Chapter 22
JAMESON
It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen Penelope. I left Candy Cane Key knowing I wanted only her. But as soon as we got home, all hell broke loose.
Francesca tried her best to keep the press at bay, but there’s always one reporter who doesn’t care and just wants sales.
That’s the one story that did me in.
I’ve called Penelope. I’ve gone to her apartment. I even waited at the university. She won’t talk to me.
I don’t blame her. That article was horrendous, and what I was quoted as saying was even worse.
Because I did say it. But not in the context it was taken.
My team is concerned because I’m playing like shit. The GM is not happy that his star quarterback bought a prostitute. And my family is even more worried about me because I’m avoiding them.
None of what this looks like is actual reality. Francesca has been in meetings all week because my stupid antics have been the talk of the NFL instead of our first-place standings.
Connor comes up behind me at my locker and claps me on the shoulder. “You looked good today. Not great, but better. Have you talked to her?”
Shaking my head, I collapse onto the bench and begin unlacing my cleats. “No. She won’t return my calls. Francesca got a hold of her, but she won’t tell me what they talked about. Which means it isn’t good.”
“Listen, I don’t want to be that guy right now, but I’m going to be.
” He sits next to me, and I wait. I know exactly what he’s going to say.
“The team is worried. Right now, we have to be selfish. I have to be selfish. I’m sorry you’re in a bad spot with your girl, but Jameson, we’re in first place in the NFL!
Our dream is happening in front of our eyes and—”
“And you're fucking it up by sulking!” My head snaps to Darius, who’s come up on my other side.
He just shrugs. “I’m sorry, but I won't sugarcoat it, bro. The team is pissed, and so am I. We need you, JDub. We need your leadership and your skill on the field. I’ve never seen you like this, so it leads me to believe you feel a ton for this chick.
But right now? You’ve got to get it together for the team. For us. For you.”
He’s right—time to bury the feelings and win a Super Bowl.