Page 26 of Make the Play

“I know, but you’ll never find her if you don’t start looking.”

“You weren’t looking for Dad, and Dad wasn’t looking,” I remind her.

“No, we weren’t looking, but fate brought us together.”

“We’re not all that lucky,” I remind her.

“I’m not pressuring you, but I want to see all my kids happy.”

“Do I not seem happy?”

“You do, but there is so much more to life than work. We both know all too well that tomorrow isn’t promised for any of us. I want you to experience what it’s like to love someone so unapologetically that it consumes you. I want you to be able to hold your son or daughter in your arms and watch them learn and grow. I want that for you and your sisters.”

“I know, Mom.” I feel my throat tighten with emotion.

“I love you, Knox Alexander Beckett.”

“I love you, too.”

“All right, I didn’t mean for this call to get so deep.” She laughs. “I miss you. I love you, and be safe out there, son.”

“I miss you, too, love you more, and always am.”

“Night, kiddo.”

“Night, Mom.” I end the call with a smile on my face. I do have the best parents and the biggest support group. There are a lot of guys on the team who don’t have that, and I know how fortunate I am. I also know what it looks like to be in love because of my parents, their friends, my aunt Reagan, and Uncle Tyler. I grew up watching all five couples love so deeply, it’s in everything they do.

I hope that I’m lucky enough to find that. However, I know I’ve lived an extraordinary life if I don't. I have an incredible family and a career that I live for. I have no complaints, and I know how rare that is.

ChapterEight

Corie

With my shoulders squared and head held high, I make my way to the players’ entrance to the stadium. That's where Knox told me to wait for Sally, the director of human resources, for my interview today.

My insides are twisted in a knot, but I don’t let that show. On the outside, I have an air of confidence. Fake it until you make it, right? The nerves are worse because this is my first interview after applying for what feels like thousands of jobs. That’s the biggest reason, and then there’s the fact that both Knox and Landry put in a good word for me. I don’t want to let either of them down.

Stepping up to the door, I try the handle, and it turns, allowing me to push open the door. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it’s not a beautiful middle-aged woman with blonde hair to be standing there with a smile on her face.

“Corie?”

“That’s me.” I wave and offer her a smile.

“So nice to meet you. I’m Sally.” She steps forward and offers me her hand. “I can see the resemblance,” she says, and my shoulders fall just a little. I don’t want this job because of who my brother is.

“Family curse,” I say, hoping I’m hiding the disappointment in my voice.

“Landry and Knox might have put you on my radar, but I won’t offer you the job because of who they are.” Her smile tells me she sees right through me.

“Thank you.” I feel my shoulders relax. “While I appreciate both of them for helping guide me to this opportunity, I need to make it on my own. Just like I keep telling Landry, I have to be able to stand on my own two feet.”

Sally nods. “I commend that. I’ve seen both sides of the spectrum: those expecting things in life because of who they know or are related to. It’s not a good look.” She scrunches up her nose, as if even the thought is distasteful.

“Agreed.”

“We’re off to a great start. Come on up to my office, and we can talk.” She turns and leads the way down the hall, and I follow her. We stop at the elevators, and she pushes the call button.

“Thank you for meeting with me,” I say once we’re in the elevator and soaring to the top floor.

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