Henevertoldme,butalltheskeletonscameoutoftheclosetafterhepassedawayafewweeksago.”
MychestachedathiswordsbecausehewashurtingasmuchasLincolnwas.Justfordifferentreasons.
“He’sdead?”
“Heis.Hadaheartattackringsideatmylastfight.Hewasmycoach.”Histeethsankintohisbottomlip,anditwasimpossibletomisstheemotionsthatwereclearlystillfreshandraw.
“Andhesentyouamessagefromthegrave?”Lincolnasked,andIglaredathimforbeingsocoldaboutit.
Hehadhisreasonsforbeingangry,butRomeohadn’tdoneanythingwrong.
“No,dickhead.He’snotsendingmemessagesfromthegrave.Mygrandmothertoldmeathisfuneralthatyouwerehisbiggestregret.Andthenmymomdidsomediggingbecauseapparently,he’dnevertoldhereither.Shefoundaboxhe’dhiddenintheirclosetwithacopyofyourbirthcertificate,alockofyourhair,andafewbabyphotos.Hehadatonofnewspaperclippingsfromallyourgamesovertheyears.Wefoundaletterthathewrotetoyouinthebox,andIguessIthoughtIshouldbringittoyou.”
Lincolnjuststaredasifhewereprocessingtheinformation.
“Wheredoyoulive?Didyoutravelfartogethere?”Lincolnasked.
“IdrovefromMagnoliaFalls.”Helookedtowardthestreet,andIfollowedhisgazetotheoldmotorcycleafewfeetinfrontofwhereLincolnhadparked.
“That’slikeaneight-hourdrive,”Isaid.“Youmustbeexhausted.”
“Igotanearlystartthismorning,”hesaid,clearinghisthroat.“I’mfine.”
“Whereareyoustaying?”Lincolnasked.
“I’llfindamotel,orI’llheadbacktonight.I’mnotworriedaboutit.”RomeoKnightwasprettygoodatmaskinghisemotions,thatmuchwasclear.Hiscooldemeanorwassimilartohisbrother’s.
“Doesyourmomknowthatyou’rehere?”
Hechuckled.“I’mtwenty-oneyearsold.IhardlyneedtotellmymotherwhereI’mgoing.ButTiaknows.”
“Who’sTia?”Lincolnpressed.
“Mysister.Technically,Iguessshe’soursister.She’seighteen.She’sbeensendingyoumessagestoyoursocialmediaaccounts,aswell.IdecidedtojusthoponmybikeandcomefindBrinkleyReynoldsandseeifshe’dtellmewhereIcouldfindyou.Thoughtyouatleastdeservedtheletterhe’dwrittenyou.”
Lincolnranahanddownhisfaceandglancedoveratme.
“Well,youdroveallthisway.You’vegottobestarving.Youwanttocomeinside?”
Whetherhelikeditornot.
Theywerefamily.twenty-fourLincoln
We’dspentthelasthourtalkingaboutfootballandboxing,andIwasfairlycertainthedudewastellingthetruth.Hedidn’twantanythingfromme,otherthantomeetmeanddeliverthisfuckingletter.
I’dshotatexttomymom,andshe’dverifiedthattheinformationhe’dsharedaboutmyfatherwastrue,andshesaidlastshe’dheardfromhim,hewaslivinginMagnoliaFallswithhiswifeandtwokids.
So,Ihadafuckingbrotherandsister.
Andthedudewaskindofacoolcat,andwedefinitelysharedthesamedistastewhenitcametomeetingnewpeople
ButBrinkleyhadaskedhimnolessthanfourthousandintrusivefuckingquestions,andhe’dansweredeverysingleoneofthem.
Icouldseethathewasastraightshooter,andhedidn’tappeartobeabullshitter.
He’dsharedthathisfather,a.k.a.myspermdonor,hadbattledwithdrugsandalcoholwhenRomeoandTiawereyoung,buthe’dturnedhislifearoundoveradecadeago,minusafewfallsoffthewagon.Hismomwasastrongwomanwho’dstuckbythemanthroughalltheupsanddowns.They’dstruggledfinancially,andhisfatherhadsteppeduptheselastfewyears.He’dworkedataboxinggymforaslongashecouldremember,andthemanhadeventuallybecomeapartnerintheplace.Romeobasicallygrewupatthegym,astheydidn’thavemuchmoney,andfightingbecameawayhecouldmakesomesidemoney.Heandhisfatherhadbondedoverthesportovertheyears,andhewashiscoachwhenRomeodecidedtotakehiscareertothenextlevel.
He’dwonabigfightafewmonthsagoagainstadudewho’dbeenaproforalongtime,andthewinhadbumpedhimtoaprofessionalboxerstatus.Hehadn’tfoughtagainsincehislastfightwhenhisfatherhaddroppedtothegroundduringthethirdround,andhedidn’tknowifhe’deverfightagain.
“I’msureitwasverytraumatictowitnessthat,”Brinkleysaidassherefilledourglassesofsunteaandsetoutsomemoregrapes,crackers,andcheese.
“It’sfine.Shithappens.Rightnow,I’mrunningthegym.DoingwhatIcantokeepthelightson.Mydad’spartner,Rocco,isinhisearlyeighties,sohe’snotthereallthatoften.”
HeandIweredevouringtheplatterofsnacks.
“Iseewebothhavehealthyappetites,”Isaid,changingthesubjectbecausethiswasalottounpack.
“Yeah.MymomcomplainsabouthowmuchIeat.Butspendingallthattimeinthegymwillgetyourappetitegoing.IguessIdon’tneedtotellyouthat.”
“Well,howaboutwegrabsomefoodandheadbacktomyplace?There’smoreroomthere.”
Brinkleysmiledbeforereachingforherglass.
“Youdon’tneedtofeedme,dude.”
“Takeiteasy.It’sameal.Andyoucamealongway.”Iscrubbedahanddownmyface.“I’mnotreadytotaketheletterjustyet.Sohowaboutyoudomeasolidandcomebacktomyhouseandspendthenighttheresomygirlcancontinuegrillingyou?Wecaneatsomegoodfood,andI’llthinkaboutreadingthefuckingletter.”
Hesmirked.“Icandothat.”
“Doyoulikeribs?”sheaskedhim.“Mybrotherhasarestaurantintown,andwecanswingbyandgrabdinner.”
“Sure.Thatsoundsgood.”Hereachedforhiswallet.Clearly,hewantedtomakesureIknewhedidn’twantanythingfromme.
Sheheldupherhand.“Notnecessary.It’sonthehouse.Perksofmybrotherowningthebestrestaurantintown.”
Heclearedhisthroat,noticeablyuncomfortablewiththegesture,buthenodded.
IgaveRomeotheaddress,andheagreedtomeetusatthehouseinhalfanhour.Hesaidheneededtogofillhistankwithgas,andapartofmewonderedifhe’djusttakeoffandneverlookback.
IpulleduptoReynolds’andinsistedonrunningintopickupthefood,soIcouldtellBrandytoringitup.Hughdidn’tneedtobecompingmymeals.
Apparently,mynewbrotherandIhadathingortwoincommon.
Hughwasn’ttheretonight,soIknewIcouldgetawaywithit.
BrinkleywasonthephonewithhermotherwhenIgotinthecar,andsheendedthecall.
“Youknow,ifyouwanttotalkaboutthis,I’mheretolisten,”shesaid
Ibarkedoutalaugh.“Didyoujustaskyourtherapistmotherhowtotalktomeaboutthis?”
“Well,youknowIprefertojustpressyouforinformation.MymomsaidIshouldoffertoopenthelinesofcommunicationbutletyougoatyourownspeed.It’salot,Captain.ButI’vegottosay,he’sgotyourgrumpy,guardeddemeanor.Itmustbegenetic.”
“Isthatsupposedtobeacompliment?”
“Ifyoulikegrumpy,guardedpeople,itis.Ihappentobeafan.”Shesmirked.“Forreal,though,isithardtohearthatyourfatherisgone?”
“IthinkifI’dhadanyintentonfindinghimasanadult,itprobablywouldbe.ButImadepeacewiththefactthatIdidn’thaveafatheryearsago.ButI’mnotgoingtolie—it’shardtohearthatIhavetwosiblingsI’venevermet.”
“Maybethisisjusthowitwassupposedtohappen.Afteryourfatherwasgone,”shesaidasIpulledintothegarage.Hisbikewasn’toutfront.“Doyouthinkhe’llevenshowup?”
“Idon’tknow.Imean,hecameheretodeliveralettertome,andheseemslikethekindofguywhofollowsthroughwithhisplans.Plus,welighteneduptheselastfewhours.Ithinkhe’llshowup.”
“Ithinkhewill,too.”
“Andhe’sclearlygotskillsbeingaprofessionalboxeratsuchayoungage.”
“Yourfatherobviouslyhadathleticgenes.Hehastwosonsthatareprofessionalathletes.OnebeingtheGOAT,”shesaid.Ipushedoutofthecarandgrabbedthefoodbeforewalkingaroundtoopenherdoor.
“I’msureseeingyourparentdroptothegroundinfrontofyouduringafighthasgottodosomedamage,huh?”
“Iimagineitwouldbeprettytraumatic.”
Webothturnedasweheardtherumbleofanenginecomingdownthestreet.Hedroveupthedrivewayandturnedoffhisbikebeforepullingoffhishelmetandplacingitontheseat.Hewalkedtowarduswithhisbackpackslungoverhisshoulder.
“Thisisyourhouse?”heaskedashefollowedusinside.
“No.It’smyagent’shouse.”
Weatedinner,andtheconversationfeltmorerelaxed.Brinkleyopenedabottleofwine,pouringuseachaglass.Itdefinitelytooktheedgeoff.Romeo’sphonerangseveraltimes,andheglanceddownbeforelookingbackupatme
“Listen,thisisTia.ShewantstoFaceTimeandsayhello.Areyoucoolwiththat?Ifnot,she’llneverstopcalling.”
Idroppedthelastribboneontomyplateandreachedformynapkin,noddingslowlyasBrinkleyshotmealook.Wecommunicatedwellwithoutneedingtospeaklately.Thiswasafamiliarlook—oneshe’dgracedmewithoften.
Benice,Asshole.
“Yeah.Answerthedamnphone.”Ichuckled.
Heheldthephoneinfrontofhisface.“Forfuck’ssake,Tia.You’rerelentless.”
“Igotyourtextthatyoufoundhim.Whatishelike?”
“Well,seeingashe’ssittingherelistening,itwouldbehardtotalkshitabouthim.Buthisgirlfriendiscoolashell.”HewinkedatBrinkley,andIrolledmyeyes.
LikeIsaid,thedudewasacoolcat
“So,tellmeabouthimandhisgirlfriend,”Tiawhisper-shouted,asifweallcouldn’thearher.Ibarkedoutalaugh.
“Whydon’tyouseeforyourself,”Romeosaid,flippinghisphonesothecamerawasfacingmeandBrinkley.“ThisisLincoln.He’sabitofadickhead,buthe’sgrowingonme.Andthisishisbetterhalf,BrinkleyReynolds.”
“He’sdatingthereporter?”
“Themdatingisstillasecret,andtheytrustedmewiththatinfo,sodon’tmakethemthinkI’matraitor,allright?Andyouknow`theycanhearyou,right?You’reonFaceTime,”hesaid,andtherewasalightnessabouthimwhenhespoketohissister.HepassedmehisphonesothatBrinkleyandIcouldseeher.
“Oh,hey,guys.Sorryaboutthat.I’mjustexcited.Andofcourse,mum’sthewordonthesecretromance.WhowouldIeventell?”Sheshrugged.ShelookedlikeRomeo,butshehadgreeneyesthatappearedtobeverysimilartomine.Mymother’seyeswereblue,andshe’dalwaystoldmeIhadthesamegazeasmyfather.
“It’ssonicetomeetyou,Tia,”Brinkleysaid,leaningherheadonmyshoulder.
“Iseethisbrotherisnotabigtalkereither.IhavetopullteethtogetRomeototalkmostofthetime.Itmustbegenetic.ThankGodIhaveMom’sgenes.”Shetuckedherdarkhairbehindherear.
“It’snicetomeetyou.It’sjustalottoprocess,”Isaid.
“Oh,really?”Sherolledhereyesandchuckled.“IjustlostmyfatherandfoundoutIhaveabrotherthatIdidn’tknowabout—that’salottoprocess.Youscored.RomeoandIarethebest.You’realuckybastard.”
Brinkleyfellbackinherchairinafitoflaughter.“Ialreadylikeyou,Tia.”
“Ilikeyou,too.WhendoIgettomeetyouguys?”
Iletoutalongbreath.Iwasn’tsurewhereanyofthiswasgoing,butI’dbelyingifIsaidIdidn’twanttogettoknowthembetter.I’dbeenditched,andthey’dbeenliedto,sonooneherewasatfault.
“IheadbacktotrainingcampattheendofJuly.Wouldyouwanttocomevisitbeforethen?OrdoyoupreferIcomethere?”
Brinkley’sgazewassotenderwhensheglancedatmeitmademychestsqueeze.Thiswasalot,butIwasn’tgoingtorunfromit.Iwashandlingit.
Hell,Iwaspracticallyembracingit
I’dalreadyinvitedRomeotostaythenight.
ThatwasanolivebranchIneversawcoming.
“Well,sinceyou’rethebig-timefootballplayer,andI’maneighteen-year-old,joblessseniorinhighschool,I’dsayitwouldbebetterifyoucomehere.Mybrotherusedeverysparepennyhehadtomakethetripthere.”
“Fuck,Tia.Shutthehellup.It’shardlyeverypennyIhave.Youdon’tknowwhat’sinmybankaccount.”Romeoturnedthephoneandlookedpissedoffasheglaredatthescreen.
“IknowthatyoufilledMom’srefrigeratorwithgroceriesforusbeforeyouleft.YoupaidforDad’sfuneral.Ican’timagineyouhavemuchleftafterthat.”
“Ifyouwanttocomeheretomeethim,Icangetyouhere.Gotit?”
Fuck.Thisdudeandhispride.
“Sorry.Letmetalktomyotherbrother.Heactuallyseemslikethebetterofthetwoevilsatthemoment.”Romeohandedmehisphone,runningahanddownhisfaceandshakinghisheadwithirritation.
ThatearnedalaughfrombothmeandBrinkley.
“Listen,Tia.Icancomethere,orIcanflyyouhere.”Iheldmyhanduptothebroodybastardwholookedlikehewantedtopunchmeintheface.“Dude,Ihaveaccesstoaplane;stopbeingastubbornass.”
“Youtellhim,Lincoln.He’ssostubbornsometimes.”
“Icanhearyou,”Romeosaiddryly
“Whenareyoucominghome,Romeo?”
“Tomorrow,”heansweredquickly.“They’relettingmecrashhereforthenight,andthenI’llheadhome.I’vegottogetbacktowork.”
“Ithinkthegymcansurvivewithoutyouforafewdays.I’msobummedI’mmissingthissleepovertonight.Hashtagsiblinggoals.”
“Tia,IthinkyouandIaregoingtogetalongreallywell.”Brinkleysmiled.
“Me,too.So,we’llfigureoutatimetogettogethersoon.Ican’twaittomeetyouboth.ThanksforlookingoutforRomeo.”
“AnnndIthinkwe’redonehere.I’llcallyoutomorrow,okay?”RomeosaidasIhandedhimthephoneback.
“Goodnight,brotherdearest.Iloveyou.”
“Yep.Loveyou.”Heendedthecall
“Youtwoareclose,huh?”Iasked.
“Yeah.She’sapaininmyass,butIloveher.”
Wesattherequietlyforaminute.“Youwanttoseethegymhere?It’sprettybadass.”
“Hell,yeah.Nowyou’respeakingmylanguage.”
Wetookhimonaquicktourofthehouse,andafteralengthyargument,withhiminsistingonsleepingonthecouch,heagreedtostayintheguestroom,astherewerefouremptybedroomsinthisplace.
Whenwegottothegym,hetookitinanddidn’thidehissurprise.“Damn.Thisistop-notch.WhatIwouldn’tgivetohaveahomefuckinggymlikethis.”
“We’llbegettingupearlytoworkouttomorrow.Howaboutyoustickaroundalittlelonger,andyoucanjoinus?”Brinkleyasked.
Romeoglancedaround,takingaminutetothinkitover.“Icoulddothat.Remember,I’myoungerthanyou,soyoumightnotbeabletokeepup,oldman.”
Ismirked.“We’llseeaboutthat.”
Andjustlikethat,Iwasfallingintoarhythmwithmynewbrother.
***
Romeoendedupstayingoverasecondnight,andwe’dworkedouttwomorningsinarowtogether.Thedudewasabadass.Therewereveryfewpeoplewhocouldmanagetodobothmycardioandmystrengthtrainingworkout.Butthisguychallengedmeeverystepoftheway.
He’dgrabbedaquickshowerandenjoyedthebreakfastBrinkleyhadmadeforusbeforeinsistinghehadtogetbackhometowork.
HewaiteduntilBrinkleysteppedawaytousetherestroom,andheturnedtofaceme.Theenvelopewasinhishand.“Areyougoingtostopbeingapussyandreadthedamnletter?”
“Fuckoff.I’mnotbeingapussy,”Isaid,snatchingitfromhishandandsmirking.“It’sjust…Iknowhe’syourdad,butIdon’tknowtheguy.So,I’mnotsurehowIfeelaboutreadingaletterfromadudethatIneverknew,whoisnolongerhere.”
“Well,youneverknewmebefore,andnowyou’reabitofaclingymotherfucker.”Helaughed.“Listen.Themanwasn’tperfect,buthewasagoodguy,Lincoln.Hemadesomemistakes,andtheyhauntedhim.Idon’tknowwhatthefuckinglettersays,buthewantedyoutohaveit.Hesureasfuckdidn’tleavealetterformeandTia.”
Inodded.“Allright.I’llreadit,justnotrightnow.Anddon’tevercallmeclingyagain.”
Awidegrinspreadacrosshisface.He’dbeendoingthatalotthismorning.Therewasacomforttherenow,andwe’dgottenpasttheawkwardstage.Itwascrazytothinkwe’donlyknownoneanotherforforty-eighthours,butsomehow,itfeltlikeI’dknowntheguyallmylife.
“Dude,you’reabouttogetreallywellacquaintedwithclingy.Butremember,yougaveTiayournumber,notme.Thegirlhasnoboundaries.She’llbesofarinyourbusiness,youwon’tknowwhathityou.”
Tiahadtextedmethreetimesthismorning,andshe’dtextedBrinkleyfarmorethanthat.Neitherofusminded.
“It’llbefine.Iwanttotalktoyouaboutsomething.”
“Shoot.”
“Iknowmoneyistightafterthefuneral,andIjustwanttogiveyouandTiaalittlesomethingtogetonyourfeet.”IpulledoutthewadofmoneyinmybackpocketthatI’dplannedtogivehim.
Hisgazehardened.“Lincoln,Iappreciateit.That’snotwhatIcameherefor.IfyouwanttohelpoutTia,Iwon’tgetinyourway.Shedeservesabreak.Sheworksreallyhardatschool,andshehelpsoutourmomalot.ButI’mgood.”
“Damn,you’restubborn.Icanhelp.Whywon’tyouletme?”
“IwouldifIneededit.”Heclappedmeontheshoulder.“AndI’llseeyouinacoupleofweekswhenyouandBrinkleycometoMagnoliaFalls.”
“Allright.Callmewhenyoumakeithome,okay?”
Brinkleycameoutandwrappedhiminahug.“I’mgladyoucame,Romeo.You’restuckwithusnow.”
“I’mgoodwiththat.”Hewinked.Thedudehadswagger,nodoubtaboutit.Anditmademefuckingproud.
Wewalkedhimoutside,andheextendedahandtome.“Thanksforlettingmecrashhere.”
Ipulledhiminforahug,keepingmyvoicelow.“You’realwayswelcomewhereverIam.Yougotit?”
“Sameforyou.”Hepulledbackandthenreachedforhishelmet.
“Remembertoshootmeatextwhenyougethome,”Iremindedhim.
“LikeIsaid,you’realittleclingy,brother.”Romeobarkedoutalaughbeforefiringuphisengine.
Brother.
Mychestsqueezedathiswords,andIsalutedhimbeforeflashinghimthebird.
Iknewinmygutthat,movingforward,heandTiaweregoingtobepermanentfixturesinmylife.
AndIwastotallyokaywiththat.twenty-fiveBrinkley
We’djustfinishedasix-milerun,andmylegswererubberyandweak.“Ican’tkeepupwithyoulately,andyouknowit’shardformetoadmitthat.”
Lincolnturnedtolookatmewithconcernandgrabbedmebythethighsandflippedmeoverhisshoulder.“I’llcarryyou,then.”
“Itdoesn’tmeanIcan’twalk;itjustmeansyou’regettingfaster.”Ismackedhisassasmybodyrelaxedagainsthim.
“I’mtrainingharderthanIeverhave,andIlikehavingyoupushmeontheruns.”
Isighedandpushedup,slidingdownhisbodyuntilmyfeethittheground.“ThenIguessI’lljusthavetokeeppushingalongsideyou.”
“Tellmeaboutyourtwooffers,”hesaid.
I’dtriedtofillhiminonthelatestwithmyjobprospectswhenwe’dstartedourrun,butmybreathingwassolaboredrightoutofthegatethatI’dbeenunabletoformacompletesentence.
“So,bothFootballLiveandSportsTodaywanttobuytherightstoyourstory.SportsTodayisobviouslybigtime,andtheyletmebreakthenewsaboutyourplansfornextyearwhenwemadethatannouncement.ButIlikethewomanatFootballLivemagazinealot.Andtheyhaveafemalepresidentoverthere,whichI,ofcourse,love.ButthenIgotareallynicecallfromAudrey.Doyouremembermementioningher?ShewasmymentorduringmyinternshipatStriveForwardmagazine.Theyarehiring,aswell,andshesaidthey’dbethrilledtohaveme.”
“So,youhavethreereallygoodoffers.Theothersaren’tintherunning?”
“No.Idefinitelywanttogowithoneofthesethree.It’sjust,youknow,there’salottoconsider.”
Thebackofhishandgrazedmineaswewalked,andheglancedoveratme.“Whatistheretoconsider?”
“Allthreearetalkingaboutfull-timepositions,whichisimportantformemovingforward.So,itcomesdowntopay,benefits,andhowmuchcontrolIwillactuallyhaveoverwhatIwriteandwhereit’sfeatured.Andthenthebigkahuna—whereI’dbelocated.”
Hecametoastopandturnedtofaceme.“Wheredoyouwanttobelocated?”
Ilaughedbecausehewassofunnyaboutcertainthings.He’dmadeitclearhewantedtobetogether.Infact,hecouldn’twaitforthisstorytobreaksowecouldgopublicwithourrelationship.ButhehadnotpushedmeatalltosigninNewYork,eventhoughwebothknewitwouldmakeourliveseasier.
“Idon’treallyhaveasayinthat,youknow?Butobviously,I’dliketobeclosetoyou.BothFootballLiveandSportsTodayarebasedinSanFrancisco,butthatdoesn’tmeanthatIcouldn’tworkremotelydowntheroad.Youknow,onceIprovemyself.AndthenStriveForwardmagazineislocatedinNewYork,whichwouldobviouslybeveryconvenient,aswell.”
“I’mnotgoingtolie,I’dfuckinglovetowakeupwithyoueverydaylikewe’redoingrightnow.ButIknowyourcareerisimportanttoyou,andIwanttosupportthat.So,whereveryougo,we’llmakeitwork.DoIpreferyoutobeinNewYorkwithme?Fuck,yeah.ButIcan’treallydemandthat,canI?”Hisgazelockedwithmine,andaloudlaughescapedwhenIrealizedthathewasactuallyaskingforpermissiontobeacaveman.
“Um,no.Youcan’tdemandthat.”
“Fuck.That’swhatIthought.”Heshrugged,andwestartedwalkingagain.“So,you’llgointerviewwithallthreeofthem,andyourgutwilltellyouwhattodo.”
“Doyoualwayslistentoyourgut?”
“Ido.It’sneverfailedme.Notwithfootball,notwithyou,anditeventoldmetohearoutRomeowhenheshoweduponyourfrontporch.Yourinstinctsarethereforareason.Andifyoudon’tknowwhattodo,youcanalwaysaskme,andI’llbehappytotellyouwhattodo.”
Ilaughed.“Youaresoridiculous.You’renotmyboss;you’remylover.”
Wewalkedthroughthebackyardandintothehouse.
“Youcanbethebossofmeanytimeyouwant,sweetheart.”
“Yeah?IcantellyouwhateverIwantyoutodo,andyou’lldoit?”
“Correct.”Hehandedmeabottleofwaterandtuggedmeclose.
“Howaboutwereadthatletter?”IthadbeensittingonthecounterforthelasttwodayssinceRomeoleft,andhekeptputtingitoff.
“WhatdoIgetifIreadthefuckingletter?”Hethrustagainstme,lettingmeknowexactlywhathewanted.
“Howaboutwereadtheletter,andthenyoucanhaveyourwaywithmeintheshower?”
“Fine.Youreadit.I’lllisten.”Hehandedmetheletterandmovedtothetablewherewesettledacrossfromoneanother.Lincolnhadathickskin,andhewantedeveryonetobelievehedidn’tcarebecausehedidn’tknowhisfather.Butitwassomethingthathadalwaysbotheredhim,soheobviouslycared.AndIhopedthatthiscouldbeaformofclosureforhim.
Iopenedthesealedenvelopeandpulledoutthelinednotebookpaperbeforeglancingupathimtomakesurehewasokaywithmemovingforward.Hegavemeaslightnod,andIunfoldedthepaper.
AphotoofwhatlookedlikeayoungLincolnandAbiwasinsidetheletter,andIhandedhimthephoto.Hestaredatitforafewmomentsandthennoddedatmetostart.
Theletterwashandwritteninblackink.
Iturnedthepaperaroundtoshowhimthedate.
“Hewrotethislastfall,”Isaid,andLincolnnodded.
“Lincoln,Hell,I’vetriedtowritethisletteramilliontimes,andIcouldn’tfindthewords.Buttonight,IwatchedyouplaytheCougarsanddominatethefootballgameonTV.It’shardformetowrapmyheadaroundit—thatIhadanypartincreatingsuchamagnificentman.I’vebeenkeepingtabsonyouwhereIcouldwithoutgettingtooclose,andIhavetoshakemyheadeverytimeIlearnmoreaboutyou.Astraight-Astudent,asuperiorathlete,andagreatsontoAbi.I’mnotdeservingofanyounceofyourlight,soI’llwatchfromadistance.ButIneedyoutoknowthatIdidn’twalkawaybecauseIdidn’tloveyouandyourmom.IwalkedawaybecauseIdidn’tlovemyself.”Ipausedtoclearmythroatandtakeasipofwater.IglancedupatLincoln,andhisfacewashardashelistened.So,Ireturnedmygazetothepaper.
“I’mnotheretomakeexcuses.Ididn’thaveagreatupbringing,andIwasn’tworthyofyourmother.IknewitthefirsttimeImether,butIcouldn’twalkawaybackthen.Thepullwastoostrong.Shewasallgoodnessandsunshineandwarmth.SomethingIdidn’tfeeldeservingofbackthen.Andwhenshegotpregnantwithyou,Ipanicked.Iwasn’tready.Sheembracedit.Workeddoubleshiftsandreadeverythingshecouldaboutbecomingamother.IturnedtothebottleanddrugsandanythingIcouldtoescape.Whenyoucameintotheworld,Iwasthere.Iwatchedyoutakeyourfirstbreath,”Isaid,andmyvoicecracked.Icouldfeelthepaininhiswords.Lincoln’sfaceremainedhard,andIcontinued.
“YourmothertoldmeIhadn’tearnedtherighttogiveyoumyname,andshewasright.I’dabandonedherlongbeforeyouenteredtheworld.She’dmadeitclearthatifIwasn’tgoingtostepupandbethemanyoubothdeserved,she’ddoitallonherown.Andtherewasnodoubtinmymindthatshemeantit.So,Istuckaroundforafewdaysandthentuckedtailandran.”IpausedtotakeabreathbecausethiswasheavierthanI’dimagineditwouldbeandwatchedasLincolntookalongpullfromhiswaterbottle.ThewayhisAdam’sapplebobbedinhisthroatandhisjawtickedfromclenchinghisteethsohardhadmyheartsqueezing.
“Youokay?”
“Yep.Finishitup.Let’sgetthisdone.”
Inodded.“IknowIdon’tdeservethetitleofbeingyourfather.I’veknowniteverydaysincethedayyouwereborn.ButIwantyoutoknowthatithasnothingtodowithyouandeverythingtodowithme.IwishI’dbeenmanenoughtostepuptotheplatebackthen.ManenoughtoshowuponyourbirthdaysandChristmasandattendyourfootballgames.It’stheveryleastIcouldhavedone.Butfearhadachokeholdonme,Lincoln.AndIdidn’twanttofacewhatI’ddonetoyou,soIletmoreandmoretimegoby,terrifiedtolookintoyoureyesandseethedisappointmentthatIknewwouldbethere.
“IamwritingthisnowbecauseI’verecentlylearnedthatIhavealotofhealthissues.Myfamilydoesn’tknowit,andI’mdoingwhatIcantostepuptheonlywayIknowhowinthetimeIhaveleft.Ihavetwomorechildren,RomeoandTia.It’simportanttomethatyouknowIdon’tlovethemanymorethanIloveyou.
TherehasnotbeenonedayinyourlifethathasgonebythatIhaven’tthoughtofyou.I’vecarriedthispictureofyouinmywalleteveryday.Everysingleday,Iapologizetoyouinmyprayers.Yeah,I’vefuckedupalotinmylife,butIstillprayeverynight.Andyou’rethefirstthoughtandthefirstoneIprayforbeforeIgotosleep.Imaynothavebeenabletomakethingsrightinmylifetime,butI’dbereallyhappyifmythreechildrencouldfindtheirwaytooneanother.Theydon’tknowaboutyou,andIwon’ttellthembecauseyouaretheonewhodeservestherighttomakethatdecision.So,I’mgoingtoleavethisletterformywifeandhopeitfindsitswaytoyou.Andthentheballwillbeinyourcourt”Ipausedagainandletoutalongbreath.
“Sometimes,Lincoln,wearen’tstrongenoughtofindthecouragetomakethingsright,butit’snevertoolatetosayI’msorry.AndI’mtrulysorryforfailingyouasafather,asaman,andasafriend.I’mhonoredtowatchyouplayonTVandtoknowthatalittlepieceofmelivesoninyou.Myamazingson,Ihopeyou’llfinditinyourhearttoforgivemeandgettoknowyoursiblings.They’rereallygoodpeople,justliketheirmamaandtheirolderbrotherwhotheydon’tknowabout.
Withlove,KeithKnight.”
Isetdownthepaperandlookedup.Lincoln’seyeswerewetwithemotion,andhishandswerefistedonthetable.Ireachedoverandwrappedmyhandaroundhis,andtheyrelaxedandintertwinedwithmine.
“Thatwas…notwhatIexpected.”Heclearedhisthroat.
“Yeah.Itwasveryheartfelt,huh?”
“Itwas,”hesaid,glancingoutthewindowatthewater.
“Doyoufeelbetternowthatyou’veheardwhathehadtosay?”
Heturnedbacktolookatme,andhisgreeneyeswerefilledwithamixtureofempathyandpain,andittookmybreathaway.
“Idon’thonestlyknowwhatIfeel.IwanttosaythatIdon’tcarebecausehewasn’tthereforme.Buthearingthosewords,Idon’tknow,maybetherewasmoretherethanI’dthoughttherewas.”
“That’sveryfair.”
“Iwishhe’downedupbeforehediedsowecouldhavehadachancetomeetface-to-faceandhavethistalk.It’ssortofone-sided,wherehegottosayhispiece,andIdidn’t.Butmaybeit’sbetterthatway.”
“MaybeallthatwasmeanttocomeoutofthiswasyourrelationshipwithRomeoandTia.”
“Yeah.AndifIhadn’tmetRomeointhisway,Idon’tthinkIwouldhavebeenopentomeetingthemonmyown.AndnowTiaisblowingupmyphoneeveryday,andIdon’tevenmindit.Somaybesomethinggoodreallydidcomeoutofallofthis.”
Imovedtomyfeetandclimbedontohislap,wrappingmyarmsaroundhisneck.“Somethinggooddidcomeoutofit.”
“Yeah?So,wereadtheletter.Areyoureadytopayup?”heteased,histhumbtracingalongmybottomlip.
“Ialwayspayup,Captain.”
Withoutwarninghewasonhisfeetwithmeinhisarms.Hecarriedmetothebathroomandsetmeonthecounterbeforeleaningoverandplacingahandoneachsideofmyface.“Thankyouformakingmereadthatletter.”
“Thankyouforlettingmebetherewithyou.”
“NowI’mgoingtorockyourfuckingworld,”hesaidagainstmyearbeforenippingatmyneck.
“I’mcountingonthat,”Isaid,ashetuggedmytanktopovermyhead.
Ikeptmyarmsupashepulledoffmysportsbra,aswell,andthenhedroppedtohiskneesandreachedforthebandofmyrunningshorts.Ipushedupjustenoughforhimtotugthemdownmylegs.Myfingerstangledinhishair,andhegroaned.
“Goddamn,sweetheart.Iloveyourfuckingbodysomuch.Ican’tgetenough.”Andhepushedmylegsapartandburiedhisfacethere.
Myheadfellbackagainstthemirrorashelickedandsuckedmymostsensitivearea.Hewrappedmylegsoverhisshouldersandtuggedmeforward,givinghimbetteraccess.
MyfingersgrippedthecountertopasIbuckedagainsthim.Histongueslippedinside,anditwasmorethanIcouldbear.Iwasalreadyexhaustedfromourrun,andmybodysurrenderedtohim.
Pantingandgasping.
Tuggingathishairashisthumbfoundmyclit,knowingexactlywhatIneeded.
Inearlycameoffthewhitemarbleasbrightlightssparkedbeneathmyeyelids,andmybodytrembled.
“Lincoln,”Icriedoutashemovedfaster,sendingmerightintooblivion
Everymuscle,everybone,everyinchofmybodycompletelyshattered.
Hestayedrightthere,waitingformetorideouteverylastbitofpleasure.
Icouldn’tspeak.Mybodywasspent,andhestoodupandshovedhisshortsdownhisstrongthighsbeforetugginghistanktopoverhishead.
Hiscocksprangfreeandpointeddirectlyatme,andhechuckled.“HelovesyouasmuchasIdo.”
“Thefeelingismutual,”Iwhispered.
Hestrokedmycheek.“Youokay?”
“Yeah,justtryingtokeepupwiththeGOAToftheNFLonarunandthengetmyworldrockedrighthereonthecounter.”Ichuckled.
Hestudiedmebeforeturningontheshowerandthenscoopingmeupandcarryingmeinwithhim.Hesetmeonmyfeet,andIreacheddowntostrokehim.Hegrabbedmywristsandliftedmyhandstohislips.“Notrightnow.Thatcanwait.”
Andhespentthenexttwentyminutesgentlywashingmybody,washingmyhair,andkissingmyneck.Hewrappedmeinatowelanddriedmyhairwiththeothertowelsittingonthecounterbeforewrappingitaroundhiswaist.
ThismanhadawayofmakingmefeellikeIwastheonlywomanintheworld
AndIlovedeverysecondofit.
Ididn’twantthistimetoeverend
We’dbeenexistinginabubble,andIwasn’tinanyhurrytoleaveit.twenty-sixLincoln
Brinkley’sarticleaboutthatasshole,BreenLockhart,hadgonetoprinttoday,sowe’dcelebratedwithalunchdateatCottonwoodCafé.Becausewhodidn’twanttobesexuallyharassedbyaninappropriatewomanonaWednesdayafternoon?
“Youtwosuredospendalotoftimetogether.Yousureit’sallworkandnopleasure?”Mrs.Runitherpurredassheleanedoverthetable.Oneofhernippleswasfullyexposedwhenherlow-cutdressfloppedopen.Sheclearlywasn’twearingabra,andmytasteformacaroniandcheesehadjustcompletelyvanished.IlookedatmygirlfriendbecauseIwantedtolookanywherebutatthetitthatwascurrentlyrestingnexttomymenu.
Theseweren’tthekindofknockersthatyouwanteddisplayedacrossyourlunchtable.
Brinkleyglancedoveratmewithawickedgrinandthenturnedherattentionbacktotheolderwoman.“He’safull-timejob,Mrs.Runither.Andyou’vegotyourselfalittlesituationor,er,abigsituationgoingon.”
Thewomanglanceddownandchuckled.“Ahhh…maybethat’swhatyoutwoneedtogetalittlemotivated.”
“Definitelynot,”IgruntedundermybreathsoonlyBrinkleycouldhearme.
“AllworkandnoplaymakesLincolnaveryboringboy.”Hertangerinelipswereunusuallylarge,anditwasn’tagoodlook.
“Trustme,there’snothingboringgoingonhere.”Iwinked.
Sheclappedherhandstogether.“I’msurethereisn’t.I’llgetthoseordersrightout.”
“ThatwomanwouldbegreenwithenvytoknowthatIwokeupwithyourheadburiedbetweenmylegsthismorning.”Brinkleyleanedcloseandwhisperedinmyear.
“Ifuckinglovehearingyoucryoutmynamebeforethesuncomesup.”
Shesmiled,cheekspinkandeyeshooded.ShewasthesexiestwomanI’deverknown,andthethoughtofnotwakingupwithhereverydayhadmeonedge.Iwasaselfishprick.IwantedhertotakeajoboutinNewYorkandmoveinwithme.Butatthesametime,Iwrestledwithit,becauseseeingherhappywasequallyimportanttome.AndifworkingforthemagazinethatwasbasedinSanFranciscowaswhatshewanted,Iwantedthatforher,aswell.
AtleastIwastryingto.
Iheldupmyglassoflemonade.“Congratsonthearticle,sweetheart.”
“Yeah,thankyou.They’vebeenreallygreattoworkwith.”
“Sport-Xhas?”
“Yep.Theeditorisamazingandreallypositive.TheysentsomeoneouttoshootphotosofBreenandsentthemtomeforapproval.Theyjustreallyincludethejournalistintheprocess,andthatisn’talwaysthecase.”
“Andwherearetheylocated?”
Sherolledhereyesandthensmirked.“Funnyyoushouldask.They’relocatedintheBigApple.”
“Ah,NewYorkCity,huh?”
Shechuckled.“Don’tpretendyoudidn’tknowthat.Buttheyfocusprimarilyonhockey,andIdon’twanttobestuckwritingaboutonesport.Imean,ifIwasgoingtodothat,itwouldbefootball.Buteveryonewantsthisstory,anditmakesmeamoredesirablepackage.So,hopefully,thethreemagazinesI’mtalkingtomakemeafairoffer.”
“Oh,you’redesirableallright.Andithasnothingtodowithme.”Myhandfoundherthighbeneaththetable.
“Handstoyourself,Captain.”Sheraisedabrow.“Iwon’tbesadwhenwecanbeoutintheopenwithourrelationship.Although,I’mguessingeveryoneinCottonwoodCovesuspectssomething’sgoingonwithallthetimewespendtogether.”
“Good.Iwanteveryfuckerouttheretoknowthatyou’remine.”
“Sopossessive,”shepurred.
Mrs.Runitherapproachedthetableandsetourfooddown,andthewayshepausedandstaredatmeassheslowlylickedherplumpbottomlipmademeshiverwithdiscomfort.Shechuckledandwalkedaway.
“Youaresodramatic.”Brinkleyswattedmyshoulder,andthenwebothreachedforourforks.
“What?Shefreaksmeout.Icantellshe’svisualizingmenakedwhileshe’slickingthosesausagelips.”
Brinkleylaughed,andwespentthenexthourtalkingaboutallheroptions.Alltheplacesthatshe’dappliedto.
Ididn’tlikethatthefuturewasunknownatthispoint.IknewwhereIwasgoing,andIwantedtoknowwhereshewasgoing.
Shewascurrentlywritingthestoryaboutmesincewe’dfinishedtheinterview.Eachnight,sheletmereadwhatshe’dwritten,andhertalentwasblatantlyapparentinherwords.
Whenwepulleduptomyhouse,therewasadudestandingnearthefrontdoorwithanenormousfloralarrangement.
“Oh,that’sJeremyFarmer.IusedtobabysitJeremywhenIwasinhighschool.”Shechuckledaswebothgotoutofthecar.
“Brinkley,hey,”thedudesaidashisgazelandedonme.“Oh,wow.It’sreallyyou.Everyonehasseenyouaroundtown,butthisismyfirsttime.I’mabigfan.”
“Nicetomeetyou,Jeremy.”Iextendedmyhandbeforetakingtheflowersfromhim.
“I,er,tookthemtoyourhouse,butthenJaninetoldmetobringthemoverhere,becauseyoutwoworktogetheralot,Iguess.Wedidn’twanttoleavethemoutside.”
“JanineownsCottonwoodBlooms,”BrinkleysaidtomebecauseIdidn’thaveacluewhoshewas.“Thanksforhuntingmedown,Jeremy.”
Onlyinasmalltowndothedeliverypeopleforgotheaddressandjustgofindyouthemselves.
Brinkleygavehimaquickhug,andwesaidgoodbye,butthekidwasstillstandingthere,gapingatme.
“Ifyouwanttobringyourjerseyoverlater,Icanhavehimsignitforyou,”shesaidasshewaved,andhedidastrangelittlejumpandfist-pumpedthesky.
“Thankssomuch.I’llbebacklatertoday.”
IlaughedaswepushedinsidebecauseIwassuddenlycuriousasfuckwhowassendingmygirlflowers.IassumeditwasSports-X.Isetthearrangementonthekitchencounter,andshepluckedthecardoutoftheflowers,andhersmiledroppedtheslightestbit.Mostpeoplewouldn’thavenoticed,butIknewthiswomanwell.Sheeitherdidn’tlikewhotheywerefrom,orsheknewthatIwouldn’tlikeit.
Isnatchedthecardfromherandreadit.
Brinkley,there’snooneI’dratherhavedomejusticethanyou.I’llbeintownthisweekend,andI’dliketoseeyou.XO,Breen
Itossedthecardontothecounterandstaredather.“WhythefuckisBreenLockhartsendingyouflowers,andwhydoeshewanttoseeyou?”
“I’massumingtheflowersarebecausethearticlewentlivetoday.Itwasprobablyjustafriendlygesture.AndIhadnoideahewascomingintotownthisweekend,butwe’refriends,soit’snotoddtoreachout.”
“Don’tbena?ve,”Ihissed.“Thatfuckerwantsyou,andwebothknowit.”
“AndIcantakecareofmyself.Ishuthimdownthefirsttime,andI’lldoitagainthistime,ifnecessary.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.
“Fuckthatdude.Youaren’tmeetinghimanywherealone.”
Sheraisedherbrow.“Excuseme?AreyouactuallytellingmewhatIcanandcannotdo?”
“Damnstraight,Iam.Idon’ttrusthim.”
“Youdon’ttrusthim,oryoudon’ttrustme?”
Iwalkedtotherefrigeratorandpulledoutabottleofwater,thinkingovermywordsbeforeIspoke.Iwasahothead,andshewasstubborn.Thatcombocouldbeexplosive.
“Idon’ttrusthim.”
“NeitherdoI.Soyouhavenothingtoworryabout,”shesaid,herfacehardanddetermined.“Iknowhowtohandlemyself,Lincoln.”
“I’maware.Butthatdoesn’tstopmefromwantingtoprotectyou.”
“Idon’tneedprotecting.I’vebeensurvivinginthisbig,badworldallonmyownforaverylongtime.”
“Areyougoingtomeetwithhim?”
“Imean,he’safriend.HowcanInotgosayhello?”Shethrewherarmsintheair.
“Easy.Youjusttellhimtofuckoff.”
“No,that’swhatyouwouldtellhim.I’mmakinganameformyselfinthisbusiness,andinterviewingathletesismyjob.Ican’thaveyoufreakingouteverytimeIgettogetherwithsomeone.”
“Iwouldn’tfreakoutaboutanyoneelse.Thisguyisdifferent.”
“Why?Becausehefuckedyourex-girlfriend?Maybeyou’restillhunguponher,”shehissed,andImovedclosetoher,backingherupuntilherasshitthecounteroftheisland.
“Don’tfuckingtwistthis.Idon’tgivetwoshitsabouther,andyouknowit.Idon’tliketheguy;he’sbadnews.Idon’twantyoualonewithhim.That’sallI’msaying.”Myhandmovedtoherneck,andmythumbtracedalongherjaw.
Hergazesoftened.“Fine.I’llagreetomeethimoutinagroupandinvitemysiblings,andyoucanevenbethere.Butdonotgoallcavemanbarbarianonme.Hedoesn’tknowwe’retogether,andhedoesn’tneedto.ThefirsttimeIturnedhimdown,Iwassingle.I’vegotthishandled.”
“Fine.Icanlivewiththat.”
Shesmiled.“Didwejustworkthroughourfirstdisagreement?Atleastourfirstdisagreementtoday.”
Ileanedforwardandkissedher.I’dletthisgofornow,butIhadeveryintentionofwatchingthatbastardlikeahawk.
Shehadnoideawhatapieceofshittheguywas.
***
“Areyougoingtobeababyallnight?”BrinkleyaskedaswedrovetoGarrity’s,herfamily’sbarthatHughandLilaalsoran.
Apparently,Breenwasintownwithafewfriends,someofthembeingwomen.Ofcourse,mygirlfriendwasthrilledtotellmeitwasmoreofacouple’strip.Shelovedprovingmewrong,butI’dnoticedthewayhe’dlookedatherthatfirsttimehe’dbeenintown,andthatdudewasnotinvitingheroutasafriendlygesture.
“I’mnotbeingababy.I’mlookingforwardtoseeingyourfamily.”I’dbeengoingtoSundaydinnersforweeksnow,andthey’dallbecomefriendsofmineatthispoint.Iplayedcardswithalltheguyslastweek,andthey’dsomehowconvincedmetomakeourtriptoIowaforLionelafull-blownboys’trip.
“Remember…he’saclient,andI’vegotithandled.Don’tbestormingthecastleiftheguysayshellotome.”
“Iwillletyouhandleit.”Ishrugged.
Unlesshe’sinappropriate,whichIknowhe’scapableofbecauseI’veheardalotofrumblingsaboutthedude.
ButIwouldn’tgothererightnow.
Whenwearrivedatthebar,everyonewasalreadythere.Maddoxandhisbrother,Wyle,calledmeovertojoininonagameofdartsbeforeCageandHughcametojoinus,holdingabunchofbeers.Finnwasawayfilmingfinaleditsonhisnewshow,anditwasalleveryoneintownwastalkingabout.
BrinkleywalkedovertomeethersisterandLila,whohaddrinksatthetable,withafewdifferentappetizersthere,aswell.TherewasnosignofthedickheadLockhart,andapartofmehopedhewouldn’tshowup.
“Youreallydon’tliketheguy,huh?”Hughasked,keepinghisvoicelow.HerememberedhowI’dwarnedhimaboutBreenbackwhenhissisterstillhatedme.
“Justheardalotofthings.Idon’tliketheideaofherbeingalonewithhim.”
“Well,you’vegotallofushere,sothere’snothingtoworryabout,”Cagesaid,glancingatthedoorwhenaloudruckuspulledourattentionaway.
InwalkedBreen,alongwiththreedudesthatlookedsomewhatfamiliar.Theyweremostlikelyhockeyplayers,buttheydefinitelydidn’tplayfortheLionsbecauseIknewalltheplayersonthatteam.Therewereatleastfivewomenwiththem,andthewholegrouplookedheavilyintoxicated.
“Theresheis!”Breenshouted.“Thisgirlrightheredidmerightinherarticle!”
HewrappedanarmaroundBrinkley,andmyhandsfistedatmysidesaswestoodagoodtwentyfeetawayfromthem.
Hestoodbehindher,hisarmaroundherneckashekissedhercheek.
“Easy,brother.Nothing’sgoingtohappenwithallofushere,”Maddoxsaid,keepinghisvoicelow.Thedudewasascoolastheycome,andwe’dgrownclose.
“I’msodownforabrawl,”Wylesaid.“Inevermindagoodbarfight.”
“Well,it’snotgreatforbusiness,solet’shopeitdoesn’tcometothat.Butwe’vegotyourbackifnecessary.”Hughsippedhisbeer,andhisgazemovedfrommetohissister.
BrinkleylookedcompletelyrelaxedasshelaughedandshookhandswitheachpersonintheirgroupbeforeintroducingLilaandGeorgia,aswell.Shewasright.Shecouldhandleherself.
Butitwasn’therthatIwasworriedabout.
Icontinuedplayingdarts,mygazemovingovertotheirtableeveryfewminutes.Breen’sgrouphadpulledupatablebesidethem,andtheywereorderingshotsandbeersandhavingagoodtime
Wetookabreakandwalkedovertogetsomefood.IstoodbesideBrinkley.Herhandfoundminebeneaththetable,andshesmiledupatmeasiftosay,Iwasright.Youwereworriedfornothing.
“Well,ifitisn’tthefuckingGOAToftheNFL.LincolnfuckingHendrix,Ididn’tknowyouwerestillintown.”
“I’msureyou’remorethanawarethatI’mwritingastoryaboutLincoln.It’spublicknowledge,anditwouldbehardtomissforanyoneinthesportsworld,”Brinkleysaidwithalaugh,raisingabrowasifshewerechallenginghim.
“Isn’tthatcomingoutsoon?Ijustfiguredthatwaslongover.Can’timaginethere’sawholelottoaskthisguy.Seemslikeallhedoesisplayfootballandfuckwomen.”Hiswordswereslurred.
Myshouldersstiffened.“Youdon’tknowshitaboutme.Butyousuredoseemtocare,don’tyou?”
“Ijustdon’tgetthehype.You’renotallthatgreat.Youjuststealallthethunderfromeveryotherathleteinthecity.”Hetippedhisheadbackandslammedanothershot.
“Dude.He’scalledtheGOATbecausehisstatsarefuckingincredible,”oneoftheguyssaidbeforeturningtomeandextendinghisarm.“I’mElliottFranks.IjustsignedwiththeLions,andI’mahugefan.”
“Thankyou.Nicetomeetyou.”IglancedoveratBreen,whowaschugginghisbeernowandpouting.“I’mnotevenlivinginSanFranciscoanymore.Thegloryisallyours,brother.I’msureyou’remorethanawarethatI’mmovingon.”
“Yeah,man.Didtheykickyouroldasstothecurb?”Hiswordswerebarelylegible,andIglancedovertoseeHugh,Cage,Maddox,andWyleallsquaringtheirshouldersliketheywerereadytoteachthisguyalesson.Mygazelockedwitheachoneofthem,andIheldupahand.Iwasn’tgoingtomakeascene.Hewasanasshole,nodoubtaboutit,butmygirlwasonarollwithhernewcareer,andIwouldn’tdoanythingtoruinthat.
Breenwasolderthanme,soIhadnoideawhyhewascallingoutmyage.Theguysthatwerewithhimdidnotlookimpressed,butthegirlsweregigglingandhangingalloverhim.
“Sure.Somethinglikethat,buddy.”Ireachedformybeerandtookasip.Brinkleylookedatme,andherlipsturnedupinthecorners.Sheknewhewaseggingmeon,andIwasdoingwhateverIcouldnottoreact.
“Youstillpissedthatyourwomancametomybedwhileshewaswithyou?Shecouldn’twaittofuckmewhenyoufailedtopleaseher.Didyouputthatinyourarticle,Brinks?”hesaidwithaboisterouslaugh.“BecauseIfuckedyourexrealgoodforyou.”
“Dude,”Elliottsaid,lookingappalled.“Thatwasoutoffuckingline.”
Hughmadeagruntingnoisebesidemelikehewasdyingtolaytheguyout.Maddox,Wyle,andCagewerelookingatmewithpleadingeyes,beggingtogivethego-aheadtothrowdown.
“Icanassureyouthatheknowshowtopleaseawoman,”Brinkleysaid,startlingeveryonewhenshespoke.
“Iguessyoudidn’tinterviewhisexthen,didyou?”Breenlaughed,butnoonewaschucklingnow.He’dgonelow,justlikehealwaysdid.Ididn’tjoininthistime,asmuchasitkilledmetojustlethiminsultme.Iwastakingthehighroad—formywoman.
“Youknow,youkeepbringingherup,butIdon’tseeherherewithyou.So,itmustnothavebeenallthatgoodwithyoutwo,huh?”Brinkleywinked,andBreen’sbrowscinchedlikehecouldn’tfigureoutifshewasplayingorbeingserious.
“Well,itobviouslywasn’tgoodwiththemeither.”Helookedlikeapetulantchild,toodrunktotalkhiswayoutofhisownmess.
“Youknow,IcheckedmysourcesprettywellandlearnedthatLincolnendedtheirrelationshiplongbeforeheknewyoutwohadbeensneakingaround.Butthat’snotreallyonhim;that’sonyouandher,right?”
“Andthat’syourbigsourceforknowingtheassholecanpleaseawoman?”Hislaughwasloudandsloppy,andeveryonearoundappearedtocringeabit.
“No.Mysourceisme.I’vetestedthegoods,andIkeepcomingbackformore,”shepurredbeforepushingtoherfeetandtuggingmymouthdowntohers.ShekissedmelikeshewantedthewholeworldtoknowthatIwashers.
AndIfuckinglovedthatshewasdonehidingit.
“Fuckme,”Breengroanedunderhisbreath,butweallheardhim,andBrinkleypulledbacktolookathim.
“No,thankyou.I’maone-man-onlykindofgirl.AndI’mkeepingthisoneforaslongashe’llhaveme.”
GeorgiaandLilabothhowled,andCageshookhisheadwithdisgust,yetthedudecouldn’twipethesmileoffhisface.
HughletBreenandhisgroupknowtheywerecutoff,asthebarwouldbeclosingsoon,andhewantedthemoutofthere.
“Damn.Takecare,Brinks.”Theassholepaused,andIsquaredmyshouldersinwarning.Ifhesomuchastouchedher,I’dknockhisheadoffhisshoulders.Heheldhishandsup.“I’mjustgivingyoushit,Hendrix.”
Inodded,happytoseehisassleavethebar.Heheldahandupandstumbledoutoftheplacewithhisentourageintow.
“Thatwasbadass,baby,”Iwhisperedagainstherear.
“ItoldyouIcanhandlemyself.Ijustneededyoutotrustme.”Sheturnedinmyarmsandpusheduponhertiptoestokissme.
Trustdidn’tcomeeasyforme.
ButItrustedthiswomanwitheverythingIhad.twenty-sevenBrinkley
Itwasabeautifuldayforawedding.
Icouldn’tbelieveitwasfinallyhere.I’dspentthelastweekfinishingmyarticleaboutLincoln,andI’dneverbeensoproudofanythingthatI’dwritten.
MaybeitwasbecauseIwasmadlyinlovewithmyclient.
Maybeitwasbecausehehadsuchaninterestinglife.
Maybeitwasbecausehisstatswereoff-the-chartsimpressive.
Iwasn’tsurewhythisonefeltsodifferent.Itwasthearticlethatwasgoingtobreathenewlifeintomycareer.
Iwasproudoftheworkwe’ddonetogether.Ofthestoryhe’dallowedmetotell.
Hell,maybeIwasjustemotionalbecausethefirstReynoldssiblingwasgettingmarriedtoday.
Iwasintheprimarybathroomwithallthegirls,gettingourhairandmakeupdone.WewereatGeorgiaandMaddox’shouse,wheretheceremonywastakingplaceinthenexthour.TheguyswereallgatheredinMaddox’smancave,mostlikelyhavingdrinksandgivingHughapeptalk.Lincolnwasintherewiththem,asthey’dallgrownclose.
GeorgiaandIwerebothbridesmaids.ThemaidofhonorwasLila’sbestfriend,Del.HermotherwascurrentlydatingLila’sfather,andthetwoweregushingabouthowcutetheirparentsweretogether.
“Well,youtwoalwayswantedtobesisters.Ididn’tthinkitwaspossible,butatthispoint,whoknows?”Sloanesaidwithalaughasshewrappedherhairaroundthebarrelofthecurlingiron.ShewasabridesmaidalongwithRina,asthefourofthemhadalwaysbeenthickasthievessincetheywerekids
“IthinkTateandBernadettemakethecutestcouple.”Shayheldherhandstoherchest.ShewasmarriedtoTravis,Lila’sbrother,andshewasalsoabridesmaid.
“I’mguessingthere’salotofsexgoingonwiththemsincethey’vebothbeensingleforsolong,”Sloaneadded.
“Ewwww,”weallsaidinunison.
“Whydoyoualwayshavetotakeitthere?”Delilahrolledhereyes.
“Someone’sgottotakeittodirtytown.Youcancountonme.”
MymotherhelpedLilaattachherveiltoherlong,darkwavesthatrandownherback.Shelookedsostunningthatahugelumpformedinmythroat.
“Iwantedtogiveyoutheseearringsthatweremymother’s,”MomsaidasshehandedLilathepairofpearlearrings.“Thisisyoursomethingold,sweetheart.”
IglancedovertoseeGeorgiasmilingastwotearsstreameddownherface.Lilawaslikeasistertobothofus,andLilaandmymomhadaverycloserelationship.
“Thankyou,”Lilasaidasshefannedherfacewithbothhands,tryinghardnottocry.
“Don’tyoudarecry,”Sloanesaidassheswipedatherowntears.“Ijustdidyourmakeupperfectly.”
Weallworestraplesslightpinkgownsthatrandowntothefloor,asidefromlittleGracie,whoworeanadorablewhitedress,andherhairfelldownherbackindarkspiralcurls.
Everyonewassnifflingwhenaknockcameatthedoor.Georgiahurriedtoopenit,justasallmycousinscamefloodingin.Somewithbabiesintheirarmsandtoddlersattheirsides.
“Hey,happyweddingday,”Dylansaidasshesaunteredinfirst.Shewaswearingafloralmaxidress,andhergorgeoushairwaspulledbackinalongponytail.Myeyescouldn’thelpbutmovetothesmallbulgeinherstomach.
SheturnedtohugmeasLilapushedtoherfeettogreeteachoneofthem.WhenDylanpulledback,shesmirked.“Yes.Myhothusbandputababyinme.Iwaswaitingtotellyouwhenwewerealltogether.”
Georgiasquealed,andmymomhurriedovertohugDylan.
“Ithoughtyouwerewaiting?”Iasked.
“Wewere.Butwe’vetraveledsomuchthislastyear,andIdon’tknow.Welikebeinghome.WefinishedthehousewewerebuildinginHoneyMountain.AndthethoughtofalittleWolfrunningaroundwassuddenlyallIcouldthinkof.”
“I’msohappyforyou.”
“Thankyou.We’rereallyexcited.Wolf’sstillpoutingthatithappenedsoquickly.Hewaslookingforwardtomonthsofpractice.”ShewaggledherbrowsbeforeturningtohugLila.Shegushedoverthegorgeousprincess-cutweddingdresswithtullefordays.
IhuggedEverlyandbentdowntogiveasqueezetoheradorablelittletoddler,Jackson.Herlittlegirl,Emerson,wasaperfectmixofbothEverlyandHawk.
Ashlan’sgirls,HadleyandPaisley,werebothwearingbeautifulmatchingsundresses,withtheirhairtiedupinlittlebuns.Theywereholdingontotheirmother’shandsandwhisperingaboutsomething.
“What’sgoingon?”Iwhisperedback.Bothgirlslookedupattheirmamawithbigsmiles.
“Well,I’mgoingtosayitifshewon’t.”Dylanshrugged,andAshlangavehertheslightestnod.“Thisonegotknockedup,too.We’vebeenwaitingtotellyoutoday,butweweresupposedtowaituntilafterthewedding.”
“Areyoukidding?HughandIlovebabies,andwe’reboththrilledtohearyouguysaregrowingyourfamilies.That’swhattodayisallabout,right?Familyandloveandallbeingtogether.”
“Damnit,LilaMaeJames.ImeanLilaMaeReynolds,”Delilahsaidassheswipedatherface.“Whydoyoualwayshavetomakeeverythingsosweet?Sloane,youneedtofixmymakeup.”
“Allright.ArethereanymorebabyannouncementsbeforeIcleanupthismess?”Sloanesaidwithherhandsonherhips.
Charlottechuckled.“Nothingtoreportoverhere.Thetwinskeepmeplentybusy.”Sheglancedatthestrollerwithhertwosleepinglittleangels.
“Hey,ifIgotluckyenoughtohaveoneofeachonmyfirsttry,IthinkI’dbedone,”Sloanesaidbeforeturningherattentionbacktohermakeupsprawledonthecounter.
“Um.”Vivianwinced.“Ihaven’teventoldmysistersyetbecauseweliterallyfoundoutyesterday.Butbabynumberthreeisofficiallyonboard.IknewsomethingwasupwhenIwascravingallthosecupcakestheselastfewweeks.”
Therewaslotsofsquealingandlaughingandhugginggoingon.
“WhatintheworldaretheyputtinginthatHoneyMountainwater?”Iteased,andwetookturnshuggingoneanotheralloveragain.
Itwasexactlyhowitshouldbetoday.
Theloveinthisroomwasimpossibletomiss.
Vivian,Dylan,Ashlan,Everly,andCharlotteallgrabbedthelittleonesandmadetheirwayoutthedoor.TheywantedtogoseeHughbeforetheyfoundtheirseats.
Wefinishedgettingready,andLilastoodupwhenherfatherknockedonthedoor.
DelilahshookoutLila’slongtrain,andwegotemotionalatthesightofher.
“It’stime,”Sabrina,theweddingplanner,said.“Let’sgetyoualllinedup.”
GeorgiaandIkissedLila’scheekasmymomwhisperedsomethinginherearandhuggedheronelasttime.ThethreeofusheadedoutfirsttogofindHugh.
LincolnandWylewerejustwalkingoutsidetotaketheirseatswhenhesawme.Hetuggedmecloseandkissedme.“Youlookfuckingstunning.”
“Youlookprettygoodyourself,handsome.”
Heheldontomyfingersbeforepullingawayandwinking.IwatchedhimwalkoffinhisblacksuitbesideMaddox’sbrother.
IhadavisionofthisbeingmeandLincolnsomeday.
I’dneverbeenthegirlthatsatarounddreamingaboutmyweddingday.Iwasalwayssofocusedonvolleyballandschoolandthenonmycareer.Butlately,Ithoughtaboutit.
ThiswasthefirstmanthatIeversawmyselfwithlong-term.
IwantedthingsI’dneverwantedbefore.
AnditwasmakingitdifficulttochoosewhereIwantedtoacceptmynextposition.FootballLivehadinterviewedmeremotely,andthey’dofferedmeagreatjob.I’dbefocusingprimarilyonfootballifIsignedwiththem,andthey’dcomewithaveryimpressivepackage.
Butnow,AudreyfromStrideForwardwasalsointhemix,andI’dhadsuchanamazingexperienceworkingforherwhenIwasincollege.
SportsTodaywastheholygrailintheworldofsports.I’ddreamedofworkingforthemsomedayandneverthoughtinamillionyearsthatitwouldhappenthisquickly.Theywerehavingmecometothecitynextweekforaninterview.Itwastheplaceeverysportsjournalistwantedtowork.Iwasn’tascertainaboutthepackage,asthemanI’dbeenintouchwithwasveryfocusedonthestoryI’dwrittenaboutLincoln,butheinsisteditwouldbewrappedinafull-timeoffer.
Well,I’dknowsoonenoughwhereI’dbelivingforthenextfewyears.
Iturnedmyattentiontomybrotherasheandalltheguyswalkedout.
Hughlookedsohandsomeinhisblacktuxedo,hislonghairwavyandrestingonhisshoulders,justlikeitalwaysdid.Lilawasn’tthetypeofbridetodemandhecutitofffortheweddingorpullitbackinanelasticband.Shelovedmybrotherexactlyashewas,andhelovedherjustasfiercelyinreturn
CagewasHugh’sbestman,andthenFinn,Lila’sbrotherTravis,Brax,Dylan’shusbandWolf,andMaddoxwerehisgroomsmen.
HughwalkedovertomeandGeorgiaasWolfstrodebesidehim.Wetookturnshuggingandturnedourattentionbacktoourbrother.“Youbothlookgorgeous.Didyouseethegirls?We’vegotmorebabiescomingintothefamily.”
“Yes.We’resoexcited,”Isaid,squeezingWolf’shand.
“Congrats.”Georgiabeamed.
“Thankyou.Icouldn’tbehappier.”Wolfnodded.
“DidDylantellyouwhatthey’renamingthebaby?”
“No,”webothsaidatthesametime,lookingfromourbrothertoWolf.
Hughreachedintohistuxedopocketandpulledoutaonesie.“Theygavemeanearlyweddinggift.”
Hehelditup,anditread:I’mnamedaftermyUncleHugh!
“Ohmygosh.TwoHughs,huh?”Georgiaclappedherhandstogether.“That’samazing.”
“He’saprettycooldudetobenamedafter,”Wolfsaidwithanod.“AndDylansaidshelikedtheideaofhavingaWolfandaBearinthehouse.”
Weallsharedalaugh.
“Prettyspecial,”Hughsaid,andheusedthebackofhisknuckletodabhiseyeasifsomethingwereinit.Butweknewbetterthanthat.
“That’sanhonor.Yournameliveson.”Ipusheduptokisshischeek.“Happyweddingday,brother.”
“Thankyou.AndthanksforstandingupbesideLila.Shelovesyoubothlikeyou’reherownsisters.”
“Wefeelthesame,”Isaid,withnohesitation.
“Okay,Mama.I’mgoingtowalkyoudowntositwithDad.”Hughwrappedhisarmsaroundourmotherbeforeofferinghisarmforhertoholdonto,andheledheroutthedoortowhereeveryonewasseated.
Therewererowsofchairswithawalkwaybetweenthem.Theviewsofthewaterwerebreathtaking,andagorgeousarchwrappedinpinkandwhiteflowerswithgreenerythreadedallarounditsatattheendoftheaisle.
OnceHughreturned,henoddedattheirweddingplanner.
“Allright.Let’sdothis,”Sabrinasaidasthevioliniststartedtoplay.
Onebyone,weeachwalkeddowntheaisle.
GeorgiaandMaddox.
MeandBrax.
RinaandWolf.
ShayandTravis.
SloaneandFinn.
DelilahandCage.
Graciemadeherwaydowntheaisle,droppingflowerpetalsalongthewayandlookinglikealittleprincess.Shetookherseatbesidemyparents,andmymompulledherontoherlap.
EverytimeIlookedoveratHugh,he’dsmileatme,andIwasunabletoholdbackthetears.Mybrotherwasoneofmybestfriends,andseeinghimfindhishappilyeverafterdidsomethingtome.Hewasthefirstofthefiveofustogetmarried,andhe’dfoundhisforeverinLila.
Theyweremadeforoneanother.
IsearchedthecrowdandfoundLincolnandWylesittingwithmycousins.AndLincoln’sgazelockedwithmine.
Justlikeitalwaysdid.
Theweddingsongbegantoplay,andIpulledmygazefromhimasLilamadeherwaydowntheaisle.Shelookedlikeaprincess,withherdressswooshingaroundher.
Thesunwasjustgoingdownbehindtheclouds,andtheskywasamixofyellowandorange.Aslightbreezemovedaroundus,anditwasaperfecteveningforanoutdoorwedding.Iglancedoverattheoceaninthedistance.Thecovewasaspecialplaceforallofus.
Myattentionreturnedtothegorgeouswomanmakingherwaytowardmybrother.
HughmovedtostandinfrontofherasheshookhandswithTateJames,Lila’sfather,andsmileddownatLila.Tearswerestreamingdownherface,andheusedhisthumbstoswipethemaway.
“They’rehappytears,Bear,”shecroaked.
“Iknow,baby.”
TheymovedtostandinfrontofFatherDavis,whowasmarryingthemtoday.Theysaidtheirvows,andEverandHawk’sson,Jackson,waddleddowntheaislewithapillowholdingtherings.
Theywerepronouncedhusbandandwife,andeveryonecheered.
MygazefoundLincoln’sonceagain,andinthatmoment,Iknewthatthismanwasnotonlymyrightnow…hewasmyforever.twenty-eightLincoln
Icouldn’tbelieveitwasalmosttimetoheadtoNewYorkforofficialtrainingcamp.Ihadarealtorlookingforhomesnottoofarfromourtrainingfacility,andmymotherhadalreadyfoundahousenotfarfromthecity,andshe’dbemakingthemovenextmonth.
I’dworkedmyassoffasfarasmyworkoutshadgonethissummer,andIwasdefinitelyinthebestshapeofmylife.IwasreadytomakethischangeandplayfortheThunderbirds.Therewasonlyonethingthatwasn’tclear,andthatwaswhatwouldhappenwithmeandBrinkleyandwherewe’dlive.Shedidn’tknowwhereshewasgoingtobe,andIwasdeterminedtoshowherthatitreallydidn’tmatter.
Ouraddresseshadverylittletodowithourrelationship,inmymind.
So,I’dtakenherawayforafewdaysbeforeourworldswerecompletelyturnedupsidedown.
We’dleftforCaboSanLucas,Mexico,lastnight,andI’djustwokenupandsteppedoutsideontoourprivatepatio.Iknewshewasexhausted,andafewdaysawaywouldbeagoodwaytounplugandrelaxalittlebitbeforelifegotcrazyagain.
Itookintheoceanandbreathedinthesaltyair.
“Hey,”shesaidassheopenedtheslidingglassdoorandsteppedoutside.“Howlonghaveyoubeenawake?”
Iwasstretchedoutonaloungechair,andIopenedmyarmssoshecouldslipinrightbetweenmylegs,andIwrappedmyarmsaroundher.
“Aboutanhour.Iwantedtoletyoucatchuponsleep.”
“Well,Isleptreallywell.Thisplaceisgorgeous.Ican’tbelievewehaveourownvilla.You’refullofsurprises,Captain.”Shechuckled.
Thewavescrashedagainsttheshore,andIkissedthetopofherhead.“Ithinkwecouldbothusealittledowntime.It’shardtounplugwhenyou’reathome.”
“That’sverytrue.Andwehavealotgoingonbetweenthetwoofus.”
“Wedo.That’swhatIwantedtotalktoyouabout.”Istrokedherhair,andsheturnedabit,restingherchestonminesoshecouldlookatme.
“Ahhh…thetalk.Iknowwe’vebeenputtingthatoff.”
“We’veagreedthatwe’llstaytogetherandfigurethingsout.ButIwanttotalkaboutsomeoptions.”
“Okay.”Shesmiled,tuckingherdarkhairbehindherear.“Letmeheartheseoptions.”
“I’veshownyousomeoftheplacesmyrealtorsentover,butI’dlikeyoutobemoreinvolvedintheprocess.”
“Butwedon’tknowwhereI’llbebased.”
“Regardlessofwherewelive,wewanttobetogether,right?”
“Yes.Absolutely.”
“Good.Ifweweregoingtobelivinginthesameplace,whichweverywellmightbe—I’daskyoutolivewithme.So,I’dlikeyoutohelppickthehomethatwelivein.”
Hereyeswidened.“Youwanttolivetogether?”
“Fuckyeah,Ido.Wealreadydo.Wespendeverynighttogether.Everydaytogether,andIwasfuckingmiserablebeingawayfromyouwhenItookLioneltomeetCoachHardin.Imean,I’mgladthekidisgoingtobeplayingthere,butIdidn’tlikebeingawayfromyou.”
Herteethsankintoherplumpbottomlip.“Ididn’tlikeiteither.Butthatwasreallysweetofyou.Andyou’regivinghimthisamazingopportunitywiththescholarshipyougavehim.”
CoachHardincouldn’tofferLionelanymoneythisyear,butheagreedtohavehimwalkontotheteam,whichwouldfulfillthiskid’sdream.ButIdidn’twanthimtostarthislifeoffburiedindebtwithstudentloans,soI’dagreedtocoverhisschoolandlivingexpensesaslongashewasworkinghardandattendingclasses.
“Yeah.Everyoneneedsabreaksometimes.Lionel’sareallygoodkid.”
“Heis.Andyou’reareallygoodguy,LincolnHendrix.”
“So,doesthatmeanyou’llmoveinwithme?”
“Ofcourse,Iwanttolivewithyou.ButwhatifSportsTodayorFootballLiveoffermeajobthatIcan’tturndown?”
“Thenwe’llhaveaplaceinSanFranciscoandaplaceinNewYork.Butit’llbetogether.”
“Okay.Ilikethesoundofthat.It’llbehardlivingonoppositecoasts,butwe’llmakeitwork.Andifoneofthemdohireme,Icanworkthereforayearandprovemyself,andthenhopefully,they’llletmeworkremotelyafterthat.”
“It’llallworkout,sweetheart.”Mythumbtracedoverherbottomlip.“I’mhopingtoplayouttherestofmycareerinNewYork.I’mnotbigonchange,andwe’vegotareallystrongteamandagreatcoachingstaff.Butyoujustneverknow,sowe’lldowhateverittakes,right?”
“I’mallin.”Herteethsankintoherbottomlip.
“Yeah?Didseeingyourbrothergetmarriedgiveyouanythoughtsaboutyourownwedding?”
“It’sfunny,Ineverusedtothinkaboutthat.I’dneverbeeninarelationshipwhereIsawthingsgoingthatway.ButI’mnotgoingtolie,it’sdifferentwithyou.”
“Howso?”IaskedasIpulledherupfarthersohermouthwasrightinfrontofmine.
“Ithinkaboutit.Ithinkaboutourfuture.Howaboutyou?”
“IneverthoughtI’dwanttobemarried.NeverthoughtI’dhavechildren.IwasseriouswhenItoldmymotherthatshe’dprobablyneverhavemorethanabunchoffootballsfromme.ButlittleGraciehasmewantingtoputawholelotofbabiesinyou.”
Herheadfellbackinlaughter.“She’sthecutestlittlegirlontheplanet.IkindofalwaysimaginedI’dbeagreatauntandthatwouldbeit.ButIthinkaboutbabiesnow.Imean,notrightnow.Webothhavethingswewanttoaccomplishfirst.ButIseetheminourfuture.”
“Afuckinglittlegirlwithyourdarkeyesandhair.She’llownme,justlikeyoudo.”
“Oh,Iownyou,doI?”Shechuckled.
“Youownthis,BrinkleyReynolds.”Ipressedherhandtomyheart.
“Andyouownmine.”
“So,nogettingscaredandrunning,okay?Webothknowit’sgoingtobeabumpycoupleofweekswhilewefigureallofthisout.Butwewantthesamethingsinthefuture,andwe’llworkhardtogetthere.”
Shenodded.“I’min.”
Ikissedherhardbeforepullingaway.“Okay,let’seatandthengoforaswim.”
“Ithoughtweweren’tworkingoutforthenextthreedays.Isn’tthissupposedtobeavacation?”sheasked,raisingabrow.
“Well,fuckingyouintheturquoisewaterfeelslikeavacationtome.”
“Ilikethewayyouthink.”Shejumpedupandhurriedintotheroom.
Weorderedroomserviceandsatoutside,lookingatthephotosofnewhomelistingsmyrealtorsentoverwhileweatepancakesandbacon.
Thereweretwohomesthatwebothreallylikedfromthephotosonline,andweagreedtogoseethemafterBrinkley’sinterviewinSanFrancisco.
Thingswerecomingtogether.
Wehadaplan.
Ipulledonmyswimtrunksjustasmygirlcamearoundthecornerwearingawhitebikiniandawhitecowboyhatonherhead.Hertanskinglistened,andIwantedtokisseveryinchofhergorgeousbody.
Wewalkeddownthefewstepstotheprivatebeachbesideourvilla.Brinkleydippedhertoeinthewater.“Oh,it’salittlechilly.”
IpickedherupandflippedherovermyshoulderbecauseIwasnotwaitingonemoreminute.ShesquealedandtossedherhatontotheshoreasIranusouttodeeperwater,dunkingusbothbeneaththesurface.
Whenwecameup,myhandswereonherwaist,andshewaslaughingandswipingathereyesbeforepushingherlonghairawayfromherface.
“Iguessthat’sonewaytogetusedtothewater.”Shegrippedmyshouldersandwrappedherlegsaroundmywaist.
“You’resofuckingbeautiful,”IsaidasInippedathermouth.“Fuck.Ididn’tbringacondom.IhadbigplansofwhatIwasgoingtodotoyououthere.”
Shesmiledasshegroundupagainstmyerection.“ItoldyouthatIwentonthepill.I’veneverbeenwithanyonewithoutacondombefore.You’dbemyfirst.”
“Ihaven’teither.”Iranmytonguedownherneck,andherheadfellback.“I’dlovetofeelyouwithnothingbetweenus.”
“Me,too,”shewhispered,herhandsinmyhairasshepulledmymouthtohers.
Iwasstandingchest-deepinthedarkturquoisesea,thesunshiningdownonus,andthisgorgeouswomanwrappedinmyarms.
Ourtonguestangled,andImoanedintohermouthasshecontinuedgrindingupagainstme.Mycockswelled,andwecontinuedmakingoutforwhatfeltlikehoursbutwasprobablymorelikeminutes.Myhandmovedbetweenus,pushingherswimsuitbottomstothesideandstrokingherafewtimesbeforeshovingmytrunkslowenoughtofreemyeagerdick.
“Isthiswhatyouwant,baby?”IpurredintohermouthasIteasedherwithmytip.
“Yes.”ShepulledbacktolookatmeasIpositionedheraboveme,andsheslowlysliddown,takingmein,inchbygloriousfuckinginch.
“Holyfuck,”Ihissed.ShewaswetandtightandeverythingI’deverwanted.
Herhoodedeyesclosed,herheadfellback,andshetookmeallthewayin.Herbreathswerelabored,andIgrippedherhipsandmovedherupslowlyatfirst.
Wefoundourrhythm,andIpumpedinandoutofherassherodemelikeafuckingstallion.
Itangledmyhandsinherhair,tugginghermouthbackdowntomine,andkissedherhard.
Desirebuilt.
Faster.
Harder.
WithaneedI’donlyeverexperiencedwiththiswoman.
Mywoman.
Myhandmovedbetweenus,andIcircledherclitbecauseIknewshewasclose.Hernailsdugintomyshoulders,andshetightenedaroundme,andIcouldn’tholdonanothersecond.Sheshatteredrightbeforemyeyes,andIwentrightovertheedgewithher.
Myentirebodyquakedasagutturalsoundescapedmylips.
Sherodeouteverylastbitofpleasure,andIcontinuedthrustingintoher
Whenourbreathsslowedandhergazefoundmine,shesmiled.“Thatwasamazing.”
“You’refuckingamazing.”
Shechuckled.“Let’sdothatagainsoon.”
“Anytime,sweetheart.”
***
Cabohadbeenexactlywhatweneeded,butnowwewerebacktoreality,andthepressurewasgettingtobothofus.ThisloomingtimelinethatI’dbeleavinginafewdays,andsomuchwasstillupintheairwithher.She’dflownouttointerviewwithNFLToday,andshereallylikedthem;however,shedidn’twanttobepigeonholedtoonlyonesport.Butshewaskeepingthemonthebackburner.
“So,you’regoingtobeinNewYork.That’ssofaraway,”TiasaidasBrinkleyandIsharedaFaceTimescreenwithher.We’dmadeadaytriptomeetherinpersonwhenwegotbackfromCabo,andshelikedtoFaceTimeoften,sowe’dbeentalkingdailyeversince.
“Yeah,butyou’llcometoagame,andwe’llkeeptalkingasmuchaswecan,okay?”
IspoketoRomeooftennow,too,andthetwoofthemhadbecomefamilyinamatterofafewweeks.
“Thatsoundslikeaplan.Brinkley,you’vegotyourbiginterviewcomingup,right?”
“Yep.AndLincolniscomingwithme,sothatwillmakeitlessstressfulforme,havinghimthere.”
“Hegetstogointotheinterviewwithyou?”sheasked.
“Hedoes.”Brinkleychuckled.“IhavethatstoryIwroteabouthim,andtheywanttoprintit,aswellasoffermealong-termposition.ButIthinkwiththestorybeingaboutLincoln,theyrequestedthathebethere,too.”
Ihadredflagsgoingoffthatthey’daskedmetocomealong.Itwasnotthenorm,andasfarasIknew,theydidn’tknowwewereacouple.TheonethingBreenfuckingLockharthadn’tdonewasexposeourrelationship,whichIwasgratefulfor.NotbecauseIdidn’twantitoutthere,butbecauseIwouldn’twanttodoanythingtohurthercareer.So,inmyopinion,itwasoddthatthey’daskedhertobringmealongtotheinterview.Brinkleyhadaone-trackmind,andSportsTodaywaswhatsheconsideredthegoldstandardofherprofession,andshewantedit.Shewasn’tgoingtoquestionanythingtheyaskedofher,butIsureasfuckwould.
“Iknowyouwanttoworkthere,butIthinkitwillbehardforyouguystolivesofarapart,”Tiasaidasshetuckedherhairbehindherear.
“We’lldowhateverweneedtodo,”Brinkleysaid.
“Oh,man,youguysaresofreakingcute.Well,bignews.IbrokeupwithLeo.Henevermakestimeforme.”
Iraisedabrow.Teenagedatingadvicewasnotreallymystrongsuit,anditwasthelastthingIwantedtotalkabout.
“How’stheweather?”Iasked,andtheybothlaughed.
“We’lltalkaboutLeolater,whenit’sjustus,”mygirlfriendsaid.Ilovedthatshe’dmadesuchanefforttogettoknowRomeoandTia.Itmeantalottome.
“Perfect.Callmelater.”Sheblewusakissandendedthecall.
“Sheremindsmesomuchofmyselfatthatage,”Brinkleysaid.
“Damn,baby.IwouldhavebeenalloveryouwhenIwasahornyteenageboy.”
Shemovedtowardme,standingbetweenmylegsasIsatatthekitchentable.“Andnowyou’rejustahornyman,huh?”
Ilaughed.“Onlyforyou.”
Andthatwasthedamntruth.twenty-nineBrinkley
“Ineedthistogowell,”Iwhisperedaswerodetheelevatoruptothetopfloor.We’dstayedatLincoln’spenthouseapartmentinthecitylastnight.Hesaidhewasn’tgoingtoputitonthemarketuntilweknewwhereI’dbeliving.IfItookthejobhere,I’dstayathisplace,andwe’dtravelbackandforth.
“Youhavenothingtoworryabout.Youhaveastorytheywant.Awritingstylethatthey’vealreadysaidtheywereimpressedby.YoualreadyhaveagreatofferfromFootballLive,andyouhaveanotherinterviewcomingup.Theballisinyourcourt.Youdon’tneedthem,baby.They’dbeluckytohaveyou.”
“Iknow,butIwantthisone.I’vedreamedofworkingheresinceIwasateenager.”
Henodded.“Justhearthemout,anddon’tsettleforlessthanyoudeserve.”
“You’dlikethemtomakemeacrappyoffer,wouldn’tyou?”Myvoicewasalltease,butIcouldtellithadrubbedhimwrong.
“Iwantthisforyou,aslongasit’sright.I’vetoldyouthatwe’llmakeitwork,nomatterwhathappens.”
“Iwaskidding.Butobviously,itwouldbeeasierforyouifIjustcametoNewYorkwithyou.”Ishrugged.“Iwishtheywerelocatedoutthere.”
“Whateveritis,youknowthatIsupportyou.”
“Iknow.”Iremainedafewfeetfromhimintheelevator.“Wehavetokeepthingsprofessionalrightnow,butI’llbekissingyourealhardinanhour.”
“Don’tteaseme,sweetheart.”Heraisedabrowjustasthedoorsopened,andhemotionedformetostepofffirst.
Iworemyfavoriteblackpencilskirt,awhiteblouse,andablacksuitcoat.Myhairwaspulledintoaneatchignon,andI’dchangedshoesthreetimesbecauseIwantedeverythingtobeperfect.I’dsettledonnudestilettos.IwantedthissobadlyIcouldtasteit.
Ididn’tknowwhythey’daskedLincolntocome.Ididn’twanttomakeitabigdealbecausehe’dseemeduncomfortablewhenI’dtoldhim.ButIhadwrittenastoryabouthim,andtheywantedit.Thatwaspartofthedeal.I’dneverworkedwithamagazineofthiscaliber,soasfarasIknew,thiscouldbeperfectlystandardtobringaclientalong.
“YoumustbeBrinkleyReynolds.”Thereceptionistwasinhermid-thirties,tallwithblondehair,andshehadafriendlysmile.Hereyesmovedtothehandsomemanbesideme.“Andyou’reLincolnHendrix.I’mahugefan.”
IchuckledwhenLincolnscowledbeforequicklyforcingasmile.Hedidn’twanttheattentiontobeonhimselftodaybecauseheknewhowmuchthisdaymeanttome.Thewomanledusdownahallwayandknockedonthedoorbeforewesteppedintoalargeconferenceroom.
TherewerethreemeninsuitswhocamearoundthetableandapproachedLincolnfirst.Theyallshookhishandandstoodtheregapingathim.Isensedhisdiscomfortimmediately.Ishookitoff.Theyranasportsmagazine,andhewasanicononthefield.Itwasfairthattheywereexcitedtomeethim.
Iwasn’tgoingtoletanythingruinthisday.
“Thisisthestaroftheshow,BrinkleyReynolds,”hesaid,holdinghishandouttome.
Theyshiftedtheirattentionmywayandmadeintroductions.LouColsonwasthepresidentandthemanI’dbeennegotiatingwith.DarrelFisherwastheirchieflegal,andSteveMontywasthemanagingeditor.WesettledaroundthebigtablewithallthreemenononesideandLincolnandmeonanother.
“ThestoryyouwrotewasoneofthebestI’vereadinaverylongtime,”Lousaid,andmyheartraced.Hewasaverypowerfulmanintheindustry,soacomplimentfromhimwasasgoodasitgetsinmyworld.
“Thankyou.Thatmeanssomuchtome,”Isaid,tryingtokeepmytoneevenasthenervesweresettingin.
You’vegotthis.Shakeitoff.
Lincolnglancedatme,andIsawthepridethere.
“Andfinallyallowingfanstogettoknowalittlemoreaboutyou,Lincoln,isgoingtohavethemagazinesellingofftheracks.”Heturnedhisattentiontomyboyfriend.“Obviously,youknowwewantthisstoryandanyfuturestoriesthatyou’rewillingtoletMs.Reynoldswriteaboutyou.”
Futurestories?WehadneverdiscussedanyarticleswithLincolninthefuture.
Lincolnsquaredhisshoulders.“Thisisthestory.She’llbemovingontootherathletes,Ipresume.”
Icouldfeelthetensionradiatingfromhim,anditwastimetospeakup.Thiswasaninterview,andIneededtosellmyself.
“IwrotethearticleonBreenLockhartthatIforwardedtoyou,aswell,andI’mopentoanyinterviewsthatyouwouldwanttosetupforme.I’malsoopentogettingoutinthefieldandcoveringgamesandmeetingathletes.”IpausedandsuckedinabreathbecauseIdesperatelywantedtoprovethatIcoulddothisjob.“I’vewantedtoworkforthismagazineforaslongasIcanremember.I’lldowhateverittakestobethebestatmycraft.IpromiseIwon’tletyoudown.”
Lincoln’shandfoundmythighbeneaththetable,andIknewhewastryingtocomfortme.
“That’sgreattohear,Bailey,”Lousaid.“We’reinterestedinwhatMr.Hendrixiswillingtodobeyondthiscurrentstorythatyou’vewritten.Maybehe’dagreetogiveyouanexclusiveinterviewonceortwiceaseason?”
Whatthehell?Didhereallyjustcallmebythewrongname?
“HernameisBrinkley,notBailey,”Lincolnhissed,andIknewthathewaspissedoffwiththedirectionthiswasgoing.Ineededtoturnthisaround.
“Right.Pleaseforgiveme,”hesaid.“We’dbewillingtobuywhateverarticlesBrinkleywritesaboutyoumovingforward,andwecanlookintoapermanentpositiondowntheroad.”
Whyweretheyonlytalkingtohim?Thiswasmyinterview.Myhandsfistedonthetable,diggingmynailsintomypalmstoremindmyselftokeepittogether.
“Ithoughtyouwereinterviewingmeforafull-timepositiontoday?That’swhatwespokeaboutonthephoneandinouremails,”Isaid,raisingabrowasIlookedLouColsonrightintheeyes.
“Correct.It’saconversationthatwe’restarting,pendingwhatMr.Hendrixhasplannedregardingfuturearticleswithyou.”
“Comeon,gentlemen,whatexactlyareweherefor?Let’sshootitstraightbecause,atthispoint,you’vewastedherfuckingtimeandmine.”
“Lincoln,”IsaidundermybreathasImethisgaze.“I’vegotthis.”
Becausewebothknewwhatwewereherefornow.
Theywereusingmetogettohim.
Theyhadnointerestinme.
“So,whatexactlyisthis?YoujustwantedtogetLincolnhere?”
“Shehasagift,nodoubtaboutit.We’reinterestedinofferingherafuturepositionpendingwhatyoucancommitto.Thisstorywillputheronthemap,andthat’sbecauseit’saboutyou.”Hedirectedhisanswertomyboyfriend,speakingasifIwasn’tsittingrighthere.AsifIhadn’tjustspoken.
Mymindwasspinning.Thiswasacompletedisaster.
Youwillnotgetpushedaroundbyabunchofpretentiouspricks.
“IsthereajobbeyondinterviewingLincolnHendrix?”Thatwasthemillion-dollarquestionatthispoint.
“We’dliketofocusonLincolnfornow.”
“Fuckthis.You’reyankingherfuckingchain,andit’sashittythingtodo.”Lincolnpushedtohisfeetandturnedtofaceme.“Comeon.Thisisn’thappening.”
Mybloodwasboilingbecausethesemenwereassholes,butIcouldhandlethem.Ididn’tneedmyboyfriendtospeakforme.
“I’vegotthis.”Igavehimahardlook,butthetruthwas…Ididn’thavethis.Ithadgonefrombadtoworse.
“No,sweetheart.There’snothingtoworkouthere.They’reusingyoutogettome.AndIwon’tallowit.”Heofferedmehishand,andItookit.MychestwaspoundingsohardIcouldhearmypulseinmyears.
“Mr.Hendrix,Iassureyouthatwe’reinterestedinofferingherapositiondowntheroad.”
Lincolndidn’trespond,andtheymadenoattempttospeaktome.
Iwhippedaround,feelingalumpforminmythroat,butthankfully,myangerwonoutoverthesadnessthreateningtoerupt.IpointedmyfingerrightatLouColson.“Youshouldbeashamedofyourself.Callingmeherewhenyouhadnointerestinhiringme.”
“That’snotthecase.Whydon’twetalkthisover?”hesaid,butLincolnandIweremovingalready.
Heledmedownthehallwaytotheelevatorandusheredmeinside.Hehitthebuttontothelobby,andIjuststaredathimindisbelief.
Howhadthisgonesowrong?
Lincolnmovedcloser,butIputmyhandsup.
“Don’t,”IsaidasIcoveredmymouthwithmyhandtoholdbackthesobs.ThetearsweresoheavythatIblinkedseveraltimes,desperatetokeepittogether.Ididn’twanthimtocomfortmerightnow.Icouldn’tthinkstraightatthemoment,andifhetouchedme,I’dfallapart.Whenthedoorsopened,Iheldmyheadhighandwalkedthroughthelobby.
Wemadeourwaytotheparkinggarage,notsayingaword.Heopenedthepassengerdoor,andIslippedinside.
We’dplannedtostayinthecitytonight,ashewasflyingouttoNewYorkinthemorning.Weweregoingtocelebrateoverdinnerandcomeupwithaplan.
I’dassumedI’dbethinkingoverthejobofferandmeetingwiththemagaintomorrowtosignmycontract.
LouColsonhadmadeitclearinourphonecallsandemailsthattheywouldbeofferingmeacontracttocoincidewithmeallowingthemtoprintthestoryaboutLincoln.
ThiswassupposedtobethedayI’ddreamtaboutforyears,butinstead,itwasacompletenightmare.
Iwasmortifiedandhumiliated.
Theyhadcompletelyusedme.Theyweren’tinterestedinhiringmeatall.
Lincolnpulledintotheundergroundparkingbeneathhisbuilding.“Lookatme.”
Iturnedtofacehim.Thetearshadbeenfallingsincewe’dgotteninthecar,andIwassuremyeyeswereredandswollenbynow.Iwasn’tbigonfallingapart,butthedisappointmenthadsetin,andtherewasnostoppingit.
“Baby,don’tletthisgetyoudown.They’reabunchofassholes.”
Don’tletthisgetmedown?
Iwaswellbeyondbeingdown.
Ithadbeenacompletedisaster.
Iusedthebackofmyhandtoswipebeneathmyeyes.“Thatwasadisaster.Iwishyouhadn’tbeentheretoseethat.”
“I’mfuckinggladIwasthere.Iwouldn’thavewantedyoutobetherealonewiththoseassholes.”
“Icantakecareofmyself,Lincoln,”Isaid,tippingupmychin.“Youdidn’tneedtostepin.”
Ididn’tknowhowtohandlealltheseemotions.Thedisappointmentandtheangerwereatwarwithoneanother.
“Iwillalwaysprotectyou.”
“Well,I’msureapartofyouisrelievedthatthisjobisoffthetable.Lessofachanceofmestayinghere.”Itwasn’tafairthingtosay.Iwasjustspewingvenomatthispoint.
Hereachedbeneathmychin.“I’mnotgoingtolie.I’dbefuckinghappytohaveyoubesideme.ButIdidnotwanttodaytogothisway.Iknowhowmuchyouwantedthis,andIwanteditforyou.Itfuckingpissesmeoffthattheypulledthisshitwithyou.”
“Well,itreallypissesmeoffthatI’veworkedreallyfuckinghard,Lincoln.”MyvoicetrembledasIcriedthroughmywords.“I’vetriedtoprovemyself.Andalltheycaredabouttodaywasyou.That’showit’sgoingtobe,isn’tit?I’lljustbethereporterthatwroteLincolnHendrix’sstory,andthenwhennewsbreaksthatwe’redating,I’lljustbeyourgirlfriend.”
Webothknewtherewasalotoftruthinthatstatement.
Peopleputathletesonpedestals.ItwaspartofthereasonthatLincolnhadbeensoapprehensivetosharehisstory.Helikedkeepinghislifeprivate.
“It’snothowI’lleverseeyou.”
InoddedbecauseIknewthathemeantit.“Iknow.AndIknowyoucan’thelpthatyou’refamousandthatyou’reamazingandthegreatestofalltime—butIneedtoshine,too.Yougetthat,right?Ineedmyownthing.Idon’tjustwanttobesomeone’sgirlfriend.”
HelookedatmelikeI’djustpunchedhiminthegut.Buttherealitywassettinginthatoncewewentpublicwithourrelationship,myjobwouldbegreatlyaffected.
Myprofession.WhatI’dworkedsohardfor.
Noonewouldtakemeseriously.
“HaveIevertreatedyoulikeyouwereanythingbutamazing?Ihavebeencheeringyouonsincetheminutewestartedworkingtogether.Youhaveotheroffers,baby.”
“Right.Butdotheyonlywantmebecausetheywantthatstory?”IaskedasIlookedoutthewindow.Waseveryonejustafterthestory?
“Youaresofuckingtalented.Youknowit,andIknowit.Iwillnotletanyonedimyourlight.Doyouhearme?”Hedidn’tanswerthequestionbecausehecouldn’tanswerit.
Iknewmyworth.
Hell,I’dalwaysknownthatIcoulddoanythingIsetmymindto.Buttodayhadthrownme.Ihadn’tthoughtthattheywouldhavecalledmeinjusttogettohim.
Hisgazesearchedmine,andIknewthathesawitthere.
Therealquestion.
WouldIevershineonmyownifweweretogether?
I’dneverbeenthatgirlthatworriedaboutshining.Worriedthatsomeonewoulddimmylight.I’dalwaysbeenconfidentinmycapabilities.ButLincoln’sfamewasbiggerthananythingI’deverdealtwith.
Hepushedoutofthecarandopenedmydoor.Wemadeourwayupstairs,neitherofusspeaking.
Therewasn’tmuchmoretosay.
Therealitywassettingin.
Ididn’tknowwhattodoorhowtohandleallofthis.
Itwasourfirstdayoutofthebubble.Ourfirstrealobstacleanditwasalreadyashitstorm.
Iwalkedintothebathroomandshutthedoorbeforeturningonthefaucetinthebathtub.
Ineededspace.
Itiedmyhairupandslippedintothewater,lettingmyselfcryallthetearsuntiltherewasnothingleft.
Thisdayhadbeenaneye-openerregardingmyfuture.
Forthefirsttimeinmyadultlife,Iwasdoubtingmyself.Wonderingifanyonewasgenuinelyconsideringhiringmebasedonmywritingskills.
HowwouldLincolnlookatmeifIdidn’thaveanythingofmyowntobeproudof?Ifmyentirelifewaswrappedupsolelyaroundhim.
Thatwasnothowrelationshipsweresupposedtowork.Therewassupposedtobebalance.
ImaynotbetheGOAToftheNFL,butIwasproudoftheworkthatIdidoutinthefield.OftheinterviewsthatI’dconductedovertheyearsandthewayIcouldusemywordstopresentpeopletotheworldinthebestlight.
Butwouldanyoneevenconsiderthatwhentheylookedatmenow?OncewordgotoutthatIwasdatingLincolnHendrix?Hell,LouColsondidn’tevenknowwewereacouple.JustthefactthatLincolnhadawardedmewiththestoryofalifetimehadbeenthereasonhe’dshownanyinterestinme.
Itwasneveraboutmeormywritingability.
TheywantedLincoln.
Thiswasallnewtome,andmyheadwasspinning.
IknewifIstayedhererightnowthatLincolnwouldtrytofixthisforme
Butjustlikeheneededtimetofigureoutwherehewantedtoplayallthosemonthsago,Ineededtofigureoutmyfuture,too.
Idriedoffandgotdressed,throwingmyclothesintomybaganddraggingmysuitcaseout.
Lincolnwasjustclosingthefrontdoor,andheheldupabagoffoodfromourfavoriterestaurantinthecity.
ButIwasn’tinthemoodtoeatortocelebrate.
Hisgazemovedtomysuitcase.“Thefirstsignoftrouble,andyou’realreadyrunning?”
“I’mnotrunning,Lincoln.I’mgoinghome.Ineedtothink.Ineedtoseehowthisworks.IneedtoknowwhereIfit.”
“Youfitrightfuckinghere,”hesaid,hishandpoundingonhischest.“Ifyoudon’tknowthat,thenyoudon’tknowmethewaythatIthoughtyoudid.”
Iclearedmythroatandtippedupmychin.“Iknowyou.Iknowyou’lljusttrytofixthisandtellmeeverythingwillbefine.ButIneedtofigureoutmystuff,andIcan’tdothatwhenI’mwithyou.”
“Whythefucknot?”
“BecauseIloveyou.AndIwanttomakeyouhappy.ButIneedtomakesureIdon’tsmothermyselfintheprocess.Canyoujustgivemethistime?”
“Itdoesn’tsoundlikeIhaveachoice.”Hewrappedhisarmsaroundme.“Butyoudon’tneedtoleave.Iflyouttomorrow.Thisisyourhome.”
“Ineedtothink,Lincoln.Idothatbestathome,sittingontheshore.”Ipusheduponmytiptoesandkissedhischeek.
Itfeltlikegoodbye.
Butneitherofuswaswillingtosaythosewords.thirtyLincoln
“Thatwasanimpressivefirstday,Linc,”CoachBalboasaid.“You’reexactlywhatthisteamneeds.Ithinkwe’regoingtotakeitthewholewaythisyear.”
“Yeah.It’sagreatgroupofguys.We’regoingtoworkwelltogether.”
“You’reatthehotelfornow,right?Yougoingtocheckoutafewhousesthisweek?”heaskedaswewalkedtowardthelockerroom.
Inodded,butmygutwasinknotstoday.Ihadn’tsleptwellthelasttwonightsbecauseImissedmygirlsomethingfierce.We’dbarelyspoken,butI’dcalledtocheckonherafewtimes.Iwastryingtorespectherspace,butitwasfuckingkillingme.
“Yep.Ihaveafewhomeslineduptotourlaterintheweek.”
“WhenisBrinkleycomingout?”heasked.Heknewweweretogether,asdidBrettandLenny.Hell,they’dallseenitthefirsttimethey’dmetherbeforewewereeventogether.IthinktheyprobablyknewbeforeIdid.
Iscrubbedahanddownthebackofmyneckandletoutabreath.“Notsure.She’sgoingthroughsomeshit.Youknow,datingmeisn’teasy,especiallyifyou’retryingtomakeanameforyourselfasasportsjournalist.”
Hecametoastop.“Howso?”
“Youdon’tneedtowasteyourtimeonthisshit.You’vegotateamtocoach.”
“Lincoln,you’reamemberofthisteam.Thatmeanswe’refamily.Yourproblemsaremyproblems.Tellmewhat’sgoingon.I’vebeenmarriedforthirty-fiveyears,andIhavethreedaughters.Iknowathingortwoaboutwomen.”Ismiled.ThiswaswhatIhadn’thadonmylastteam.Balboaactuallycaredabouthisplayers,andweweren’tjustdollarsignstohim.
“ShehadaninterviewwithSportsTodaythedaybeforeIflewout.Theyaskedthatshebringmealongtotheinterview.”
“It’snotpublicknowledgethatyou’reacoupleyet,right?Why’dtheywantyouthere?”
“Shewrotethatstoryaboutme,andshe’sbeenshoppingitaround.Obviously,theywantit.So,theyweregoingtomakeheranofferforafull-timeposition,alongwithheragreeingtogivethemthestory.Butwhenwegotthere,theydidn’tdothat.Theybasicallyjustwantedmetoagreetoasmanyinterviewsastheywantedasleveragetogiveherajob.Theytreatedherprettyshitty,andIgotherthehelloutofthere.”
“That’sjustfuckingwrong.I’mguessingshedoesn’twanttogivethemthestoryorworktherenow.”
“Shewasmadbutalsoreallydisappointed.She’dreallywantedit.Thenshewasquestioningifapartofmewashappybecauseitmeantthatwasonelesspotentialpositionthatwouldkeepheroutwest.Andsure,I’dlikehertobelivingherewithme;Ican’tdenythat.ButIdidn’twantthatshittohappen.Andthenyouaddintheelementthatnow,shedoesn’tknowifanyonewillhireherfortherightreasons,andshedoesn’twanttojustbeknownasmygirlfriend,orsomeshitlikethat.Hell,Igetit.ShewasmadIjumpedin,butIwasn’tabouttositthereanylongerafterthewaytheyweretreatingher.Idon’tknow.”Iscrubbedahanddownmyface.“Shewantssometimetofigureoutwhereshefitsintomyworldandhowthiswillwork.”
Henodded.“Igetthat.It’salot.Relationshipsaretoughontheirown,butbringingintheelementoffame,andherwantingtofindherownwaywithhercareer,complicatesthings.ButthegreatestadviceIcangiveyouisthatthisisnotaboutyou,Lincoln.She’stryingtoproveherself,andI’mguessingit’snoteasytobeinarelationshipwithsomeonewhodoesn’tneedtoprovehimselfanymore.She’sastrongwoman.Itsoundslikeshedoesn’twanttojustexistinyourworld;shewantstocreateherownandshareitwithyou.Hell,it’srefreshing.Thinkabouthowmanywomenouttherewanttobewithyouforthewrongreasons.You’vefoundtheonethatisn’tinitforthefameorforwhatyoucandoforher.Shewantstomakeherownway.Ifuckingrespectthehelloutofthat.”
“Iagree.ButIdon’tknowhowtofixit.”
“Well,Ithinkshetoldyouhowtofixit.Bygivingherspacetodealwithitherself.Youcouldtryjustlisteningtowhatsheaskedofyou.Respectingherwishes.”
“Fuck.Patienceisnotmystrength.She’snotcallingmuch,justshortlittletexts.I’mfreakingthefuckout.”
“Takeitfromamanwhohaslivedwithfourwomen…you’llgetbetterovertime.Shedoesn’twantyoutointerfere.Shewantsyoutotrusthertohandleit.It’sprettysimple,actually.”
“AndwhatifshegoestoworkforsomeassholelikeLouColson?AmIjustsupposedtostandbyanddonothing?”
“Absolutely.That’sexactlywhatyoudountilsheasksforyourhelp.She’sastrongwoman.Doyoureallythinkshe’sgoingtoputupwithaguylikeLouforlong?You’vegottotrusther,Linc.Itwon’tworkifyoudon’t.She’sfightingforthatindependencerightnow.Letherhaveit.”
“Fuck.Youmakeagoodpoint.”Ishrugged.“I’llgiveherspace.I’mgoingtocatchashowerandheadout.”
“Allright.Callmeifyouneedanything.Goodjobtoday.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”
Ithoughtaboutwhathe’dsaidasIshowered,andafterIdriedoffandgotdressed,Imademywaybacktothehotel.
MyphonedingedwithatextfrommygirlrightwhenIgottomyroom.
Brinkley
Ihopeyourfirstdayofpracticewentwell.Iloveyou.Thanksforgivingmetimetothink.<heartemoji>
Thereisn’tanythingIwouldn’tdoforyou.
Shedidn’trespond.Ifuckinghatedthis.Iwantedherhere,butCoachBalboawasright—thiswasn’taboutme.
Patiencewasn’tmystrongsuit.Iwantedthisshitbehindus.
ButI’dputmyheaddownandfocusonwhatIcoulddorightnow,whichwastraininghardforthenewseason.
AndthatwasexactlywhatIdid.
***
Threefuckinglong,painfuldayshadpassed.
I’dbarelysleptbecausenowthatI’dgrownusedtohavingherinmybed,Icouldn’tsleepwithouther.
So,Iranharder.Liftedmore.PushedoutonthefieldlikeIwasplayinginthefuckingSuperBowleverydamnday
“Jesus,dude.You’reafuckingsuperhero.Ineedabreak.Water.Maybeagoddamnbanana.Ican’tgothishardintheheatwithoutabreather,”Brettsaid,asheclappedmeontheshoulder.
“Youdon’twinSuperBowlsbytakingbreakseveryfiveminutes,”Ihissed.
“Uh,Ihatetobetheonetotellyouthis,asshole,butwe’vebeengoinghardforoverfivehours.AndBrett’sright.ButIdon’tthinkyou’reasuperhero.Ithinkyou’reagrumpydick,”Lennysaid.
“I’vebeencalledworse.”
I’vealsobeencalledbetter.Arudegentleman.
I’dspentmostofmylifenotallowingmyselftobevulnerable.Notgettingattachedtoanyoneoutsideofmymother.
I’dputmyguarddownwithBrinkley,andIwaspayingforitnow.
BecauseImissedher.Ididn’tknowwhattodowiththat.Howtofixit.AndIwasn’tusedtonotbeingincontrol.Notbeingabletofigureshitout.
Tiahadlecturedmelastnightwhenwe’dFaceTimedaboutrespectingBrinkley’sspace.Apparently,shetalkedtomygirlfriendalotmorethanIdidrightnow.She’dgoneonandonabouthowwomenneedtohavetheirownidentity,andRomeohadpoppedinandrolledhiseyes,whichearnedhimanelbowtotheside.
MytextswithBrinkleywerebrief.
ShebasicallyjustwantedtoknowthatIwassurvivingtrainingcamp.
Hell,Iwasbeggingtobechallengedphysicallyrightnow,becausethatwasthebestwaythatIknewhowtonumbmyself.WorkingsohardthatIcouldn’tthinkaboutanythingelse.
Butitwasn’tfuckingworking.
“Sorry.Justwanttohaveagoodseason.”
“Bullshit,brother.”Brettwrappedanarmaroundmyshoulderandledustothelockerroom.“It’saboutBrinkley,youpussy-whippedmotherfucker.”
“It’salwaysaboutagirl.”Lennybarkedoutalaugh.“Ourboyhasgotitbad.”
“Fuckyou.”Irolledmyeyes.
“It’sonlybeenafewdays.Youneedtochill.She’llcomearound.”Lennydroppedhisbagontothebench,andIopenedmylocker.
Ididn’tknowifshewasgoingonmoreinterviewsorwhatwashappening.She’dtellmewhenshewasready.
Herbrothersandbrother-in-lawweretextingmeoften,buttheyweretight-lippedaboutBrinkley.I’dtriedtoaskafewquestions,andCagehadcalledmeoutandsaidtheyknewbetterthantospeakforher.
Inodded.“I’mfine.Youpussiesjustcan’tkeepupwithme.That’sonyou.”
Brettbarkedoutalaugh.“Youwanttogograbsomebeerstonight?Blowoffsomesteam?”
“Maybetomorrow.Mymommovedintohernewhouseyesterday,soI’mgoingtoheadoverthereandhelpherunpackforafewhours.”
“IloveMamaHendrix.Tellherassoonasshe’ssettled,I’llbeexpectinganinvitationtocomeoverforherfamouschili,”Brettsaid.
“MamaHendrixishot,justlikeherchili,”Lennysangout,andIreachedformytowelandsnappedhimontheside.Hehowled,andeveryonelaughed.
“Donotcallmymotherhot,”Igrumped.
Morelaughter.
ThiswastheteamIwasmeanttoplaywith.
Weweregoingtodobigthingstogether,butIcouldn’tgetexcitedaboutitjustyet.
Becausenothingworkedwhenshewasn’there.thirty-oneBrinkley
I’darrivedinNewYorklatelastnight.Ihadn’ttoldLincolnthatIwascoming.IwantedtoshareeverythingwithhimafterItookcareofbusiness.
I’dtakenthebullbythehornsafterthatdickweasel,LouColson,hadcalledmeback.Themanhadcompletelychangedhistune.He’dbasicallyofferedmewhateverIwantedbutstillcontinuedtocallmebythewrongname.
Bailey.
He’djustbeendesperatetogetthatstory.Butifhewerethelastmanonthisearthwiththeonlysportsmagazineoutthere,I’dkeepthestorytomyself.
Foolmeonce,shameonyou.
Foolmetwice…Iwillholdagrudgeuntiltheendoftime.
Isthatthesaying?
Oh,right—foolmetwice,shameonme.
Thatwasn’thappening.Noonewouldfoolmetwice.
TheselastfewdayshadbeenexactlywhatI’dneeded.
I’dfiguredoutafewimportantthings.
Firstoff,Iwasanindependentwoman.Andnoonecouldtakethatawayfromme.Notthepresidentofabigmagazinewhocouldn’tgetmynameright.
Notanyone.
Idecidemyworth.
Myfate.
WhoIamandwhatIwillaccomplish.
Secondly,ifonedoorcloses,anotheronealwaysopens.BeingletgofrommyjobmonthsagowasnotasterribleasI’doriginallythought.Itwasthebestthingthathadeverhappenedtome.Andnow,thereweremoredoorswaitingformethanI’drealized.
Thirdly,justbecausewewantsomething,doesn’tmeanit’sgoodforus.Imean,IspentyearseatingeverysourgummywormIcouldgetmyhandson.Andwhatdidthatgiveme?Cankersoresandbellyaches.
Justbecauseyouwantit,doesn’tmeanit’sright.
SportsTodaywasnottheplaceforme.They’dshownmewhotheywere.They’donlycalledmebackbecausetheythoughtIwasdesperateenoughtogoworkthereafterthey’dtreatedmehorribly.Thereporterinmedidn’tevenhavetoreachfartogethimtotalk.He’dofferedmethejobinexchangeforthearticle,andhe’dsaidIwouldonlyneedtointerviewLincolnonceaseason.Themanreallydidn’tgetit.ThefirsttimeI’dsaidno,he’dofferedmeacornerofficeandtopbilling.
Yethestilldidn’tknowmyname.
Ididn’twantwhathewasoffering.
TherewereonlytwothingsthatIwanted.
LincolnHendrixandajobthatchallengedme.
AndIlivedinatimewhereIcouldhaveboth.IcouldworkhardandtakewhatIwantedinthisworldbecauseIwasworthy.
I’dneverjustbesomeone’sgirlfriend.
Iknewit,andLincolnknewit.
Anddamn,hadIenjoyedtellingLouColsontotakehisofferandshoveitwherethesundon’tshine.He’dsputteredandpanickedwhenI’dmadeitclearthathewouldn’tbegettingthestoryI’dwrittenaboutLincolnoranyfutureinterviewswithhim,either.
BecauseLincolnHendrixwasmyboyfriend,andsometimes,Iwastheboss.
I’darrivedatStriveForwardmagazineafewminutesearly.Thistime,Iwasn’tnervous.TherewasapeacethatI’dfoundbackhomeasIprocessedeverything.AfterI’dsulkedandlettherejectionsinkinandthenrealizeditwasn’tmebeingrejected.ItwasjustsomeguywhowantedLincoln’sstory.ThathadverylittletodowithmewhenIbrokeitalldown.
Iwasdamngoodatmyjob,andIknewit.
So,thenextjobthatcamealongcouldtakemeorleaveme.
Becauseajobwouldnotdefineme.Amanwouldnotdefineme.
Iwasmyownwoman.Mycareerwasabonus.Somethingthatwouldchallengeandfulfillme.
AndLincoln—heownedmyheart.
Hemademylifebetter.HelovedmeinawayI’dneverknownwasevenpossible.AndIlovedhimjustasfiercely.
Hedidn’tdefineme.Hecompletedme.
Iwasgoingtobeokaynomatterwhathappenedtoday.
I’dfindtherightcompanytoworkforeventually.
Ididn’trecognizethewomanbehindthecounter,asithadbeenseveralyearssinceI’dworkedhere.
“Ms.Reynolds,AudreyAndrewsisreadytoseeyou,”thereceptionistsaid
“Thankyou,”IsaidasIfollowedherbacktotheconferenceroom.
Audreywaswaitingformewhenthereceptionistpushedopenthedoor.Therewasawomanthatstoodbesideherwhenmymentorpulledmeintoherarms.
“I’msohappythatyouagreedtointerviewhere.ThisisMarieHardy,ourchieflegal.”
ThereceptionistsmiledbeforeclosingthedoorasIshookhandswiththewomanbesideAudrey,andwealltookourseats.
“It’sapleasure.I’veheardalotaboutyou.We’rethrilledthatyouagreedtocomeouthereandthatyou’reconsideringworkingwithus,”Mariesaid.
“Thankyouforhavingme.I’mreallyexcitedaboutthisopportunity.”
Audreypassedoutwaterbottlestoeachofusbeforetakingtheseatacrossfromme.
Wespentthenextforty-fiveminuteswithAudreypraisingmeandreferencingeveryarticleI’deverwritten.Itfeltgoodtoberecognizedformywork,anditdidn’thurtthattheybothcontinuallygotmynameright.
“Idowanttoputsomethingoutthererightaway,justincaseyouhaveanissuewithit.”Iclearedmythroat.
“Please.Thefloorisyours,”Audreysaid,herbrowscinchedasifshewasanxioustohearwhatIhadtosay.
“ThearticlethatI’vewrittenaboutLincolnHendrixisnotonthetableaspartofthisnegotiation.I’veagreedtocommissionthatstorytoFootballLive,astheyspecificallycoverfootball,andIfeelit’sthebestplaceforit.”Ireachedformybottleofwaterandtookasip,waitingtoheariftheyweregoingtoendtheconversationhere.
“YouknowthatIreaditafteryousubmittedittome.Obviously,Ithoughtitwasverywellwritten.You’vegotagiftforgettingtherightinformationfromthepeopleyouinterview.There’snofluff.It’soneofmyfavoritethingsaboutyourwork.”Audreysmiled.“AndIagreethatFootballLiveisthebestplaceforthatparticularpiece.Youknowthatwedon’tspecificallycoveronesport.Wefocusonathletes.Menandwomen.Allsportsareonthetable.”
Inodded.“It’swhatIlikedmostwhenIinternedhere.Iwanttobeveryupfrontsothattherearenosecretsbetweenus.IamalsoinaromanticrelationshipwithLincolnHendrix.Iwon’tbeconductinganyfurtherinterviewswithhimmovingforward.Wehaveapersonalrelationship,andIwanttoprotectthat.So,ifthatisanissueatall,thereisnothingfurthertodiscuss.”
Theyglancedatoneanotherandsmiled.
“Ilikeyourfire.Anddatingaprofessionalathleteisnoteasy.Mariecanvouchforthat.”Shesmirked.
“MyhusbandisMikeCabo,”Mariesaid.
“Thebasketballplayerwiththemostpointsscoredlastseason?”
“Theoneandonly.Iusemymaidennameattheoffice,andIunderstandwhatitmeanstoprioritizeyourrelationship.Irespectthatmorethanyouknow.”
“So,thisjustmeansthatwenowdon’tcovertheGOAToftheNFL,northeMVPofthebasketballcourts.”Audreychuckled.“LuckyforyouboththatIlikehumanstoriesandsodoourreaders.Wewanttofindtheunderdogwhoovercamealottomaketheteam.Theathletewhonevergaveupandfoundsuccessinasportwherenoonethoughttheywould.Doesthatstillappealtoyou,Brinkley?”
“Verymuchso,”Isaid.
“Iwasworriedyouwouldn’twanttorelocateouthere,butseeingasLincolnislivinghere,Ithinkweactuallymayhaveachancewithyou.”Shesmiled.
Wespentthenextthreeandahalfhourstalkingaboutourloveofsportsandtheathletesthathaveinspiredus.AudreyandItookturnstradingstoriesaboutourfavoritearticlestodate.
IknewI’dfoundmynewworkplacehomewhenIlefttheoffice.
Itfeltright.
I’dmetseveralofthepeoplewhoworkedthere,afewthatI’dknownfromyearsago,andothersthathadjoinedtheteamsinceI’dleft.
Theymademeawonderfuloffer.I’dtakenthecontractwithmetolookitoverandagreedtocomebackthefollowingdaytosignandmakeitofficial.
AudreyandMariebothhuggedmegoodbye,astheyreallydidn’tstandonceremonyhere.
Itwasmykindofplace.
IknewI’dthrivehere,andthatwasexactlywhatIwaslookingfor.
Anditdidn’thurtthatitwasbasedinthecitywherethemanthatIlovedhappenedtolivenow.
Itooktheelevatordownstairsanddroppedtositonthebenchinthelargelobby.Ipulledupthefamilygroupchatandsentamessage.
Itcouldn’thavegonebetter.Theywereamazing.It’sexactlywhatIwaslookingfor.
Georgia
Iknewit!Youjustneededtofindtherightplace,Brinks.Didyousignwiththem?
Iwantedtoplayalittlehardtoget.IsaidI’dbringitbacktomorrow.
Hugh
Attagirl.Kickingbuttandtakingnames.Proudofyou.HaveyoutoldLincolnyet?
He’smynextstop.Iwanttotellhiminperson.
Cage
Fixthingswithhim.Theseasonstartssoon.
Cage
Oh,congratsonthejob.Iknewyou’dfindtherightplace.
DidyoujustaskmetofixthingsbeforetheseasonstartsBEFOREyoucongratulatedme?<middlefingeremoji>
Cage
I’msorry.I’vegotrealissuesoverhere.Mr.WigglesteinhasknockedupanotherbitchinCottonwoodCove,andeveryoneisupinarmsoverhere.I’mhidinginmyofficeandtakingabreather.
Georgia
Damn.Mr.Wigglesteinpullstheladies!
Finn
Haveyouseenhim?Thedude’sballshangdowntotheground.
Hugh
Cage’sballs?WhatdidImiss?
IlaughedasIcalledmyUber.
Georgia
OMG!WearetalkingaboutMr.Wigglestein’sballs.
Hugh
Whatisyourobsessionwiththisdog’sgenitalia?
Cage
Thatisnotwhatwe’retalkingabout.ThatwasallFinn.Thedudehasapremierenextweek,andhe’stalkingaboutadog’sballs!
Finn
Keepingithumble,brother.
Theworldisgoingtogocrazyforyou,Finny.Lifewillneverbethesame
Finn
Wasthatsupposedtomakemefeelgood?
KeepingitrealwhileIwaitformyUber.
Georgia
MaddoxisonthesamepageasCage.HewantsyoutofixthingswithLincoln,andhesaidtotellyouthatherefusestotakesidesthistime.Apparently,hegavehishearttome,buthegavealittlebitofittoLincoln.
Hugh
Lincolnhasabigpieceofmyheart,too.I’mnotgoingtolie.
Cage
He’smuchnicertomethanyouare,Brinks.
Hey!Ineversaidanyonehadtopicksidesthistime.Wedidn’tbreakup.Ijustneededtofigureoutmylife.
Finn
Good.IgotusBFFbraceletstoweartomypremiere.
Cage
Ijustvomitedinmymouth.
Finn
BecauseyouwerelookingatMr.Wigglestein’soversizedtesticles?
Cage
No.Becauseyouareasuck-up.
MyUberishere.I’lltextyoujackasseslater.
Cage
Makethingsright.Weneedhimtoputaringonitandsealthedeal.
Georgia
Gogetyourman,Brinks!
IchuckledandtuckedmyphoneintomypursebeforeslidingintotheUber.Thedrivetotheswankyhotelwasquick,andIknewLincolnwouldbeoutofpracticebynow,andIwantedtosurprisehim.
Otherwise,I’dbesittingoutinthehallway,waitingforhimuntilhereturned.
“Thankyou,”IsaidtothedriverasIhoppedoutofthecarafterhepulledbesidethecurb.Butterfliesflutteredinmybelly.
I’dbarelyslept,barelyeaten,andbarelyfunctionedduringourtimeapart.I’dthoughtaboutwhatIwantedinlife,anditalwayscamebacktohim.
AfterI’dallowedmyselfsometimetosulkaboutmydreamjobbeinganenormousjoke,everythingbecameclear.
I’mmyownperson.Ididn’tneedtofearbeingovershadowedbymyboyfriend’sfame,becauseonlyIcouldallowthattohappen.
AndIwasn’tthatgirl.
Notnow.Notever.
IwasconfidentinwhoIwas,andIwouldn’tallowmyinsecuritiestogetinthewayofmyhappiness.
Andhe’dgivenmethetimethatIneeded.
ButnowthatIwashere,Ihadnopatience.Iwantedtobewithhimrightnow.
Ihurriedtothefrontdesk,admiringhownicetheplacewas.Therewerecrystalchandeliershangingabove.Blackvelvetcoucheswithwhitefloralarrangementswereplacedaroundtheimpressivelobby.
Myhotel,whereI’dleftallmystuffthismorning,wasafewblocksawayandnotnearlyasdecadentasthisplace.
“Hello,”awomangreetedme.Herblackhairwaspulledbackinatightbun,andherredlipswereperfectlylined.
“Hi.I’mMrs.JackSparrow,andI’mheretocheckin.Myhusbandarrivedafewdaysago,”Isaid,rememberingthathe’dbookedtheroomunderMr.andMrs.JackSparrow.
Sheraisedabrow.“DoyouhaveanID?”
Iwenttopulloutmydriver’slicenseandrealizeditwouldn’thavethecorrectnameonit.“Iactuallydon’thaveitwithme.”
“Letmecalluptotheroom,”shesaid.
“No!”Iyelled,notmeaningtosayitquiteasloudasitcameout.Thewomanstartled.
“Excuseme?”
“Sorry.I’msurprisingmyhusband.”
“Okay.”Sheraisedabrow.“Doyouhaveacreditcardoranysortofidentificationwithyournameonit,Mrs.JackSparrow?”
Thewayshesaidmynamesoundedverysnarky,andIdidnotappreciateit.
“Letmeaskyousomething,”Isaid,pausingtoreadhernametag.Andwouldn’tyouknow,itwasthenamethatLouhadcalledmeonetoomanytimes.“Bailey.”
“Yes,Mrs.Sparrow?”
“DidyouaskMr.JackSparrowforhisidentification?”
“Well,Iwasn’tworkingwhenhecheckedin.ButI’msuresomeonedid.It’shotelpolicy.”
“Iactuallydoubtthat.Andletmetellyouwhatmyproblemiswiththissituation,”Isaid,flailingmyhandsaround.“Haven’twomenbeenheldtoadifferentsetofrulesthanmenforlongenough?Comeon.Let’sjoinforcesandagreetosay:Nomore!Powerofthewoman,Bailey!”Ishouted.
“Ma’am,Iwouldn’tcareifyouwereaman,awoman,oraturtle.Ifyouwanttocheckintothishotel,youneedtohaveidentification.”
“Fine.Calltheroom.Butjustbeawarethatyouhavefailednotonlymebutallwomenfarandwide.”IraisedabrowasIsulkedatthecounter.
“Icanlivewiththat.”
Damn.Thiswasnotgoingasplanned.
ButIdidn’tevencare.
Ijustwantedtoseehim.
AndIdidn’twanttowaitanotherminute.thirty-twoLincoln
Istrolledintothehotelaftergoingtograbalatelunchdownthestreetwiththeguys,andthefinestassI’deverlaideyesonbeckonedmefromthefrontdesk.
Apullsostrongthatmyheadwhippedinherdirection.
I’dknowthatperfectpeach-shapedbacksideanywhere.
I’dalsorecognizethatvoice,whichwascurrentlyexpressingherdispleasurewiththewomanstandinginfrontofher.Shewasyellingaboutwomenbeingheldtodifferentstandardsandgoingonandonabouttheinjusticeintheworld.
Thecornersofmylipsturnedup.
“Mr.JackSparrowisgoingtobefuriousthatyouwouldn’tgivemearoomkey,”Brinkleyhissed.
“She’scorrectaboutthat.Mrs.JackSparrowislistedonmyroomreservation.”IsteppedupbehindBrinkleyandwrappedmyarmsaroundher.MychinrestedonhershoulderasIbreathedherin.
Lavenderandhoney.
Inippedatherearlobe.
“I’msosorryaboutthat,Mr.Sparrow.I’llgiveherakeynow.”
“Hey.Aren’tyougoingtoaskforhisidentification?”Brinkleyaskedassheturnedaroundtofaceme,wrappingherarmsaroundmyneckwithawickedgrinonherface.
“I,um,ohmygosh.Youare…”thefrontdeskladysputteredasrecognitionsetin,andshewhispered.“LincolnHendrix.”
Ireachedintomybackpocketandpulledoutmywallet,handinghermyfakeID.“CaptainJackSparrow,ma’am.”
Brinkleygaped,andIhandedhertheotherID.Shelookeddownatit.
“SweetheartSparrow?”shesaidoverafitoflaughter.
“YouleftbeforeIwasabletogiveittoyou.”IwinkedasthewomanbehindthefrontdeskhandedmebackmyID,alongwiththeroomkeyforBrinkley.
“I’msorryaboutallthat,”shesaid,winkingatmygirl.“Powerofthewoman,Mrs.Sparrow.”
“That’sSweethearttoyou,Bailey.”Brinkleychuckled,andIintertwinedmyfingerswithhersandledherdownahallwayafewfeetaway.
Ipressedherupagainstthewall.“Imissedyou,Mrs.Sparrow.”
“Imissedyou,too.”
Myhandfoundthesideofherneck,mythumbtracingalongherjaw.“Youheretostaythistime?”
“Iam.”Atearrandownhercheek.“I’msorryforleaving.Ijustneededsometimetofigureeverythingout.Iwasembarrassedandhumiliatedbywhatyousawthatday.ButIshouldn’thaverun.”
“Nothingtobeembarrassedabout,baby.Iloveeverythingaboutyou,asidefromyourstubbornass.”
“Thisass?”sheasked,pointingtowardherbackside.
“That’stheone.”
Shetuggedmedown,andmymouthcoveredhers.Herlipspartedininvitation,andmytongueslippedin.
Goddamn,Imissedeverythingabouther.
Ourbreathswerecominghardandfast,andIpulledback,myforeheadrestingagainsthers.
“Comeon.Iwantyoutotellmeeverything.Let’sgoupstairs.”
Easiersaidthandone.Wewerealoneintheelevator,andmymouthwasonhersonceagain.OnceIgotherintotheroom,IpulledherontomylapasIsatdownonthecouch.
“Wow.Thisroomismuchnicerthanmine,”shesaidashergazemovedaroundthelargesuite.
“Youhaveafuckingroomhere?”
“Well,Iflewinlatelastnight.I’mstayingatadumpupthestreet.Butit’smydump,andIlikeit.”Sheraisedabrow.“Notreally.Ihateit.Iwastryingtobeindependent.IhadthingsIneededtodobeforeIcameheretoday.”
“Tellme.”
“Well,forstarters,thatdickweasel,LouColson,calledme—well,hecalledBaileyReynolds.”Sherolledhereyes.“Hehadachangeofheartandwassuddenlywillingtodowhateverittooktohireme.Itwasallaploytogettoyou.Ishutthatguydownsofast.Ishouldn’thavetakenoutmyfrustrationonyou.”
Iwrappedmyarmsaroundherasshetoldmeeverything.Howshe’dspentthelastfewdaysontheshore,figuringoutwhatshewantedoutoflife.Howshewenttotheinterviewtodayandkilledit.Howshe’dsoldmystorytoFootballLivebecauseitwastherightfitforthatstorybutnotforher.StriveForwardmagazinefeltright.She’dmadeherownrules,andthey’drespectedthem.Andthenshetoldmeabouttherulesshe’dlaidoutforthem.
“Wait.So,youaren’tevergoingtointerviewmeagain?”Ipoutedassheranherfingersthroughmyhair.
“Nope.AndIalsospokeonyourbehalfandtoldSportsTodaythatyouwouldneverdoaninterviewwiththemagain.”Sheshrugged;shewassofuckingadorable.“Yousee,Ireallyamthebosssometimes,Captain.”
“Yeah?Imean,youareMrs.Sparrow.Obviously,you’reabadass.”
Herteethsankintoherbottomlip.“Yep.So,Iwanttogooverthecontractwithyoutonight.”
“What?Youwantmyopiniononthesituation?Thatwon’tbehurtingyourwomanhood?”Iteased.
“TheonlythinghurtingmywomanhoodatthemomentisthefactthatI’vebeenawayfromyoufordays.”
“Me,too,baby.AndI’dlovetolookoveryourcontractwithyou.Doesthismeanyou’regoingtobebasedhere?”
“Yep.YouandmeintheBigApple,Captain.”
“Fuck.Ilovethesoundofthat.”
“Me,too.Didyougoseethosehouses?”sheaskedasherheadsettledinthecrookofmyneck.
“Hellno.Iwasnotabouttospeakforyou.Iknewyou’dfigureoutyourshit.Youjusthadtotorturemeintheinterim.ItoldJaythatI’dcallhimwhenyouwerereadytoscheduleatour.Iwantthehousethatwechoosetobeeverythingyouwant.”
“Damn,thatwassmooth,Mr.Sparrow.”
“Notassmoothasthefeelofyourpussyagainstmycock,”Iwhisperedinherear.
“Oh,my.Iseethedirtytalkisstillonpar.”Sherotatedsoshewasstraddlingme.“Howaboutyouhaveyourwaywithmeinthisfancyroom,andthenyoutakemebacktominesowecangrabmythings?”
“IfIcanhaveyourightnow,I’lldojustaboutanything.”
“Good,becauseI’mhere,andI’mallyours.”
“Damnstraight,sweetheart.You’vebeenminesincethedayImetyou.”Ipushedtomyfeet,andherlegswrappedaroundmywaist.
“Well,nottheveryfirstday.Thatdayyouwereajackass,andIwouldn’thaveagreedtobeyoursifyou’dbeggedme.”
“I’mneverabovebegging,sweetheart.”
“That’sSweetheartSparrowtoyou.”HerheadfellbackinlaughterasIdroppedherontothelargebed.
Itookaminutetolookather.
Mygirl.
Everythingfeltrightinthismoment,andIcouldn’twaittostartourlivestogetherouthere.
Outofthebubble.
Justmeandher.
***
“Wow.It’spretty,butit’salotofhouse,don’tyouthink?”sheaskedasshewalkedfromthekitchentothediningroom.
“You’llgrowintoit,”Jaysaid.
“Canyougiveusaminute?”Iaskedourrealtor.We’dtouredseveralhousesoverthelastfewdays,andthiswasthelastoneonourlist.
“Ofcourse.I’llmeetyououtside.”
“Isthisonenotintherunning?”Iasked.
“Honestly,theonlyonethatfeelsrightistheonewesawyesterdaymorning.It’snottoofarfromyourmom’shouse,andit’sclosetoboththetrainingfieldforyouandmywork,”Brinkleysaid.
“Itwasthesmallestonewe’veseen.Youdon’twanttofindsomethingwecangrowinto?”Iteased.
Shemovedclosertome.“Igrewupwithfoursiblingsandtwoparents,andwealwayshadadog,acat,oraturtle.Thathomeishalfthesizeoftheonewesawyesterday,andtherewasplentyofroomforallofus.Wearen’tthetypeofcoupletobeindifferentrooms.Ilikehavingjustonegreatroomwherewewouldhangout.WhenI’mathome,Iwanttobewithyou.Andwhenwehavekids,they’llwanttobewithus.Wedon’tneedacoldmansion.Weneedahome.”
Ilovedthatsheknewwhatshewanted.Thatshehadaplanforus,andIwantedeverypartofit.
“Yeah?Youdon’twantaroomyoucanruntowhenIaggravateyou?Youthinkyou’redonebeingbotheredbyme,huh?”
“Oh,don’tgetcocky.Youaggravatemeallthetime.ButIloveitbecauseIloveyou.”Shepusheduponhertiptoesandkissedme.“Didyoulikethehousethatwesawyesterday?”
“I’velivedinahigh-riseforyears,soallofthesehomeshavebeenappealingtome.Iliketheideaofhavingabigyard.ButallthatmatterstomeisthatIcomehometoyou.That’sthehousethatIwant.”
“Icanseeusthere.Icanpictureyoumowingthelawnandmeworkinginthegarden.Ipicturemyselfinthatgorgeouskitchen,wearingyourjerseywithnothingbeneathandcookingdinnerforus.”
“Sold,”IsaidasIleaneddownandkissedher.
“Let’stellJayandgowriteupanoffer.Weneedtogetbacktothehoteltopack.Finnhastextedmenolessthanadozentimes.”WewereflyingoutrightaftermypracticeinthemorningtomakeittohispremiereinLosAngelesandbetheretosupporthim.Hisproductioncompanywasthrowingabigpartyforhim.
“Heissohappythatyouwereabletosneakawaytoattendthiseventforhim.Hegotyouandalltheguyssomefriendshipbracelets.”Shechuckled.“Idon’tknowifhe’sreadyforwhat’sabouttohappentohislife.”
“Idon’tthinkanyonecanprepareforit.He’llbefine.Hewasborntoshine,justlikeyouwere.”Shetuggedmyheaddownagainandkissedmehard.
“Iloveyou.Nowlet’sgobuyusahouse.”
Andthatwasexactlywhatwedid.
Wewroteuptheoffer,andtheyaccepteditimmediately.
Brinkleyfoughtmeaboutbeingonthedeed,butIwasn’tbuyingthishomewithouther.
Itwasmeandher.
I’dstartwiththehouse,butI’dbeputtingaringonthatfingerrealsoon.
Onethingatatime.thirty-threeBrinkley
We’darrivedinLosAngelesjustintimetogetchangedandmakeitovertothetheatrewheretheywerepremieringBigSkyRanch
Thisshowhadbeenpublicizedlikecrazy,andeveryonewastalkingaboutFinnReynolds.
Theinternet.
Socialmedia.
He’dbegoingontourtopromotetheshowrealsoon,andtonightwasjustthestart.
Cage
Mom’salreadycrying.YouknowIcan’thandlethiskindofemotion.EvenDadisteary-eyed.Whereiseveryone?
Hugh
LilaandIarehere.CometothelobbywhereFinnsaidtomeethim.
LincolnandIjustpulledaroundback.We’llberightthere.
Georgia
Maddox,Wyle,andIarealmosttothelobby.Finny,thisisyourday.Ican’tstopcryingeither.
Idabbedatmyeyesforthehundredthtimeinthelasthour.Mybrotherwasamoviestar.I’dalreadyknownit,buttherestoftheworldwasabouttofindout.
“Youokay?”LincolnaskedasthemanFinnhadtolduswouldbewaitingforusoutback,openedthedoorandledusinside.
“Yes.I’mjustreallyhappyforhim.”
“DidyoucallTiaandRomeo?Aretheyhere?”Iaskedasweheadedtowardthelobby.Yes,we’dinvitedthemtothepremierebecauseTiahadnearlyfaintedwhensherealizedthatFinnReynoldswasmybrother,andIwasscoringseriouspointsasthecoolestgirlfriendbyinvitingher.RomeoactedunfazedbutagreedtocometohangoutwithmeandLincoln.ButI’dseenthewayhiseyeshadwidenedwhenI’dtoldthemIcouldscorethemtwotickets.Theydidn’tlivetoofarfromLA,sothey’dusedtheirmom’scarandmadethetriphere.Lincolnhadgottenthemaroomnextdoortoourstonight,andwe’dallspendthedaytogethertomorrowbeforeweheadedbacktoNewYorkandtheywenthome.
“Yep.Apparently,theyjustfoundGeorgia,”hesaid,asheglanceddownathisphone.
Georgia
I’mwithRomeoandTia.Wearealreadypracticallybestfriends.
Cage
Wherethefuckareyoupeople?Momjuststoppedtopeefortheninthtimesinceweleftthehotel.Apparently,she’snervousandhasthebladderofaLabradorpuppy.AndDadistalkingtoeverystrangerweseelikethey’reoldfriends.TheyallknowthatFinnishisson.
Letthemtakethisin.It’sabigdeal.Howaboutyoucheckyourgrumpyattitudeatthedoor?
Cage
I’msorrythatmyattitudeishinderingyou,Brinks.You’vegotyourman,you’vegotanewhouse,anewjob,andnowyouaren’tsulkinglikeabigbabyanymore,sonowyou’retheattitudepolice?
Biteme,Cage.I’vealwaysbeentheattitudepolice.Don’tbeahater.
Finn
Hey,nofightingtoday.LetMompeeasmuchasherbladderrequires.I’mheadingtothelobbynowtomeetyou.
Whenwegottothelobby,itwaslikeaReynoldsfamilyreunion.Everyonewasthere,asidefromGracie,who’dstayedbackathomeandwashavingasleepoveratherbestfriendPiper’shouse.
JennyandGrantMurphywerehere.Theyweremyparents’closestfriends,andtheirdaughter,ReeseandFinnhadbeenbestfriendssincetheytooktheirfirststeps.IknewFinnhadbeenprettymiserablewithReeselivinginLondon,asthey’dalwaysbeeninseparable.He’dbeenbummedthatshe’dbemissinghisbigpremiere,butshewasswampedwithwork,anditwasalongwaytotravelforonenight.
Weallhugged,andImadeintroductionsasItookTiaandRomeoaroundtomeeteveryone.
“Ican’tbelieveI’mgoingtomyfirstpremiereever,”Tiasaidasshegushedtomysuperstarbrother.
“Well,I’mhonoredthatyoucame,”FinnsaidtoherbeforewrappinganarmaroundmeandhuggingmetightbeforedoingthesametoLincoln.HethenpulledoutsomekindofbraceletandtieditaroundLincoln’swrist.IglancedaroundtoseeCage,Hugh,Maddox,andWylewearingthem,aswell,whichmademelaugh.
“IsthatFinneganCharlesReynolds,a.k.a.themoviestar?”avoicecalledout,andweallgaspedtoseeReesestandingthere.
“Holyshit.Ican’tbelieveyou’rehere!”Finnyelledbeforescoopingherupandspinningheraround,herfeetleavingthefloor.
TheyhadalwaysjustbeenFinnandReese.TheywereCottonwoodCove’sfavoritebestiesbecausetheygotintoendlessanticstogetherandwerealwayslaughingandhavingagoodtime.IknewtherehadbeentensionwithReese’sex-fiancébecauseheandFinnhadneverreallygottenalong,andithadbeenaboneofcontentionforyears.
“Who’sthat?”Tiaasked,hereyeswideasshewatchedthemgushingoveroneanother.
“Damn,Tia,it’snoneofyourbusiness.”RomeoshookhisheadandshotalookatLincolnthatbasicallysaid,welcometomylife.
“It’sokaytobecuriousaboutpeople.Isthathisgirlfriend?She’sgorgeous.”Sheglaredatherbrother.
“Well,thankyou.Thatbeautifulgirlismydaughter,”Jennysaid,assheandmymomwalkedupbehindus.Theybothpulledouttheirphonesandstoodthere,takingphotosofthemhugging.“Andboy,dowewishtheyweredating.”
Mymomchuckled.“Wealwaysthoughtitwouldhappen,buttheynevercrossedtheline.Buttheysurearecutetogether.They’vealwaysbeenoneanother’sbiggestcheerleaders.”
“It’sstupid.Theyshouldgetaroomanddothedeed.”Cageraisedabrowandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.
“I’mgoingtopretendIdidn’thearthat,”GrantsaidasheandDadsnuckuponus,andwealllaughedatthewarninglookthatheshotCage.
“Youallknewshewascoming,didn’tyou?”Iasked.
MymomandJennynoddedandspokeatthesametime.“Wedid.”
“Areyoukidding?Thesetwoalwaysknowwhat’sgoingon.Iwasn’ttolduntiltenminutesago,”myfathersaid.“Apparently,theythoughtIwouldslipandtelleveryone.”
“You’realittleloose-lipped.”Hughchuckled.“IfIwanttoknowanything,you’retheoneIgoto.”
“What?I’mavault.”Myfatherheldhishandsupindefense.
“Dad,you’reavaultwithabrokenlock.ButI’mgrateful.IneverknowwhothefuckispissedatmeandwhatIdid.Icanalwaysgetyoutotellme.”
“Well,there’sastrategythere.I’mapeacekeeper.”Myfatherwinkedatmymother.
“Averyhandsomepeacekeeper.”Momwaggledherbrows,andCagerolledhiseyes.
Wewereallchucklingandhavingagoodtime.
“Whothefuckisthis?”someonehissed,andIwhippedaroundtoseeJessicaCarsoninablack-sequinedgownthathuggedhercurvesallthewaydowntotheground.Iimaginedthewomancouldn’teatsomuchasasinglepistachiowearingthatdress.Herbreastslookedpainfullylifted,andherstrideswereshortduetothemermaid-stylefittedgown,butitwasclearshewasonamission.Hermakeupgaveheranairbrushedlook,andeventhoughshehadthefeaturesofagorgeouswoman,shelookedabitscaryatthemoment.
Angry.
Enraged.
Alittleoff-kilter.
“OhmyGod.It’sJessicaCarson,”Tiawhisperedwithhereyeswideassaucers.“ShewastheleadinmyfavoriteDisneyshowafewyearsago.”
“Shedoesn’tlooklikeaDisneycharacterrightnow.Shelookskindofterrifying.”Lincolnleanedinandkepthisvoicelow.
“Likeboil-a-bunny-in-the-pottypeofunhinged,right?”Cagesaid.“Thisiswhyyoudon’tdunkyourpeninthecompanyink.”
MyparentsandtheMurphysweren’tlisteningtous;theyweretoobusywatchingthesceneunfoldinfrontofus.
InthemiddleofthelobbyofthemostpopulartheatreinLosAngeles.
Wewereearly,andFinnwouldhavetostepbackoutsideandwalktheredcarpetsoon.He’djustmetusherebeforeeverythinggotstarted.
“Hesleptwithher?”Lincolnasked,keepinghisvoicelow.
Hughleanedin.“Hetechnicallydidn’tsleepwithher.Theyhookeduponetime.Hegotsomeredflagsandbackedwayoff.”
“Well,there’salittlebitofagrayareathere,”Cageremindedhim,andweallgrewquietwhenshestoppedinfrontofthem,andFinnsetReese’sfeetontheground.
“Thisismybestfriend,ReeseMurphy.Andyouneedtopullyourselftogether.Thisisabigdayforbothofus.Let’stonedowntheoutbursts,yeah?”Finnsaid,which,formybrother,wasaboutasharshashegot.
Heusuallyletthingsrolloffhisshoulders.Buthe’dalwaysbeendifferentwhenitcametoReese.
“Hey,Jessica.Congratsontheshow.Iknowit’sgoingtobeahugehit.Ican’twaittoseeit.”Reeseextendedherarm.
JessicalookeddownandglaredatherhandbeforeReesepulleditbacktoherside.“Listen,bestie.HeandIarewalkingtheredcarpettogether.Becausewe’retogether.So,therewillbenopublichuggingandcarryingonamongstyoutwo.Yougotit?”sheseethed.
“IwishIhadsomepopcornrightnow,”Cagewhispered,andLilaswattedhiminthechest.
“Shedefinitelygetsrighttothepoint,”Maddoxsaid,andhisbrotherbarkedoutalaugh.
“That’sonewayofsayingit.”Wylesmirked.“She’sfuckingunhinged.”
“Whatthehellareyoudoing,Jessica?Youdon’tgettospeaktoherthatway.Youarecompletelyoutofcontrol.I’llmeetyouinthebacktowalkouttogether,andwecancontinuetheconversationthere.Nothere,infrontofmyfamilyandfriends.”Finn’svoicewascolderthanI’deverheardit,andJessica’sheadsnappedupandmovedinourdirection.
Shewalkedtowardus,andIsqueezedLincoln’shand,unsureofwhatshewasgoingtodo.
“Hey,y’all.YoumustbeFinn’sfamily.I’mhisbetterhalf,Jessica.”
She’dcompletelytransformedhertoneandwasactingsugarysweet.Noneofussaidawordasshe’dbasicallyjustbeenacompleteassholetoReese.
AndReesewaspartofthefamily.ShewasalsooneofthenicestpeopleI’deverknown.
“Well,wewilldefinitelyhavetocatchuplater.Itwassogreattomeety’all.I’llseeyouinabit.”Shehadawidesmileonherfaceandwavedbeforeturningonherheelsandmarchingaway.
Reesewalkedtowardus,eyeswideasshewinced.“Well,thatdidn’tgosowell.”
IopenedmyarmsandhuggedherbeforeintroducinghertoLincolnandhissiblings.Shemadeherwayaroundthegroup.
“DoyouseewhatI’mdealingwith?”Finnsaid,rubbinghistemples.MyparentsandtheMurphysweretakingturnshuggingandfussingoverReese.
“Iwarnedyou,brother.”Cageraisedabrow.
“Ididn’tsleepwithher,”Finnsaidthroughgrittedteeth,glancingatmyparentstomakesuretheyweren’tlistening.
“Ithinkthere’ssomeconfusionthere,”Hughsaidoverhislaughter.
“Howisoneconfusedaboutwhetherornottheysleptwithawoman?”Lincolnasked,hisbrowscinchedtogether.
“Well,it’ssortofatipthing.”Georgiaburstoutinlaughterasthewordslefthermouth.
“Ohmygosh,arewebacktothetipdebate?”Reesesaidasshesteppedintoourlittlehuddle.“Itoldyounottogothere,Finny.”
Mybrothers,Georgia,andReesewerealllaughinghysterically,andeveryoneelselookedcompletelyconfused.
“Hedippedthetipofthe,er,companypenintothewantonink.Justthetip,though.”Cagesmirked.Everyonefellbackinlaughter.
Yes.Finnhadsharedhislittleescapadethathadgoneawrywithus,andapparently,he’dtoldReesewhathappened,aswell.
“It’snotfunny,”Finnhissed.“Shewasalloverme.I’mhuman.Thingsgotheated,andshewasontopofme.”Heglancedaroundnervously.
“And?”Maddoxasked,lookingbetweenus.
“Well,wesortofstarted,Imean,justtheslightestbit.”Heshrugged.
“He’stryingtosaythatthetipmadecontact…”Hughcoveredhismouthwithhishandtohidehissmile.
“Andthenshefuckingbitme.Hard.Istillhaveascar.”Heshivereddramaticallyasherubbedhisshoulder.“Icalleditoff.Thereweresomemajorredflags.Likethefactthatshegougedmewithhernailsanddrewbloodrightbeforeshesankherteethintomelikeafuckingvampire.Igotthehelloutofthere,butshewouldn’tacceptthefactthatIdidn’twanttotakethingsfurther.Andweworktogether,soI’vejustsortofignoredit.Now,she’sactinglikewe’retogether.Nothinghashappenedsince.”
“Sinceyoubumpedherwiththetipofyourdick?”Cagesaiddryly.
“Well,yes.Thatisexactlywhathappened.Andlookathowshejustacted.ThankGodshedidn’tgetthewholepackage.”Hewaggledhisbrows.“Let’sjustsaythatmyagentisnotpleasedaboutthesituation.”
“It’llbefine.You’llhavesomespacebetweenfilmingnow,soitwillallblowover.”Reesebumpedhimwithhershoulder,andIwatchedasallthetensionlefthisface.“Thisisyourbignight.AndI’mhere,so…”
“I’msofuckinghappyyou’rehere.”Hekissedthetopofherhead.
“Finn,they’recallingyou,”mymothersaid,hurryingovertostraightenhisbowtie.“Getoutthere.We’llseeyouinside.”
“Okay.FindAngelique.She’lltakeyoutoyourseats.Dylanjusttextedthattheywereallpullingupnow.Angeliquehasarowreservedforthem,too.”AngeliquewasFinn’sagent.
HehurriedoffjustasAngeliquecamewalkingourway.I’dmetherafewtimeswhenI’dvisitedFinnonset.Sheusheredusinsidethetheatreandwhisperedinmyear.
“It’sarealshitshowwiththisJessicaCarsonsituation.Iwarnedhimtobecareful.It’snosecretthatthewomanisalwaysinthemidstofalotofdrama.AndI’veheardshe’sgotitbadforFinn.”
“Oh,Ithinkyouarespoton.Ijustwitnessedabitofameltdown.”Ichuckled.
Sheshookherhead.“Neveradullmoment.Youguysenjoy.Thisrowisyours.Yourcousinshavetherowbehindyou.”
WeallshuffledaroundandfoundourseatsjustasUncleJackwavedatus,andtheyallmadetheirwayovertotheirassignedseats.
Lincolnwasbesideme,andheleanedclose,whisperinginmyear.“Allthatsextalkhasmereadytohaulyourassbacktothehotel.”
MyteethsankintomybottomlipasIturnedtolookathim.“You’reinsatiable.”
“Onlywithyou,sweetheart.”
Iwouldn’thaveitanyotherway.epilogueLincoln
Itwasourseasonopener,andIwaschampingatthebittogetoutonthefield.I’dalwayslovedfootball.ItwasapartofwhoIwas.Butitwasdifferentthistime,asIstoodonthesidelineswaitingforthecointoss,wearingnumbersixty-nineproudly.
Ithadalwaysbeenonlymymotheroutinthestands,cheeringmeonalltheseyears.Butmycirclehadgrown.
Myfamilyhadgrown.
MymotherwassittinginthemidstofalltheReynoldschaos,andRomeoandTiawererighttherewithher.Itwasasifthey’dalwaysbeenapartofmylife.
Atleastthatwashowitfelt.
BradfordandAlanaweresittingbesidemymother.TiawasnexttoGeorgiaandLila,whileRomeomanagedtosqueezebetweenMaddoxandWyle.Hugh,Finn,andCageweresittingbesidethem.LittleGraciewassittingonherUncleHugh’slap,wearingagiganticpairofpinkheadphonesbecauseBrinkleyhadworriedthatthenoisewouldoverwhelmher.
Theseweremypeople.
Myteammatesinlife.
Theysupportedme,andI’dwalkthroughfireforanyoneofthem.
We’dwonthecointoss,andIslippedmyhelmetonasthecrowdroared.IglancedovertoseeBrinkleyseveralfeetawayonthefield.She’dgottenapresspassandwascoveringthegame,butshewouldnotbeinterviewingme.
Itwassomethingshefeltstronglyabout,andIfuckingrespectedthehelloutofit.Hercareerwasimportanttoher,buttherewasnothingmoreimportantthanourrelationship—foreitherofus.
Iwinkedather,andshejuststoodtheresmilingatme.
Mygirl.
Icouldn’twaittoputaringonherfinger.We’dmovedintoournewhome,andwe’dgonetoParisforMaddoxandGeorgia’swedding,andlifehadbeenbusy.Iwantedtodosomethingreallyspecialforher,butIhadn’tthoughtofwhatitwasjustyet.
Asmackonthesideofmyheadhadmewhippingaround,andBrettJacobsstoodtherewithhiseyesbuggingoutofhishead.“Uh,wegotagametoplay,asshole.Youwanttostopstaringatyourgirlandpullyourshittogether?”
“Wipethatgoofy-asslookoffyourface,”IsaidovermylaughterwhenIrealizedthecrowdhadpickeduponwhatwasgoingon,andcheersandlaughterbellowedaroundthefield.
We’dgonepublicwithourrelationship,andwewerebothfinewithit.Wedidn’tflauntitandpreferredquietnightsathome,butwedidn’thideitwhenwewereouttogether.
Ireturnedmyfocustothegame.
Wegotinthehuddle,andIcalledthefirstplay.
Everythingaboutmylifefeltlighternow.WhenIwasonthefield,IwantedtodoeverythingIcouldtoscorepointsandwingames.ButwhenIwasoffthefield,Ihadawholelifegoingon.
Anditfeltdamngood.
Therewasalotmoretoplayfornow
Butwhetherornotwewonthisgame—Istillwenthomeawinner.Nodoubtaboutit.
Thewhistleblew,andtheballwashiked.
Iranback,hyperfocused,asIgazeddownthefield.Wewantedtocomeoutthegatestrong.Makeastatement.
AndtherewasBrett.He’djukedthedudecoveringhimandwasexactlywhereIneededhim.Ipulledbackandreleasedtheball.
Puttingitrightinhishands,justashewastackledtotheground.
ButI’dtakeasixty-two-yardpassforouropeningplayalldaylong.
Ihigh-fivedtheguyswho’dcoveredmeandgivenmethetimetogetthatballintoBrett’shands.
ThenextplaywasapasstoTerryLangley,andherushedfortenmoreyards
Thecrowdwasgoingcrazy,anditfeltdamngoodtobebackouthere,doingwhatIloved.
WiththepeoplethatIlovedoutheresupportingme.
Itdidn’tgetanybetter.
Webattledforthenextseveralhours.Itwashotashelloutside,andwepushedashardaswecouldtobringhomethewin.Andthatwasexactlywhatwedid.
We’dwonbytenpoints,andCoachBalboawasproudashellasweallgatheredinthelockerroomandcelebrated.
Afterwe’dshoweredandchanged,Imademywayoutofthelockerroomtoaslewofreporters.Iansweredafewquestionsthattheyfiredoff,andBrettandLennywererighttherewithme.
AndthatwaswhenIsawher.
MygazelockedwithBrinkley’s,andIcouldn’tgetoutoftherefastenough.
“Listen,theseguysareheretoanswerwhateverelseyouwanttoknow.I’vegotadatewithmygirl,andfrankly,shesmellsalotbetterthanallofyou.”
Therewasalotoflaughter,andImademywaythroughthecrowdasmyteammatestookoveransweringtheirquestions.
“Greatgame,Captain.”
“Thanks.Ithoughtyou’dbestuckhererunninginterviews.”Myfingersinterlockedwithhers.
“IgotwhatIneeded,andmysexyboyfriendplayedagreatgame,soI’dliketogetoutofherewithhim.”
“Thatsoundsgoodtome,sweetheart.”
“Lincoln,whenareyougoingtoputaringonit?”someoneshoutedfrombehindus,andI’dnormallyignorethem.Butnottoday.ThatwasaquestionthatIdidn’tmindanswering.
“I’mworkingonit!”Iheldupmyhandandheardthelaughterbehindus.
Brinkley’scheekswerealittlepink,andIfuckinglovedit.
“Doesthatscareyou?”Iteased.
“Idon’tscareeasy.I’mreadywhenyouare.”Shesmiledaswewalkeddownthehall.
“Goodtoknow.”
Weweremeetingeveryoneatourplaceandhavingdinnercatered.Whenwepulledup,they’dallbeatenusthere,andtherewerecarsparkedallalongthelargecirculardriveway.Iopenedthegaragedoor,andwesawFinnstandinginthegarageonthephone,andhedidn’tlookhappy.
“Isheallright?I’mguessingthisshitisgettingtohim,huh?”
“Yeah.Maybeyoucouldtalktohim?Youknowathingortwoaboutthepress,right?”Brinkleysaid.Hertonewaslight,butIheardtheconcernbeneathit.
BigSkyRanchhadbecomethenumberonestreamingshowoutthereatthemoment.Sometimes,everythingcomestogether,andashowjusthasthatmagic.
Finnhappenedtobethestaroftheshow,andhispopularityhadsoaredovernight.Unfortunately,hiscostarwasenjoyingthefameandwasdoingabunchofinterviews,bad-mouthingFinnforbreakingherheart.Hewastakingalotofheatatthemoment,andhe’dyettospeakoutaboutit.
Westeppedoutofthecar,andBrinkleygavemeakissbeforejoggingtowardherbrother.“I’llmeetyouguysinside.”
“Youallright?”Iaskedafterheendedthecall.
“Yeah.Greatgame,bytheway.”
“Hey,we’retalkingaboutyou.I’msurethisshitisgettingtoyou.”
“Youknow,it’saweirdmixofalotofthings.I’vewaitedsolongtofindashowthatwouldsortoflaunchmycareer,youknow?”Heglancedoutatthestreetbeforelookingbackatme.“Andnowthere’sthiswomanspreadingalltheseliesaboutme,andit’snotwhatIwanttobeknownfor.”
“WhatdoesAngeliquesay?”
“Well,wejustthoughtitwouldallblowoveratfirst.Butnow,Jessica’sgoingonthesetalkshowsandsayingwediscussedmarriageandhavingafamilytogether,andnoneofthatistrue.Weneverevenwentoutonadate.Wedon’tchatonthephoneeither.Idon’tknowmuchaboutheroutsideofourprofessionalsituation.Wehookedupthatonetime,andI’vebeenhonestaboutwhathappened,asmuchaseveryonewantstojokeaboutit.IdidstopthingsbecauseIknewsomethingwasn’tright.I’vekeptmyheaddownformonthssince.Ihaven’tbeengoingout,haven’tbeenwithanywomen.Idon’twanttofuckupmycareer.”Hescrubbedahanddownhisface.
“You’vegotthetruthonyourside,brother.Itwilleventuallydiedown.HasAngeliquetriedtalkingtoherorherteam?”
Henodded.“Yep.Jessicajustkeepssayingthatallpressisgoodpress,andit’shelpingtheshow.Shelovesit.Butit’smakingpeoplefuckingpissed,andI’mgettingtheseaggressivemessagesonsocialmedia.Peoplewantustogethernow.It’safuckingnightmare.”
“Fuck.I’msorryyou’regoingthroughthis.Juststaythecourse,Finn.She’lltalkherselfintoacorner.”
“That’swhatAngeliquethinks.ShesaidIjustneedtokeepalowprofile.IfIendupdatingsomeonedowntheroad,we’llpresentmeasarelationshipguyandnotsomewomanizer,Iguess.”
“It’sgoodyouhavethisdowntimebetweenseasons.I’mexcitedtoseethehouseyoubought.Brinkleysaidit’srightonthewaterandnottoofarfromtown.”
“Yeah.That’sbeenagoodthing.I’vebeenabletothrowmyselfintoworkingonthenewplaceandtakingtheboatoutonthewater.AndI’mnotgoingtolie,beinghomehelps.Noonebothersmethere.”
“CottonwoodCove,man.It’shardtobeat.Thepeoplearenosyasshitbutprotectivetothecore.They’vegotyourback,andsodowe.”
“Iknowyoudo,anditmeansalot.”
“YouknowI’mhereifyouwanttotalk.Andyou’rewelcometostayoutherewithusforaslongasyouwant.We’vegotplentyofroom.”
“Thanks.I’vehadalotoffunouthere.I’llbebackforasmanygamesasIcanswing,pendingmyfilmingschedule.”
“Good.Welovehavingyouallhere.”
AndImeantit.
Ifollowedhiminside,andthehousewasbuzzing.MymomandAlanawerehelpingthecaterergetallthechafingdishessetup.MaddoxandGeorgiawerestandingwithWyle,whowasplayingbartender.HughandLilawereoutinthebackyardwithGracie,andTiawasoutthereplayingwiththem.Cage,Romeo,andBradfordweretalkingaboutthegame,andFinnwentovertojointhem.
“Hey,”Brinkleysaidassheslidupbesideme.She’dchangedintoapairofdenimcut-offshortsandawhitetee.“How’ditgowithFinn?”
“He’sgoingtobefine,baby.Yourbrotherhasagoodheadonhisshoulders.Ithinkheprobablyneedstofindhimselfawomanandleteveryoneseethathe’sthestableguythatheis.Jessicawillblowherselfupeventually.”
“Well,youknowfirsthandjusthowgreatlifecanbewhenyou’vegotyourselfagoodwoman,”shesaid,hervoiceteasing.
“Damnstraight.Iusedtocomehomealoneaftergamestoaquiethouse.Andlookatthis.Lookwhatwe’vecreatedtogether.”Iwrappedanarmaroundhershoulderandpulledherclose.
“Athree-ringcircus?”shesaidoverherlaughter.
“Afamily,sweetheart.”
Hereyessoftened,andshestudiedme.“So,areyoureallygoingtomakeanhonestwomanoutofme?”
“Beendreamingaboutitformonths.Butdon’tpullyourreportershitandstarttryingtofigureitout.I’dliketoactuallysurpriseyou.”
“Goodluck.I’mhardtosurprise.”Shetappedherfingeragainsthertemple.“I’malwaysonestepaheadofmyopponent.”
Ibarkedoutalaugh.“Doyoumeanyourlover?”
“Idoloveyousomethingfierce,LincolnHendrix.”
“Good.Becauseyou’restuckwithmeforlife.Noturningbacknow.”Ileaneddownandkissedher.“Iloveyou.”
“Oh,forGod’ssake.Getaroom,people,”Cagegroaned,andeveryonelaughed.
AndifIspenttherestofmyliferighthere,I’dbetheluckiestmanalive.
Aslongasthiswomanwasbesideme—I’dfoundmyhome.
THEEND
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PRE-ORDERLOVINGROMEOHEREacknowledgments
Greg,Thankyouforsupportingmeeverysingledayonthisjourney.Forcheeringmeon,forbelievinginmeandforgivingmeendlessromanticinspiration!!LOL!Thirtythreeyearswiththeloveofmylifegivesmelotstowriteabout!Iloveyouforever!
Chase&Hannah…IfeelliketheluckiestpersonintheworldthatIgettobeyourmama!It’slikehittingthejackpoteverysingleday.YouarethereasonthatIworkhard,andthereasonthatIchasemydreams,becauseyoubothinspirememorethanyouknow!Iloveyoutothemoonandback!
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Mom,thankyouforlovingBrinkleyandLincolnsomuchandforcheeringmeoneverystepoftheway!Iamsothankfulthatwesharethisloveofbookswithoneanother!Rideordie!!Loveyou!
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