Page 105 of Scored

“You have me.”

My watch told me we had already passed our usual adjournment time. “Before we go, I spoke with Aunt Rachel before the meeting. This news must stay between only us until after the Super Bowl.” I had everyone’s attention. “The game in Los Angeles will be Coach Tilson’s last game as the Coopers’ head coach.”

“What the fuck, Vee?” Grant questioned. “We’re going to the Super Bowl and you fired him, without talking to us?”

“No.”

Aunt Rachel spoke. “Don informed Vee this morning that he accepted a position at University of Michigan. He’s tired of professional football.”

“It’s past Black Monday,” Lip said.

“It is,” I agreed. “There will still be many formidable options who will be willing to come to Lexington. We’re more than a small-market team. We’re a Super Bowl-contending team. But I asked Don for his opinion on who his replacement should be. He said Andrew Pratt. For the same reason we offered Quinten Ledger the general manager position—familiarity—I think we should consider Drew.”

Uncle Darin leaned back against his chair. “As if we didn’t have enough happening.”

“I couldn’t agree more. Now, this news doesn’t leave this room. University of Michigan has also agreed not to announce Don as their hire until after the Super Bowl.”

As we were leaving the Carroll meeting room, Grant stopped me. “Daphne is coming with us to LA.”

I felt my nostrils flare. “I assumed so.”

“Okay?”

The way he said the one word sounded like a question. “I’m sure she told you she finally called me. Listen, there’s never been any love lost between Daphne and me. I don’t know what to think of her marriage to Dad, and I honestly don’t have the bandwidth to analyze it. I hope Dad was happy with his choices. Daphne should be too. My advice is to come clean to everyone. I mean, if you want a future with her.”

“We’re not ready for that. It’s another reason I wanted to talk to you in private. Don’t say anything.”

“I won’t. Daphne didn’t deny it when we spoke. She also told me it’s been going on for years.” I shrugged. “I’m a fan of monogamy and don’t see the appeal in…whatever it is you’re doing or Dad did.”

“Just don’t cause issues.”

I shook my head. “Grant, it’s my team and my plane. I can fucking kick her ass out. I’m not going to.” I narrowed my gaze. “If you want to give someone a warning, give it to Daphne.”

It was nearly twelve thirty by the time I made it back to my office.

“Vee,” Jen said as I entered the outer office, “Virginia Athens is in your office. I hope you don’t mind. I know you have another meeting at one.”

“Could you get me a salad from the cafeteria?”

“Sure thing.”

“Thank you.” I inhaled and opened the door.

Virginia was standing near the windows. She turned my way as the door opened. “I have information on the roses.”

CHAPTER 43

Fin

“It’s NFL standard protocol for every active player to undergo physical evaluations prior to the Super Bowl,” Lacy said.

“Physical evaluation,” I repeated. “Not an MRI.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “Do you or do you not recall last week asking me to postpone the MRI in exchange for you wearing your sling?”

“I have a vague recollection.” I flashed a smile. “A lot has happened since then.”

“Mr. Graham, a smile may help you in other areas of your life. I’m not so easily impressed. Have you been wearing the sling while you sleep?”