“I used to. My first few years in the league really toughened me up. It was trial-by-fire figuring out who I wanted in my circle. Every year it feels like it gets a little smaller.”
As I’m about to ask more questions, Jamie’s stomach quite audibly growls, making us both laugh. “Is that a sign you can eat now?”
“I’d say so. Where’s your dog? I want to meet Flash.”
“I’ll grab her and meet you in the kitchen.”
Two hours later, after a quick introduction and a great meal, Jamie and I settle onto my couch to discuss the event. Flash is on her favorite dog bed, completely passed out courtesy of some intense pain medication. Jamie asked a lot of questions about Flash’s wheelchair, and seemed genuinely interested in her recovery, as well as her chance at regaining feeling and function in her hind legs.
Ready to get down to business, I pull out my favorite notebook and pen. Yes, I have favorites, and no, I won’t share them.
“Every year, we’ve chosen the name of the event depending on the overall theme. Since last year was a black tie gala, it was Tails and Tuxedos. The year before that was a silent auction, and we titled the event Paws and Proceeds. With this year being a win-a-date, I’m really drawing a blank on what to call it,” Jamie explains.
Excuse me? “Did you just say win-a-date?”
“Oh, shit. I forgot to explain that. Yeah, the board decided it’ll be a bachelor auction. They plan on having each guy feature an adoptable pet, and while they definitely want the pets to be adopted, the main draw will be the men.”
“How many men?” I ask.
“A minimum of twelve, but they’d like twenty-four.”
“That’s a random number,” I muse.
Jamie scratches his neck. I’m beginning to recognize he reaches for his neck when he gets uncomfortable. “There mayhave been talks of a calendar, so I assume they’ll want bachelors in units of twelve.”
“How do they intend to pick bachelors?”
“They’re asking all the major sports teams in town, plus some local influencers, content creators, and some guys who are pretty well-known. The shortlist I saw included a few realtors, a CEO of a bank, and a couple chefs. It’s a random group for the most part.”
Before I can think otherwise, I blurt out, “Will you be auctioned off?”
Jamie’s eyes widen comically. “What? No! I told them no. That’s how I’ve ended up as the MC.”
“Oh, okay. I didn’t know that you’re in a relationship.”
“I’m not. I don’t want to be in the auction regardless.”
“Why not?” I ask, thoroughly confused. The man is gorgeous, he’s an NFL quarterback, and he’d no doubt get the most donations. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.”
“I don’t want to be the center of attention.”
“Aren’t you the focus whenever you’re on the football field?” I ask.
“I know. It sounds ridiculous. I get it. But I’ve spent my entire life learning how to be on the field. I know exactly what I’m supposed to do, and I’m surrounded by a bunch of guys who will protect me at all costs. You slap me on a stage in front of a thousand strangers, where I’m supposed to strut around? And then some random person wins, getting access to me? Absolutely not. I’m incredibly careful about who I let into my private life.”
“I figure if you were in it, you’d get the most money. But I don’t know who else is attending. Do men actually like doing this kind of thing?” I wonder aloud.
Jamie shrugs. “I assume some do. Jax would have been fine with it before he met Becca. Occasionally a coach willparticipate, but I don’t think my coach will. He’s kind of a stick-in-the-mud. One of the wide receivers on my team is doing it, and my center is as well.”
“Oh, the center will get a lot of attention.”
“You think so?”
I nod. “He’s extroverted and has a dad bod. My best friend explained how similar he is to Jason Kelce. Same position and all.”
Jamie chuckles, shaking his head. “I can’t wait to tell him that. He’ll hate it. He’s from Cleveland, and knew the Kelce brothers growing up. He never played against Jason, but did play against Travis right before Travis graduated.”
“How odd it must be to still hate someone after all these years,” I comment.
