Benny was almost chaotic on the phone. He kept tripping over his words, telling me that he doesn’t share Oscar’s views, and how he would never say something like that. The second I met Oscar and Benny at Zack’s Halloween party, I knew Benny was a quality human while his agent was not.
“I know he felt bad. He brought it up in the group chat with some of the guys.”
For some reason, that makes me feel a little better. Not because I want Benny to suffer, but because the guys know about it, and don’t agree with it. I could tell word started getting around because of the way the guys were going out of their way to check in on me—even guys I don’t typically work with or see at the facility. I appreciated the support.
“I did tell Benny that I’m not planning to try and play next season.” This has Tyson’s hand dropping, and him sitting up in the bed. I follow suit and continue. “This has been fun. Amazing. Challenging. One of the mostimportant opportunities I’ve been given. But this season will be enough for me, no matter where we end up.”
Tyson nods, a smile on his lips. “I’m just so fucking proud of you.” He pulls me closer to him, putting a kiss on the top of my head.
“Well, I have some news.” I take a big breath and get ready to tell Tyson the thing I’ve been dying to share. The thing that just came together. My stars are finally aligning and giving me direction for early next year.
He raises his brows, waiting for me, and I can’t help the way my cheeks pinch with a smile.
“Embers and Ashes is getting a second location. I found the perfect spot in the city. And now is kind of the time to jump, with the popularity of our original. Athala approved it and we’re starting the renovation next week.” I know I’m talking too fast, the excitement rolling off me.
“Blair! This is amazing!” Tyson cheers, eyes wide and bright. “You are fucking incredible.”
“Really owe it to the Cosmos, honestly. The max-out in memberships and waitlist for classes really helped build a business savings the last few weeks.”
Tyson’s brows pinch when he says, “No, you owe it to you. It only exists because of you.”
“This thing with Oscar being so threatened by my presence is almost funny, considering I’m not even going to be a factor next year.”
“Well, you’re not going anywhere. We’ll find a way to get you on the field to watch a game whenever you want,” he insists, pulling me in for a kiss.
I laugh into it and feel lighter. I haven’t kept this to myself long but we haven’t had any conversations about what happens after the season. I’m thankful that I have a clearer path for after this. It’s always been about getting the gym to the next month—make enough money for the rent and to pay the staff. And every month I was able to do that was a win.
While this opportunity with the Cosmos has been truly remarkable, it’s really shown where my passion lives. I want to create a space for everyone to feel safe and supported when they work out. The idea of creating more opportunities for young women to try new sports makes me excited, like I can’t wait to get to work. I can do that with multiple gyms and use this NFL stint as a stepping stone into what’s next.
“And, if you need somewhere to stay in the city, I think I know a place,” Tyson practically gushes.
Then I ask the question I’ve been wondering for a while. “Are you disappointed? That I don’t want to try to do something with the team?” I brace for the answer I’m afraid of. For me to let down someone in my life who means so much.
”How could I ever be disappointed? You changed your entire life for this. I’m thankful we’ve had this time but it’s like a gift. I figured that would be the case.” He looks at me in a way which reinforces his words. I know he’s being open and honest.
My muscles loosen, giving up some of the tension. I stretch my neck, side to side. “I’m excited for what’s next,” I say and then look to him. To the man who makes me feel like I can do almost anything.
“Me too, baby.” His lips meet mine, soft and full. I love when he calls me that. I’ve never been one for nicknames. My ex-girlfriend tried it once and I physically recoiled when the word left her mouth. With Tyson? It’s different. It’s right.
“Maybe you can work for me when you’re done with football?” I joke, pressing a finger into his chest. “Stay in the city near the new location. Teach spin classes on the weekend?”
Something crosses his face, his eyes darting around, before landing back on mine with a weak smile. He opens his mouth, like he’s going to say something, but he doesn’t.
“I’m kidding, Ty. You don’t have to work at the gym.” I reassure him because I can feel the tension between us. I don’t know what it is but there’s no part of me that wants to press it. Maybe he hasn’t thought about what happens after football.
And right now? It’s not the time. I don’t need this piece of him as we’re close to sleep and a special kind of tired.
“I think you forget how bad I am at spinning.” He lolls his head to the side, laughing to himself.
I match his energy but lean my head into his shoulder. He’s not wrong. I remember the first time he came to a class with me in college and it was surprising. Spin bikes have a different type of finesse and it felt like Tyson had never been on a bike of any way shape or form.
“I love you, no matter how bad you are at it.” I place a kiss on his lips.
Tyson kisses me back and says, “I love you, too.”
We sink into the king-sized bed, his body curled around me, his arm heavy over mine and I know I’m about to have the best night’s rest in a long time.
Thirty Four
