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I smile. “She said she has a piece chosen for me.”
Nora scoffs. “I’m sure she does, but you can work your magic on that sheet music and bring down the house. You’re the one that will raise funds so she can stick that piece where the sun doesn't shine and let you do your thing.” Her finger taps her lips. “I bet Jonesy and the girls would be on board to help you out, taking one for the team to attend your hoity-toity ball. They’ll be amazing, as always, putting on a real show. The money will roll in.”
She’s right, and I just need to accept that I’ll have to tolerate my overbearing, ridiculously shallow, and uptight mother for one evening.
“Annnnndddd,” Nora raises her eyebrows, “Gem will be there, so you can bet your cute little behind she’s going to setyour mother’s overly sprayed hair on fire before she even gets to you.”
I smile, knowing Gem will have my back. “Let’s ask Jonesy and get something set up.”
“Sure thing,” she nods. “Now, I want the whole scoop on Sean Greyson. You can’t tell me that you didn’t swoon just a little. I don’t care how much you try to deny it. He’s so freaking hot. Did he smell good? I bet he smells amazing.”
I roll my eyes while she sniffs the air like she imagines it. “He’s completely full of himself.”
“I don’t care. I’d get stuck with him anywhere, anytime.” She lets her head fall back like she’s dreaming about the possibility.
I pull a pillow out from behind me and throw it at her. “He’s not even your type. He was so…irritating. Half the time, he was a stuck-up jerk. The other half, he was zoned out on his phone. He looked at me like I was so far beneath him, and when he realized I could actually sing, I think he tried to apologize.”
“Wait.” Nora pops up. “You talked to him after the elevator?”
I shrug. “Yeah. I ran into him heading to the field and then again at the meet and greet. I think he thought he was apologizing for judging me and felt bad once he learned about Josh, but he stood there like he didn’t want anyone seeing him talking to me like I was some leper.”
“Really?” Nora says like this can’t possibly be true.
“Yeah. Really. He said I should do something with my talent.”
“Oh, man.” Nora knows where that comment got him.
I grin. “I let him have it, and then his supermodel girlfriend showed up to save him.”
“So I’m guessing there were no sparks.” Nora huffs, looking totally bummed.
I laugh. “No, sorry my little lovebird. Two hours alone in an elevator is all it will ever be.”
Chapter 7
SEAN
“I’m not sure what you want me to do,” Craig says. I hold the phone with my shoulder as I grab a bottle of water from the fridge. “You hired me to represent you. If you’re just going to decline or worse, not show up, that makes us both look bad.”
I don’t know how to respond. We keep having the same conversation, and it’s complete bullshit. If he doesn’t know where I stand by now, we have a real problem.
A week ago, after being stuck in that damn elevator, I called my agent and told him I was done. I’m done spending time at pointless media stunts to get my picture taken, only to have it blasted everywhere, like I’m some great guy making an impact in the world of beverages, athletic gear, celebrity parties, and other high-profile events. I’ve done it for too long, and I’m not doing it anymore.
I’m done spending my time building a life that’s no longer mine. I want to give back. I want to be part of something bigger than myself that goes beyond the game I play for a living. I’m through with playing the part that’s written for me, the one I let myself buy into. The guy living the high life with all his other high lifers, ignoring the reality around us.
I got lost in it all, but I’m beginning to see clearly now. Getting lost was easy, going from a world of having nothing andno one into a world fabricated to my preferences. People will do anything, morph into anyone to be a part of this life.
I wanted to fit in. I liked the feeling of being valued, but it’s clear to me now that those people have no idea who I really am, and they don’t care to know that person. They want the pro football player who has fame and money. They don’t want the man who grew up being tossed from one home to another or the one who’d give up the fame and money and still play the game for the love of it.
What mattered so much to me at one time doesn’t mean a thing to me anymore. I’m getting back to me, the kid I used to be and the man I liked and respected. The one who understands there’s a world full of people who are hurting and in need, and I’m fortunate enough to have made it to a place where I can help.
I step out on the field each day as part of a team. A team that works hard to be the best we can be for each other, our organization, and our fans. When the game is over, I find the kids in the stands, hand over a glove or ball, sign their shirts, and talk to families at the meet and greets.
I’m no longer attending events or premieres or anything else just so it can be posted to some social site or someone can use my name for their gain. I’m doing things that benefit tangibly from me and my donations, whether time or money.
I hear Craig’s huff of building annoyance on the other end of the phone, but I’ll make myself clear one more time. “I told you, I’m done with bogus events. When you have something for me that’s bringing good to the world, let me know.”
“So I’m guessing a spread forSports Eliteis out.” He says it teasingly, but I know underneath it all, he thinks I’m a fool for not doing it.
