Chapter 19
PENELOPE
I’ll admit I’m nervous about being here. I feel comfortable with the girls. They’ve made it easy for me to be here. They’ve accepted me into their little tribe, and I’m grateful.
“Girl, these curves? You need to wear clothes like this more often!” Francesca, or Chess, as I’ve been told to call her, is whistling and dancing around me.
Laughing, “I’ve always tried to cover them. People don’t see me for that. They see the glasses, the hair, and the nerd.” I shrug. “Plus, I’m a young professor at the college. I don’t need to be seen by the college frat boys!”
Chess falls into the chair next to me, and Mackenzie continues straightening my curly hair, then curling it back into soft waves.
“Okay, the PR agent in me is dying to protect my client, but the woman inside me is dying for the inside scoop. So, give it to me. All of it.”
“Yes, quickly! I only have a few moments, but I need to know!” Summer settles in on the arm of Chess’ chair, and all three are watching me expectantly.
“Quick story? My best friends think I’m a loser and can’t find a date on my own.
Which I can’t. Every date I’ve had has bailed quickly on me once they see me.
And if by chance we make it past the initial looksy, they take off within fifteen minutes of realizing they can’t keep up with my intellect. ” I shrug.
“So, how did Jameson end up on that site?”
I look anywhere but at them. I don’t want to be the one who tells them that the pressure he received from them is what forced him to look for a date. “Um, I know he mentioned his team set him up on a bunch of blind dates in preparation of coming here with one.”
I take the safe route, but Chess sees right through it.
“You’re protecting him. Spill it.”
They giggle at her, but she’s watching me with an eyebrow raised.
“He didn’t want to disappoint you, or his dad, or Jackson by coming here alone,” I relent, cringing that I gave away his secrets.
“What! Why?”
“He knows you all worry about him being alone. I honestly have no idea how he gets any time alone. Between the team, coaches, and practice. I mean, we couldn’t even go for a coffee without being surrounded.” I pause. “But I know that’s not the alone you’re concerned about.”
It falls quiet in the room. “I’m not after him for anything.
I just want you to know, Francesca. I didn’t even know who he was when we met!
Not even when everyone began asking for autographs.
He told me he worked for the Warriors. I thought it was a gym.
” I cover my face with my hands, and they chuckle.
“I told him he looked like a bodybuilder.” Peeking through my fingers, I see them all passing looks with wide smiles.
“I was nervous when I first heard about this dating site. But hearing him talk about you, and seeing you two interact with each other, I’m at ease.
But you have to know, this life is hard.
Ridiculously hard. I could tell you some stories about Jackson and me, before and after NFL life. Can you handle all that comes with it?”
“I honestly don’t even know what comes with it. I know he leaves to go to games, and he’s always at the stadium.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“I have a job I have to do. I can’t be flying all over the world with him, so yeah, I’m okay with it. He texts me when he’s away, and he’s at my apartment the moment he comes home.”
A wide smile spreads across all their faces. “You’re going to fit in just fine.”
We slowly make our way out of the hotel and across the way to the ball.
The place is gorgeous, red and white bows, being the college colors, lining every space.
Christmas trees with polar bears and white lights line the front of the building.
Summer has already gone ahead, so she is there to greet us when we come in.
All three of the women steady me as we enter the hall entryway.
The chandeliers are large and bright, casting sparkles around the room.
I’m so busy watching the floor and holding my dress that it isn’t until we stop that I feel people swarm around me. I look up and see Jameson looking at me with wonder in his eyes.
He’s perfection in a black tuxedo. His hunter green tie matches my dress, and I smile and think to myself, Chess is good.
Seeing him calms me instantly, and when he speaks the words, “I’ll guide you wherever we need to be. I won’t leave your side. That’s the truth,” I’m all in.
It’s all I’ve ever wanted from a boyfriend: trust and truth.
The ball is winding down, and it’s been a fantastic night.
The food, the drinks, and especially the company have been top-notch.
The banter between Dash, Mark, and Jackson had me laughing all night.
Now the music is soft, and Jameson and I are pressed against each other, taking in the last few minutes.
“You’re a real star down here, huh?”
He smiles. “I was, yeah.”
I bark a laugh. “Not past tense. I see the way the team watches you. And the way the coaches talk about you. You’ve made a big impression, Jameson. You should be proud of yourself and the legacy you’ve left behind.”
“I’ve only just left college. For all I know, I could be kicked out of the league tomorrow!”
I slap his shoulder. “Stop. Take the compliment.”
“How about a compliment for you? I’m quite impressed with your eagerness to learn football. And your ability to retain all I’ve been saying. Maybe I should be more careful, giving out all our plays.”
“I am smarter than a fifth grader, remember?” We sway to the music.
“Mm, sexier than one, too.”
I burst out laughing. “Jameson! That sounded terrible, though I know what you were trying to say!”
His eyes get wide. “This is what happens when I hang around Mark for too long.”
“Then maybe it’s time we take our exit?” I question and raise a brow.
His stare becomes intense, and I watch as his pupils dilate. I can read his mind and know exactly what I’m getting into tonight.
“Let’s go.”