“I spent the day talking to people and looking around town.”
“For what?”
He paused the movie. “I thought about what you told me the last time I saw you, and I realized I like working with kids. And that I love football, even after all these years.”
She watched him, her attention a hundred percent focused on Mitch. “And…?”
“And I’ve decided to start a sports program for kids. One that can dovetail to the current park program. You know, make sports available to everyone, not just parents who can afford it.”
She smiled. “That’s great.”
“You don’t know how good it feels to have a sense of direction.” He meant that. “I don’t need the money, but I need the validation,” he admitted. “I need to know I’m good at more than throwing around the pigskin.”
“Mitch, come on. You have to know you’re more than a football player.”
“Well, I am a son and brother too.”
“Oh please. Are you fishing for compliments?”
He frowned. “No. I’m being serious.”
“You’re smart, successful, and driven. You can’t rest because you figure you have to do something with yourself, even though others in your position would live a life of leisure and go yachting or skiing all the time.”
“Would you, in my position?”
“No, but we’re talking about you.”
“We aren’t. You are.”
She ignored him. “So, instead of trying to make even more money than you already have, you decide to help children in need.”
“I have enough money. I don’t need more.”
“Everyone needs more,” she said, and she sounded angry.
“Becca?”
“Sorry. It’s been a rough week.”
He reached for her hand and squeezed. “I’m sorry. What happened?”
“Nothing to worry about. Same old, same old.”
He had no idea what her same old might be. “Tell me. Hey, you listened to me whine. Least I can do is listen to you bitch and complain.”
She chuckled. “Yeah? Well, I found out my landlord is raising the rent, and it threw me for a loop.”
He frowned. “Is he—”
“Or she.”
“Sorry, she—”
“No, it’s a guy. I just wanted you to realize women can be real estate moguls too.”
He sighed. “If you’re done with your teachable moment… Is he trying to take advantage of you?” He’d break the guy’s teeth.
“Yes. No. Not really.” She sighed. “We have a provision for increased rent, and I have an out. But I hadn’t realized I’d need to deal with a new lease. I understand why, and it seems legitimate. Unlike you, the rest of the world revolves around making money.”
