Page 73 of Making the Call
Luke
As I getoff the plane in Nashville, I power up my phone, and notifications blow up my phone. I have a few texts from Harlow, Mama, my sister, and of course Dani. I ignore everyone for a moment and click open Dani’s messages.
Dani: Hope you had a great flight. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. What’s your mom’s favorite color?
I quickly tap out a response, telling Dani her favorite color is purple. There’s no response after a few moments, so I click into my other messages and answer Harlow’s questions first, as they are the easiest to get out of the way.
When I tap onto my sister Marie’s message, my eyes bug out.
Marie: I’m coming to town this weekend, with Becca. Tell me everything about Danika before I get there.
Be prepared to be ambushed, is the unwritten message. Becca’s been Marie’s best friend since middle school. She’s outspoken, to the point of obnoxious at times, if you don’t know her well. You never have to guess what she’s thinking because the woman has zero filter. It’s the one thing you can always count on, like clockwork. Becca and I have a history of either being friendly or at each other’s throats because we’re both competitive, though it’s done out of love. She’s like another older sister, and I can hear the hounding now. Somehow, I have to warn Dani. Becca’s a bull in a china shop when she’s on a mission, and it’s clear from Marie’s message—their sights are set on Danika.
I quickly tap out a response to Marie, knowing she’ll send a follow-up soon.
Me: I’ll call you when I get to my hotel. No need to send in the pitbull. Geesh, I’ll tell you what you want. But I think you’ll like her.
While I wait for a response, Brandon Reynolds comes up to me. “You staying with the team at the hotel, or with your parents?”
Brandon’s known me for years. I do the best to stay with my family for at least a night, if we’re in Nashville. I used to have to stay with the team, in my early years, but ever since Mike got word of my family living so close to the team’s hotel, he insisted I stay with them instead, knowing I could be back to the hotel as soon as possible, if there was ever a problem.
“I’ll be staying with them. Dani’s coming out to meet them tomorrow.”
“Dani?” Brandon asks apprehensively as an eyebrow raises in my direction.
Shit. I hadn’t meant for her real name to come out. But Brandon’s one of my closest friends here on the team. We go back a long way, and I know he won’t say anything about her real name, to anyone. “Uh… Charlotte Ann is the pen name she uses as an author, to keep her anonymity.”
Brandon nods in understanding. “Makes sense. Don’t a lot of authors do that? Have a pen name, I mean.”
“Some do,” I admit. “But for now, can we keep her real name between us?”
Brandon nods. “You won’t hear anything from me. Hell, I’d bet there were times this past week, you wish you had a pseudo name. You’ve been so popular in the news this past week, I can’t imagine what it’s like to go out in public. Just the social media platforms alone would scare the bejezus out of me.”
“No kidding. Who the fuck cares if I’m dating? It’s not like it’s going to affect my performance as a coach.”
“Leighton…” Brandon shakes his head as if I should know better. “You’re the youngest coach in the league. Of course, eyes are gonna be on you. Add the fact that you’reeasy on the eyes, as the trend on Twitter says, and you’re bound to draw attention, now that you’re suddenly off the market.”
“Fuck, Brand. Don’t be ridiculous. I’m still just me. I wake up each day and do the best I can. How many coaches in the league have families? I’m not a lost unicorn or anything. I put on my pants just like everyone else, one leg at a time. Why the fuck do people care about my social life?”
Brandon smirks as his eyes roll to the back of his head, like I should know better. “I hate to break it to you, man, but you have your own personal fanbase, especially with women, since you’ve become head coach. I know your avoid social media like the plague, but according to my wife, fans are devastated you’re off the market.”
“Christ,” I mutter.
Brandon shrugs and levels me with a stare, the way Tyrell once had. “But tell me this, is the hype worth being with her?”
“Without a doubt,” flies from my lips without any thought.
“Good to hear. Just stay the course, and I’m sure you’ll be yesterday’s news soon enough. She must be pretty important for you to bring her home to meet the family.”
What can I say. “Yeah, she is. For the first time in forever, football isn’t my only priority. Thank God, she’s patient and flexible because my schedule during the season is insane, as you know.”
“Don’t I know it. I’m thankful my wife’s understanding and isn’t the jealous type. She knows I don’t want anyone but her. Being on the road isn’t easy when you’re in a relationship, but if it’s meant to be with Dani, I know it’ll work out for you.”
I simply nod in agreement when others from the team approach. I’m not about to open the opportunity for discussion about Dani again. Brandon and I grab our luggage and make our way to the charter bus and load with the rest of the team.
Though we pulled off a win in Boston, this past week has been hell being away from Dani. We tried to talk every day, but it wasn’t enough for me. Somehow, she’s burrowed her way into my life with little effort, and I’m beginning to see she’s not something I want to let go of anytime soon.
After a coaches meeting to confirm the agenda for tomorrow, I text my dad to let him know I’m ready to be picked up. I’d call for a car, but I’m not sure I want people to know where my parents live. Thankfully, our property is gated, but I’m not willing to risk it with the added hype this week. Besides, Dani will be here in the morning. I don’t want the media to get wind of anything.
