AllFreeNovel
Share Us
They both knew this was coming since Miles played the first quarter and Brandon played the second and third with a kid from our practice squad finishing out the game, but Brandon is still pissed to hear the words as they fall out of my mouth.
“I thought this was my year,” he mutters. “Instead, I’ve made a career waiting for my turn.”
I’m about to say something when Miles shocks the hell out of me.
“Hey, man,” he says, turning to Brandon. “I know this is tough and I’m sorry. I really look up to you and admire you, and if we can work together this season as we train and practice, I know your day will come.”
And that is why my gut told me to choose him. He’s a natural leader, and he’s more mature than his twenty-two years would imply. The sportsmanship he’s showing someone a decade older—a decade more experienced—than him is impressive, and it just proves he belongs in this position.
Brandon looks as surprised as I feel at Miles’s words. “Thanks, man.” He nods a little curtly, but he seems to accept that this is his role.
If only every challenge in life was solved quite so easily.
CHAPTER 4: LINCOLN
We all knew the call would come at some point, and it comes when I’m running drills with defense on a Thursday afternoon. I ignore it. I don’t take calls when I’m on the field with players.
But when he calls again later in the evening, I know I can’t put it off forever.
I’m still at the office, but it’s mostly empty now. Even Jack has gone home to his wife and kids. Steve is around here somewhere, and Mike’s car was still in the parking lot when I walked by a few minutes ago. A few guys are down in the training room, but my floor is quiet as I study film ahead of Sunday’s match against the Titans.
“What can I do for you, Dad?” I answer.
He huffs out a laugh but doesn’t return the rather genial greeting. “I know you know about your brother. I’m just reiterating how essential it is no one finds out.”
My chest tightens a little as I still wonder whether Jolene overheard. She hasn’t mentioned it since it happened a few days ago, but we also haven’t seen each other much in the last two days. “Yeah, I’m well aware.” My tone is dry, and he doesn’t seem to care for that.
“Stay away from that reporter, Lincoln. You’re playing with fire.”
I blow out a breath. “I know what I’m doing.”
“Playing podcast with that little girl? You’re being ridiculous to find ways to spend time with her. You think I don’t know what you’re up to?”
I’m certain he has no clue what I’m up to. “I’m not sure why you want to live my life for me, but I’ve got this handled.”
“If she finds out about what Asher did, you know it’s both your asses on the line,” he reminds me—as if I need the reminder.
“I’m well aware. How about a thanks for paying off his debts instead of the constant confirmations that I’m subpar?” I can’t help when the words fall from my mouth, and he’s as surprised by them as I am. “I need to go.” I end the call, and I think for a moment he might call back, but he doesn’t.
I know I need to keep the secret, and I’m tired of my father constantly putting pressure on me and trying to run my life for me. I may not be doing a bang-up job of it myself right now, but I don’t need his interference.
I need to keep my focus on the season. We have one preseason game remaining, and then we have two weeks to get ready for kickoff weekend.
We’re ready. We’re making the tweaks we need to now so we can start the season with a bang. Our first game is here at home against the Seahawks—our number one rival—and that is where my focus needs to be. Not on all this other noise that’s simply taking my attention from where it should be.
I shouldn’t have agreed to the podcast. I was in a tight spot and wanted to work on my image, so I thought Ellie’s plan had some merit. I thought it was a way to improve my status in the community, and maybe it is. But despite the fact that it means more time with Jolene, it’s also serving to become a distraction—one more thing on my already full plate.
But I committed to it, and I will see it through. The good news is that the studio is close by, so if I have a free moment, I can pop in to record with Jolene if she’s around. I can make it a working lunch or dinner if I need to as well. And likely, that’s what it’s going to turn into. It’s been tough finding the time for it in between everything else.
But it does mean I get a weekly date with Jolene, and I can’t complain about that.
And speaking of distractions…
I pause everything where I’m at to head out for dinner. I’m meeting Sam tonight at the Gridiron for a late dinner, and the only goal is to appear happy.
I don’t want to go. I have things I need to finish, things I’m in the middle of, and the last thing I want to do is go out to another dinner with my girlfriend’s best friend.
This whole act is completely ridiculous, but I’m in far too deep now.
