Page 10 of Fumble Into the End Zone
“Yes, but go easy on her. Renee will be over to help Granny and make dinner. And guess what? Your teacher is giving you a goodbye party,” I said.
Harley’s shoulders dropped in defeat because she didn’t want to move to Texas. Before I left, she asked if I could get traded to a team closer to Ohio. For someone who made friends with ease, she still worried about not fitting in. Harley also needed a mother, and it was time I got serious about dating.
“Okaayyy, Daddy,” she said slowly.
“Hey, if you give me a smile and be good for Granny, I’ll buy you a new doll.”
Instantly, her shoulders hiked, and her eyes widened with excitement.My secret weapon still worked.Harley’s doll collection needed its own room.
“If I’m extra good, can I get a Fashion Doll?” she questioned.
Never mind that I had bought two dolls for her birthday a few weeks ago. Those dolls were two hundred dollars and up, but she took care of them.
“Only if you’re a big girl. Do we have a deal?”
“Yes, sir,” she said.
“Take Granny the tablet and help her out a little,” I said.
From the change in wall color, I knew Harley had already left her bedroom.
“Granny, Daddy is on the tablet,” she said.
Eddy knew nothing about technology. I chuckled when I could only see Granny’s chin. Harley pulled the tablet down, and our eyes finally greeted each other.
“You know I can’t stand these things,” she griped.
“I know, but I need to put my eyes on you. I’ll text you and Harley Mrs. Prescott’s number to use for emergencies if you can’t catch me. Renee will be by a few extra days until I get back.”
My granny scoffed. She hated for other people to take care of her and Harley.
“Me and Harley don’t need no help,” she said, and I shook my head.
“Mrs. Allen, don’t you start. I’ll be there to pick you up in three weeks for our move to Houston. Call me if you need me. Do you know where the emergency cash is?” I questioned.
Eddy closed her eyes and shook her head. “Yes, I know where the emergency cash is and Harley and I will be fine. You focus on the football game,” she said.
“I love both of you. I will call you tonight. Harley, it’s your turn to add to the story,” I said.
They both expressed their love and hung up.
Bryce and I arrived at the training facility, and I noticed there were rookies, offensive linemen, second year players, and no veterans. I was taking a risk by practicing off the books without a contract being signed. Dean emailed with the news last night.Mr. Jordan rejected our counter offer. He would only agree to the original contract.
Bryce whistled, and the team walked toward us.
“Everybody, this is Marcus, my new wide receiver one. Let’s get him up to speed but he is used to the shotgun plays and the West Coast offense.”
The doors of the practice facility moved, and several Hall of Fame players entered, including wide receiver, Jalin Austin. My heart paused because he was the blueprint. I studied his film when I needed insight on how to shake a corner. He was before his time and often not in enough conversations for his greatness. Bryce Prescott Sr. was a monster on the field as a left tackle. Wayne Hill walked in behind them and I exhaled a hard breath.
Quarterbacks still had nightmares about him being on their wide receiver one. He took away half of the field and interrupted more plays than anyone in the League. They walked up to the line of scrimmage in practice clothes.
“Meet your coaches,” Bryce Jr. said, and I side-eyed him. “I’m going to split everyone up and let’s run a few plays,” he said.
I lined up at the line of scrimmage against the goat Hill, and he snorted. “I watched your little ass. You’re fast, but I’ll lock you up before you step off the line,” he said.
“Let’s go to Janet’s house. Janet’s house,” Bryce Jr. said.
Before the huddle break, Bryce gave me two signals: a thigh rub meant go long, and heel lift meant slant. On the first play, he wanted me to go for it against the best corner in The Football League history.
