Page 38 of Faking the Pass
It was pretty much an echo of what my college girlfriends had said. They’d all resented the time and focus I gave to football.
I hadn’t even bothered dating for the last year because what was the point?
Of course that meant I was pursued relentlessly by women who wanted to be my next short-term fling. It was actually pretty bothersome.
“Probably for the best,” I said. “I don’t think I’m cut out to have a family. If I want to achieve my goals, I’ve got to have laser focus.”
“Isn’t it lonely?” Rosie asked.
“Sometimes,” I admitted. “Maybe someday when I retire, I’ll think about it. But I can’t stop now. I’ve already given up everything for this career—I have to make itmatter.”
“What will be enough to make it matter?”
Rosie’s tone was innocent, but the question was like a dagger to my heart. It wasn’t one I liked to think about—because I didn’t know the answer.
“I’ll know when I get there I guess,” I said then set the plate of steaming food in front of her. “Eat up.”
That night while we were streaming a movie, the doorbell rang.
“They’re getting pretty ballsy climbing the fence and coming right up to the door,” I grumbled. “Keep your head down. I’ll check the ring camera. I may end up having to call the police.”
I checked the image on my phone and saw it was a man in a low-slung ballcap, holding several grocery bags and a suitcase. I turned the phone so Rosie could see the screen.
“Recognize him?”
“No. That’s my suitcase though.”
She looked excited, but the expression morphed into worry. “Think one of the paparazzi was able to get it from the hotel somehow?”
“Doubt it. Maybe it’s somebody Wilder sent. Hold on. Let me check my texts.”
My phone had been muted so we could focus on the movie, but now I saw I’d missed a call and a text from my oldest brother.
Sending someone over with Rosie’s things and some supplies to get you through the next couple of days. He’ll arrive in an unmarked car around seven. I gave him your gate code. They won’t be able to identify him and connect him to you. Even if they somehow managed to connect him to my company, that’s as far as they’ll get. No one here will give them any info. How’s it going?
I answered him honestly.
Fine other than running low on food—and trying to keep my eyes on my own paper as Rosie James walks around in nothing but a t-shirt and a pair of my boxers. Both problems you’ve just solved. I owe you big.
Yeah you do. I’ll take tens and twenties.
I laughed out loud, making Rosie turn her head and give me a curious look. I tapped out a response.
I’d think you’d do this one pro bono considering you can buy and sell all of us. Including Merc.
Our brother Mercury had just gotten a huge bonus after conquering his own white whale last season—breaking the NFL record for most receiving touchdowns in a single season.
But Wilder’s security company had doneverywell. It would take the three of us many years of playing and some pretty hefty endorsement deals to catch up with the oldest Lowe brother.
His next text read:
I’ll think of something else you can do for me.
I chuckled, typing a response.
You got it. As long as it’s not teaching Theo about what DOES go in the potty. Later.
Using a home security app on my phone, I unlocked the door to let our grossly overpaid “delivery man” inside.
