Page 24 of Scoring Truth
I’m suddenly bumped from behind and bobble my phone. I turn quickly to see someone with a hoodie walking away. He throws one hand up and calls out, “Sorry, man.”
I move closer to the window and out of the line of traffic. “Chess? You there? Sorry, someone bumped into me. Was something leaked, though? I don’t want Penelope feeling uncomfortable when we come to Candy Cane Key.”
“You really like her, don’t you?”
Shrugging, even though she can’t see me, I explain. “I don’t know too much yet, but yeah, I guess so. She’s different.”
Francesca coos across the line. “I couldn’t wait for this day to come!”
“Yo, J-Dub! Let’s roll!” Turning toward the voice, I see Darius and Connor motioning me over.
“I gotta go, Chess, we’re boarding.”
“Okay, have a safe flight. We’ll see you in New York tomorrow. I’ll get ahead of this, but I’m not sure how long it’s going to last. I told the magazine to hold off until I could get a quote, and I promised they’d be the first to break the story if they could keep it quiet.”
I groan. “Just don’t make me look like a pathetic loser who had to buy a date.”
“Never! Now go. Earn your paycheck.”
She laughs and ends the call. I debate for a moment on whether to send Penelope a text, but instead, I just follow my team and get on the plane.
16
PENELOPE
Our first time together was lackluster at best. But it just proved him to be more real. Jameson told me he couldn’t hold back because he was attracted to me. He didn’t play it off, saying he had been drinking or that he was tired from football or whatever. He told me the truth.
And then he more than made up for it through the night.
I never knew it could be like this. Everything I’ve seen in movies and books tells me it can happen, but in reality? Not so much. And especially not for a nerd like me.
It’s been four days since I’ve seen Jameson. We’ve sent quick texts here and there while he was traveling for his game. The girls and I went to RedZone and watched the game. It was a totally different feeling this time, watching him play, knowing he’s ticklish. Knowing how he kisses.
Knowing how he tastes.
But I’m left wondering what’s going on the closer we getto our weekend. My girls tried to explain the Christmas Ball to me. Apparently, it’s a big thing down in Candy Cane Key, especially for returning players. I’m nervous he’s having second thoughts. About everything. About me. About the weekend.
He’s a big-shot NFL quarterback. Why does he need me?
I know he’s explained it’s hard for him to find someone who likes him for him. I guess I just can’t understand what he sees in me. Or why he’d want to continue seeing me.
We haven’t had that conversation yet. It’s still too new, and I’m not putting any stock into this. My girls got me into this mess. I’ll ride it out and not get too hopeful.
It’s Thursday night, and we leave for Candy Cane Key tomorrow morning. Jameson is on his way over after sending me a text saying he missed me and wanted to talk about the weekend. So, I’m feeling better about us, if we can call us an “us” after such a short time of knowing each other.
After being at his apartment, I was reluctant to have him come to my small hole in the wall. But then I remembered he’s not like that. He’s not a flashy guy, and the more we talk, the more I see him as that boy next door that the NFL is banking on.
For a guy to really walk the walk and talk the talk, they picked the right man.
17
JAMESON
“So how are we playing this? If you haven’t noticed, we’re not exactly a match.”
“We’re going to make you love football, don’t you worry.”
She laughs. “I don’t mean just football, Jameson.” She grows quiet, and I turn to face her on the couch.
