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Chapter 22
Landon
Practice ended two hours ago. The rest of the guys rushed to get out of there, but I stuck around and ran a few more routes with Kaden. The season is halfway through and we’re undefeated. The team is tight. We’re connecting and meshing, and it shows on and off the field.
“You headed home?” Kaden asks as we enter the locker room.
“I have to run up to the office before I go. Apparently, there was some fan mail, a little boy who’s in the hospital. I’m going to sign some things to send to him, then pay him a visit as soon as I get the chance.”
“Careful, your good guy is showing,” he jokes.
“Must be Em,” I reply.
He chuckles. “Lucky Bastard, I still don’t know how you got her. You and Trent both hit the significant-other lottery.”
“What’s up? You getting the urge to settle down?”
“Nah, but if I happen to stumble upon an Emma or a Luna, then I don’t plan on letting them go.”
“Wise decision.”
“All right, I’ll see you at practice tomorrow.” He waves and then it’s just me. I take my time with my shower, and getting dressed. I have nowhere to be. Em is at work, and my house feels empty without her there. Shoving my practice clothes into my bag, making sure I have my keys, wallet, and phone, I make my way up to the offices.
“Hey, Landon,” Sally, the receptionist, says. “I have everything laid out for you in the small conference room. There’s some extra stuff just so we have it on hand. Head on back.”
“Thanks, Sally.” I head back the long hallway and see the framed pictures of past players, and coaches. It never ceases to hit home with me when I walk down this hallway that I’m one of the lucky ones. My talent and hard work have me living my dream. I get to play the game I love for a hell of a lot of money, and I get to do things like sign jerseys for sick kids. I get to bring smiles to their faces, just for being me. It’s humbling.
Tossing my bag on the floor in the corner, I grab one of the many Sharpies that Sally has laid out for me and get to work. I sign ten or so jerseys and at least double that in T-shirts before I sign a few balls. I’m just getting ready to start signing the stack of posters, at least a hundred if not more, when the door opens. I’m surprised to see Mrs. Stamper, the team owner’s wife, standing in the doorway.
“Landon,” she greets, gliding into the room like her shit doesn’t stink.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile, not a truly genuine smile, not like the ones I get from Emma. “Mrs. Stamper.”
“A word?” she asks, closing the door.
This is the smaller conference room so there are no windows and I’m suddenly on edge. Bridgett Stamper is not the kind of woman who likes to be told no. “What can I do for you?” I ask her.
“I’m going to cut right to the chase. You need to end things with your girl toy.”
What. The. Fuck? “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. End it.”
“No.” I drop the Sharpie and cross my arms over my chest. “You can’t control what I do in my personal life.”
“Oh, but I can. You see. I don’t like her. I don’t want her around. I can make your life hell, even trade you.”
“Bullshit. You don’t run this team, Joseph does.” I stay rooted in my seat, even though I want to get the fuck out of this room with her. This is so out of left field, I never could have seen this coming.
“Are you willing to risk your career for some piece of ass?” she sneers.
“That piece of ass is the love of my life. You can threaten me with whatever the fuck you want. I don’t give a flying fuck.”
“Oh, but you should. You see, my husband, he likes to make me happy.” Her index finger, with a nail that seems even longer and painted blood red, draws a line on the table as she inches closer. I’m out of my seat and moving to the other side of the room before she reaches me. I don’t want to be anywhere near her.
“You don’t even know Emma. How could you possibly hate her?” Hell, how could anyone? She’s the kindest person and most real I’ve ever met.
“I don’t like the way she looks at my husband.”
“Enlighten me. How exactly does she look at him?” I was with Em when she met Joseph and Bridgett, and most of that time she was looking at me.
“Like she can take him away from me.” Something passes in her eyes, but I can’t explain it.
“That’s crazy.”
“I know what I saw. You have until the end of the weekend to end it and announce it publicly or you’ll regret it.”
