“If you’re thinking of sharing, no. One football player is all I can handle.”
Fin quirked his lips in a lopsided grin. “I wasn’t suggesting a team/owner orgy.”
“Good. As for this rumor, I’m going to find out who started it. No one is getting demoted. Grant said something to me a few weeks ago and I shut it down.”
“It’s just that with this rib…”
I stood and walked to him. Reaching up, I cupped his prickly cheek. “Look at me.”
His blue orbs stared into my gaze.
“The Coopers need you. It’s because of you that we didn’t end up like the Vikings this season. I also respect Simpson. We already let him go and rehired. The three of you are safe on our roster for the rest of the season. And” —I emphasized the word— “if that changes for any reason, you will not hear it through the grapevine but straight from me because we’ve asked one thing of each other. Communication.”
Fin exhaled. “I hate to bother you. You have so much happening.”
I shook my head. “It doesn’t work that way. Communication is a two-way street. Don’t keep things from me and expect me to be honest with you. I need your openness too.”
He nodded. “I am just upset I’m not cleared to play.”
“Then heal, Mr. Graham.” I brushed my lips over his. “I need to get to the complex.” The kitchen caught my attention. “Just leave everything. I can clean it up tonight and cook for you.”
“You don’t have?—”
I placed my finger over his lips. “I want to.”
On my drive to Maker’s Mark, I thought about the rumor Fin heard. If he heard it, so did others. The last thing the Coopers needed was a rumor about the financial solvency of our franchise.
“Call Aunt Rachel,” I said to my car after pushing the call button. I was finally back in my car. The dealership delivered it to Maker’s Mark yesterday.
“Vee,” Aunt Rachel said after one ring.
“Are you in your office?”
“No, dear. I’m on my way to Maker’s Mark. Do you need something?”
“I want to talk with you. Please have one of your assistants inform Jen when you have a spot today to talk.”
“My schedule is alarmingly full.”
“So is mine,” I replied. “We’ll make it work.”
Once at Maker’s Mark, I told Jen to secure a time for me to meet with Aunt Rachel. After a check of my emails, I put on a Coopers pullover sweater, gathered my trusty notebook, and made my way to the offensive practice.
Compared to the temperature last Sunday in Chicago, Lexington was unseasonably comfortable. I looked up to the blue sky sprinkled with fluffy white clouds. The light breeze blew loose strands of my hair around my face.
“You’re here,” Coach Pratt said with a smile.
“I’m not sure for how long, but I am.”
“It’s good to see you.”
The field was filled with our starting-lineup offense and our practice-squad defense. Farther down the sideline, Fin and Ramel Patel were standing in street clothes. No longer dressed in nylon shorts and t-shirt, Fin was wearing a nice pair of blue jeans and a dark blue pullover sweater. His hair was windblown yet styled.
“Have any of the injured players gone to see the trainers yet today?” I asked.
Pratt looked down at his notes. “Rhodes and Martin will be out as defensive ends for the Titans game on Sunday. The jury is still out on Patel and Graham.”
“No announcement needs to be made before four p.m. Saturday. They’re all going to the game with the team.”
