CHAPTER TEN
Never let good enough BE enough.
Ella and Ana sat in Ronnie’s office and enjoyed the lunch she’d had delivered. “So how do you like being the queen of your own ship?” Ella asked.
Ronnie put down her fork and wiped her mouth. “My initial vision was too small, and I think offering more than financial management is possible. My clients have been asking me for PR advice, legal advice, and anything else they can think of, and I’ve somehow become the surrogate mama for over one hundred and fifty athletes. I need to add some people so I can focus on what I’m actually good at, and that’s making piles of money grow.”
“I think you should become a full sports management agency. Be a one-stop shop for your clients, so they don’t have to look around for someone with each of those specialties. You could become the IMG of the south,” Ana said before she picked up her drink.
Ella nodded in agreement. “I think that idea has a lot of merit and would sure make your mama proud to know you were building an empire and becoming a mini-mogul.”
Ronnie put her hand on Ella’s shoulder and squeezed. “Ella, your family is proud of you, even if they can’t seem to show it.”
Ella laughed bitterly. “If only that were true. My family still can’t understand why I bothered to get a doctorate since all I need to be happy is a nice job at a bank, a husband who doesn’t cheat, and enough Fiestaware to host Thanksgiving dinner.”
“They don’t need to understand; they need to support you,” Ana huffed. “You’re going to end up working for the World Bank someday and making a huge difference. You can’t do that if you’re stuck in Dallas, making potato salad for the church social. No disrespect intended, by the way since I do love your potato salad.”
“You know what would make my family happy would be if I brought Clark home for Thanksgiving. A southern boy who plays football would make all of their dreams come true, and they might actually start to believe I’m worth something. I could just leave out the fact that our fling has no hope of lasting.”
Ronnie raised an eyebrow and tapped her finger against the table. “If you’re keeping him around until then, I think the fling is moving into relationship territory.”
“Bite your tongue,” Ella responded. “We are flinging.”
“Does he know that?” Ana asked.
“Well, he might not be totally clear on my intentions.”
Ana let out a laugh and sat back. “Have you have tricked that poor man into sleeping with you by making promises you have no intention of keeping?”
“Tricked is such an ugly word and I like to think of it as letting everyone believe what they want. He wouldn’t sleep with me until I agreed to date him, so that’s what I did. Is it important to clarify the finer points?” Looking between her friends, she snorted. “No, it’s not, and I don’t feel bad because his attention is going to waver on this next road trip. Do you know how many women throw themselves at him during any given week?”
Ronnie moved her bowl of voodoo dolls around. “I have some personal experience with that and know it’s more than likely. Road trips are a dark road of temptation, and very few men come out of it unscathed. Even men who profess they love you and swear they would never do anything to break your trust in their good intentions.” She looked at Ana and sucked in a breath. “Oh, honey, I wasn’t talking about Jack. He’s one of the good ones and if he says he won’t stray, then he won’t.”
“Says you, Ronnie DuMond. How am I supposed to believe anything he says if Brian couldn’t do what he promised?”
“They are two very different men. Brian always had a wild streak, and he showed me who he was before our first date. I just chose to ignore it. When I look back on the whole thing, I realize that all the signs were there, and I simply disregarded them.” Picking up a small doll, she twirled it in her hands. “Truth be told, I’m tired of feeling hurt and betrayed by what he did. He was an asshole before I met him, and is one to this day, so the best thing I can do is appreciate the lessons the experience has afforded me and move on.”
“What has gotten into you, Ronnie? I’ve not heard you speak so calmly about Brian in over a year,” Ella said.
“I’m tired of being hurt and angry. I blessed the office the other day with the stuff Mama had sent down from Madam Leju, and I’m going to move forward. I have a new business, and it’s time I got a new life to go with it. I’m done being pissed at Brian and have released him and wish him well.”
“Really?” Ana asked.
“Really,” Ronnie replied. “I’ve gotten rid of all the dolls with his face, and I’m officially over one of the more unfortunate periods in my life. And to celebrate that fact, I have accepted a date this weekend with a very nice attorney who has been pursuing me. I’m going to give him a chance and, in turn, give myself a chance to move on. Brian shmian…who cares.”
“Do you have some alcohol? Because I feel like this needs a toast of some sort,” Ana said as she laughed.
“Nelson, we need some champagne in here,” Ronnie yelled.
Appearing at the door, Nelson shook his head. “Day drinking leads to bad decisions. Are you ladies sure that’s a road that needs to be traveled today?”
“Yes!” they all chorused.
“Fine, but don’t be calling me from jail when whatever bad shenanigans y’all have planned land your heinies in the clinker.” Spinning, he walked out.
“As if we’d call him,” Ella replied. “He’d just give us a lecture that would last for days.”
“I heard that,” Nelson called out.
Ana picked up her fork and pushed the food around in her bowl as she tried to bury her feelings of doubt about Jack. He probably had a thousand women throwing themselves his way, and how he resisted, she didn’t know.
He certainly wouldn’t be able to after the initial shine wore off their relationship. After all, she was just a regular girl with an extraordinary brain, and that wasn’t something that usually kept men’s pants zipped up.
Seeing Nelson enter with a bottle of champagne and three glasses, she let the pictures of Jack cheating go since worrying about it wasn’t going to change anything. If he was going to do it, she’d probably know before too long, and the best thing she could do in the meantime was protect her heart as best she could.
Ronnie lifted her glass and grinned. “To our new lives, may we be blessed with everything we hope for.”
Clinking her glass, she knew that whatever happened, they had one another, and in the end, that meant more than anything. Including football players and their promises.
***
Jack held Ana’s hand as they walked down the sidewalk and had a feeling that something was bothering her. She’d been quiet since he picked her up and was less affectionate than she usually was. All bad signs as far as he could tell. “How was your lunch with the girls today?”
“It was fun. We solved all of the world’s problems, as well as our own. How was practice?”
“It was one of my best, and I’m looking good for our game on Sunday.” Tightening his hold on her hand, he lifted it to his mouth and pressed a kiss to it. “Do you want to tell me what’s bothering you?”
“Nothing is and I’m looking forward to dinner. I’m excited to try the crabs. I heard it usually takes over an hour to get a table, so maybe we can have a drink in the bar while we wait.”
“I don’t think we’ll have much of a wait.”
“Okay, but either way it’s fine.”
“I called ahead and told the owner I was coming in for dinner, and he said he’d do his best to get us a table in the back.”
“Is he a big football fan?”
“Sure is and the guys from the team come here all the time since the staff does it’s best not to let fans interrupt our meals.” Opening the door to the busy restaurant, he led Ana in and spoke with the maître d’ and was told their table would be ready shortly. “Looks like we have time to get that drink in the bar.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Once they were seated and both had their drinks in hand, Jack held his up and clinked it against Ana’s. “To the first date of a thousand.”
“To first dates,” Ana replied before taking a sip of her drink.
“One way or another, I’m going to become the man of your dreams.” Leaning forward, he pressed their mouths together and hoped she’d eventually trust him enough to share what was on her mind.
Releasing his mouth, she sat back and took his hand. “All I really want is someone to trust. I know this is all about the chase right now, and all I ask is that you cut me loose before you start looking for someone else.”
Moving closer, he tipped his head so he could see her eyes. “I’m not chasing you because I need a thrill or to boost my ego with a conquest. I’m chasing you because you’re mine and until you agree with me, I’m not going to stop.”
“I know that’s what you believe.” She lifted her drink and took a sip. “I like this place and…”
“Whatever spooked you today isn’t real, and I hope you tell me what it was before too long.”
“It kind of reminds me of a lot of the old restaurants in Los Angeles.”
“Fine, you don’t want to talk about it now; I’ll leave it be. But eventually, we’re going to hash it out.”
“I definitely want to try the hash browns.”
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re stubborn?”
“Pretty much every day of my life.”
“At least we share that.” He took a sip of his beer and studied the stubborn tilt of her chin and found it both incredibly frustrating and sexy as hell since she was more than his match. Letting his gaze fall over the restaurant, he found several people studying them and hoped that’s all they did because a bunch of people coming up to them would feed whatever doubts were circling her mind, and that was the last thing he needed. “So, what else do you want to eat tonight?”
“The things they’re famous for, so certainly the crabs, creamed spinach, and the Key lime pie. What about you?”
“The same thing. When you come to a place like this, it’s best to go with the classics.”
“Can you afford another cheat day on your diet?”
Laughing, he sat back and crossed his arms. “I’m not on a diet. I’m on a nutritional plan that ensures I get enough calories to fuel what I’m doing physically. Which, by the way, may need an adjustment, considering how we’re spending our free time together. In fact, I’m probably going to need another two thousand calories because keeping you satisfied takes a lot out of me.”
Pushing his arm, she let out a snort. “Excuse me, but I think that’s a completely inaccurate portrayal of the facts. But if I’m too much, just let me know, and I’ll be sure to go easy on you.”
Laughing, he leaned forward and planted a kiss on her lips. “We’re only getting started, and I was the one going easy on you.” He let his eyes move over her slowly as he rubbed his bottom lip. “If you think you can handle it, I’d be more than happy to take my foot off the brake.”
Picking up her glass, she ran her tongue over the rim and then smiled. “I bet I can handle whatever you’ve got, Jack. So, go ahead and hit the gas next time we’re naked.”
The maître d’ approached and Jack knew that getting up was going to be a bit of a challenge since Ana’s words ignited the simmering need that was always present when they were together. “Mr. Ellis, your table is ready, and we’ll carry your tab to the table.”
“Thank you,” he replied as he got up and did his best to adjust himself. Taking Ana’s hand, he made sure she walked in front, so only half the restaurant was subject to the evidence of how much the woman affected him.
“This way, sir.”
They snaked their way through the restaurant and were led to the back of the room and were seated at a table that afforded them a small measure of privacy.
“I hope this will suffice, sir?”
“Yes, thank you, Ronald. I appreciate it.” They shook hands, and Jack passed him a fifty-dollar bill before taking his seat.
Ana picked up her menu and smiled over the top of it. “Nicely done, but I think it took a lot more than whatever you passed the man to get this table so quickly.”
“The owner is a big Sharks fan, so I might’ve promised him some tickets.”
“I guess dating a big football star does have its perks.” She took his hand and smiled. “Maybe they’ll give us a free pie.”
He moved his chair closer and then looked at his menu. “I know you’re making fun of me, and I don’t care.” He watched her smile finally hit her eyes and knew her complete lack of interest in his celebrity was one of the many things he liked. It had been a long time since someone didn’t want anything from him, and he loved that all she seemed to care about was his honesty and loyalty. Something he was more than happy to give. “So crabs and lots of them?”
She smiled and nodded. “I’m going to let you order since you’ve been here before.”
“That’s probably a smart move since I’ve got big plans for you after dinner and need to make sure I’ve got the fuel I need to perform.”
“Just order the right side of the menu, and we should be okay.”
Slinging his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her close and put his mouth next to her ear. “I’m head over heels, Ana. You are my dream girl, and I’m so fucking happy we’re together.”
“Don’t break my heart, Jack.”
“Is that what you’re spooked about?”
Nodding, she looked down. “I’m falling for you too, and I’m scared that the minute you hit the road, the next shiny object is going to grab your attention. I don’t want to get in too deep until I…”
“You can trust me, and I’m going to prove it to you.”
“Okay.”
“Okay,” he repeated and knew he was going to do everything to prove she could trust him with her heart.
***
Ana walked back from the ladies’ room and tried to get her happy mood back despite what the women had said. She knew it was nothing more than jealousy, but it didn’t take the sting away. In fact, it felt pretty lousy to hear the litany of her apparent deficiencies.
So what if she wasn’t a glamour girl?
Seeing Jack surrounded by fans, she let out a sigh and wondered if she should just hang out at the bar until he was done.
But that would probably add fuel to the gossip mill, and that’s the last thing she wanted to do, so pulling up her big girl panties was the only option.
She took in a fortifying breath and walked closer, waiting for some of the people to move on. The restaurant was packed, and she kept moving so she wouldn’t be in the way of the waiters running around at breakneck speed with heavy trays. Spotting a place, she moved toward it at the same moment that a large gentleman stepped back.
Doing her best to avoid the collision, she moved away and collided with a waiter, who had a full tray of food.
Everything happened at once.
The sound of the plates crashing to the floor was deafening, and she lost her footing as something slick rolled across the floor. Falling backward, her dress flew up, and her head cracked against a chair. Blackness enveloped her vision and, before she lost consciousness, she thought what a shame it was that she wasn’t going to be able to try their Key lime pie.
Slowly opening her eyes, Ana blinked several times and couldn’t understand why a bright light was piercing her eyes.
“There you are.”
Tilting her head, she saw Jack’s worried face. “Where am I?”
“In an ambulance, honey. You clipped your head when you fell.”
She lifted her hand and saw she had an IV inserted into it and decided closing her eyes was her best option as she tried to make sense of what happened.
“We’re going to have you checked out, and then I’ll take you home.”
“No Key lime pie.”
“What?”
“I missed out on having the Key lime pie. I was really looking forward to it.”
“I’ll have the restaurant send one over. I’m sorry about all of this.”
“It’s not your fault. It’s what happens when you date someone who’s popular.”
“I should’ve booked a private room instead of trying to prove that I’m a regular guy. I put you in danger, and that’s unforgivable.”
“You didn’t do anything.”
“Exactly, I should’ve been protecting you and not let the fans distract me.”
“I’m a grown woman and can take care of myself.”
“That’s my job, and I failed.” He bent down and kissed her head gently. “The next date is going to be much better.”
“Maybe we can just get take-out instead and eat at home. I don’t think going on dates is such a good idea.”
Jack gripped her hand and shook his head. “Oh, no. You’re not getting out of dating me, Ana James. One bad date doesn’t mean we’re doomed. I have a lot wooing to do, and you’re not going to stop me.”
“I’m not trying to stop you. I’m just trying to figure out how to survive it.” She lifted her hand, felt around her head, and discovered a big lump that had started to form. “That’s a pretty good one. No wonder I have a headache.”
Jack leaned over her and cupped her face in his hands. “I’m so sorry.”
Pulling on the back of his head, she brought his face close to hers. She pressed her mouth gently to his and then whispered, “Key lime pie. That’s what’s going to make this all better.”
“I’ll have some at the house by the time we get home.”
Closing her eyes, she nodded and didn’t know how she was going to survive dating an NFL star. It sure wasn’t for the faint of heart, and she hoped she could manage it because missing out on a man like Jack Ellis sure would be a shame.
But hearing disparaging comments and getting plowed down wasn’t a whole lot of fun, and a steady diet of it might make even the best love story in the world impossible.