“Just get out here,” he laughed. “You’ll be driving one too very soon.”
I wasn’t so sure about that.
“On my way,” I said, then ended the call.
After weaving around passengers and kiosks, I finally made my way to the doors where I found my friend leaning against the car, talking to the security guard. Evidently, he had found away to charm the guy into letting him park in the loading zone without causing an issue. That was so like him.
Looking up, he raised a hand as I approached. “Commander. It’s been too long old friend.”
He pulled me into a bro-hug and clapped me on the back.
“Yeah, it has.”
Jesse looked at the security guard. “Thanks, man. I’ll tell Dominick to leave you tickets for the Fan Event at Will Call.”
The guy smiled. “Thanks, Mr. Rossi. My kids will love that.”
I smirked at him being called by his husband’s last name.
We slid into the front seats and GQ started the car. He looked over at me, knowing I was going to bust his balls. “You hungry? We can grab an early lunch, or head to the office. Your call.”
I shifted in my seat as I fastened the seatbelt. “Well,Mr. Rossi,” I teased, “I’ve only had coffee, but I’m not really hungry. I can wait.”
I’d never admit I was apprehensive about seeing Brent again. I could stare down an enemy tank or insurgents without losing my cool. But somehow, Brent made me all nervous inside.
“Okay. You alright over there?” he asked, glancing at me. “You’re not usually this stoic.”
I snorted out a laugh. “Yes, I am. And I’m fine.”
“Whatever you say, Commander.”
We talked about the upcoming football season and how this might be Alex Hayes’ last one as the Pirates quarterback. I knew Jesse was tight with a lot of the players, especially since his husband, Dominick Rossi, was the kicker, and his brother Cooper was married to their tight end, Greg Foster. Not to mention his business partner, Aidan Hayes, was married to Marcus Monroe, the Pirates All-Pro wide receiver.
“You go to every game?” I asked, shifting to look at him as he drove us toward Portland.
“Not every game. Livie and I go to all the home games, and when they play in San Francisco and Seattle. If Greer is going to the away games, sometimes we might tag along.”
“You should come to San Diego and see a game sometimes. The Sunrays are rebuilding. They’re going to be really good when the new owner takes over. Might even change their name.”
He laughed as he made the turn toward the interstate. “Since when did you become a football fan?”
I shrugged and looked out the front window. “I’ve always liked football, but have never had time to watch it. You know how things go between deployments. But they did offer me a job as head of security.”
Jesse’s head whipped toward me. “Seriously? What did you say?”
I grinned as I relaxed back into the seat. “I told them I had another offer on the table and I’d get back to them.”
He looked at me again. “You meanmyoffer, right?”
I nodded. “Yes. And if Daredevil is looking to scale back, I could entertain stepping into that role. I could buy him out if things work out.”
I let that hang in the air for a moment, waiting for what I knew was coming. “You going to tell me why you’re hesitant to take my offer? I thought this was a done deal.”
Shifting my gaze out the window, I decided to just tell him. “It will depend on Brent. I told the Sunrays I had another offer to consider. I asked them to give me a few days to sort it out.”
Jesse was quiet for a moment before he asked more questions. “What does any of this have to do with Dreamboat? Why would you be concerned? I’ve already told him and everyone else you were coming on board. If it’s about the money…”
I held up my hand. “It’s not about the money. Never has been. Like I said, it’s about how he feels about working with me.”
