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He’s not who my dad paints him out to be.
And that’s another issue. I need to know what really happened three years ago. However, I can’t find out without it warranting more questions. I’m not ready to confess to my father yet. Though I am ready to go all in with Mark.
I am.
He’s different. At thirty-one years old, I’d like to think I’ve met enough people to see the difference. Mark? He is a complete flirt and ladies’ man, but not a womanizer like some people would like to make him out to be. He’s the exception to the rule.
I’m in my office in the locker room with Summer when I hear a commotion in the hall. The football team is filtering in for practice and they’re acting like frat house boys. Our eyes meet and we crack a smile at the barking and razzing going on.
“Damn, Jameson, when are you going to come out with us? I need a good wingman.”
“Me? You don’t need me.”
“We do! You pull the ladies and when you turn them down, they look to us to fill their needs.”
They laugh together and bang on the lockers. “Why don’t you date Jameson? I haven’t seen you with a girl since you’ve been in Candy Cane Key.”
Summer gets up and stands closer to the door.
“Stop eavesdropping!”
“Shhh!” She puts her finger over her lips and I giggle at her face.
“No one’s caught my attention.”
“Man, come on! They loaded this town with beautiful women. You need a date for the Masquerade ball. Let me set you up.”
“Nah, man, it’s cool. I’m all set.”
I tilt my head in question at Summer. She closes the door halfway and comes back over to me. “His high school girlfriend burned Jameson badly. It’s how he ended up down here, from Texas. She broke his heart and needed a new start. Coach Gage’s wife, Francesca, is his PR rep and found the opportunity for him here at NPU.” She leans against the desk. “I’d like to express my personal thanks to the girl who broke his heart. I never would have met him, or Dash, if she didn’t.”
I smile at her. She and Dash are the perfect opposites attract couple. It makes me think more about Mark and I. He’s the fun I’ve been missing in my life. The carefree attitude I wish I had gotten to enjoy as a kid and learn to embrace as an adult.
“You know I’m dying to ask you about Mark. I’ve been respecting your boundaries and I know you’ll come to me, but girl! I’m dying a slow death! What is happening with you two?”
I laugh at her dramatics. I lean back in the chair, pulling my knees up and wrapping my arms around them. “I like him, Summer. Like, Ireallylike him.”
She eagerly moves my laptop and paperwork, hopping on the desk in front of me. “Tell me everything!”
I go through our couple of dates, the silly text messages and cheesy lines. I tell all the juicy details of the best sex I’ve ever had. I even admit I can see us making a really solid couple.
“But my dad.” I groan inwardly. “Summer, I can’t lose my job here. I love it. I love the girls.”
“Listen, I know your father recommended you and he ultimately gave the final say on hiring you, but you had interviews. You met with the Athletic director and head of Human Resources. You wouldn’t have made it to your dad’s desk if the others didn’t like you first.”
“I don’t know. He’s the end all here on campus.”
“I know he is, but who else knows he’s your father? You used your mother’s maiden name.”
“Yeah, even dad wouldn’t risk the chance of people finding out his precious daughter is ‘just a cheer coach’.
She gives me a pointed look. “You’re more than that and you can’t let him keep brainwashing you. You’ve gone to Nationals as a competitor. You’vewonNationals as a coach. Girl, you’re amazing. Don’t let him steal your jazz hands.”
“Okay, Sparky.” We both giggle at the Bring It On reference.
“You know, your dadiskind of like Sparky Polansky. He comes off like he knows everything about cheer, but he has no idea the heart and soul that goes into it. To him, it’s just an act. And you, my gorgeous friend, are the whole fucking show.”
I lean in and give her a hug.
