Erin hummed.“Well, that’s nice of him to ask. He seems to be making an effort lately.”
“Yeah.” This was the second time in a week he reached out, which was more than he did in the past few years.
“Are you going to go? You know Mateo will be there.”I could hear the grin in her voice even through the phone.
“That’s not why I would go,” I said, but my stomach fluttered at the thought.
“Uh, huh. Em, you literally ditched our friend’s dinner to hang out with the guy a few days ago. And I’ve caught you staring at your phone multiple times since then.”
Erin has taken every opportunity since Sunday to remind me that I ditched her. She wasn’t mad. In fact, she almost made me deaf with her screaming when I told her where I was and who I was with. She was all for team Mateo.
“I haven’t stared at my phone…” I trailed off, knowing it was a lie.
“Yeah, you can’t lie to me, Em. But in all seriousness, go and see your dad. It’s nice he’s finally making the effort.”Even though she couldn’t see me, I nodded.“And if you happen to see Mateo, it’s a win-win.”
“You’re the worst, you know that?”
Erin laughed.“You love me.”
“Unfortunately, I do,” I huffed. “I’ll let you know when I’m on my way home.”
“Let me know if I need wine on hand.”
“Will do.”
“Go and have fun with your future husband and your dad!”
Before I could reply, Erin hung up. I shook my head as I clicked on my dad’s text. I was only going to see him and that was it. My visit would have nothing to do with Mateo. At least that was what I was telling myself as I hit send.
“I’m hereto see Coach Reggie,” I told the security guard who sat at the front desk in the Titan’s practice facility. It was a different guy than when I was here last week.
“For what reason?” he questioned with raised eyebrows. I knew they had to ask so not just anyone could walk in. I bet they had some crazy fans try to come and see the players from time to time.
“He’s my dad.” The disbelieving look was one I was used to. I hadn’t been around enough in the last few years for anyone to know who I was. “Yep, true story.”
The guard didn’t crack a smile at my words. Holding back a sigh, I pulled out my ID and handed it over. “My name should be written down as well.”
It took the guy a few minutes of looking at my ID and face before referring to his computer to see if I was actually allowed to be here. Finally, he handed back my stuff, along with a lanyard with a badge on it.
“Wear this at all times. Before you leave, make sure to get a permanent visitor’s pass.” His tone was gruff and a bit scolding, like I had done something wrong.
“Will do.” With the lanyard around my neck, I left the guard and headed to the right, the same direction I took the last time I was here. I may have gotten a tour from my dad, but I still had no clue where anything was.
I wandered the halls, passing a few people who gave me curious looks but didn’t say anything. I was pretty sure I stuck out like a sore thumb in my leggings and long-sleeved jacket when it was sunny and hot outside.
I made it halfway down a random hallway when commotion caught my ear. Curiosity got the better of me, and I headed straight toward the sound. A minute later, I stumbled upon an open doorway that looked out into an indoor field.
Cautiously, I stepped through, taking in the Titan’s field. The Astroturf seemed to shine under the bright lights, thespray-painted yard lines bright white. Cones were scattered around, as well as hitting dummies and agility ladders. Footballs laid around the fake grass.
It was impressive the Titan’s had an indoor practice field this big. It showed just how much money the franchise had. I didn’t know why the sight of it all made it start to sink in that my father really was a big deal. He was the head coach to a giant team that just won The Legacy Championship.
Men’s voices jerked me out of my thoughts. A big group of football players gathered to the right. A few were already looking at me but most were focused on someone standing in the middle.
When a few guys shifted to the side, I caught sight of my dad. My father wasn’t a small man by any means, but standing there amongst football players, he looked on the short. He was in his early fifties but could easily pass for his forties. When I was younger, my friends used to tell me my dad was a DILF. Something my poor innocent eyes and ears didn’t need to know.
I tried to stay out of sight, but as my dad’s head turned, he saw me. A wide smile graced his features. I briefly wondered if it was too late to turn and leave. Maybe I could get away.
My dad gestured for me to come forward, and I inwardly groaned. Well, this wasn’t how I wanted Mateo to find out about this. Any sort of romantic feelings toward me could very well be over in the next ten seconds.
