Page 93 of When You Wish Upon a Wideout

“LA isn’t a thing.”

“I didn’t say it was,” Chase said, oblivious. “I just said they gave me a headache. Two actually. I’ve also got a tension one thinking of all the money you’re walking away from. If you’re done”—Chase paused, looking at the mat Sienna had lain on—“working out. My car’s out front. Run up and change.”

Beau let out a huge breath when Chase left the gym, sticking his hands on his head and pacing. He reached for his phone to call Sienna, bouncing his leg anxiously as it rang and rang until going to her voicemail.

Not what it sounds like. I’ll explain tonight

He quickly texted her while trying to mentally assure himself as well.

Her reply minutes later didn’t provide much more reassurance.

Can’t see you tonight need to be at work. Call you later.

* * *

“I gotta jet after this. I need to be across town in an hour.” Beau looked down at his watch. If he hadn’t already scheduled time to train Damien, Beau would have already been in his car on his way to Brookwood to clear up the misunderstanding.

“Oh yeah?” Chase took a sip of his drink. “Where’s that.”

“North Dallas.”

Chase arched an eyebrow. “What’s there? Doesn’t your girl live out in the middle of nowhere?”

“Her name is Sienna,” Beau said, lifting his sandwich. “There’s a kid out in that area. Hardworking, quick feet. I’m helping him—”

“You?”

Beau looked around. “Yes, idiot, me.”

“You’re what, coaching him?”

Beau shrugged. “Sort of.”

“Don’t tell me you’ll abandon next season for coaching—”

“No.” Beau rolled his neck. “I won’t. Even if I’m exhausted. I’m physically and mentally exhausted. I’ll be honest. Ibarelyhave it in me to do another season. But I need some time to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do with the rest of my life.”

Chase took a sip of his drink. “Why are you so worried about that? Play golf. Go sit on a beach.”

“I hate golf.”

Chase rolled his eyes. “Learn to crochet then, whatever. I can get you a commentating position in a heartbeat. You’re camera handsome. ESPN would eat you up. I mean, come on, Beau. What are we doing here?”

Beau bit into his club sandwich. “We’re eating,” he said with a full mouth.

“I think maybe you’re scared.” Chase continued when Beau raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you think you’re washed up, and that will show if you go to LA. Maybe you’re worried about losing a starter to some D-I hot shot just out of college.”

“I’m not.” Beau laughed. “You can save the reverse psychology. I’mdrivenby competition. Do you want to know what makes me want to run faster? Fast guys.”I don’t know if I want to anymore, he added in thought.“But let’s table the LA discussion, alright? I don’t have plans to go out there ever again.”

Chase dropped his fork. “You could take a vacation though. Maybe it would be good for you. You’re running around trying to wrangle sixty kids and take them to Disney World. When was the last time you lay on a beach?”

Beau laughed. “When I played for LA.” He furrowed his brow in thought when an idea struck him. “Maybe you’re right. I could use a little time away. Can you get your travel agent on that for me?”

“Beau Walker taking time off? Alright. I’ll have them check flights.”

Beau tsked, reaching for his water. “I want to go private.”

Chase narrowed his eyes. “I mean, that’s not usually your style.”

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