Satisfied 2X

“I heard on the news my one and only granddaughter, the girl I practically raised as my daughter is getting married and she hasn’t mentioned a word of it to me? You never even said you were seeing someone. Let alone Dylan James. He’s not your type, Nessa.”

I pinched my lips together. This wasn’t a battle I wanted to get into. “With everything going on I didn’t want to bring up my love life,” I lied. “I should have said something sooner. I’m so sorry you found out this way.” I had to remember next time that I was part of a press release that I needed to inform my family first. This wasn’t fair to do to her.

“You’re not going through with it, are you?” she questioned.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Nessa McCade, that man is the team whore. I’m sorry to tell you, but it’s the truth. Your grandfather knew it. I know it. He wouldn’t stand for this.”

I covered my mouth. Did my grandmother just call Dylan a whore? I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Grammy!”

“I think you should come over for dinner tonight. There are some things I have put off and we need to have a talk.”

“I can’t tonight. I have an interview with Sports Now right after work.”

“Then afterward? We can have a nightcap.”

“All right. But I don’t know how late it will be. Are you sure we can’t do it tomorrow? I could meet you for lunch.”

“No. I’ve waited too long. I see that now. I’ll look for you after dinner.”

It was amazing how quickly I could feel like a fumbling teenager again. “Ok, bye, Grammy.”

I hung up, sinking into my chair.

Candy knocked on the door. “Vanessa, the design team is here.”

“Design team?” I looked up. I still hadn’t processed that call. I hadn’t meant to alienate my grandmother.

“Yes. They have models with the new jerseys for this season. And some of the guys are hot.” She winked.

“Oh shit. I forgot we were choosing new uniforms for the Monday night game.” We didn’t have that time slot until later in the season, but if we were going to outfit an entire team I had to decide the new uniforms weeks ahead of time.

“Can I send them in?”

“Yes.” I nodded. “Go ahead. And please, hold any more calls until we’re finished.” I didn’t want my angry grandmother calling back.

“Sure thing.”

She left and in walked a parade of Warriors uniforms.

I smiled. Finally, something I could get into.

Twenty-Two

Dylan

Some of the guys knew the story. They were there for the auction. They were also the ones who had signed the NDA and couldn’t say shit about it. Then there were the ones who stared at me in disbelief, like I had sold them out somehow.

I wiped the sweat from my brow. We were still practicing outside. The Warriors were the only team who still didn’t have any indoor facility for this fucking heat.

“So, you’re fucking her?” Rocks spat as we took the line for the next snap. He was still angry I had won the auction. He wasn’t going to let it go. Maybe I should recommend a trade.

Luke Canton lined up behind the center.

“I’ll let you know where we’re registered.” I grinned at the defensive lineman.