AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Luke Dalton,” he answers.
“Luke, hello, it’s Lincoln Nash. I’ve just been hired as the new head coach of the Vegas Aces, and my first order of business is getting you on my coaching staff.”
He laughs. “Congratulations, Nash. It’s good to hear from you.”
“Nice talking to you, too. How’ve you been?”
“Oh, you know, living the dream. Two small kids, a beautiful wife, and a job I love.” He emphasizes the last part.
“What’s the job?”
“I opened an agency. Mostly I represent rookies, and my wife runs their publicity. It’s a great partnership.”
I hear it in his voice. He doesn’t want to give that up to come back to the grueling schedule we have as coaches.
“I hear you’ve been working as a consultant with the team. What do I have to do to get you here full time?” I ask.
“I appreciate the offer, man, and I’d be honored to continue with the consulting side gig, but I can’t give up what I have going on here,” he says. “It’s too big a commitment and between my age and my family, I don’t have it in me.”
I hide my disappointment. I guess I felt like I was on top of the world there for a minute, like rejections just would no longer find me since I got the job, but apparently I’m still human. “I get it, and I’d love to keep you on as a consultant.”
We say our goodbyes and hang up, and I cross Luke’s name off my short list of additions to my staff.
I make a few more calls and get a few more ideas lined up, and then an incoming call from my brother interrupts me from what I’m doing.
“Hell must’ve frozen over. Grayson Nash is actually calling me?” I answer.
“Mom just called with the news. Congrats, man. Now when I show up in Vegas I can kick your ass at poker and football.”
“You’re an asshole,” I jab.
He dishes it right back. “Takes one to know one. Listen, we decided sort of last minute to throw Grandma and Grandpa an anniversary party at end of the month back home and I’m supposed to put the word out now since you’re so busy.”
“The end of the month is literally two weeks away,” I say dryly. “Thanks for the notice.”
“Can you make it?” He’s pleading, which means he wants me there so he doesn’t get in trouble with Mom. It’ll be nice to see the whole family, anyway. I’m sure Spencer and Asher will be there. My parents will be there. And it’s always a pleasure to see my grandparents—my mom’s mom and dad. My grandparents on my dad’s side both died before I hit my teen years.
I don’t have much choice but to show up. Plus it’ll give me the chance to share the news with everybody in person even though my mother seems to have already taken care of that for me.
I sigh. “You know I’d do anything for Gram and Gramps. I’ll be there.”
“I’ll text you the details. The party is Saturday but we’ll do dinner Friday and—"
“Brunch Sunday,” I finish. It’s family tradition on the rare occasion when we get together for a weekend.
There’s a knock at my door, and when I glance up, Jack is standing there.
“I need to run. Talk to you later,” I say, and I cut the call and set my phone on my desk.
“Don’t hang up on my account,” Jack says, stepping into my office.
I chuckle, and I think about standing, but then he sits, so I don’t move.
“Listen, I’ve got the press conference lined up for four tomorrow. Steve and I will say some shit, you’ll say a few words, and we’ll take a few questions. Do you have a publicist you’re working with?”
I shake my head. Most offensive coordinators don’t really require publicity.
“Might I recommend my sister-in-law? Luke’s wife. She’s incredible and works with many of our players.”
