Page 38 of A Chance at Forever
Rusty would never meet the guy, but he had an overwhelming urge to slug him. “His loss. I’m not going to play you, Tori. Steve and Danny would pound me into the ground if I did. And I caught a glimpse of your brothers when they visited you last month. Big, beefy guys. I wouldn’t stand a chance against them in a fight.”
His comment brought a smile to her lovely face. “Four against one is hardly a fair fight.”
“Exactly. I value my ugly mug.”
Victoria laughed and the lightheartedness between them resumed.
They stayed in San Francisco long enough to watch the sun cast its golden glow over the bay. When they reached Marysville, Victoria called Mr. Noyes to let him know she was using her swipe badge to access the auditorium.
As they carried the furniture into the storeroom area backstage, Rusty said, “I’ve never been back here.”
“I’m disappointed,” she joked.
“So, you left the year I started teaching here, right?” He set the steamer trunk against a wall on the right side of the storeroom.
Victoria handed him the wooden rocking chair. “Yes. Biggest mistake of my life personally. Professionally, I like to think I contributed something positive to my family’s company.” She started removing the vintage clothing from several bags and hanging them up on a metal rack. “Why doesn’t anyone address you as Dr. Sinclair?”
Rusty stacked the matching chairs next to the steamer trunk. “Sounds too pretentious.”
“What are your PHDs in?”
“Microbiology and immunology.”
“Wow. Sounds as if you should be doing research for the CDC.”
Victoria helped him lift the loveseat from the back of his truck and carry it into the storeroom. Out of breath they plopped onto it. Rusty stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankle.
He didn’t know how to respond to Victoria’s comment. Years ago, he and Alex had made plans for their future. Alex would conduct research in the biomedical field, and Rusty would provide the financial backing through playing pro-football. But his NFL career came to a tragic end when his parents died on their way to see him play in his third Super Bowl. They had chartered a flight to Tampa, Florida, and it crashed in the Gulf of Mexico. He didn’t know how he made it through the game when word reached him. It was a complete blur to him. Afterward, he’d auctioned his rings and donated the money to Alex’s research, including the majority of the millions of dollars he’d earned over eight years. He’d kept enough of his fortune to finance the family ranch in Denver, to provide trust funds for his sister’s kids, and for his own future family someday.
“I found my purpose in teaching and coaching. No matter what happens in the future, I’m at peace with my decision to leave pro-football and start a different career. This matters more to me than anything else. Does that make sense?”
She laid a hand on his knee and gave it a gentle squeeze. The sensation shot through his entire body. “Perfect sense.” Victoria rose from the loveseat. “It’s been a long day. You ready to go home?”
“Ice cream first?”
“Yummy. Let’s go.”
Since Farrell’s was filled with kids out late on a Saturday night, Rusty and Victoria strolled through the park and enjoyed their dessert in the gazebo. When they finished their cones, Rusty drove them home to Lake Ellis. He parked in his driveway and escorted Victoria to her front door.
“In spite of Bud getting shot earlier this morning, I had fun today. You’re not so hard to get to know after all, Tori.” He body bumped her, and she pretended to almost fall over.
“Ow!” She body bumped him back, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Ow!” she exclaimed in earnest this time and rubbed her hip. “You’re as solid as a rock.”
“Tell that to the linebackers who tackled me as if I were as light as a feather.” He smiled.
Victoria laughed. “I’ll bet. Anyway, thanks for today. I’m sorry if I misjudged you, Rusty.”
“You had your reasons. I’ll see you at church in the morning. I’d like to go with you to visit Bud, if that’s okay.”
“Absolutely.”
“We can grab lunch at Smith’s Diner afterward.”
“What if I cook instead?”
“Even better. Good night, Tori.”
“Good night.” She smiled and slipped inside.
