Chapter2
“You really don’t like me, do you?” Jared asked as he started his second set of curls. His arms ached and he could feel the spasms in his biceps. He was really out of shape. But there was no way he’d show any sign of weakness to her.
“How I feel about you is irrelevant.” A.J. stayed true to her promise of cold, polite, professionalism.
“I just want to know why you don’t like me.” Jared’s curiosity threatened to overcome him. He usually only scored this level of animosity from the opposing team’s fans at an away game. It couldn’t be the preferential treatment. There had to be something more, a deeper vein of emotion that he couldn’t figure out and it truly irked him.
“Your muscles have atrophied,” A.J. observed. “You are straining to do two sets at this weight but you were regularly lifting more than this before your accident. If we are going to get you in shape for the season you are going to have to work harder on the muscles you didn’t injure.”
“It’s only my first day back in action,” Jared noted though he suspected she saw through the excuses.
“They shouldn’t have let you get lazy. Knowing how much work your leg and back would need they should have kept the rest of you in better shape.” A.J. frowned. “Did anybody say anything to you? Your doctors? Surgeons?”
“Not unless you count asking for my autograph.” Jared dropped the dumbbell. “I got whatever I wanted and basically lived in bed for weeks while they evaluated me, operated on me, and basically discussed my future without my input. This,” he gestured at the room, “was not even my idea.”
“Poor baby,” A.J. mocked him, again. “Poor rich athlete surrounded by so many people who care about his well-being and his money and making sure he has a chance to play his game again.”
“I wanted to stay in L.A.” he answered stubbornly. “I wanted to let them follow my recovery, let the media in, document it all so nobody can accuse me of cheating. Because you know that’s what they’ll say. If I make it back, they will say I cheated to get back.”
Surprisingly, this response affected her. He saw A.J.’s hard exterior falter for just a second. Then the crack filled with more anger. “Again. Pick it up and do it again. Give me another set.”
Now Jared felt the anger, too. She had no right to hate him. So what if they paid him millions to play a game? People made millions off of him, off his name and his face. Not that anybody could tell now with his unkempt beard and short, uneven hair. Jared didn’t remotely resemble the Jump Jackson that people came to love and cherish. He lifted the dumbbell and started another rep.
“Good.” A.J. complimented him when he finished smoothly and set the weights down. “That’s more like it. Use that. Wherever you went just now, use it.”
Jared regarded her for a moment. “Shouldn’t be too difficult.”
She ignored the angry undertones, maintaining her cool professionalism, as if he were just another patient. “Are you having any pain?”
“Nothing I can’t handle,” Jared barked.
“Then hit the pool.” A.J. instructed. “We’re going to work that leg of yours.”
“Good.” Jared pushed off the bench, drew himself to full height and faced his therapist. “It’s about time we do what I’m here to do. If I needed a trainer, I would have hired one.”
“My job is to get you back in shape,” A.J. snapped. “And let’s face it, you have a VERY long way to go.”
“Just get me walking and I can do the rest,” Jared retorted.
“Right,” A.J. agreed and thrust his crutches at him. “Just get your ass to the pool.”
**
“What? No Speedo?” A.J. asked as she sized him up. For a second, Jared thought he caught a flicker of appreciation in her eye, but then it disappeared.
Jared regarded her simple one-piece and retorted, “What? No bikini?”
They silently stared each other down. Jared had to work to maintain eye contact and not allow his gaze to drift downward toward the swell of her breasts. He refused to give her that power over him, to let her know he found her attractive – or that he’d really like to see her in a bikini, or preferably, nothing at all.
Jared let A.J. help him into the pool, relished the feel of her skin on his. The warm water felt amazing on his leg, rolled around the scar tissue like a massage as they moved toward the center of the pool. A.J. helped guide him, gently maneuvering around his injured leg.
“Have you looked at it yet?” A.J. asked.
Surprised, Jared glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and answered simply. “Yes.”
Her voice changed but he couldn’t quite place the tone. “Most people don’t look at their scars.”
“They are a part of me now.”
Jared actually looked at his leg every day for the past month. He watched the transformation from inflamed surgical scar to swollen pinkish worm. It ended up much longer than he hoped but the doctors assured him it was healing as expected.
“That’s a good way of looking at it.” A.J. nodded approvingly. “Let’s just work on walking today. I’d like to see you off the crutches sooner than later. We can’t really start strengthening until you are weight bearing.”
“I’m good with that.” Jared longed to be rid of the crutches. They chafed his underarms and made his shoulders ache.
They worked in silence, walked slowly around the pool. She stayed close but gave him space. It felt strange at first, stiff, but got easier until he almost managed a smooth cadence. He sneaked glances at her, studying the way she carried herself, the shape of her eyes, the way her lips moved as she studied his leg.
A.J. focused on his movements, gauging every one of his shortcomings until Jared felt naked, stripped bare and on display in a way he’s never felt before. Walking around this pool with A.J. studying his every tic affected him far more than playing ball in front of millions. The silence made it worse, almost unbearable. But Jared couldn’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t be met with scorn.
When Jared didn’t think he could take it for another second, A.J. broke the silence. “I played basketball.”
He stopped and looked at her. “Power forward?”
“Point guard.” A.J. actually grinned, revealing even, white teeth. “I have mad ball-handling skills.”
Jared laughed in spite of himself. “Where’d you play?”
“Arizona.” A.J. started moving again, and spurred Jared to follow.
“Wait, whoa!” Jared remembered her all of a sudden. “You’re that Alexis Thompson.”
A.J.’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”
“You set a record for three-pointers in the play-offs and then broke it the very next year.” Jared started rattling off her stats, the ones he could remember. “I watched you in the finals your senior year. You made me love women’s basketball. Wow. I thought for sure you’d go pro.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” A.J.’s tone changed, she turned stiffly toward him. “I think we should call it a day.”
“Okay.” Jared maneuvered to the edge of the pool and let her help him out. The cool air sent gooseflesh over his skin but she didn’t seem affected.
“I’ll see you Friday.” A.J. handed him his crutches and left him gaping after her.
Jared maneuvered his way to the locker room and changed back into street clothes. According to the clock on the wall he still had thirty minutes of PT left. Jared texted Rick that he finished early and headed back to the lobby. He wondered what happened to A.J. and if anybody here knew her real identity.
“I’m parked out front, Jay.” Rick ran through the doors, slightly breathless.
“You didn’t have to run, Rick. I’m not in a hurry.” Jared smiled at his driver. “But thanks.”
“It’s what I’m paid for.” Rick held the door open for him and helped him into the SUV.
“Hey, Rick?” Jared asked casually.
“Yes? Did you have another stop you want to make?” Rick looked at him in the rearview mirror.
“No. I was just wondering if you ever watch basketball.” Jared watched out the window. “Like, women’s basketball?”
“Oh, no, not really.” Rick answered. “I am not really a sports fan, to be honest.”
And the world make sense again, Jared thought, no wonder Derek hired this guy to drive him. “No big deal, Rick. Just wondering.”
“Are you sure there isn’t anywhere else you’d like to go, Jay?” Rick asked expectantly.
“Nope, just take me home, please.” Jared put his head back on the seat. “I’m really tired from PT today.”
“That’s why you ended early?” Rick’s eyes flicked toward the review again.
“Something like that,” Jared mumbled.
“My daughter went to PT at Amherst last year.” Rick said. “She was exhausted after every session that first few weeks.”
“I can understand why.” Jared didn’t know what to say.
Rick must have picked up on his discomfort, “Ally’s okay now, she got hurt in one of those fitness races, some mud challenge thing. Anyway, Ally really liked the gal she worked with but she was real tired after their sessions.”
Jared’s ears perked up. “Who did your daughter work with?”
“Hmmm, what was her name? She understood my girl. They talked sports cuz I guess she was an athlete too.”
“Was it A.J.?” Jared asked, perhaps with a little too much enthusiasm.
“Yeah! That’s it.” Rick nodded his head. “She got my Ally running again. I think she’s even invited to the wedding.”
“You don’t say.” Jared couldn’t believe his luck.
“Yeah, Ally says she’s in better shape now than before and she says it’s all because of that therapist.” Rick bobbed his head a few more times. “Hopefully, you have the same luck.”
“I don’t think A.J. likes me quite as much. But I do hope she can get me back in shape.”
Rick looked at him in the mirror. “She’s good at what she does, Jay. I’m sure she’ll have you back to playing football in no time.”
Jared didn’t even try to hide his surprise, “I thought you didn’t watch sports, Rick?”
“Did I say that?” Rick smiled mischievously. “I may watch a little football from time to time.”
“Indeed.” Jared waited for his driver to ask a favor. He was used to it. Happened all the time.
“Sorry I lied to you,” Rick apologized, “I didn’t want you feeling self-conscious or worried that I would give you up to the press or something. I won’t, I promise you. I really am doing this just to make some extra money for my Ally’s wedding. She’s my baby girl, Jay.” Rick emphasized the last part with emotion that could not possibly be faked.
Jared relaxed in his seat. “It’s fine, Rick.”
“Incidentally, if you need somebody to watch films with, I’m more than happy to do that part for free.” Rick smirked and looked back at Jared briefly.
“Actually,” Jared arrived at an interesting idea, “I would really like that. I’m used to being surrounded by people and my house is so quiet. As you know my family can’t really visit right now, media following them around and all.” He trailed off, hoping Rick picked up on things himself.
“My family gets together on Sundays to grill out,” Rick began, “why don’t you join us?”
Jared smiled, “Really? It wouldn’t be too much of an imposition?”
“Of course not! My family would love to have you over,” Rick assured him. “My wife likes a full house and with our youngest about to be married off, she’s starting to feel the empty nest thing.”
“If you’re sure it will be okay,” Jared answered coyly. He almost felt bad for manipulating his way into Rick’s home and life. If he didn’t mean any harm, it couldn’t be that bad, could it?
“Absolutely.” Rick pulled into Jared’s driveway and turned to face him. “I’ll let my wife know to expect another person, but I will let you surprise her. She actually is a big fan of yours.”
Jared panicked for a moment but Rick chuckled. “She’ll be discreet, Jay. They all will. We will keep your secret.”
“I trust you, Rick.” Jared confirmed, as much for himself as for Rick. “See you on Friday?”
“Do you need help?” Rick moved to get out but Jared waved him off.
“I’ve got this, Rick.” Jared opened the door and slid out. “I have to learn to do some of this on my own, right?”
“Fair enough,” Rick clearly approved. “I’ll see you on Friday.”
**
“I hope you like burgers and brats.”
Rick’s wife, Marie, looked much as Jared expected. A modern-era June Cleaver with an edge, Marie was clearly born to be a force of nature and Rick remained smitten with her after years of marriage. She rocked a stylish but age appropriate hair style and opted for simple jeans and, not surprisingly, an L.A. Panthers tee. She didn’t try to hide her age with makeup or hair dye but youthfulness twinkled in her eyes, much like her husband’s.
“Love them,” Jared smiled warmly. “Thank you for having me over.”
“Of course! We can’t have you holed up in that house by yourself for the rest of your rehab!” Marie beamed. “Just consider us your family away from home. We’ve got you covered if you need anything at all.”
“Thanks, really,” Jared meant it.
He was practically climbing the walls yesterday and the thought of spending the next several months leaving the house only for rehab nearly drove him mad. Jared realized that he needed to have people around and that meant making new friends. Since A.J. seemed off limits for the time being, Rick and his family were the only alternatives and Jared felt they were safe.
“Well, come on in and meet the whole family,” Marie opened the door to give Jared enough room to navigate through the doorway. Rick followed him in and gave his wife a chaste kiss. Marie led the way to the kitchen and began introductions. “The tall one picking meatballs out of the crock pot is our oldest son, Paul. His wife, Monica, is somewhere around here. She’s the tiny one with the head of hair.” Marie walked around the table to playfully smack her eldest son on the rear. “The two playing cards are Micah and Max, our twins. Don’t let them try to confuse you, Micah has the shorter hair and his husband is milling around here somewhere, the dashing Puerto Rican fellow, you can’t miss him.” Marie continued introducing as she worked, picking and moving dishes in a flurry as her children offered Jared nervous smiles or waves. “Max’s wife is nursing our newest addition, Ashlynn, so you’ll meet her soon enough. Let’s see, Andie is our oldest daughter but she must be out back supervising her husband, Colin, on the grill. Ally and her fiancé are late, as usual, so you’ll have to meet them later.”
“Everybody, this is Jay,” Rick cut in. “Stop overwhelming the boy, Marie. He’ll get to know everybody soon enough.”
“Yeah, Mom, give the all-star a break.” Max chimed in from the end of the table, “it’s not like he memorizes playbooks for a living.” The sandy-haired guy looked about Jared’s age.
“Now, don’t go talking like that, Max. We are keeping Jay’s secret in this house and if I hear anybody does otherwise there will be hell to pay.”
Jared got a glimpse into Rick’s other side as his kids nodded their assent.
“It’s okay, Rick. We can talk football,” Jared blurted. He realized how much he missed the game and even if he couldn’t play there were other things he could do.
“Great!” Paul’s eyes lit up and he handed Jared a beer. “I’ve been watching your films and I think there are a few tweaks you can make to pick up an extra step on Glover when you play Dallas next season. It should make all the difference.”
“Excuse my brother,” Micah chimed in. “He’s a sports analyst and he’s been dying to share his theory with you.”
“Hey, anything that will help me is worth hearing.” Jared took a swig of cold beer. “And, right now, the only thing I can do to prepare is watch videos and practice theory.”
“Exactly!” Paul gestured for Jared to follow him down another hallway. “I’ve got video set up in the den.”
“And it can wait until after we eat,” Marie scolded.
“You weren’t going to eat without us, were you, Mom?”
A young woman bounded into the kitchen dragging an attractive but wiry guy behind her.
“Ah, Ally!” Rick beamed at his daughter and wrapped her in his arms. He kissed her softly on the crown of her head and then introduced Jared. “Ally, this is Jay. He’s joining us today. And this young man,” Rick reached out to shake the guy’s hand, “is Ally’s fiancé, Dustin.”
“Now we can eat.” Marie ushered everybody out to the back patio where Jared finally met Ashlynn, a younger version of Marie in almost every way, and Colin.
Jared should have been overwhelmed by the large family but they did everything to make him more comfortable. The food was delicious, the home-cooked kind that reminded him of his own family. In another life, this could have been him with his parents and siblings. By the time the dishes were cleared, Jared felt over-full and wished for a nap but he allowed Paul to lead him to the den where they settled into a worn leather couch.
It didn’t take long for half of the family to join them as Paul showed off his analyst skills with something Jared had definitely missed. There definitely was a way to beat Glover despite the cornerback being just a bit faster than Jared.
“You’re absolutely right, Paul.” Jared agreed with the assessment, “if I break just a hair sooner I will be able to beat him in the routes. Do you have any more suggestions?”
Paul beamed, clearly pleased with the praise. “Yeah, I think so. I mean, I’m sure I have more ideas to help you out if you want to hear them.”
“Of course,” Jared concurred. “But right now, I really need to use the restroom.” He made his way toward the bathroom and nearly collided with Ally. She overcame her surprise and stepped aside but Jared seized the moment to pursue his real reason for being there. “I hear you went to A.J. for therapy.”
Ally nodded. “Yeah, she’s great.”
“She doesn’t really like me,” Jared confided in the woman.
Ally laughed. “She wouldn’t.” She turned to walk away but Jared stopped her.
“Wait, why do you say that?” he asked, truly curious.
“You don’t know?” Ally gaped, truly surprised.
“No. I’ve never met her before. I mean, I’ve seen her play basketball a few times but we’ve never met,” Jared explained.
“But you don’t know her story?” Ally’s expression changed, as if she couldn’t decide what to do. Jared had to admit, Ally’s one attractive woman, especially biting her lip in indecision.
“No, I guess I don’t.” Jared shook his head. “But I’d like to understand her better.”
Ally cracked a small smile, suddenly understanding why Jared cornered her. “You like her, don’t you?”
“Well, yeah, she’s my physical therapist,” Jared scoffed.
“No, I mean, you really like her and it kills you that she doesn’t like you back.” Ally chuckled. “My dad likes you. He says you’re a good guy so I’ll help you with A.J. but even with my help you will have to prove yourself to her.”
“Deal,” Jared affirmed. He’s always been good at that part if he understands what he’s dealing with.
Ally gave him a knowing look. “It’s not going to be easy. She’s not an idiot and she really hates professional athletes, especially ones who are media darlings.”
“But why?” Jared tilted his head to the side, genuinely confused. It seemed so specific.
“The media ruined her life,” Ally said simply. “You never wondered why she walked away from basketball?”
“I guess I didn’t give it a second thought,” Jared admitted. “I mean, she was really good but there are a lot of talented athletes who walk away.”
Ally exhaled. “I guess you can find out on your own anyway so I might as well give you the abbreviated version. Most people around here know about it but nobody talks about it. A.J.’s mom and little sister were in an accident on their way to a party. Her mom was killed and her sister was in a coma for two months. When A.J.’s sister woke up she had some brain damage. Her dad couldn’t handle it and bailed on them so A.J. moved here to get her sister the best care possible.”
“That’s awful.” Jared imagined what he might have done in the same situation. He couldn’t even fathom it. “But what does that have to do with me?”
“The accident was not so much an accident as the result of some overzealous reporters who thought A.J. was in the vehicle. She tried to sue them to help pay for her sister’s medical bills but she lost. Everybody who stood by A.J. when she was at the top, left her hanging when she needed them most.” Ally explained. “So you see, you represent everything A.J. hates about sports. The fact that you’re never photographed with the same girl twice is just icing on the cake. Face it, Jay, you’re a player.”
“But,” Jared sputtered, “I’m not really that guy. It’s just a show.”
“Well, then you are one hell of an actor,” Ally observed, “because the media portrays you as a womanizing, media-whore, jackass.”
“That’s a bit harsh,” Jared responded, a little wounded.
“Truth hurts, All-star,” Ally scoffed. “Like I said, you have your work cut out for you.” She turned on her heel and disappeared down the hall.
Jared slipped into the bathroom and contemplated what Ally told him. He should have asked about A.J.’s sister, didn’t even get her name. How could A.J. get beyond something like that? Jared stared at his face in the mirror, he didn’t recognize himself beneath the short hair and beard. Being honest, Jared hadn’t recognized himself in a long time.
The women, the parties, the money. Spending time with Rick’s family had only reminded him of who he used to be before the money, before the fame. Maybe he had become more like the image than he’d care to admit. Is that why his family stopped visiting? Are they ashamed of who Jared became? Jared desperately needed to leave, to go home, to be alone, to think things out.
A knock at the door startled Jared to action. “Jay?” Rick’s voice. “Are you alright?”
“Um, yeah,” Jared responded shakily. “These crutches just get in the way sometimes. Everything seems to take longer.” He washed his hands in the sink and dried them hastily.
Rick stood outside the door, his face awash with concern. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah, but I’m tired.” Jared leaned on his crutches. “Do you think you could take me home?”
“Of course!” Rick seemed relieved. “We understand about the fatigue, I’ll just let Marie know.”
“I’d like to say good-bye to everybody,” Jared insisted. He followed Rick back toward the kitchen where Marie was occupied with cleaning up.
“Marie, I’m going to run Jay home.” Rick crossed the room and kissed his wife on the cheek.
She dried her hands on the nearest towel and strode across the room to hug Jared gently. “Please come back next weekend. We love having you here.”
Jared nodded. “Thank you, I would truly love that.”* * *
“Where are your crutches?” Rick called from the SUV.
“Don’t need them anymore!” Jared hollered back. Though he’d been a little unsteady and his gait a little awkward, he made it to the passenger side of the SUV on his own. Jared carefully climbed into the seat and grinned at Rick. “The docs cleared me on Wednesday.”
Rick swatted at him playfully. “You didn’t tell me that!”
“I wanted to surprise you.” Jared felt more than ready to take on PT with A.J. “And I wanted to practice walking without them so I wouldn’t make a fool of myself.”
“You’re really coming along then,” Rick said, almost proudly. “Aren’t you a few weeks ahead of schedule?”
“Yep,” Jared confirmed. “I don’t even need that stupid back brace anymore, just the leg brace for stability.”
“That’s incredible.” Rick grinned. “I won’t tell the family; you can surprise them on Sunday.”
“Thanks, I was hoping for that. I can’t believe I’ve been here for a month already.”
“And I was just telling Marie that I can’t believe you’ve only been with us for a month. It feels like you’ve always been a part of our family.”
“Thanks, Rick. I’m so grateful to you and your family for welcoming me into your home and your lives.”
“It’s the right thing to do, Jay.” Rick nodded, his cheeks flushed and ears tinted pink at the show of emotion. “Besides, you’re a good kid.”
Jared looked out the window to avoid Rick’s heavy gaze. He wished things were moving along as well with A.J., but he continued to strike out. He talked to Ally several times, knowing full well that she’d seen A.J. more than once in the past month, but no luck. Their patient-therapist relationship remained coldly professional and the only words they exchanged were related to his treatment. She was very good at her job, Jared had to admit that; because of A.J. he was weight-bearing again and looking at the real possibility of returning to football in the fall.
“Jay?” Rick asked.
“Yeah?” Jared answered.
“How are things going with your therapist?” Rick always seemed to know what Jared was thinking about.
“Not so great.” Jared admitted aloud for the first time what he’s known for a long time.
“Maybe it’s time for a different approach?” Rick suggested. “Now, I wasn’t going to stick my nose in it but Marie insists I help you if I can. She’s really taken a shine to you.”
“I like her too, Rick.” Jared contemplated letting Rick help, not sure if it would be right. “But I don’t know that you can actually help me with this one.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” Rick said. “I’d like to try, though.”
“Alright, lay it on me.” Jared gave in. If he’d learned one thing since being here, it was useless to try to refuse Rick and Marie.
“Ally’s wedding is in two weeks. A.J. is going to be there, we just got her RSVP. So, you just have to show up and win her over. What better place than at a wedding?” Rick waited for his reaction.
“So you want me to crash Ally’s wedding and win over a woman who can hardly stand the sight of me.” Jared turned the plan around on his friend.
“You’re not a wedding crasher if you are invited. And you are definitely invited. Just show up, be yourself, and let her see who you really are. Let A.J. get to know you the way we have and everything else will fall into place.”
“You make it sound so simple.” Jared remained more than skeptical. “I don’t think it works that way.”
“How else do you expect it to work?” Rick asked. “You like her, no?”
Jared nodded. “Yeah, of course I do.”
“Then, go for it,” Rick urged. “And, in the meantime, Ally suggests you scope out the pediatric wing. She didn’t say why, just told me to tell you to go there after your appointment. I can pick you up later today so you have time.”
“The pediatric wing?” Jared frowned.
“Yeah,” Rick nodded, “just check it out. I’ll be back around three.”
**
“How is the weight-bearing coming?” A.J. asked casually. She definitely noticed he arrived without crutches.
“I’ve been without crutches since Wednesday evening. I’m still a little stiff,” Jared answered casually. He’d taken to answering only when A.J. spoke to him, an uneasy and unspoken agreement they’ve come to.
Jared couldn’t understand how she could ignore the tension between them and he’d had to fight the urge to kiss her on more than one occasion. They’d been working closely as she monitored his exercises and worked on his leg. Jared dreamed of her almost nightly, from her scent to the warmth of her fingers on his skin, but he’d gotten nowhere with the real, live A.J.
“Good,” A.J. commented blandly. “I think we’re about done here for today.” She helped him to his feet and re-adjusted the leg brace before leaving.
Jared contemplated Rick’s advice. Despite feeling sore and tired from PT, he ultimately decided to head down to the pediatric ward. Jared navigated the maze that is Amherst Hospital until he came to the pediatric ward, marked by two bright blue doors with cartoon characters painted on them. He peered through the window.
The hall was empty. Jared pushed through the swinging doors into a brightly painted hallway with rooms staggered along both sides. He heard voices and laughter in the distance. Jared slunk down the hall toward the noise and found a room full of kids watching A.J. perform tricks with a basketball.
She was still incredible, even better than he would have guessed. The kids laughed and called out requests, which A.J. obliged. Jared watched from the shadows until the show looked to be dying down. He slipped back down the hall and was almost through the double doors before being discovered.
“What are you doing here?” A.J.’s voice carried down the hall.
“I was walking by, heard the laughter, and thought I’d peek in. Sorry,” Jared lied, hoping the dim hall hid his face enough.
“Ally told you, didn’t she?” A.J. asked quietly.
“No.” Jared smiled to himself, not a lie.
“Will you just leave me be?” A.J. practically groaned. “I’ve spent the past three years building a life here, I don’t need you messing it up.”
“I’m not trying to mess up your life,” Jared said, “I just wanted to know why you hate me so much.”
A.J. shook her head. “I don’t hate you. I don’t like you very much, but I don’t hate you.”
“Could have fooled me.”
“I’m sorry you think I hate you,” A.J. apologized, “but I don’t have room for people like you in my life and I don’t like that I had to take time away from these kids to work with you.”
“I didn’t know.” Jared stepped backward. “I didn’t even set this up. I just needed to get away from the media and this was the best option they gave me. I didn’t even know who you were until I got here. I’m out of here. I’ll see you Monday.”
He walked off before she could say anything else, feeling like an asshole for taking her away from the kids in the ward. How was he supposed to know that she worked with kids? Did Derek know when he set this up? He headed for the lobby to meet Rick, relieved that his friend was waiting patiently.
“Did you see what you needed to see?” Rick asked curiously.
“Why didn’t anybody tell me that A.J. works with kids?” Jared blurted. “She’s a pediatric physical therapist? I’m taking time away from kids!”
Rick startled. “We thought you knew. You didn’t know?”
“No!” Jared practically yelled. “I understand why she resents me now. She works with kids and some spoiled, rich, egomaniac strolls in and tears her away to get back to some sport. I really am an asshole.”
“You aren’t, especially if you didn’t know,” Rick assured him. “Did you tell her you didn’t know?”
“Yeah and then I left, it’s the least I could do,” Jared said as he slumped into the SUV’s passenger seat. “I really had no idea.”
“Then you did what you could, kid,” Rick patted Jared on the arm, “just keep positive.”
“Easy for you to say. How do you come back from this kind of thing?” Jared asked.
“You work that much harder and show her how serious you are about getting better. Make it worth her while, show her who you are,” Rick advised.
“I have been, Rick.” Jared hung his head. “You know I’m ahead of schedule.”
“It’s not just about your physical recovery,” Rick said softly, “it’s about who you are inside. Show her that part. My whole family has seen the real you, maybe A.J. should, too.”
“I’m not somebody different when I’m with A.J.,” Jared said. “I’m just me, all the time.”
“If you say so,” Rick answered halfheartedly, “but, I’m not so sure about that. The guy we see on TV is not the same guy who shows up at my house on Sundays.”
“Of course not. That guy on TV is putting on a show,” Jared explained. “But he’s still me. The game energizes me, makes me competitive, gives me an edge but – you’ve heard me mic’d up, right? Don’t I sound the same as I do on Sundays?”
“Yes and no. And you playing football is not the only time we see you on TV. What about the girls? The parties? The car?”
“Hey! Don’t go knocking my car. I love that car,” Jared answered defensively. “I’ve dreamed of owning a car like that since I was a kid.”
“Okay, the car is off limits. But the girls and the partying? Is that really you? I’m not judging, I’m just asking because it seems like that guy is a completely different person from the one I know.”
“It’s an image. I have to live up to it,” Jared defended himself weakly. “I’m young and I don’t want to be tied down. I've seen guys who got suckered into bad relationships and lost everything. I don’t want that to be me so if I don’t get to know them, then I don’t have to worry about gold diggers.”
“Fair enough, but you have to see what kind of idea that gives to people, especially people like A.J.,” Rick pointed out.
“So, A.J. sees me in the gossip rags and thinks I’m a male whore or something, is that it?” Jared’s frustration bled into his tone. “I mean, no double standard here.”
“It’s different and you know it. She’s afraid,” Rick explained. “I know Ally told you her story. You have to understand why she wouldn’t want any part of that.”
“Why does she have to be a part of it? I’m not asking her to marry me. I’m just…” Jared trailed off.
“You’re just what? Falling in love with her?” Rick laughed. “Yeah, we know. It’s pretty clear that you want her to be a part of your life for more than just PT.”
“I didn’t say that,” Jared muttered.
“That’s the point, you don’t have to. It’s all over your face every time you leave PT.” Rick grinned. “I just need you to accept it and decide what you want to do about it.”
“How would it even work? I mean, I have to go back to my life and she wants nothing to do with it.” Jared groaned. “Why am I even saying this? I just told you I don’t want any type of long term anything. I can’t do it.”
“Why not?” Rick threw the question out there, the one that’s been hanging in the air around Jared for weeks.
“I don’t know,” Jared grumbled. “I am not good at being tied down. I’ve not had a real girlfriend since my freshman year of college. It’s not part of the image unless you’re a family man and once that happens, you aren’t exciting anymore and your game suffers.”
“What about Jeremy Waters? Jimmy Farrel? Ty Jones?” Rick rattled off three of the all-time greats who were known to be family men. “They were also active in their communities. Hell, look at your own team! Trent Roberts is a family man and one hell of a tight end.”
“Trent is about to retire,” Jared pointed out, “and he met his wife in college. She was an athlete, too, nearly made the Olympic team for swimming. Sarah gets it.”
“And A.J. doesn’t? She probably gets it more than most,” Rick suggested. “But none of that matters, does it? You like her. You want her to like you. Why not start with that hurdle and see what happens from there?”
“I don’t think it’s going anywhere.” Jared looked out the window. “She wants nothing at all to do with me.”
“Like I said, show her the real you.” Rick repeated himself, emphasizing the “real.”
“Yeah, yeah. I hear you.” Jared frowned, it seemed impossible. Yet, he couldn’t help but consider it, consider her.
“You’ve got two weeks until the wedding, how’s about you really give the PT some good effort and really try to be positive in your sessions. Then, at the wedding we’ll get you all cleaned up and let her see this side of you.”
“Nobody can recognize me, Rick,” Jared reminded him.
“Nobody will. We’ve got it covered,” Rick assured him. “But you have to at least trim that beard. You crossed over from disguise to overgrown mountain man about two weeks ago.”
Jared burst out laughing. He’d been considering his facial hair for over a week. It didn’t itch any more but it was scraggly and kind of gross. Not that he ever even cared for facial hair in the first place. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“Marie can help with that. Once upon a time I had a beard,” Rick confessed. “Not my cup of tea these days but Marie used to trim me up real nice. She can work on that mop of hair, too. Who cut it for you, Edward Scissorhands?”
“You’re a funny guy, Rick,” Jared replied dryly. “Funny, funny guy.”