“He’ll be fine.”
Vanessa leans into her camera and whispers, “I saw a photo of you playing golf with Coach Hardy today. What’s that about? Was it a friendly game ... or something else?”
“Just a friendly game.”
“Is Coach Hardy coming to the Crusaders?”
“It was just a friendly game, Vanessa. Tell Maverick I love him, okay? Tell him I can’t wait to see him next week.”
“I love you, too, Daddyyyyyyyyyy!” Maverick shouts in the background, and that’s all I need to tear up again.
I quickly wrap up with Vanessa and write myself a note to order every conceivable train set that’s age-appropriate for Maverick, once I know where to ship them. After that, once I’ve composed myself, I start up my rental car, figuring I’ll talk to Cameron as I make the drive back to the bungalow.Back to Iris.Hopefully, she’s already returned from today’s solo adventure, because all I want to do is take that woman into my arms the second I walk through the front door.
“What’d Coach say?” Cameron shouts maniacally after answering my call.
I cackle with glee. “He’s in.”
Cameron gasps. “In-in? With no caveats?”
“No caveats, other than them paying him what he’s worth. If they do that, he said he’ll sign a deal with the Thunderbolts the day after I do.”
Cameron whoops. “Holy shit, you did it!”
“You think they’ll offer him what he’s worth?”
“And then some. They were practically jizzing in their pants when I floated the idea of you two as a package deal. Oh my God, Roman. How’d you get him to say yes?”
“I just spoke from my heart. I admitted what a shitty time I’ve been having in Baltimore and then segued into painting a picture of how much it would mean to end my career on a team that genuinely values me, in the city where my son lives, withhimas my coach.” I snicker. “And then, when all that failed miserably, I begged.”
Cameron bursts out laughing with me. “Atta boy.”
“Just kidding. I didn’t need to beg him at all. Right off the bat, Coach admitted the chance to coach me again has always been a bucket list item.”
“Hot damn. Let’s get this locked down, ASAP. When can Coach fly to LA for a meeting with the owners?”
“He said he can fly on Monday at the earliest because he’s here with his wife and kids for his anniversary. So, let’s set up a three-way meeting on Tuesday.”
“That’s perfect. This way, we can meet with the owners first—on Sunday or Monday—to finalize your deal. I’ll book a flight for you tomorrow and let them know—”
“No, not tomorrow, Cam. I’m already flying to LA on Sunday to pick up Maverick, remember?”
“You need to come tomorrow, Rome. The internet is already buzzing about you and Coach playing golf today, and we don’t want anything to leak.”
I shift the phone against my ear. “The thing is, I promised Iris I’d take her horseback riding tomorrow, so—”
“Iris?” Cameron bellows. “Please, tell me that was a joke.” When I say nothing, he shouts, “I don’t give a flying fuck what you promised your little vacation plaything. You’re flying to LA tomorrow to reassure the owners you’re worth over two-hundred-million bucks, and that’s that.” He proceeds to rantabout all the reasons why I need to get my ass to LA, as soon as possible, and I can’t deny he’s making sense. As bummed as I am to miss out on one last day with Iris, clearly I’m going to need to do exactly that.
I run a palm down my face. “Okay, I’ll change my ticket for tomorrow.”
Cameron exhales a massive breath. “No. I don’t want you flying commercial. I’ll arrange a private flight so you’re not bombarded at the airport with questions about why you’re flying to LA a day after playing golf with Coach. The chat boards are already on fire with theories and speculation about what today’s golf game meant—and some of those theories are dead-on accurate.”
“I’ve got to go,” I murmur, feeling overwhelmed. “I’m pulling in to my hotel.”
After we hang up, I start walking toward the bank of bungalows before me. With each step I take, I try to shake off the disappointment I feel about my earlier-than-planned goodbye tomorrow. Today is the best day of my life, for fuck’s sake. I should be feeling nothing but unadulterated elation.
As I walk, I slap my cheek. Literally. And tell myself to pull it together. My conversation with Cameron was the reality check I needed. He’s right. It’s time for me to focus on what matters most—being the best quarterback, teammate, and father I can possibly be—and to forget the silly fantasies I’ve been harboring about Iris possibly being The One.
Chapter 22
