Page 100 of Home Town Advantage
I shrug. “At the end of the day, it’s just football.”
“You love football. You always have.”
I’ve been thinking about everything Coach has said to me recently. I look down at her, the woman I love, and speak my truth. “Football is my job. You’re my reason.”
Tears immediately fill her eyes, but she remains silent.
I hold her tight as I admit, “I do love football, and I want to keep playing. I’ve been loyal to this organization since day one. Knowing they’re willing to dump me like this has been an eye-opener. You’re lucky to have the team owner you do. Reagan Daulton cares about you guys as people. I’ve seen it with the Cougars, and I’ve seen it with the Anacondas. Youknow she paid Layton for an additional season after his injury? She wasn’t contractually obligated to do so, but said it was the right thing to do after all he’s given to the organization. And she split the costs of Bailey’s therapy equipment with Tanner when Bailey’s insurance wouldn’t cover it. That’s how you inspire people to play for you, not by threatening their careers.”
“What if things don’t go your way?” she quietly asks.
I shrug. “I’m not sure. I’ll deal with it when the time comes. If this had happened ten years ago, I’d flip out. Obviously, life has dealt me some blows that make football just a little less important. I have money and security. If football goes away, then I’ll move on. It’s not life or death.”
She nods in understanding before whispering, “I miss him.”
I pull her close. “So do I. Every minute of every single day. I hope you know that. The pain never goes away, you just learn how to live with it.”
She sighs. “Sometimes I swear I hear his laugh. It was so distinct.”
I can’t help but crack a small smile as I think of his laugh. “It’s one of the things I miss the most.”
She looks up, and her sad eyes meet mine. “I won’t ask you right now because I don’t want to fight, I’ve missed you so much and don’t have it in me, but one day, will you tell me everything?”
I nod. “One day. I promise.” And for the first time, I think I mean it.
I’m awakenedby a loud banging at the front door. I look down at Sulley, still fast asleep on my chest, right where I left her. She’s out cold. She’s probably exhausted. It’s hard to sleep properly on road trips. I crash when I get home too.
The loud banging starts up again. I don’t want it to wake her. Gently placing her on the bed, I get up, slide on my jeans, and head to the front door. Opening it, I see Reagan Daulton in a black pantsuit. Does this woman ever dress casually?
She takes in my presence and state of undress. “That answers one question for me.” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “God dammit, is every athlete in this town fucking each other? Where’s Sulley? I’ve been calling her all morning and she’s not answering.”
“Good morning to you too,” I say sarcastically. “She’s still asleep. She’s tired. She works her ass off for you. Can I help you with something?”
“Go wake her. It’s important.”
I hesitate briefly, but I know she wouldn’t be here if it weren’t important, so I nod at her request and then head back to the bedroom.
I lean down and kiss Sulley’s neck. “Baby, wake up.”
With her eyes still closed, she sleepily mumbles, “Noooo. I’m tired. Let me sleep.” She reaches for my arm and tugs on it. “Get back in bed with me. I sleep better with you.”
While that’s extremely tempting and I’m very happy at her half-awake confession, I can’t get back into bed with her. “Baby, Reagan Daulton is here.”
Her eyes pop open, and she bolts upright. “Here? In my house?”
“Yes.”
Her brow creases with worry. “Did she see you?”
“Yes.”
She plops back down on her pillow. “Ugh. Fuck my life.”
She begrudgingly gets out of bed, quickly dresses in a T-shirt and shorts, and we walk back out to see Reagan in the living room waiting.
Sulley tries to plaster a fake smile on her face, and Reagan lets out a laugh. “You look truly happy to see me.”
Sulley winces. “Sorry. I’m just waking up.”
