He sat down at his desk and picked up the phone, dialing a number from memory.
She answered on the third ring. "Hello?"
"Hey, Sally," he said, leaning back in his chair.
"Jack! Its great to hear from you. Howre things in New York? I hear your show is popping some killer numbers. "
He couldnt remember the last time someone had sounded so genuinely happy to hear from him. "Things are great. Fox thinks Im a god. "
"We all think that, Jack. It sure isnt as much fun around here without you. "
"Then maybe you wouldnt mind moving to New York. I need an assistant. "
It was a moment before she asked, "Are you kidding me?"
"No. This is a genuine offer, okayed by my boss. We cant offer a hell of a lot of money, but Im sure its more than youre making now. "
"I can be there in ten days. " She laughed. "Ill live in the YWCA if I have to. Thanks, Jack. You dont know what this means to me. "
"You deserve it, Sally. "
"Thank you. "
After Jack hung up, he sat there a minute. He was just about to leave for home when the phone rang again.
It was Warren. "Hey, Jacko, Beth has her yoga class tonight. How about dinner at Sparks?"
"Count me in. "
"Seven-thirty okay?"
"Meet you there. "
It took Jack longer than hed expected to get home, change into Levis and a black T-shirt, and catch a cab. He pulled up to the restaurant at seven-forty-five.
Outside, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in the darkened window. He paused just long enough to run a hand through his now quite blond hair.
The hostess, a pretty young woman in a skintight black dress, smiled up at him. Her cheeks were as pink as cotton candy. "Welcome back to Sparks, Mr. Shore. "
He gave her his showbiz smile. "Well, thanks. Its nice to be here. Im meeting Warren Mitchell. "
"Hes already here. Follow me. " She turned and walked away from him. Her small, beautiful ass swung gently this way and that. He followed her to a table in the back corner of the restaurant.
There, she touched his arm, smiled sweetly up at him. "Im here until closing. If theres anything"--her voice italicized the word--"you need, just let me know. "
God it felt good, being wanted again.
"Ill think about that, darlin," he said, sliding into the seat. He watched her walk away.
Warren laughed. "I ordered you a Dewars on the rocks. " He raised his own glass in a salute. "Its awesome what a little TV exposure does for a guys sex appeal, isnt it? Even old guys like us. "
Jack reached for his drink. "It feels good to be somebody again, I can tell you that. "
Warren took a sip of his drink. "It couldnt have been easy, going from the NFL to local sportscaster in Sioux Falls. "
"I was never in Sioux Falls, but the point remains. It was hell. "
"I wasnt there for you back then. When your knee gave out. "