Chapter 24
JAMESON
It’s Super Bowl weekend, and my team has been running nonstop. Between interviews, parties, and meet-and-greets, I’m exhausted. The press has been forgiving of my “indiscretion” as they’re calling it. No one is mentioning her name, but the insinuation is there.
I don’t like it.
It’s the night before the biggest game of my life, and I’m in my hotel room with Dad, Mark, and Jackson. The game is taking place on neutral ground in Tennessee, at the stadium located here. It’s a five-hour car ride from home.
“So how are you feeling, kid? You ready for this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be. There’s no other practice or play that can be learned or improved on. So, let’s just see if we can execute it.”
“All that work got you to the greatest sports stage. Be proud of that.”
Nodding, I agree, “It’s exciting.”
Silence. I don’t miss the looks that are exchanged.
“Can I do it?”
“Have at it,” Dad answers Jackson.
Jackson stands from his chair and drags it across the room so that he’s sitting right in front of me. “Do you remember what I told you after we lost that game in high school? And you came to me in the locker room saying the loss was your fault?”
“This is not the pep talk I thought you were going to give, Gage.”
He waves my dad off and continues talking to me, “I told you it was all up to you. I reminded you how much wiser you are than me—”
“That’s a given,” Mark guffaws, and Jackson reaches out and smacks the back of his head.
“As I told you that night, actions have consequences. But, by taking responsibility for them, you become stronger and more open to learning from your mistakes.”
“I remember.”
“So, tell me what you’ve learned.”
I stare back at him. I can't stop thinking about how ignoring my first inkling about the article, and not talking to Penelope about it, resulted in losing the only girl I ever wanted.
“I learned I fell for her before I even realized it. I learned that if I left the game tomorrow, I’d be more than happy being an old man with her as my wife, sitting on the porch together, watching our grandkids run in the yard, and laughing at jokes from when we were young.
More than likely, still laughing about the time the magazines called my wife a prostitute. ”
Dad begins choking and coughing. Jackson sits back with a satisfied smile, and Mark starts digging for his wallet, grumbling about how he should have seen this “a mile away.”
“You know betting on players is illegal, right?” I smirk.
“Betting on love is always worth the risk.”
“Oh, for Christ's sake!” Dad comes and pulls Jackson from his chair. “Get out of here. Why did I agree to let you talk to him about this?”
“But I’m right!” Jackson is laughing. “You’re just mad because I’m right. He loves her, and that’s what’s fucking up his head right now. Not the game! The girl!”
I sit back, watching this shit show, and realize he’s exactly right. I’ve been coasting through Super Bowl week with Penelope on my mind, not the game. I’ve been waking with thoughts of how to get her back, dreaming of ways I’ll be wrapped around her if she’d just forgive me.
She’s my number one. And that’s the truth.
“Son, I’ve never been so proud of the man sitting in front of me. Your heart is everything. You lead with it, and it brings you to where you’re meant to be. Every time. Football and Penelope. They’re both meant for you.”
“I don’t think so. She won’t talk to me. I know Francesca has been trying too, but…” I trail off and shrug. “I’m afraid I’ve lost her.”
“I’ve never heard you use the word afraid. But that just means your heart is front and center in this. Always go with what scares you the most because that’s the risk worth taking.”
“Even though we’re so different? Maybe I’m just too much for her world, Dad.”
“Nope. Simplicity and complexity need each other. It’s called balance. Look at these two fools.”
Mark and Jackson throw their arms around each other and grin. “We do make a cute couple. Your dad is just jealous, that’s all.”
Jackson pushes Mark away and says, “I told you I was proud to be your coach and to never, ever doubt your talent. I see what you’ve got inside.” He pats his heart. “And in here.” He taps the side of his temple. “You’ve got it all, Jameson. And everyone sees it.”
They all crowd around me, hugging me and pounding me on the back.
Jackson is the last to let go, stepping back and holding me by the shoulders.
“And since you’ve got it all, you owe me for the tickets I bought.
You promised to buy me fifty-yard line seats behind the bench, but my credit card is the one screaming! ”
Laughing, I nod. “Don’t worry. I got you. But there’s one more thing, though.”
“What’s that?”
“A grand gesture. I wouldn’t be the romantic I am without it!”