“Well, it’s a good thing I’ve sworn off men for a while.”
“That’s too bad because I’ve got a nephew in Georgia that would think you’re a real peach.”
I laugh. “No thank you, Mrs. Green. I’m not planning on dating anytime soon.”
“Oh no, honey, you should never let the wrong man get in the way of finding the right one.”
I look up from my notepad and catch Mrs. Green winking at me.
“How do I know which one is the right one?”
“Oh, you’ll know, darling, because he won’t let you go.”
14
Casey
“Casey? Did you hear what I said?”
“Huh?”
Brett has been talking incessantly for the past twenty minutes, and I lost track at least ten minutes ago. I have no idea what he just said.
“Of course I did. I’m just not in the mood to talk today.”
“Bullshit. I’m telling you that Andy Jones wants to take you to Vegas and show you how serious he is about his offer, and you just sit there like he’s offering to buy you a coffee. What’s up with you man? You haven’t been the same since you got back from New York.”
“What are you talking about? I’ve been more focused than ever. I hit the gym, the weights, met with all the trainers, even the damn therapist the team assigned me. I’ve never been better.”
“Yeah. I guess. But why aren’t you more excited about this deal?”
I shrug and stare out the window.
We’re sitting in the back seat of a cab, heading to the airport to start a three-game series with New York.
“Have you heard anything from the Lions?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I wouldn’t concern myself with them.”
“I’m not asking for advice, I’m asking if you spoke to them.”
He sits up and turns to look at me. “Where is this coming from? I remember a time, not too long ago, when you didn’t want anything to do with New York.”
I fidget under his scrutiny. I never fidget.
Running a hand through my hair, I sigh. “Just forget it.”
Brett sits back and crosses his arms over his chest. “I spoke to New York like you asked, but like I said, they can’t do more than $40 million. Why are you so interested in New York all of a sudden?”
“I just am,” I say, a little annoyed. “It would be a good idea to hear everyone’s best offer.”
“Yeah, sure. But their pockets aren’t as deep as L.A. or Philly’s. And you’ve always been about getting that coin. Am I right?”
Despite the early hour, the highway leading to LAX is already bumper to bumper. The sun is out and I’ve always loved living on the West Coast, but my mind won’t stop thinking about the East Coast.
“Money is important. But it’s not everything.”
Brett shakes his head. “I don’t know what happened in New York, but don’t start getting sentimental on me. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize, and right now the biggest prize is coming out of Philly.”
