Page 18 of Over Time Advantage

“True, but you and I both know those statements can be bullshit. Anyway, I know what your answer will be, but my old lady said she has a friend who⁠—”

“Nope. Not interested,” I interrupt. “Don’t even start this crap with me, Leo. It’s too early for that, and I haven’t had enough coffee.”

He sighs. “Yep, I told her as much, but she begged me to ask. This woman is supposed to be attractive, and you need to get out there.”

“I…umm…I’m talking to someone.”

He practically gasps. “What? Who?” he asks with a little too much excitement.

“No one I’m ready to talk about.”

He moans. “Ugh. You’re so boring. Can’t you ever just be a dude and give me some down-and-dirty details? I’ve been married for twenty-five years. I need to live vicariously through you.”

“Negative. That will never happen. I’m not Humblecut, who talks about his conquests every damn day. You’d love our locker room. Most of those guys don’t have any class and talk about women like they’re objects. I hope every single one of them has a daughter one day. It changes how you view women.”

“Then I guess it’s a good thing I only have sons. Speaking of which, Mikey mentioned that Pierce has been doing well lately.”

I appreciate that Leo always has his son keeping an eye out for Pierce. Despite being in the same grade, they’re not close—Michael moves in a faster crowd—but he’s always looked out for my son. “Thanks, man. It’s been a long road, but I think he’s finally in a good place. Having Kennedy home has done wonders for him. They seem to be forging a bond. It’s just what the doctor ordered for him.”

“Yeah, Mikey said she was at the game the other night. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, bud. It was a special night. It was an uphill battle to get there, but we did it.”

He’s silent for a brief moment. “Jett, you’re a good man. You’ve given up a lot in your life by doing the right thing. I hope you know it’s okay to take something for yourself. You know I just want you to be happy.”

“I know. I appreciate it.”

“Dating can be fun.” He releases a small laugh. “You know what I miss?”

“What?”

“Excitement-filled showers,” he enthusiastically replies.

“I don’t need to know what goes on in your showers,” I grumble.

He chuckles. “Not that. It’s the feeling you get before a big date. You’re in the shower imagining all types of great scenarios because the possibilities are still endless.”

I think about that for a moment. “I’m not sure I’ve ever had that.”

He sighs. “I know you haven’t, even at the beginning with Ginny. Everyone should have an exciting shower moment. I hope you find someone who makes you dream big in your shower.”

I’m silent as I consider the fact that I’ve never had anything of the sort.

“Listen,” he pauses, “I know you have your hands full, but I got a few more offers for you to promote muscle supplements and protein bars. Your game was nationally televised last week and considering that you’re more muscular than half your players, my phone has been ringing off the hook for days. Any interest?”

“I think you know the answer to that.” I’ve never once accepted an offer like it.

He sighs in resignation. “Yeah, yeah. Jett, there’s a real market out there. How many men your age are as fit and muscular as you? Let me answer for you. None. The money is amazing. Don’t you want to know how much before you reject them all?”

“Nope,” I immediately answer without hesitation. “I have plenty of money. I’m not a spokesperson, and I won’t promote products I don’t actually use. It feels deceitful. It’s all a bunch of bullshit. My fucking kid buys his clothes based solely on some young punk on social media telling him to buy them. It’s crap, and I want no part of it.”

He chuckles. “Mikey too. I keep seeing TikTok Shop charges on my credit card. This stuff ain’t cheap. If Ginny keeps getting plastic surgery, you might need to do a few of these things. Or,” he adds in his usual disapproving tone, “you could stop paying for your ex-wife’s countless procedures. You’re not contractually obligated to do so.”

I scrunch my face in disgust as I scratch my head. “I know. It’s really getting to be a bit much. She doesn’t need it. I think it’s become an addiction, and it doesn’t look good. What happened to aging gracefully?”

My mind drifts to Fallon’s face and body. She’s a natural beauty. Every perfect inch of her.

I can’t seem to get this woman out of my mind, and I don’t want to.