Page 66 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
Coach heaves a sigh. “What he’s trying to say is be smart. Up your training and follow the recommendations from your physical therapist.”
Yeah, that’s exactly what he was trying to say. I shake my head in distaste. His words were much less eloquent. “Got it, Coach. Thanks.”
“No, you’re not allowed to have this in writing, Chris,” Coach prefaces his statement to my agent.
“Okay,” Chris agrees.
Coach continues, “We’re not about to let you go if I can help it, Brennan. You’re damn good at what you do and we all know it. So, ignore the chatter and the assholes and focus because that’s all it is–shit talk.”
“Thanks, Coach. I will get it done.”
“Good. And Levi?” he prompts.
“Yeah?”
“Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with your family.”
“Thanks. You too. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.”
“Happy Thanksgiving,” Chris says and Joey echoes.
I disconnect, relief flowing through me and a smile curving my lips. Looking around the room with pumpkins, gourds and leaf decorations, I’m reminded of the day and turn around to join the festivities.
Taking a deep breath, a savory scent of turkey, spices and stuffing hits my nose as I make my way back out to the kitchen. Aunt Miranda stands at the counter prepping for Thanksgiving dinner. Pots, pans, knives, and a feast of food are scattered everywhere in various stages of prep, most of it appearing ready to cook.
Aunt Miranda lifts her gaze as I approach and sit down on a stool at the counter. “Is everything okay, Levi?”
Nodding, I claim, “Yeah, it is. Thanks.”
“You sure?” She looks up at me again with a question on her face. Sniffling, she looks back at the onion she’s chopping, her eyes starting to water, while she tries not to let her tears fall. “It must be important if they are calling you on Thanksgiving morning to talk business.”
“Yeah, you would think, but let’s just say I’ve been stressing about my position with the team when apparently I don’t need to.”
“That’s great news.”
I nod. “Definitely. Are Della and Lawson up yet?”
“I heard them moving around, but I haven’t seen them yet. They both claim they get up early when they’re at their own homes, but I don’t believe it.” I laugh. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you what time you told Layla, Gabe and their mom to come over today for dinner?”
“Actually, I told Layla if they wanted to come early and hang out or help, we would be happy to have them.”
“Good boy.”
“Yeah, they’re really looking forward to today,” I say, not able to wipe the smile off my face. It feels like things are finally looking up again.
“Looks like you are too.”
“Of course, I am. Layla is amazing. You know, I don’t think I ever really thanked you for setting us up in the first place.”
“You’re welcome, but I’m just glad you got off your high horse and treated her like she should’ve been treated all along.”
“So am I Aunt Miranda. so am I.”
A knock sounds at the door and my smile widens. “I’ve got it, Uncle Steve calls from the foyer. “Happy Thanksgiving,” he greets, Layla’s voice ringing clear among the others, my heart full.
She walks in with her mom behind her, followed by Gabe, everyone wishing each other, “Happy Thanksgiving.”
Leaning towards Layla, I give her a sweet kiss as she sets an apple pie on the counter. “Hi. I’m glad you’re here.”
