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CHAPTER 26
JACKSON
Joe stomped past us with his bag in hand, silent as he left the stadium.
“Jackson?” I turned to see Coach walking over to hand Emma her phone. “Let’s talk.”
I stared at Emma, not sure what to expect. I followed him into his office. I knew that my agent had been trying to get a hold of me, but I needed to set things straight with Coach first.
“I’ve heard rumors of your car being vandalized. We have cameras here for your safety. I heard what Joe did at your place and I think I understand the fight a bit more now. What was it about?”
“A girl,” I replied.
“That little firecracker out there?” I nodded with a smile. “She stood right up for you today, son. She didn’t care that Joe was there. She got it all on her phone for me to hear, though he’s been on a close watch since day one. She’s a smart one.”
“Yeah, she is. One of the smartest people I know,” I agreed.
“I’ve just suspended Joe for several games, and will recommend to the owner that he get fined. That’s just for the keying. As for the other issues, we are going to launch an investigation, and so will the league. I doubt he will be back any time soon.”
“What about me?”
“I need all hands on deck. Do you think that you can go out there and play to win? I’m going to need you now more than ever.”
I looked curiously at him.
“You’re staying. I see what pushed you into that and you’re a better man than Joe. You have promise and I’m going to make sure we renew your contract.”
I breathed a sigh of relief and slumped back into the seat.
“The other guys stand by you as well. A few have said things they’ve heard and seen and it all added up. One witnessed the way that he’s spoke to Emma in the past as well as bragging about what he did to your vehicle with the headlight.”
I knew that Nick had a part in that and grinned. “Thank you, Coach. You won’t regret this.”
“Good. Let’s dress down and get out to the field.”
He got up and walked into the locker room. He called out to the other guys to be outside in ten minutes and I saw Nick grinning at me.
“Thanks, man. He’s keeping me,” I said.
Nick nodded, as the other guys gathered around. “Thanks to all you guys.”
“We know who the better teammate is,” the backup quarterback said.
“Let’s get out there.”
We walked to the field together as I looked up at the stands to see Emma smiling. I got to stay here with her now. I smiled at her and she blew me a kiss.
I kept walking, knowing that I still had to prove myself. This time, I knew that I could. We had a great practice.
Later, we went to get Emma’s stuff from Bella’s apartment and grabbed some burgers on the way home. I looked at her as she sat on the couch, eating her sandwich.
“You weren’t scared of Joe?” I asked
“No. He’s just a guy, and I knew that we had enough on him. I spoke to Nick recently, and I just took the opportunity,” Emma said with a shrug. “There was so much talk about him around the girls’ locker room that I knew some of it had to be true. That and the fact that he came on so aggressive to me. That’s just who he is, and he can’t get away with it forever.”
I shook my head, amazed at how this all turned out.
“What’s his punishment?” Emma asked.
“A fine and a suspension. I expect that there could be some criminal charges against him. And I get to stay here while you’re in school and we can live here together.”
“Live together?” Emma asked. I gave her a crooked smile.
“We started out that way and it worked well. Let’s try again,” I suggested.
She smiled. “This is insane, you know.”
“We have known each other for years, Em. It makes sense.”
“I already got my stuff, so I suppose that means I already said yes.”
I leaned over to kiss her, and she smiled.
We finished our dinner and then made our way to bed where I stripped her and pushed her back on the bed, kissing her neck softly.
“I love you,” I said before sucking her skin between my teeth, making her gasp. I was happy and looking forward to the future. After the long emotional day, I felt she was, too.
We made a trip to Emma’s parents to break the news to them about us being together. I called it. Her mom was in tears from her happiness and her dad looked like annoyed for a few moments.
“You’re like a son to us but…”
I took a deep breath.
“I know, sir. I want to focus on my football career and your daughter, both. I’ve been crazy about her for a few years now and I will cherish her. I swear that to you.” I gave him a serious look and then smiled at Emma.
