“So, you win the Super Bowl MVP and suddenly everybody is your bitch?” Chance laughed.
“It’s usually the star of the game who gets the trophy, not the guy with the biggest mouth, Beauman.”
“Damn boy, you are full of yourself today. You do realize you aren’t the only one who just inked the deal of a lifetime. I got a contract extension that puts me among the highest paid players in the league. I just left Nolan’s office and haven’t even spoken to Lacey yet.”
“That’s awesome man, nobody deserves it more than you, Beaumonster.”
“Winning the Super Bowl has opened so many doors for me. You did good. For all of us. I’ve got companies calling me left and right. One shoe company sounds like it could be bigger than my contract.”
“That’s great, man. Just remember your star quarterback wears a size thirteen.” I said, looking down at my watch. Shelby should be calling soon.
“I’m putting a big part of my deal toward the Heritage House. Those kids could use some help.” I heard laughter in the background.
“Where are you at, man?”
“I’m having tacos with Nolan at a little hole in the wall by his office. You know we have a parade to attend here in a little while, right?”
“Yeah, I know. I’m on my way over there,” I said, getting in to my truck.
“You realize these things never start on time, right? Besides, who’s gonna leave without the Beaumonster on board? You might be the unsung hero of the hour with your Super Bowl MVP Trophy. Still, nobody is going anywhere around here without the Monster of the Midwest. Besides, I’m across the street from the meetup right now, so I’m good. Lacey, Aria and Shelby are due her any minute.” He paused for a second and the laughter in the background was being overtaken by cheers and roars. “The only question I have for you is, where the hell have you been?”
“I stayed an extra day to do a commentary on ESPN and flew back late last night on Reed’s plane.”
“Damn, that’s rough. My first contract year, I had them put it in writing that I got to use that plane a few times a year. It’s a beauty.”
I let out a laugh. “I wish I would have known that yesterday. I could have had it added into my contract.”
“I saw your numbers. You did pretty damn good for a guy that ended the regular season as the third-string quarterback.”
I knew he couldn’t see me, but I nodded my head. “No doubt about it man, it looks like you and I are going to be teammates for a while.” A text alert from Shelby drew my attention to my phone screen.
“Hey man, I got a text from Shelby, and I need to get going or I’ll be the dude left behind.”
“I got your back, man. I can hold up the show by at least thirty minutes without even getting creative. Oh, that reminds me, I told Shelby earlier that I’d have you meet us here, so according to the badass SUV that just pulled into the lot, you’re late to the party Mr. MVP. Or as I plan to call you, Lover-ette.”
I could hear glass being clicked together as he paused. “Do I need to send a car after you or can you manage on your own here Lover-ette?”
I patted my right front pocket, making sure I had the ring for the hundredth time. “I’m good. See you in a few.”
“Right on man. See ya.” I clicked off the call. Damn. The year was shaping up to be the best one yet. We were going to have a wedding.Chance and Lacey’s non-profit would be fully funded and the girls would get season tickets. They loved to watch us play. And we loved having them there.
I never thought that winning the biggest game of my career could somehow feel like a secondary prize, but when compared to thinking about my future with Shelby as my wife, it didn’t even come close to being the best thing that ever happened to me.
With Shelby at my side, we could do anything.