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He stares at me across the table. I’m guessing Rob to be in his late fifties. His short stature and small frame are hidden under an expensive suit, and his slicked-back dark gray hair resembles a luxury car salesman. If it weren’t for Shane and Mark speaking highly of him and knowing what he’s done for their careers, I’d question whether or not this is a good idea. I know he’s good at what he does, so I’m going with it. I’ll know what kind of man he is if he bites back at my stance.
“Are you sure you and Shane aren’t blood-related? Anytime I ask him the most minute detail of what’s going on with Maggie and the kids, I’m pretty sure he’d like to reach through the phone and strangle me.”
He sets his mug down and smiles. “Sean, I don’t care to know the specifics of who you’re sleeping with or how you spend your time off the field. I do, however, care about how your actions make me look. I have a reputation to uphold, and I’m not wasting my time representing someone who’ll piss away all my hard work.”
He leans back in his chair, adjusting his blue tie. “I assume Ms. Parks isn’t excited about being wrapped up in this situation. This event that the two of you are working on is a good idea. Ifnothing else, it shows people you’re moving on and giving back in the process. Reaching out to foster families is perfect, and your history isn’t something you should ever feel like you have to hide. You’ve come a long way and should be proud of that. You’re an inspiration, really. So keep moving in that direction, and we’ll settle in fine together.”
“Great. I don’t have any intention of making waves anytime soon. All I want is a quiet, simple life playing the game I love as long as I can manage it.”
“When is the event?”
“Three weeks. We still have details to work out, but registration is open. Families will come to the stadium to meet the team and stay for the concert. They’ll also get tickets to the game the next day.”
“Sounds like an amazing opportunity for some deserving people.” He nods as if he’s on board. “I’ll be honest with you, though, about a couple of things. First, whether it’s Ms. Parks or someone else, make sure the next person you get involved with is worth your time and someone you’re willing to bank your reputation on. Another spin like this one, and it’ll be difficult to come back from that.”
He inhales through his nose and lets it out. “Second, I don’t like what you told me about Craig referring to your age and the organization. He’s been around a long time and is a weasel of the worst kind when he thinks things are slipping. If you’re ok with it, I’ll sniff around and see if there’s anything we should be keeping tabs on.”
Sneaky bastard.“Sure. That’s probably good. I don’t need to be blindsided again.”
“Alright, then. I think we understand each other, and if you’re good with it, we have a deal. I’ll get my assistant to send the contract over first thing.”
I stand, shaking his hand. I needed this to work out. “Thank you for coming all this way and agreeing to work with me.”
“Ha. You boys are a dream compared to some of my other clients. For three guys who grew up the way you did, you should be making my life a nightmare, but you’re all pretty good kids. Mark is questionable.” I smile, and he slaps me on the back on the way to the door. “Keep your head up, keep working your way forward, and we’ll get things back on track.”
“Thank you.” I reach for the door handle, opening it to a bright sunny day.
“If I didn’t have to catch a flight back, I’d insist you play golf with me. It’s too nice to be sitting on a plane.”
I chuckle. “I’m not much of a golfer, so you’d be better off asking someone else.”
“Well, what does a famous football player like yourself do on a day off like this?” He holds his arms out in the bright sun.
“I’m meeting Simmons at the children’s hospital, hoping they might be excited about a visit.”
Rob turns toward his rental. “Keep going, Sean. You and I are going to work just fine together.”
______
I sit in the parking garage, waiting for Tyrell to text me he’s here. I’ve never done something like this before. I’m a little nervous and unsure of what to expect.
I should have asked Andie or my contact, who arranged today’s visit, for more details. The response I got was filled with blatant elation, and I hope the kids will be excited to see us.
It might be my best-kept secret, but I love kids. I’ve not spent much time around them, except a few visits to see my new nephew and Maggie’s much younger siblings, but I love every second of it. They have a huge family, and I love when I get to be a part of it. It’s like reliving a childhood I never had.
When I visit, the youngest and only girl paints my fingernails and pretends to do my hair. The boys are full of energy and fun-loving pranks. It all makes me wish for a family of my own someday.
If I can hang with them, I should do just fine here, right?
My phone buzzes with Tyrell’s announcement that he’s parking, so I climb out of my truck and exit the garage to meet him.
Standing just inside the revolving door, he grins like he’s ready to put on a show for these kids.
He rubs his hands together. “Let’s get this spreading cheer fest going.”
We stop at the desk for directions to where we’re meeting my contact. We pass an elevator, but I keep walking, eyeing the stairs.
“You still not over that little mishap? It’s not likely to happen twice, you know.”
