Page 87 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

“Are you saying you changed your mind? You don’t want me to go with you?” I cast her a horrified look.

“No!” she balks. “Of course, I want you to come, I just want you to be absolutely certain you’re done with football.”

“My future with you is more important than the game.” I give her fingers another squeeze.

“Your foundation is up and running, and you’d be missing out on that.”

“Shane or Dante will cover for me. Maybe both.” My teammates have been really impressed with the work we’re doing, especially as fathers who want to see their kids do well in school and sports. I have no doubt they’ll take on some of the speaking engagements for me while I’m supporting Sam around the world.

“And besides, my foundation focuses on education, this new project focuses on education, it all fits.”

“I suppose.” Sam leans back against the headrest..

“Stop worrying about what I’m giving up, beautiful. I’m gaining more time with you. That’s all I want.” She smiles as I kiss her hand again.

I know she doubts it, though I’m really not upset about walking away from football. It’s time. And I’m excited to do something different with my life, something that has more meaning than winning a ring. Even the timing worked out, because we leave in a few days, and Sawyer’s going to join us, at least for the summer, so I’ll be able to keep working on the relationship we’ve started to build.

There may be no more football in my future, but life is still good.

**Sawyer**

“Sawyer?” Dad gives me a curious look when he opens the door and finds me on the doorstep with my packed bags. “What are you doing here? You’re two days early.”

“I know. I was hoping to talk to you about that.” I rock back and forth on the balls of my feet.

He rubs the sleep from his eyes and steps aside so I can come in. “Sam’s in the kitchen. I’ll grab your bags.”

I make my way inside and take a seat at the island. Sam hands Dad his morning coffee when he joins us.

“So if you didn’t get the date wrong, what’s up?” Dad asks.

“Can I stay?” I wring my hands in my lap, my gaze darting back and forth between the two of them.

“Stay where?” He sets his mug on the counter before it reaches his lips. “Did you change your mind about going? Or do you want to stay here until it’s time to leave?”

“No, I mean can I stay the whole time? I don’t want to come back.” I hold my breath, waiting for him to decide my future.

“You mean move there with us?” His eyes dart to Sam’s. Hers are bugged out, staring at me. “You still have two years of school.”

“I can do it online.” I’ve rehearsed this answer.

“What about track?” Tiny creases ripple along his forehead.

“I can run anywhere. And it’s not like I was gonna go pro in that anyway, it’s just a hobby.”

“What about your mom? And Anthony?” He rubs the back of his neck and casts another glance toward Sam, who’s still staring at me with wide eyes.

“I’ve been Mom’s problem for years. I’m sure she’d enjoy the break.”

“Sawyer, don’t insult your mother. You know she’ll flip out about you moving halfway around the world before you’re done with high school.”

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” I play my first card. “I’d get to learn about other cultures and get some real-world experience doing something that makes a difference. And my schoolwork doesn’t have to suffer because I can do it online.”

“Those are all excellent points.” Sam finally finds her voice. “Don’t you want to have your high school years with your friends? I never had that, but my understanding is it’s like a rite of passage.”

“High school is overrated. I’d prefer an actual education and the chance to make a difference than a full social calendar.” That card will speak to Sam, who lives for altruistic causes, and would choose those over a social life any day.

“Where is this coming from?” Dad asks. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you have an interest in exploring other cultures and making a difference, but I thought you liked school? I thought you were getting more involved?”

---