Page 36 of A Whole New Play

If I didn’t have a strong contract with a decent payout if the team decides to release me, I might be worried. But short of trading me, the team can’t get rid of me. And based on the fact there isn’t another linebacker on the roster with a record close to mine, I think I’m good. Just as long as I stop having shitty performances.

Valerie’s smile returns. It’s soft with affection. “I know. It’s been nice to spend so much time with him again.”

Still not wanting the conversation to end, I ask, “When was the last time you visited?”

She sighs. “Honestly, I don’t know. After starting college, I filled my breaks and summers with whatever internship or volunteer experience my mom insisted would look great to a future employer. Looking back, I wish I would’ve taken more time to just enjoy college, you know?”

I do know.

I won’t say I didn’t take advantage of being a football star from time to time. It was cool to be treated like a celebrity on campus, and even a pseudo-national celebrity when the team had an undefeated season my senior year and Gary approached me about becoming my agent for the upcoming draft.

But as a player, I was held to a certain standard when it came to partying and indulging in typical college vices. Which was probably for the best. Many of my fellow players fell into habits that didn’t serve them, or their football careers, well.

“I should have visited him more,” Valerie adds with sadness that makes me want to wrap my arms around her.

“Well, you’re here now.” I crack another smile. “And it’s a good thing, too. I was this close to searching the employee directories at the Big Four firms in Houston to figure out your identity.” I hold my thumb and pointer finger less than a centimeter apart, just like she had.

She laughs and shakes her head in disbelief. “No, you weren’t.”

“Yes, I was. The mystery of your identity nagged at me.”

“It did?”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to admit that hardly a night has passed when I’m not reminded of her and our night together, and how close I came to investing energy I didn’t have into learning her identity when I first returned from my vacation.

Only the fact that I woke up the following day and was greeted by my children’s faces kept me from wasting my time searching for her.

“It was,” I admit.

“Why didn’t you?”

“Why didn’t I what?”

“Try to figure out who I was.”

My brows lift. “Well, considering how you snuck out of my hotel room, I assumed you didn’t want me to.” I regret the moment the words leave my lips.

Awkwardness descends, and I want to kick myself for ruining this moment.

“Oh.” Valerie shuffles her feet. “Yeah… that makes sense.”

Don’t ask. Don’t ask. Don’t ask.

“Why did you?”

Damnit, Carter.

Wide green eyes meet mine. “Why did I leave?”

I nod. “Yes.”

She bites her bottom lip. “I just had a lot going on… and I guess I felt embarrassed by throwing myself at you like that.”

“So it had nothing to do with me?” I sound insecure, but I don’t care.

I don’t have false modesty. I know I’m good-looking and I’d say I’m easy to get along with. But my ego took a hit when she pulled her disappearing act.

“Of course not. You were great.” Her cheeks heat.

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