AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Do you understand what I’m saying?” she asks, seemingly not expecting an answer because she continues. “You must know a whole lot about not having things turn out and the universe treating you as its dumping ground, but things are different now. You’re different. You’ve fought, worked hard, and won.”
I scoff, and it’s sarcastic. “I’m not sure I’ve won anything at this point.”
She turns toward me, resting her hand on my arm. “Young man, you have what so many strive for, and few ever achieve. Fame, fortune, and most importantly, a platform. You have a whole city of people who believe in you. A team that calls you theirs. You have brothers and a family I’ve met today who stand by you.”
She pauses. “These people wouldn’t have anything if you boys didn’t show up here every day and make their incapable asses look good. If they want to let you go, let them. Take your talent and your good heart somewhere it’s appreciated. You aren’t that little boy anymore. People will only shove you around until they realize you’ll knock them on their sorry behind.”
She raises one eyebrow, and a smirk crosses her mouth. “I’m just a woman who’s seen a whole lot of life, and I don’t presume to know anything about this world that you live in or the pressures that come with it, but I do know a little something about small men in fine suits trying to bully their way through life. They don’t like pushback. Use what you worked so hard for, Sean.”
“And that one up there,” she gestures to the stage. “If you let her, she’ll run so fast you won’t catch her. Something started in that elevator and on this field that brought her back to life. I suspect the same might be said for you. Don’t let the temporary dictate the future. If you want her, make sure she knows you’re not going anywhere. Give her a chance to do the same.”
She pats my arm twice and then steps away. “Oh, and Sean, consider this your invitation to my birthday party. I don’t accept declines. It’s not a game day, so there are no excuses.”
She walks away, and I try to let all she said sink in as Andie hits the final note and thanks everyone for coming. I pull myself away from my angry sulking and make my way through the crowd to shake hands and bump fists with the families and kids one last time.
It takes an hour, but the field finally starts to clear while the band packs up their equipment. I have no idea what to say, but I need to find Andie and see if I can get a clue as to what happens now. Part of me doesn’t want to know.
I think about what Gemma said about not letting her push me away and wonder if that’s what she’s doing. Is she pushing me away, protecting herself from me, or from the potential backlash of us and now Ax?
My head throbs, and my body aches as I search for her amongst the workers cleaning up the field and getting things in order for tomorrow's game. I eventually spot her talking to Miranda and head in their direction.
“Sean, this was amazing,” Miranda beams as I step into their conversation. “I was just telling Andie not only did these kids and families have the best day, but I think we might have actually turned the ship around for you two. Social media is screaming with positivity, and fans love the two of you.”
I try to act like I care, but I can only look at Andie. “That’s great.” I can’t even muster fake enthusiasm.
“Well, I need to pack up,” Andie says. “Please let me know if there’s any way I can help in the future.” She tells Miranda, her statement sounding so final it punctures a deep scarred wound.
“Of course. You’re gaining quite the following here at the stadium, so I’m sure I’ll be in touch.” Miranda steps away,rushing off to direct workers moving the remaining team souvenirs.
Andie stays put, but her eyes are everywhere but me. “I think today was a success. Good work.”
“Don’t say it like that.”
I see her stiffen. “Like what?”
“Like this was only some stunt. You and I both know it wasn’t.”
She shoves her hands in her pockets. “Sean, I don’t know what to say. I do know we probably shouldn’t be seen arguing in the middle of the field.”
I can’t withhold my sarcastic scoff. “Since when do you care who sees you arguing with me?”
She tips her head to the side, her eyes finally meeting mine and filled with an irritation that matches my own. “Maybe since it’s become abundantly clear that you live in a world that doesn’t have room for ordinary people with real lives and real backgrounds and real…” She doesn’t finish.
“That’s not fair, Andie.”
She holds out her arms but not exaggerating so she doesn’t draw attention. “Look around, Sean. These guys, your team, they’re your friends. They live in the same world you do. Your brothers, both of them, same world. All of these people meet the acceptable standard.” She shrugs. “I don’t, and I don’t want to.”
I see exactly what she’s doing here, and it’s pissing me off. Andie doesn’t give a shit what other people want or think, and this is her running, pushing. Gemma called this.
It’s been a long time since I had to fight for what I wanted, but I haven’t forgotten how. Andie is about to find that out.
I take a step closer, but not so close I invade her space. I speak calmly and clearly, letting her know I mean every word.
“This place and these people may be my world, but it is no longer my entire world. Andie, there’s no standard you fit into.No box. No category. You are an outlier, and these people have no idea what to do with you.”
I feel myself start to relax just a little, knowing exactly what’s going to happen. “I’m going to get to the bottom of this stuff with Doug, the trade, and anything else loitering out there. I’m going to play this game I love, wherever that is. When I step off the field, it’s my time, my life, and I get to decide what to do with it.”
She bites her lower lip. “I hope it all turns out the way you want.” Her eyes move to the stage. “I need to go help pack up.”
