Page 7 of Scoring Truth
6
JAMESON
I’m down at the facility, like usual, just sitting to have some lunch. Scrolling through social media to pass the time, I see an ad for that dating site the guys were talking about. I feel like this site is quickly becoming the bane of my existence. Everywhere I go now, I’m hearing about dates. Or the ball. Or being single.
The guys had a great time hearing about their poor matchmaking skills. If I didn’t need them on the field, I may consider retaliation.
I think back to the dating site again.
Okay. Let’s think about this. What will it hurt? I can match with someone, meet her one time before the ball, get our stories straight, and get through the holiday together. If I’m seen with someone, maybe the hype of getting me a date will settle down. My family and the GM will let me breathe,and the questions will stop as we prepare for the final games of the season and a potential Super Bowl appearance. And then once we make the playoffs, that will sidetrack them from the girl. I’ll tell them I have to concentrate on the game, which should appease both the front office and my intrusive family for the time being.
I quickly download the app, open it, and begin filling out the information.
“Hey, man, what are you doing?”
Connor slides into the seat next to me with his tray and digs in. I swear I see sparks coming off the fork.
“Will you slow down? No one is going to take it from you.”
“Mime Marving,” he says around a mouthful. He’s just like Jackson. Those two spent way too much time together while I was in Candy Cane Key.
Sighing, I flip my phone around to show him.
His eyes widen. “You’re gonna do it?”
I shrug. “Whatever gets them off my back.”
“Jame, listen?—”
“No, I know how important appearances are. I know the team banked on me being the small-town kid next door. And for my family, my dad worries. I know they want me to be happy. I just want to concentrate on the game right now. But if this will keep everyone subdued for a minute and off my back so I can actually concentrate on the game, then it’s worth it.”
Connor doesn’t say a word, and I continue talking myself into this ridiculous idea.
“It will be fine. I’ll meet her once. Ask her to come with me to the ball and then move on.”
He takes the phone from me, scrolling through the application. “This is kind of weird. You’re buying a date.”
I bumped his shoulder and grabbed my phone back as he continued to shovel the food in again. “It’s the same if I took her to dinner.You’remaking it weird.”
Stalling, I process what he’s saying. Fuck. That is what I’m doing. “Do I use my real name?”
“Bro. Yes. They’re going to know you by face anyway. Might as well let the shock wear off.”
“You’re right.” I enter my name and age. “Job?”
He deadpans. “Quarterback.Thequarterback.” He laughs.
“You’re ridiculous.” Still scanning through everything. “What package do I want?”
“Shouldn’t she be asking that question?”
Rolling my eyes. “I’m not sleeping with this chick. That’s all I need. A clinger or an accidental pregnancy. No, thanks.”
He leans over my shoulder, scanning the availability. “Well, you’re going to have to travel together. Spend the weekend. You have to make it look real. I think you should fill out for a weekend excursion. Meet up one time before, set the limits, and get it done. If these are professionals,” he eyes me with a sly smirk, “they’ll be fine with it.”
“I feel like you’re making this aPretty Womanpart two.” He furrows his brows. “Tell me you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
“Oh, I know the reference, but that was a prostitute. Is that what you’re hoping for, Mr. Winters?”
