“Why not?”
“Why not?” he sputtered. “Because it’s too goddamn much, that’s why not!”
I studied him for a moment. There had to be a way we could make this work, I had more than enough money to pay for the building, and he knew it. Rome had made just as much as I did on the team, which is probably why he had the money to buy the business in the first place.
That’s when it hit me. The perfect solution to making this work.
“Let me buy into the business.”
His face became stony. “You want to buy HotShots?” he asked coldly.
“No,” I replied in a flat tone. “I donotwant to take over. You’ll still be the director. I’ll just be your business partner.” Rome still didn’t seem convinced, but he hadn’t flat out refused either. “You’ve got a good thing here, Rome. A really good thing, and Harris…” I stopped, clenching my hand. “Theyallneed this, so I’d like to be a part of it. I want to help HotShots grow, and if a new building and a couple more fields are what we need, then I’d like to make that happen.”
Rome narrowed his eyes skeptically. “Last I heard you still hadn’t announced retirement. Are you sure about this? You won’t miss playing?”
“I probably will miss it for a while, but…” I shrugged. “Turns out it’s not my only dream. I belong here, Rome. With the kids. I care for them the same way you do.”
Something I couldn’t read crossed his features. “Does this have anything to do with the cop from the club?”
I couldn’t hide my smile. “Maybe a little.” Rome grinned. “But it’s this too.” I waved my hand around the office. “Don’t ask me to explain it because I can’t. I just… I know I’m supposed to do this. So don’t say no. Let me keep coaching.”
It took him a minute, but soon, Rome was up and coming around the side of the desk with a hand outstretched. “Well, I don’t think I could have asked for a better business partner, Rey.” He pulled me into a hug.
We spent the next hour and a half negotiating terms for the business deal, each of us taking detailed notes so we could make it official on paper later. We’d need to work fast, since he was supposed to sign a contract with the construction company next week.
What started as me just wanting to make sure they had the facilities and resources to function had quickly ignited into a passion for making their programs thrive. I suddenly had ideas of my own that seemed to help Rome’s visions expand and grow, and I saw holes in his business plan that he hadn’t thought of but were easily avoided with a few more changes. It was proof just how well we would balance each other as business partners, just as we had on the field as teammates.
By the time I walked out of the office to go pick up Harrison for practice, I felt lighter than I had in weeks. I knew what I was going to do, and I couldn’t fucking wait.
Harrison and Wyatt were waiting for me on the porch when I pulled up, and Harrison immediately jumped down to greet me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“Dad needs to talk to you.”
I followed him and greeted Wyatt, who had stayed by the edge of the steps. He looked as if he’d aged about five years since yesterday.
“Go get your stuff.” He gestured to Harrison, who quickly ran inside to grab his bag.
Wyatt wasted no time. “I need to go to urgent care this evening.”
I furrowed my brows. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. Just some stomach pain. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay.”
“Can you keep Harris a little longer after practice?”
“Yeah, of course. I don’t mind. I’ll make sure he gets dinner too. Don’t worry.”
Harrison rushed out. “Rey! Look what Dad got me!”
He held up a new black-and-yellow toy that vaguely resembled a car. “It’s Bumblebee!”
“Oh, yeah, I see it now,” I said. “That’s his arm, right?”
“Yup! He’s my favorite!”
He started to set it on the chair, but I stopped him. “Looks like you’ll be spending some time with me after practice tonight, so why don’t you bring him, okay? You’ll have something to play with then.”
He glanced at Wyatt, who smiled and flashed him the universal okay sign.
“Okay.”
Harris ran off to climb into the car without saying another word.
Wyatt looked at me. “That boy really looks up to you.”
I tried to give him a reassuring smile. “I’m pretty fond of him too, sir.” I started to head down the stairs. “If you need anything, call me. Anytime.”
“Thank you.”
