Chapter 12
Fin
Beyond the windows of the car, the landscape was more snow covered than the dusting we’d left in Lexington.
I said I didn’t envy Zane playing in the cold, but truth be told, I had fond memories of the snow.
I played six seasons here, the starting quarterback for the first five.
Those years were real learning experiences, both professionally and personally.
I was both married and divorced here.
The unique fan ownership model of Green Bay created a passionate fanbase.
Before my sixth season, I sustained a hamstring strain in my right thigh. Putting my weight on that leg was painful. The result was my long pass was gone. I started the first few games. The decision was made to let my backup play.
He was good.
So good, he’s still here.
While I went through recovery and rehab, Isaac Hughes took the team to victory. My hamstring was fine later in the season, and I saw playing time. I just wasn’t starting.
That’s when my agent, Jackson Blanch, encouraged me to take an offer from LA. My time in sunny California made me miss what I’m seeing out the windows. Despite the cold weather, the sidewalks and activity areas were filled with people all decked out in Packers attire.
While the Hubbards and Marshes had done tremendous things in Lexington, there was something almost spiritual about Green Bay: Lambeau Field, Lombardi Avenue, and Titletown District.
Everyone was a fan. Little babies were dressed in green and gold from the time they were born.
And old men and women proudly identify as cheeseheads.
Lodge Kohler was smack dab in the middle of the pregame festivities, and Rupert was waiting in line to drive us up to the entrance.
“I’d forgotten about the inner tube slide,” I said.
Vee and Ashley looked out the window.
“That’s tall,” Ashley said.
“Forty-six feet tall.”
Vee turned to me with her wide green eyes. “Did you ever…?”
“Are you kidding. Coach would have killed us.”
“You never did it? Snuck around?” Ashley asked.
A laugh bubbled from my throat. “Me, our center, and one of our running backs.”
“No,” Vee exclaimed. “Did the coach find out?”
“If he did, he never said anything. It was after the postseason. Do you know why they call this area Titletown?” I asked.
Vee pressed her lips together and furrowed her forehead. “I do.”
“I don’t,” Ashley said.
Vee answered. “The Packers franchise has won twelve NFL championships, including four Super Bowls.” She sighed. “More than any other team in the league.”
“Well,” Ashley replied, “they’re not going to get past the Vikings this year.”
Vee’s smile returned. “I like your attitude.”
Rupert stopped the SUV in front of the entrance to Lodge Kohler. As we made our way out of the Suburban, Rupert went around to the back and removed our luggage.
“Thank you, Rupert,” I said.
Vee added, “We’ll see you back here at 4:45 p.m.”
“Yes, Ms. Hubbard. I’ll surely be here.”
We spoke to the bellmen, thanking them for the welcome and declining assistance with our bags. The foyer of the hotel was stunning. Walking on the black-and-white checkered tiles, we approached the reception desk.
“Reservation for Graham,” I said. Turning to Vee, I whispered, “This time I know your room number.”
Pink blossomed in her cheeks.
Ashley went to another desk to our side.
“Fin.”
I’d recognize my mother’s voice anywhere.
“Lisa,” Vee said as the two embraced.
Mom hugged Ashley and then laid her hand gently on my sling-wrapped arm. Her smile dimmed. “How are you?”
I sent her my best grin. “I’m good, Mom.”
“You scared me to death. And you,” she said to Vee. “You were right there. How did you do it? I would have run onto the field.”
Vee shook her head. “It’s a blur. I remember being paralyzed. I couldn’t move. And then when he put himself back in the game…” Vee exhaled. “I wished I had a fifteen-minute delay.”
“Honey, that didn’t help. Fin didn’t call until an hour later.”
I signed the pad. As the young man handed me our keycards, I turned to Mom. “I was a little busy having my shoulder pushed back into place.”
“No fifteen-minute delay tonight,” Ashley said, her keycard in hand.
The entry was filled with patrons. Mom led us to a cluster with a sofa and two chairs, right in front of a fireplace.
Dad stood. “Your mom made me hold this grouping.” He first looked at Vee. “Thank you, Vee, for arranging this amazing night.”
She started to say, “Fin—”
“It was her, Dad,” I interrupted. “I could finagle tickets, but they were outside.”
“Those were what Zane could get too.”
Dad patted Vee’s shoulder. “My guess is this young lady has more pull than either of my boys.”
“Your boys are very accomplished, Theo,” Vee said.
We all took a seat. Dad and I in the chairs and Mom, Ashley, and Vee on the sofa.
Mom laid her hand on Vee’s knee. “I didn’t know what to pack. I’ve never been in a stadium suite before.”
Vee smiled. “What you’re wearing is perfect.”
Mom had on a pair of jeans, boots, and a purple sweater—Vikings color.
“Are you sure? I brought some nicer slacks.”
Vee giggled. “It’s winter in Wisconsin. Unless those slacks are wool and lined with thermal, I’d recommend you stay with the blue jeans.” She looked down at her own blue-jean-clad legs. “This is what I’m wearing.”
“Me too,” Ashley said, “except I have Zane’s jersey in my suitcase.” Her eyes widened. “Or can’t I wear a Vikings jersey in a Packers suite.”
Vee shook her head. “You can most definitely wear a Vikings jersey. You’ll be seeing a lot of green and gold.”
Theo turned to Fin. “Is it bringing back memories, being here?”
I nodded. “I didn’t expect them, but it is.”
“Fin,” Dad said to the ladies, “played here for six seasons.”
Mom pressed her lips together. “We all know that, Theo.”
“Well, maybe Ashley didn’t.”
“Did you like playing here?” Ashley asked.
“I did. I had some great years wearing the green and gold.” I winked at Vee. “I’m happy now in the amber.” I stood as an unexpected thought came to mind. “Why don’t we all go to our rooms and meet down here? The car will be here at a quarter to five to take us to dinner.”
Everyone stood.
Dad laid his hand on my good shoulder. “Dinner is on us, son. We really are happy that you and Vee organized this.”
Vee turned to my parents. “You’re both invited to the Hubbard family suite for the divisional and hopefully the conference rounds. I won’t be there during the game, but I have a couple of cousins who will take good care of you.”
Mom looked as if she was about to cry. “That’s so generous of you.”
We all walked toward the elevators.
Once we were in our hotel suite, Vee said, “I really love your family.”
I reached for her hands and lifted them to my lips. After kissing her knuckles on each hand, I smiled. “They love you too.” Opening my eyes wide, I asked, “Which sponsor did you finagle passes out of? I don’t remember you saying.”
“Microsoft.” She shrugged. “I know they have suites in most stadiums.”
My stomach dropped. “I should mention something…”