QB
All in the name of Flash’s honor.
I can’t help the laughter that bursts from me as I toss my phone onto the bed next to me. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this happy or content. All because of the hot professional quarterback who searches for how to murder bobcats.
Before I know it, it’s Friday evening. Jamie texted me all week while he was in California, meeting with the team from somekind of shoe deal he has. He filmed a commercial, and said it’ll start airing right at the start of football season.
My boyfriend has his own shoe commercial.
How is this real life?
After nervously packing an overnight bag, I pack everyone in the car — because I truly know Jamie will have a cage for the pigs — and set off to his neighborhood. While we don’t live too far from one another, Denver traffic can be abysmal at best, and Friday night at rush hour is heinous no matter where I’m going. The typical drive should take no more than twenty or thirty minutes, but takes me over an hour.
When I pull into his gated community, I have a moment of panic. It reminds me of where I grew up. While the houses are newer, a wave of anxiety and PTSD makes my heart rate spike. What are his neighbors like? Do my parents know anyone here? Probably not. They’d consider this area to be ‘new money’ and wouldn’t want to associate themselves with anyone they deemed less than. After witnessing their distaste of Jamie last weekend, I can only assume they’ll be horrified at my relationship.
Ten years ago, I’d have ended things with a man my parents disapproved of. Even knowing I’d never gain their unconditional love and trust like my brother and sister have, I wouldn’t have chosen to rock the boat. I smile to myself as I drive slowly through Jamie’s neighborhood, realizing just how much I’ve grown in the last decade. While my family is still in my life, and there are times they control situations or attendance at events, I’ve stood up for myself more times than I can count. My confidence has grown leaps and bounds, and I can only hope having Jamie in my life will continue that.
“Holy shit,” I breathe, as I pull up to another gate at the top of a very long driveway. I can’t see the entire home yet, just the roof, as it’s built beyond a hill. Jamie has a gated home withina gated community. What does he go through that he feels he needs this kind of protection? Am I getting in over my head?
I pull up to a control box with a camera, prepared to push the button, when a loud buzz sounds. I watch as the gate begins to open, and more of the palatial home comes into view.
“Doc.”
“Hmm?”
Jamie chuckles through the speaker. “You can drive in. The door won’t bite you.”
“Uh-huh,” I murmur.
“I might, though.”
“What?”
Loud laughter answers me. “Just pull in, baby. Garage is open, so pull in the open spot. I’ll come help you unload.”
I don’t answer as I take my foot off the brake, inching forward at a glacial pace. As I slowly move down the driveway, my mouth drops open at the scope of the home. The magnitude is astounding. It’s at least double the size of my parents’ house. The palatial estate has cream stucco, and oak shutters frame every window. Even with the sun setting, I can tell the windows are tinted, and they mirror the sky as it darkens. A two-story entry with double oak doors is highlighted by large stone pillars, and modern lighting accents the entire front.
As I pull around the side to the attached four-car garage, I find Jamie waving eagerly, pointing to one empty bay. I creep into the space slowly, my eyes dancing around to notice the phenomenal view of the Rockies from the rear of the home, and Jamie’s three cars parked in a perfect line in the other garage spots. So perfect, in fact, I bet I could pull out a measuring tape to find they are all parked at the exact same distance from the wall. As someone who loves good organization and patterns, I appreciate this, and attempt to match his depth.
I barely have the car in park before Jamie opens the passenger door to grab Flash. He gives me a huge grin as he nods his head toward the carrier in the back seat. “Knew you’d bring ‘em.”
I shrug. “I knew you’d have a cage, whether I told you to or not.”
“I do.”
“Is it the same one you got me?”
He puts Flash down on the concrete pad as he hits the remote button to close the door, then scratches the back of his neck sheepishly. “It might be a little bigger than yours.”
I don’t even know why I’m surprised. I shut my door, then round the car to meet him by the trunk. “If you spoil them, they won’t want to go home.”
He kisses me quickly, then winks. “Maybe that’s the plan. Did you, uh, bring an overnight bag?”
I’m tempted to lie. Tease him mercilessly. But he looks so hopeful, so excited, that I can’t bring myself to do it. “It’s in the trunk.”
Jamie’s answering grin is instant. “Hell yeah. Which is heavier, your bag or the pig carrier?”
“The carrier, definitely. I travel light when I don’t have pets,” I answer. I’m nowhere near as vain as most women my age. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, I rarely purchase shoes, and I’d rather be comfortable than stylish any day. Honestly, the only thing that I spend money on that goes on my body are my tattoos.
