Page 28 of By His Play

That life, though…from a very early age, I just knew it wasn’t for me.

Sitting in an office all day, board meetings, managing people and money and projects, and whatever else they spend their time doing…it sounds awful.

From the first moment I picked up a football, there was only one thing I could picture myself doing.

And it wasn’t just a want. It was a need.

I need to play. I need to push myself physically.

It took a long time for Dad to come around to the idea.

He had my place at Callahan Enterprises mapped out. He noticed from day one that I was the creative one of his three sons, and he was pushing me toward marketing. But it was never going to happen. No matter how hard he pushed, I pushed back more until he had little choice but to let me do my own thing.

He is proud of what I’ve achieved, sure. He comes to a lot of games every season and supports me. I’m grateful for it, because I know how easily he could have turned his back on me for not falling into line.

Of course, it helped when I started my foundation. Dad saw that as me putting one step into the corporate world and backed me all the way with Callahan Enterprises being one of the KC Foundation’s biggest sponsors.

Football will always have my heart. It’ll always be my life. But the Foundation allows me to give back. It helps me to support those who aren’t as fortunate in life and give them a chance to play professionally.

I’ve lost count now of the number of players we’ve helped to secure a future. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to see some of those names filter into the NFL in the years to come.

I know Effie feels the same. It’s why she stood right by my side when I started the foundation. She’s my wingwoman and will be forever.

We miss her at the office. The place isn’t the same without her smiling face. But it’s only temporary. She’ll be back; there are just more important places for her to be right now. And when she does return, I have no doubt that the KC family will pull her in with open arms and make her feel like she’s returned to a safe and loving place.

I keep running until my legs and lungs are screaming, but I welcome the pain.

Despite the cool morning air, sweat covers my skin, my shirt sticking to my body.

I pass a few people, mostly other runners, but no one pays me any attention and I’m thankfully able to lose myself without interruption.

Before long, I turn back on a loop that I used to do as a teenager when I stayed here with Effie and make my journey back to the house.

When I’m only a few minutes away, I slow to a stop as I approach one of Effie’s favorite coffee shops.

I wipe my sweaty face with my arm, hoping that it makes me look a little more acceptable, before pulling the door open and walking inside.

There are a few people sitting around, but thankfully, there isn’t a line, and I walk right up to the counter, ordering two of Effie’s favorite and a box full of pastries.

I’ve woken her up with the scent of cinnamon buns a couple of times this week. I love seeing her smiling face when she comes to find me—and the buns. But as much as I need something to keep my hands and brain active, I don’t need to be baking every single morning. And I’m not sure croissants are in my repertoire yet.

I rest my ass against one of the stools at the counter as I wait for my order and pull my cell from the safety of the zip pocket on my shorts.

I find a stream of notifications from several apps, but it’s the message notification from my brother that I open.

King, Kian, and I are pretty close. As close as we can be when our lives are dominated by our careers.

Kian: About fucking time, Bro. Kinda wish you’d told me instead of letting me find out online.

“The fuck?” I whisper before clicking the link that follows his message.

The website opens and my stomach lurches into my throat at the words that are staring back at me.

Chiefs star, Kieran Callahan, to marry his childhood best friend in a small, romantic ceremony.

Effie Campbell’s grandmother is delighted about the union that she’s been dreaming of since the two of them met at school.

“It’s been so wonderful seeing Nora so excited for her granddaughter. Effie is a regular at our care home, and we’re all thrilled for her,” Laura, Nora’s nurse, explains. “Her happiness is infectious, and her ring is beautiful.”

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