Chapter 28
CHAPTER 28
RHETT
I climbed out of the car and walked up the familiar driveway.
Cruze stood at the door, her face breaking into a warm smile. “Hello, my boy.” She threw her arms around me and kissed my cheek. “Where is that beautiful lady of yours?”
I gave her a sad smile. “Afraid it’s just me tonight.”
Her lips turned down. “It’s cold out. Let’s get you inside and warm you up.”
Once I reached the foyer, I kicked my shoes off and hung my jacket on the hook.
“Your parents are in the sitting room. Can I get you anything?”
I shook my head. “No, thank you. I’m good.”
I followed Cruze into the formal living room, where my dad was sitting in his favorite chair, engrossed in paperwork. He looked up as soon as I entered the room.
“Thanks for coming, son,” he said, adjusting his reading glasses to the bridge of his nose. “Have a seat.”
My mother pushed the book aside while she was reading and stood to greet me. “Are you alone? I thought you might bring Natalie.”
“Just me. What did you want to talk to me about?”
“I think you know,” my dad said, getting straight to the point. “You’ve been getting quite a bit of… shall I say, less than flattering media coverage lately.”
“Bad press is better than no press, right?”
He took off his glasses and glared at me while holding them under his chin. “There has been an intense interest in your personal life. People are calling into question your character and have expressed disappointment in your decision-making. The press is having a field day with this story. We need to take control of the narrative.”
What else was new? I’d been a disappointment my entire life.
“Control the narrative for who? You or me?”
He stared me down. “Rhett, talk to me. What’s going on?”
I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair. “I’m getting traded.”
“You’re getting traded because you married Natalie?” my mother asked, stepping back in shock.
I didn’t answer. I just shook my head.
“Can he do that?” She started pacing the room, and I could see her putting on her lawyer cap, mentally searching for a legal way around this.
“It’s his team. He can do whatever he wants.”
He made that perfectly clear.
“Where will you go?” My dad folded his hands in his lap.
I leaned my hip against the sofa and crossed my arms. “New York has expressed an interest.”
“What about Natalie?” She walked toward me.
I closed my eyes, trying not to think about that part. I’ve been so consumed with figuring out my next steps that I haven’t had much time to focus on my feelings. Which was good because every time my mind would start to drift to her, my heart would only hurt more.
My mind kept going back to our last conversation. Even though I understood why she was so scared, it didn’t lessen the pain. It was one thing to understand why she did it. It was another to accept it.
I ran a hand down my face. “Natalie and I are over or on a break. I don’t even know at this point. She asked me for space but didn’t say for how long, so I don’t know where we stand right now.”
They both shared a look, and the room went silent for a minute.
“You don’t know if you’re together or not?” my mom finally asked.
“It’s complicated.” I looked down at the floor. “I pretty much got pissed off and told her I wasn’t going to stick around and wait for her to decide if she wanted to be with me or not.”
That was the part that pissed me off because we didn’t need to take a damn break. She promised me no matter what, and instead of sticking by my side and supporting me, she ran at the first sign of conflict. What did that say about her? About us?
“Is there anything I can do to help?” My dad leaned forward in his chair. His willingness to help shocked me. I figured they would have been thrilled.
I looked up in surprise. “With Natalie?”
Dad nodded and gave me a small smile. “Sure, or with your contract situation. Whatever you need.”
I blinked at them. “I assumed you guys would be happy. You never approved of me playing football. This is one step closer to getting me behind that desk you have waiting for me. If I can’t find a team, then I’ll be unemployed.”
That was a stretch because there were already teams that had expressed an interest. Unfortunately, most of those teams were terrible and in places where I had no desire to live. Leaving Atlanta and the team I loved, fucking sucked.
My dad laughed. “Rhett, I never believed for one second that you would ever consider coming to work for me. I used that threat because it was the only one that seemed to scare you. You’re a grown man now. I couldn’t control you as a kid. You think I’d be any better at it now that you’re an adult?”
I looked at the framed photos lining the wall. Snapshots of Ford and my dad on the campaign trail, pictures of Reagan when she graduated law school. Then there was me, in my football uniform, with sweaty hair and a goofy smile. No matter how many MVPs or championship games I won, I always felt like I was coming up short in their eyes.
“Control? No, but there was never any doubt that if I did dress up in a suit and tie, that would have made you happy. I’ve always been a disappointment to this family. I didn’t go to your alma mater like Ford. I didn’t graduate at the top of my class like Reagan. I played a sport instead of going away to law school like everyone else in my family.”
Ever since I was a young boy, picking Pop Warner over political science, I felt the weight of their disappointment. The life choices I made were never going to live up to their expectations. They have never come out and said they were disappointed, but I felt it in every sigh, hard glance, and shake of a head.
My dad’s jaw ticked. “You have never been a disappointment to me. Your mother and I have worried about you ever since the day you put on your first pair of shoulder pads. Football is a dangerous sport.” He rubbed his temples. “You could get seriously injured; that’s always been our biggest worry. We have never been ashamed of you or your career. While it may be different from what we had originally hoped for you, we can still appreciate the dedication and commitment it takes to play the game at your level. We have been amazed by all you have accomplished.”
I studied my father as if seeing him in a new light. I always assumed he just disapproved of the path I’d chosen, that they were both displeased that I chased a dream instead of following a safe and more predictable career.
“Rhett, we love you unconditionally.” My mom sniffed. “We don’t care what you do for a living as long as you’re happy. That’s all your father and I want for you.”
It dawned on me that this was the first serious conversation with my parents in a long time, maybe ever. I felt that knot in my chest loosen.
My dad cleared his throat, and as I stared into his eyes, nothing but love was reflected back at me. “Maybe we haven’t said it enough, but we’ve always been proud of you, Rhett. I know we haven’t always been easy on you, but that’s because you were more challenging than Ford and Reagan, so we had to treat you differently. There hasn’t been a second in your life where we haven’t believed in you. You always found a way to be successful. It was always your way, but you always made things happen.”
I glanced down at my hands, feeling ashamed for assuming the worst all these years. “Thank you, both. You have no idea what those words mean to me.”
My mom reached out and took my hand. “Sometimes, things happen for a reason. I know you wanted your marriage to Natalie to work. I’m sorry things didn’t go as planned. Maybe some space will be good. It will give you both time to figure things out.”
“You’ll get through this, son.” Dad’s voice was filled with emotion. “You are strong and capable, and you have friends and family that love you. No matter what, we are here for you. We’ll support you in any way we can. That’s what families do.”
“Are you seriously considering New York?” My mom didn’t seem thrilled with that idea. I wasn’t either, but they had a strong offensive line with a great quarterback. I think I would do well there.
I hung my head, feeling a sense of defeat wash over me. “My agent is already in talks with the team, but nothing is set in stone yet.”
“That’s so far away.” She wiped at the tears in her eyes.
“It would only be during the season, and it’s a short, direct flight,” I said, trying to reassure her. I didn’t know who I was trying to convince more, me or them.
“What about Natalie?” my mom asked. “I don’t know her very well, but you seemed so happy together.”
Sadness swelled in my chest. “I don’t know, Mom. She’s worried about her uncle and his health. She thinks she’s doing me a favor. She won’t listen to reason.”
“Oh, my sweet boy.” My mom patted my leg. “Sometimes, you have to let things fall apart in order for them to fall back together. Give her a little bit of space. Maybe she’ll come around.”
I rubbed at the cramp in the back of my neck. “I hope you’re right, because, Mom,” I looked her in the eye, “even if things don’t work out with Natalie, I’m not marrying Claire. Ever.”
She ducked her head in embarrassment. “Got it.”
“How are you holding up, buddy?” JP squeezed my shoulder, and Mav patted my back as they sat down.
“Fucking fantastic.”
They both leaned forward and rested their elbows on their knees. “Tell us what you’re thinking?” Mav asked.
I cleared my throat. “I got an offer from New York.”
JP handed me a beer. “That’s great.”
I swallowed, staring at my hands. “Doesn’t feel great. I don’t want to go to New York. I hate the city and the cold. Not to mention, the subway stations always smell like shit.”
“Are those the only reasons?” Mav asked, narrowing his eyes.
I stared down at my blue Nike sneakers. “No.”
“I didn’t think so.” JP rubbed his knee. “Maybe there is a way you can reason with Beau.”
I looked between my friends. “You both know that will never happen. He hates me, and I don’t think I would be able to handle seeing Natalie every day knowing we couldn’t be together.”
JP shifted forward. “So, you’re just going to give up?”
They acted like I had a choice.
“I’m not giving up on anything. I already lost her,” I reminded them, in case they forgot the part where she left me.
JP was quiet for a moment. “Then maybe moving to New York will be the fresh start that you need.”
I glanced out the window at the city of Atlanta. Something in my chest tightened. Starting over with a new team was scary enough; living in a new city without my friends around was worse. But I’d still get to play ball, and maybe being away from her would make it hurt a little less.
“That’s why I’m considering the offer.” I took a sip of my beer and set it down .
Mav sat up. “Have you ever thought about going to her before making any final decisions?”
I scoffed. “After the way she left it. No.”
He shook his head. “She was upset and reacting with emotion. Trust me, nothing is worse than when a woman feels backed into a corner.” Mav’s face scrunched up like he was reliving a memory. “I’ve learned that a little bit of time and space can make a huge difference.”
I turned to him. “Why does everyone think space is a good thing? I don’t understand it.”
These two acted like they were enjoying this.
JP tapped my head. “Sometimes, people need time to sort through their own stuff. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you.”
“I sure as hell don’t need space,” I snapped. “Why can’t she believe in us like I do?”
Mav put his hand on my shoulder. “This isn’t about you. It’s about her. She’s dealing with a lot. You both are. Maybe she didn’t communicate it clearly enough, but it sounds like she is trying to be smart about this. You have to respect her feelings. It might be the best thing for both of you in the long run.”
“I’m not smart enough for this conversation.” I picked up my beer. “Are you guys on my side or not?”
They both laughed.
“You don’t have a lot of experience with relationships, so let me dumb this down for you,” Mav said. “Women don’t know what they want. They think they do, but at the end of the day, they just want someone to love them and to put them first. But if you push her when she asks for space, you could end up driving her away. Just be patient. Sometimes, you have to let go for a while.”
I swear to God, the man got off on fucking with me. “I’m going to ask you one more time. No more cryptic sentences and long-winded answers. Do I stay and fight or let her go?”
“If you let her go, there is no going back,” JP said. “Just because you sign a new contract doesn’t mean you have to lose the girl. You can still keep your place here. Plenty of players live and play in two different cities. Where you play doesn’t make being with her impossible.”
I had no idea if they were right or wrong. All I knew was that I wanted to be with her more than anything. Maybe if I gave her the space she asked for, she would realize she didn’t want to be without me.
Leaving my team was going to suck, but let’s be real for a second. Football wasn’t forever. I only had a few years left if I was lucky. Then what? Maybe get a job in broadcasting? That didn’t sound appealing, but it was better than going to work for my father.
And after being with Natalie, I knew I could never marry a woman I didn’t love. So, where did that leave me?
My phone buzzed on the table. I picked it up, and my eyes widened. “It’s her.”
They leaned forward, but I snatched up my phone and read the message out loud before they could grab it.
Natalie
I’m just checking in to see if you’re okay. Beau and I talked, and I feel like we are in a good place. His recovery is going well, but I’m worried about you. I want to see you and talk to you. You probably hate me, but I hope you will give me a chance to say what I need to say. Regardless of what happens, I will always love you. Let me know when you’re ready.
“Holy fuck!” My heart was pounding so fast. I looked at my friends, who were both grinning at each other .
“That sounds positive.” JP’s eyes lifted to mine.
“Are you going to text her back?” Mav asked.
I pursed my lips. “I think I will take your advice and give her some space to come to her senses.”
Mav’s head jerked back. “You’re kidding, right? I gave you that advice when I thought you needed to win her back. That text is a game changer.”
“It sure is, and now we are playing by a different set of rules,” I said, staring down at her message and reading it again.
“What the fuck is wrong with you? You better have the team doctor check your head for brain damage. You’re seriously going to string her along after that?” JP pointed to my phone.
“She hurt me. She needs to understand that I’m not going to just roll over whenever she feels like stomping on my heart. I might be a little sensitive, but if the situation was reversed, I’m pretty sure her girls wouldn’t be telling her to just give in.”
They looked at me like I’d lost all my marbles.
“Okay, let’s circle back a bit.” JP ran a hand through his hair. “Relationships are about compromise. She made a mistake, and it sounds like she’s owning up to it. The mature thing to do would be to text her back and hear her out.”
“I will.” I sat back and crossed my arms. “When I’m ready.”
JP shook his head. “It’s your funeral.”
Mav pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
I didn’t want to just give in. How could I possibly trust that she wouldn’t do this again? Things happened, and while this wasn’t all her fault, I didn’t want to make it so easy for her .
I never once doubted if she was the one. That’s what made it so hard to accept. I thought we were on the same page. But when I needed her the most, she left me. My friends were right; I had zero relationship experience, and the only reason I was acting this way was because she hurt me.
I wasn’t doing this to punish her. I was giving her time to ensure this was what she wanted. As much as it killed me not to text her back, I needed to get my emotions in check. If I did get her back, I wasn’t going to lose her again.