Page 59 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“You’re my favorite retired soccer player,” Dad offered.

“Former professional soccer player.”

“Same difference.”

“What’s the update?” I asked as traffic slowed ahead of me.

“I have good news.” Dad’s voice sharpened with excitement. “Jeremiah agreed.”

For a moment, no one spoke.

“Agreed to the show?” Xander asked.

“To everything. The flight, the taping, standing beside his brothers in front of America. He said yes.”

“That’s big,” I said.

Jeremiah’s agreement moved the possibility closer to reality. Ron no longer had an idea held together by optimism. He had one of the men he’d been uncertain he could bring home.

“How did you convince him?” Christian asked.

“I didn’t convince him. I explained what I was trying to do, and he agreed.”

“That simple?” Xander sounded as doubtful as I felt.

“There may have been some negotiating.”

“What did you offer?” I asked.

“Nothing that concerns any of you.”

“Dad,” Christian warned.

“I said I would cover his travel expenses.”

“The show covers travel,” Xander said.

“That’s not the point. The point is Jeremiah said yes.”

I changed lanes as I neared the hospital exit.

“And Titan?” Christian asked.

Silence filled the line.

“I’m still working on him.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“It means I’ve called. I’ve texted. I sent him the information.”

“And?”

“And he hasn’t said no.”

“Has he said anything?” Xander asked.

Another silence.