Page 1 of Touchdowns and Temptations

1

Cara

I grab my purse and take one last look in the mirror before I head downstairs. I am going to meet my best friend Marina for a drink in the city and I can’t wait!

I've been back in my hometown of Boston for a week. I haven't found an apartment to rent yet, so I'm staying with my parents for now, but it’s just temporary, I really need my own place.

I graduated from the University of California. My dad was coaching the Oakland Pirates at the time, so it was a good fit for me. We had already lived on the West Coast for a few years.

My dad is none other than former Boston Foxes quarterback: Michael Corse. He is a legend here. I spent most of my childhood in Boston, which is why I call it my hometown. Of course, my dad's job took us to other cities in the US, but Boston was always our home.

I put my hand on the dark gray banister of the grand staircase in the foyer and walk down. Personally, I find the villa too ostentatious, but my parents like it as a retirement home.

My new job in my dad's company, Corse Sports Management, starts next week. I know I can always count on my parents for support, but it's time for me to stand on my own two feet. Which is ridiculous coming from me, since I'm going to inherit fifty million dollars and own one of the biggest sports management agencies in the US.

As the child of a sports star, I was in the spotlight from an early age. The public always wanted to be a part of my life, growing up, I don't know why. I haven't done anything interesting enough to write articles about. I’m just Michael Corse's daughter. My entire childhood consisted of cheering for my dad in front of the TV or in a VIP box at the stadium. He’s a great dad, but damn, he is, first and foremost, a sports superstar to most Americans and will always be a National Football League legend.

It's hard to imagine what my life would be like if I had been a boy.

“Hello,” I greet my parents as I walk into the dining room. They are sitting together at a table that is way too big, with sushi spread out in front of them.

“Hi Honey,” my mom says smiling at me. “Do you have a date?”

“I'm meeting Marina,” I reply, stealing a sushi roll and shoving it into my mouth.

“You want a plate with that?” my dad jokes, giving me a warm smile. He’s really enjoyed spending time with us over the last few years, and still does. He is totally against me moving out. He keeps saying that the house is big enough for me to have my own space, but I want to be completely independent. I mean, as much as I can be while working for them.

“I have to go,” I say, shoving another sushi roll into my mouth, “I’ll just have one more.”

“Cara!” Mom gives me a dirty look. “That’s not ladylike. I’ve raised you better than that.”

“I don't really care, Mom,” I lick my fingertips. “I'm out of here. Love you guys.”

“Love you too, sweetheart,” she calls after me, and I hurry through the foyer to leave the villa.

My red Ferrari is parked out front, glistening in the sun. I pull the key from my purse and unlock the door. The headlights come on and I open the driver's door to get in. I don't really care about my parents' wealth. My best friend Marina comes from an ordinary family, and my parents were born into the working class. But if I'm going to spend millions of dollars on something, it's going to be a car. There's nothing like an awesome car to cruise the streets of Boston in. I own five of them now. That may be a bit much, but damn - I love cars. Especially when they sparkle and shine as beautifully as my Ferrari or let me sit as high and elegantly as my Range Rover. When I want to take it easy, I take my Mini. It's the most lowkey car I own.

The Ferrari's engine roars, I put it in reverse and leave the driveway.

***

The bar where I'm meeting Marina is in downtown Boston. I pull into a parking space and turn off the engine. I take my sunglasses and a baseball cap out of my purse. It's probably overkill, but I hate being photographed.

After one last look in the mirror, I get out of the car. I'm sure people wonder how a young woman like me can afford a car like that. They probably ask themselves: ‘Who paid for it? Her father? Her husband / boyfriend? Or maybe her sugar daddy?’

I mean, it’s not exactly a lie, my dad did pay for it. But in the age of social media and influencers, I can get money on my own. The only problem is that I don't like being out in public.

I lock the car and enter the bar. Marina is sitting at a table and waves as soon as she sees me.

I walk over to her, and she stands up to greet me. “Hi,” I say, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “How are you?”

“Fine and you?” she asks.

I put my bag down and sit across from her. “Me too,” I reply. “Have you ordered yet?”

“I was waiting for you.”

I open the menu and study it carefully. I decide on a coffee and a water. After putting the menu back in the holder, I immediately look at Marina.

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