“I want to retire.”
His jaw drops. “What?Now? Two months before the season starts?”
“No, no. I want to announce my retirement next year.”
At my reassurance, he takes a deep breath, no doubt relieved this won’t be a breach of my contract. “Can I ask what’s driving this decision?”
“I’m starting to feel my age,” I lie.
“You’re thirty,” he counters.
I grin. “And I feel it.”
He clasps his hands behind his head. “You’re not performing any worse.”
“I’m slower, though.”
“Still just as many receptions.” Jeff picks up one of his fancy pens.
“You’re not going to convince me.”
“Eh, worth a shot.” He gives a good-natured wink.
We both look at each other for a moment with matching smiles. He starts writing on his notepad. “I’m going to have to make some calls.”
“Same,” I sigh.
He stops writing and looks up for a moment, meeting my eyes. “Does this have anything to do with Grace, by chance?”
Jeff knows all about her. We’ve talked about the mistakes I made on my journey to the league. I can’t help but think about how far I’ve come since our first conversation.
“The desire to ‘call it good’ is my own, but the decision is supported by her. We’re back together.” I can’t help but grin.
“No shit. I was at the gala. Pretty sure everyone in the tri-city knows you’re together. Thank God I didn’t bring my kid. I would’ve had to cover her eyes for that kiss.”
I chuckle and relax in my chair. “So, you’re okay with this?”
“Of course. We’ll give it one last hurrah this year. With your girl cheering you on this time, yeah?”
The visual of Gracie cheering me on from the stands has me grinning from ear to ear. “Yeah. Gonna have to hide her Sharks sweatshirt, though.”
Chapter 43
Grace
June
“This is Dr. Sinclair.”
“Well, hi, Dr. Sinclair. This is DT, Mustangs Wide Receiver.”
I beam at my empty office, wondering if he can feel my smile. It’s been one month since Danny moved to Ohio for the offseason, and we’ve spent almost all of our free time together. But I never tire of hearing his voice.
“Well, hello, DT. What a pleasant surprise! Do you have a pet that needs an appointment?”
“I didn’t tell you about the turtle I bought?” he jokes. “Nah, I knew you had a full day today and wouldn’t be on your cell.”
“Yeah, it’s been a doozy. Thank God it’s over now.”
