Page 3 of Scoring Truth
“Bro! What the fuck!”
“Gage! You know better!”
He chuckles in his seat and winks at me. “You guys are so easy to rile up. I don’t believe in that superstitious crap, and you all shouldn’t either. We’re sitting with the number one QB in the league!”
I shake my head at Jackson. He’s always been my number one supporter, aside from Dad, and I love him for it.
“I’m in charge of the event, so you can come at the last minute if you want, Jame. You’ve got a few weeks, think about it. But we’d love to have you there. You know Coach Karol is dying to spend some time with you. “
“I know.” I smile, thinking about my college coach. “I haven’t had too much time to follow them. How’s his team doing?”
“They’re not bad. The new QB settled in nicely, but there’s something missing. I don’t know if he’s just not blending in with the rest of them or what, but Coach Karol has asked me down there a few times to work with the offense.” I narrow my eyes at Jackson as he digs around his plate with his fork before shoving a bite into his mouth. He talks around the food. “It’d really be great if you showed up. The kid might respond better to you.”
This guy, I know what he’s doing. I see the twinkle in his eye as he says it, too. I huff a laugh. “Yeah? Respond better to me than you, huh?” Shaking my head. “You guys will try anything.”
“We just want you with us, Jameson! We miss spending these events with you!” Mackenzie says. “You don’t have to come with a date, just come and be with us.”
“Don’t tell him that! Of course, he’s gotta come with a date. He can’t hang around Uncle Mark and be single. You’re an NFL Quarterback for Christ's sake. Don’t you wanna get laid, kid?”
A laugh bursts from me, but more so when I see my dad jump from his chair and charge Mark.
“Hey! Can we act like civilized adults, please?” Francesca chastises the guys.
“Yeah, right. We’re a bunch of feral animals when we’re all together,” Jackson answers.
“It only gets rowdy when you’re here, Jackson.”
“You’re welcome,” Jackson responds to my dad with a big grin.
Oh, how I’ve missed this. I really do miss being so close to everyone. It’s the first time that I’ve not been within walking distance of any of them. It’s been hard. I wouldn’t trade my life and the goals I’ve reached, don’t get me wrong, but it would be nice to share them with my family.
And maybe a girlfriend.
3
JAMESON
Growing up in Christmas, Texas, was like growing up in a Hallmark movie, and it fit me perfectly. Ilovelove. I’m a romantic at heart. My parents are amazing, and I never thought for a second that they were unhappy with me or their life.
But they were not in love.
And what showed love more than the sacrifice they gave for me? They got pregnant young, and my dad did the right thing and married my mom. They were high school sweethearts. They weren’t in love, maybe more in lust, but they decided they were going to stick it out.
For me.
I’m grateful for the family life they provided. They never fought in front of me, but there was little emotion whatsoever.
And maybe that’s why I look for thatlove because I want it to exist, even if I didn’t witness it firsthand. But it’s there if you open yourself up to it.
My dad got his second chance, and I couldn’t be happier for him. Summer was just the woman he needed, and it was awesome watching him fight it all the way and finally fall in love.
He was such a grouch. Still is, but Summer has softened him.
And proved to me that I was right all along. There is someone for everyone, and if you aren’t afraid, you can have the love you’ve always dreamed of.
Now I just need to find her.
I was a foolish teenager when I set my heart on one woman. In the end, she wasn’t for me. But I know a second chance is out there waiting for me.
