“You’re still my favorite client.” Bruno laughed at the joke. It was one he and Sam started years ago. “How’s the knee?”
“Good. Healing.” No need to mention last night’s dancing. “What’s up? You don’t normally call on a Saturday.”
“Sam, um, I just—” Bruno paused. Too long.
“What’s up, Bruno? Tell me.” Sam’s knee throbbed.
“The Titans’ front office called. They’re going for a new franchise QB in the first round.”
Sam shoved the ice off his knee and tried to stand. But the thought of putting weight on his knee kept him poised on the front of the chair. “I’m out? Is this their way of giving me the boot? Ryder never hinted he was thinking of a change.”
“We’re in contract negotiations and you’re not cheap.”
“Hey, they offered the money. I just accepted.”
“No one doubts your worth. It’s your knee that’s the question mark—”
“But it’s not, Bruno.”
“They think it is, Sam. You’re an amazing quarterback. But sometimes the clock runs out with a certain team, and body parts just don’t heal like they used to.”
Sam slouched back into his chair. “So that’s it? I give nine years of my life to this team and after one injury they’re giving up on me?” He should’ve taken the sack instead of trying to scramble. But he’d just seen Bennett break open as the defensive end bore down on him.
“I just got off the phone with the Raiders’ front office. They are very interested. Very. Do you trust me?”
“Of course I do, Bruno. You’re the best in the business. But the Raiders?” Sam did not want to live in Vegas. Too many memories of too many wild nights in that town. Regretful memories. And if he were honest, too much temptation for his weak flesh.
“Rumor is Schnetzler’s retiring next year. You could lead the team the next ten years.”
“Bruno.” Sam’s voice broke with surprised emotion. “I love Nashville, I love the Titans, and maybe, I’m not sure, I might have met the girl I want to marry. So tell the front office I’ll be ready for summer camp. No ifs, ands, or buts.”
“Marry?” Bruno’s laugh quickly faded. “I’ve never heard you use that word before.”
“Yeah, me neither.” The confession surprised Sam as much as Bruno. Yet Chloe made him think about commitment and forever.
“Tell you what. I’ll call the Titans Monday and keep pressing until I have an answer.”
“Thank you. I mean it.”
“You really want that ring with the Titans, don’t you?”
“More than anything.” They were his family, his brothers.
After disconnecting, Sam pushed up from his chair, harder this time, until he could hobble to the fridge for a fresh ice pack from the freezer. He slapped it on his knee with invigorated resolve. He’d be ready for summer camp, no question about it, no doubts, no maybes.
His career officially came first.
Haven’s has delicious cakes for all your special occasions! Come by and taste test.
– @HavensBakeryHBTN on Twitter
Chloe tossed her beret and keys on the entry table and listened. Everything was quiet. Too quiet? Mom could be lying down, recovering from the excitement of Frank’s party last night.
“Mom?” Chloe made her way into the kitchen. She’d stopped at Cooper’s deli on the way home from the bakery and ordered two thick ham and cheese sandwiches. “I brought lunch.”
Robin was actually on time for her shift, shock and awe, so Chloe was able to leave a little after one to get some rest. And some space to remember last night. The way Sam had kissed her. The way he’d looked at her…
She shivered as she reached in the cupboard for two plates. She had thought Jean-Marc was the only man who would ever look at her like she was beautiful. Then Sam had given her a slow up and down, his smile in his eyes when he’d looked at her face.
