Chapter 19
Jackson
Francesca is outstanding. Seeing her open the door tonight in that black dress—she was stunning. She’s naturally beautiful and draws people close. Whether or not she sees it, she has a way of carrying herself that makes people flock to her.
I’m one of them. She sucked me in all those years ago; I’ve never let go and I’ve never been the same since.
I couldn’t leave her again if I tried.
Francesca really has a knack for PR, whether she wants to admit it or not.
She makes me feel like I’m the most important person here tonight.
She’s introduced me to some fresh faces as well as helped me reconnect with old.
The good news is that people recognize me and my talents, and no one has mentioned any of my risqué behavior.
As we wind down from dinner, she excuses herself to the restroom and I get us fresh drinks from the bar.
As I am waiting for the bartender, a man approaches.
“Coach Gage, what a pleasant surprise.”
I turn at the mention of my name, but I don’t recognize this guy. He looks sketchy. Like a bookie or something. “I’m sorry. I’ve seen so many faces tonight, but I don’t recall your name.”
“Nick Goldman,” he replies. “I believe we have a mutual friend.” He raises his brows like we share a secret.
Goldman. As in Goldman PR. This is the douche who dragged Chess’ name through the mud.
I turn my back on him. “Enjoy your night, Nick.” It’s better to not engage with him at all. Though there are a ton of things I’d love to say to him, I keep my composure, willing this bartender to get a move on.
But Nick keeps talking. “Do you like my sloppy seconds? It’s clear Frankie likes slumming too.”
At the mention of her name, I turn and swing.
I didn’t want to. It took all I had to not pop him at first sight.
But when he slams her name again, I can’t hold back.
I see red. I connect with his jaw. The blond woman he was standing with screams. Nick falls onto the bar then pushes from it, bending at the waist, charging me, and tries to ram me in the stomach.
I lift my knee, slamming him in the nose and pushing him back down to the floor.
There’s more screaming and gasps. I’m pulled from him and restrained by two men.
There’s another man lifting Nick back up.
Chess comes around the corner to see us squaring off at each other, Nick still running his mouth.
“I’ll sue you! You just assaulted me!”
“You shouldn’t talk shit when you can’t back it up.”
“Oh please, man, is her pussy really worth the legal fight I’m going to bring on you?”
I roar and charge him again, but a third man jumps in and holds me back.
Nick yells, “You’re nothing but a has been.
Everyone sees right through this charade you two have going on.
I’ll expose you! I’ll end you! Then I’ll own you!
” He’s still yelling as they pull him away.
Chess steps right in my line of vision. She physically pulls my face to her.
“Breathe, babe, breathe. He isn’t worth it.
Let’s go.” She pulls on me, until I am following her out the door and into our SUV.
I straighten my tux coat and take a breath. I’m quiet when we get in and the driver heads towards the highway.
“What happened?” she asks quietly.
All I can do is shake my head. My mind is still reeling.
“I don’t even know why he was here tonight. He has no representation for coaches. How did he even know we were here?” Chess continues on.
I still don’t respond. What can I say? I lost it. I lost my cool and showed everyone exactly who they think I am. My leg is bouncing up and down. I am still so worked up. Francesca's talking is only making it worse right now.
“Gage, talk to me. What did he say? Help me understand what could have been that bad that warranted you breaking his nose!” Her voice is getting louder. “Everything we’ve been working towards! God!” She slaps her hand down against the seat.
“He made comments about you,” I say.
“So? Who cares what he says about me?”
“I care!”
“Why, Jackson?! This was so uncalled for. You don’t have to defend me. We’re not together, its only supposed to look that way.”
Like a dam that overflows and bursts, I can’t keep my words inside. I don’t even really know what I’m saying, I just give voice to the thoughts I’ve been suppressing.
“Maybe I want more!” I yell. She’s quiet, keeping her eyes on me, but I keep going.
“I’ve always wanted more. I thought I wanted more football, more coaching opportunities, but it’s not that.
There’s more here, Francesca! Right here!
” I hit my chest with an open hand, then take a breath, running my hands over my eyes, trying to erase his face from my memory.
“Fuck! How could you date that prick? He still wants you.”
Chess quietly replies, “He doesn’t want me, he only wants the reaction from you. Which you gave him.”
“Good! Let him see my reaction. Let him see he can’t talk that way about you. Especially in front of me. No one can say anything bad about you, Chess and expect me not to react!”
She’s quiet and I know I just shown my hand. I’ve probably just ruined anything we were working towards. She didn’t respond to my comment about wanting more. I’ve ruined my chances of coaching and now I’ve ruined my chances with Chess, too.
Adam will have lots to say about this.
Sometime later, we pull into our neighborhood, and it’s dark. Quiet. The driver pulls into her driveway, and she reaches for the handle.
“Chess, please. Wait. I’m sorry. I just –”
“Gage, it’s fine. Let’s just leave it be tonight. I’ll talk to you in the morning.” The driver opens her door. She jumps out and heads inside. I jump out my side, walk around to tip the driver and cross the street to my house.