“Oh, Mom,” Jane said, jumping up from her chair and rushing over to the bed to embrace her. “David’s death was hard on all of us.”
“Maybe I didn’t realize how hard it was on you,” her mom said. She pulled back and took Jane by the shoulders, looking her sternly in the eye. “Janey, you don’t have to be perfect. I don’t expect it. I don’t want it. I didn’t raise you to be perfect. I raised you to enjoy life, with all its faults and pitfalls and roller-coaster rides. Don’t sit in the slow lane, afraid to go too fast.”
“I don’t think being sensible is a ride in the slow lane,” Jane argued, standing up and pacing around her bed. “It’s safely enjoying the trip.”
“Safe is overrated when it comes to matters of the heart,” her mom said. “Did I ever tell you that when I met your father I was dating another boy?”
“What? No, you didn’t,” Jane said. She sat down on the bed again, curious. “Who? What happened?”
“Oh, Leonard was a perfect gentleman, ideal husband material,” she said, smiling. “He was in medical school, tall and handsome, and from a very good family in Charleston. My parents were ecstatic. You know Aunt Vera had already married your Uncle Tony, so I was the only hope left.”
Jane laughed. Her Uncle Tony had owned and operated several businesses through the years, including a garage, a liquor store, and a gas station. He currently sold prefab barns and sheds from a lot out in Shelby county. He was overweight, loved to argue, and laughed a lot. She loved her uncle. But she knew he’d never gotten along with her grandparents.
“So what happened?” Jane asked. “How did you end up with Dad instead of Leonard?”
“Your father was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen walking,” her mom declared. “He wore his hair too long, and rode a motorcycle, and he wanted to be a carpenter. His hands were so big, with these rough calluses all over.” Her mom gave an exaggerated shiver.
“Okay,” Jane said, holding her hands up. “Enough on that subject. I get it. So you were more attracted to Dad and you dumped Leonard.”
“Oh, no,” her mom said. “I dated them both. Neither one knew.”
“Oh my God. Mom!”
“I know. I was a shameless hussy. But they were both so cute, and both of them were mad for me.”
“Please do not tell me that you…” Jane paused, not sure how to put it delicately. “You weren’t with them both at the same time? Together?” she finally asked, blushing.
“Good God, no,” her mother said, much to Jane’s relief. “No one was doing that sort of thing back then, at least not that I knew of. If they had been, though, I’d have seriously considered it.”
“You know I’m listening outside the door,” Jane’s dad hollered. “I never would have agreed to see Leonard Greenway naked.”
“Oh my God,” Jane said, falling face-first onto the mattress. “Dad! Go away!”
“All right, Janey Jane,” her Dad called through the door, using her childhood nickname. “I’m leaving. But before I go, just know that your mother found me irresistible, and she was the one who jumped my bones, no matter what she tells you.”
“I will need therapy after this conversation,” Jane mumbled into the bed.
“Oh, he’s absolutely telling the truth,” her mom said. “I did. We did it on a picnic table out at Lake Martin after a party on our first date.”
“Told you,” her dad called out, his voice fading as he walked away.
“What about Leonard?” Jane asked, trying not to picture her parents doing it on a picnic table.
“He had a Buick,” her mom said. “More privacy.”
“Okay, so what you’re telling me is that you were sleeping with two guys at the same time, but not together,” Jane said. “I get it. But that’s way different than my situation.”
“Not really,” her mom said. “You’re just the lucky girl who gets to do it with two guys at the same time. Two gorgeous guys who have been calling you nonstop for almost a week, sending flowers and trying in every way possible to show you that they still care very much and that this isn’t over for them.”
“You’re rationalizing,” Jane said, “in order not to have to deal with the fact that pictures of your daughter having sex with two men are circulating all over the Internet.”
“Well, from what Margo tells me, it was just a heavy make-out session on the dance floor and you got carried away,” her mom said. “Who hasn’t been there?” She waved it away. “Lesson learned. Keep that stuff private. The moral of my story with Leonard was actually that your father caught us in the Buick and gave me an ultimatum, and my days of being a sex nympho were over. Public sex is never a good idea. The end.”
Jane laughed with her mom and hugged her. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Please talk to them,” her mom begged, hugging her back. “You’re so unhappy, and I think it has more to do with this silly notion you have that you can’t see them again than with all that Internet nonsense.” She pulled away and sniffed, then searched in the pocket of her pants for a tissue. “I just want you to be happy, dear,” she said. “I’ve talked to both of the boys and they seem very nice and very contrite.”
“Wait,” Jane said, shocked. “You’ve talked to them?”
“Oh, yes,” her mom said, looking startled. “Did I forget to tell you? They keep calling to apologize to me and your father, since you won’t talk to them. Actually, we’ve spoken to them almost every day this week. I think we’re having dinner at King’s house this Sunday. His mother insists. She wants to see you again.”
“What?” Jane stood up so quickly she got light-headed. “I haven’t agreed to anything. This is a huge step. I don’t know if I’m ready. I don’t know if this is what I want.”
“Well,” her mother said, putting her hands on her knees and heaving herself off the bed with a sigh. “You’d better figure it out quick. The world is watching and waiting. Because of your disappearing act, there’s speculation that you were drugged or worse. Haven’t you been reading the news?”
“No,” Jane said, her mind reeling. “I’ve deliberately been avoiding it. And the Internet out here is sketchy. You know that’s not true, about me being drugged, right? I was with them voluntarily.”
“Of course I do,” her mom said. “But don’t you think it’s time you put on your big-girl panties and tell everyone else that? And while you’re at it, tell them to keep their big, fat noses and cameras out of your business.” She walked toward the bedroom door. “Those boys have been all over the news, defending themselves and declaring how much they love you and want you back. I think it’s past time you became part of that discussion.”
Chapter 34
Jane spent the next two hours on the computer watching clips of King and Sam doing interviews on CNN, Fox, ESPN, and the major networks. While she’d been hiding up here burying her head in the sand, they’d jumped in with both feet, trying to stamp out the fire. If they’d said it wasn’t Jane’s fault once, they must have said it a thousand times. According to those two, she was an innocent, unlucky to have them both fall in love with her and lead her astray. The most interesting thing to come out of it all, however, was Sam opening up about his war experiences and his PTSD. Half of the interview he and King had done yesterday with Stan Litchfield on ESPN’s Football Junkies had been about Sam’s experience as a war vet with PTSD, both in civilian life and in the NFL. Sam still looked horribly uncomfortable talking about himself, but she could see that having King by his side made him stronger—strong enough to face invasive questions, like when Litchfield asked him whether or not he was gay, and if so, had he admitted it in the Army?
No, I’m not gay, Sam had replied. I’m bisexual, which means I’m attracted to both men and women. So, yes, I’m part of the LBGTQ community, although admittedly a new member. No, I didn’t identify as bisexual when I was in the Army. It wasn’t until I met King and we became involved that I realized I was bisexual. When we met Jane, it all clicked for us.
So, Litchf
ield had followed up, yet another Rebels threesome. What’s going on? There are a lot of angry people out there demanding the NFL suspend the Rebels franchise, or at least the players who are involved in the relationships in question. How do you respond to that?
I realize polyandrous relationships are kind of a new thing on the spectrum, Sam replied, looking very uncomfortable, but honestly, it’s our life and we’ll live it as we see fit. We’re not hurting anyone else, so I don’t see what the big deal is. Jane had been thrilled he’d used the word she’d taught him.
King, what about you? Do you two speak for the other players involved in similar relationships, including veteran center and team captain Cass Zielinski?
King had laughed openly at that, and his big, booming laugh made Jane tear up. She missed it. She missed him. No one speaks for Cass but Cass, King said. But I agree one hundred percent with Sammy. It’s our life, and we aren’t hurting anyone. We never would. Sam won’t say it, but the fact is, he went to war to defend Americans’ right to live their life as they see fit. It doesn’t seem fair that people are trying to deny him the same right he fought to secure for them, does it? Litchfield agreed that it didn’t seem fair. That made Jane forgive him the gay question.
What does Jane have to say about all this? Litchfield finally asked, and her heart pounded, waiting for their answer.
She’s not speaking to us, King admitted sadly. All of this has ruined her life. She’s a great nurse, did we tell you that? Yeah, and she can’t work because people, the press, they won’t leave her alone. She had to take a leave of absence from work. And all over the news, the things they’re saying about her, that’s all wrong. She’s a nice lady, sweet and generous, but tough when she needs to be. But this circus is too hard, even for her. As much as we love her, we can’t blame her for running away. She didn’t sign on for this, Stan. She didn’t want it. She was worried about what would happen if people found out about us, because she saw the way Marian and Randi are treated in the press. She was right to be scared, I guess. Sam was sitting next to him looking like his puppy had died.
You boys have been all over the news saying the same thing, Litchfield said. And she still won’t talk to you?
Sam shook his head. No, but I don’t blame her. I don’t think it’s us. I think it’s everyone else and the way they’re talking about her and about us. This kind of relationship presents its own challenges. And I have post-traumatic stress from the war, and sometimes it just feels like one obstacle after another keeps piling up on top of us. Trying to navigate all that while living in a fishbowl…Man, that’s hard. You know? We just want everyone to leave her alone and let her go back to the way it was before we came into her life. I think that’s what she wants, and we just want her to be happy.
Then I hope that’s what happens, Litchfield said. Jane started to cry, because that wasn’t what she wanted. Her life had been empty and lonely and miserable before she met them. The months after Orange Beach had shown her what it was like to be alone after having them. She’d been able to tolerate it because there had never been a chance for more. But now she had more than a chance. They loved her. They were all over the news telling the world they loved her. She grabbed a handful of tissues and hit rewind, listening to Sam’s answer over and over. Finally she let the rest of the interview play.
What about the NFL response, and some players who have been very vocal about your relationship? Litchfield asked. Team captain Darren Peltz of the Las Vegas Rough Riders has said that if you were on his team you’d have been suspended. And legendary Southeastern State coach Rufus Sedgeway said that this sort of relationship will signal the end of professional football if the league doesn’t take disciplinary action against you. On the other hand, prominent figures from other sports have publicly supported you. Diamonte Weber of the Clippers recently came out as bisexual, and he cited the Rebels players as his inspiration to live openly and honestly. And Patrick Burke of You Can Play says this is a watershed moment for professional sports, and the Rebels are leading the way. How do you feel about being in the spotlight, both the good and the bad?
Sam ran one hand over the short hair on the top of his head and then rubbed the shaved lines on the left side. He was still wearing that goofy haircut. Damn if she didn’t love it now. She couldn’t see his other hand. She bet it was in his pocket, holding on to that picture. I don’t like it, he admitted, blushing. I’m not big on being in the spotlight. But I guess you already knew that. Litchfield laughed.
Yeah, he told Sam. I’ve been trying to get an interview with you for months. You wouldn’t agree until this happened. Jane pressed a hand over her heart. She’d made him go on TV. He hated being the center of attention.
I wish everyone would just live their lives and leave us alone to live ours. But if they’re going to make a big deal out of it, fine, I’ll go to the mattresses.
Make a note, Litchfield said to the camera. Our first Godfather quote. Sam grinned.
Also, Sam added, congratulations to Diamonte for having the courage of his convictions. He’s a great guy. I talked to him this week, and his support is really appreciated.
As for the rest of the NFL, King said, jumping into the conversation, time will tell. We had a bye week, so Sunday will be our first game since all this happened.
A big Veterans Day celebration is planned, right? Litchfield asked. At Gulf Coast Arena. Sam, are you going to take part?
Yeah, I am. He sounded reluctant. We’re going to honor several members of the various branches of the service, and there will be a big fireworks display after the game. So if any veterans are coming to the game, be prepared for that.
Oh, God. Fireworks? And Sam had agreed to that? Why on earth would he do that? She didn’t get an answer, because that was the end of the clip.
Jane blew her nose and headed for the bathroom to take a shower. She turned on her phone and called Margo on the way.
“Hello?” her cousin said. “Is this really Jane? Because I thought she moved to Tibet and forgot how to use a phone.”
“It is Jane, and I’m very, very sorry,” she said. “I guess I need to get used to saying that. Congratulations on being the first of many who will get to hear it over the next few days.”
“Oh, thank God,” Margo said, relief evident in her voice. “You’re back. So what are you going to do?”
“I still don’t want to have to deal with the press,” Jane warned her. “So we’ll have to figure out a way around them. At least for now. I know I’ll have to deal with them eventually, but I’d at least like our reunion to be as private as possible.”
“They stopped staking out the apartment days ago,” Margo told her. “Mrs. Lipnicki sent her dog after a couple and they all left soon after that.”
“That is the meanest schnauzer I have ever met,” Jane said in admiration. “I’ll have to thank Mrs. Lipnicki.”
“She said to send the boys over for a cocktail.” Margo laughed. “They should enjoy that.”
“If they ever speak to me again,” Jane said, flipping the lid down on the toilet seat and sitting on it. “I wouldn’t, if I were them. I abandoned them to the firing squad.”
“You’re a civilian,” Margo said. “They’re trained to handle that kind of stuff.”
“Press commandos,” Jane said. “I watched a few interviews with them.”
“What about the rest of the team?” Margo asked.
“What about them?” Jane bit her thumbnail. Was the team mad at her? She hadn’t even met that many of them yet.
“They’ve been all over the news telling everyone what a great girl you are.” Margo snorted.
“Oh, man,” Jane said, shocked. “I owe so many apologizes and thank you’s.”
“Yep. So when do we begin?”
“Can we still get tickets for tomorrow’s Rebels game?” She’d never been to a football game in her life and had no idea how that worked. Did they sell all the tickets ahead of time?
“It just so happens I hav
e two tickets sitting here in front of me, for the Rebels’ private box, reserved for family and friends.”
“What?” Jane asked. “How did you get them?”
“Sam and King sent them over with one of the giant bouquets sitting here wilting. I almost hated to tell them that you were at my parents’ house. I miss getting flowers every day.”
“I need a disguise to sneak in,” Jane said.
“Blonde or brunette? Or redhead?” Margo asked. “I think you should go red.”
“Definitely red,” Jane said. “Like Merida in Brave.”
“Seriously?” Margo asked in astonishment. “You’re really going to let me do that to you?” She grinned enthusiastically. “All right, I’ll see you in a couple of hours with your disguise. That way you can try it on before tomorrow.”
“What time does the game start?”
“You are a terrible WAG,” Margo told her. “Kickoff is at eight thirty.”
Chapter 35
Sam sat there, suited up, staring at the picture on his locker shelf. Pictures were beautiful things. In pictures, people were always smiling, always alive, always there. They never got sad, died screaming, got blown to bits. They just stood there, immortal, young and beautiful and strong. He’d never taken a picture of Jane. He didn’t know why. He’d told her he wanted something of hers to carry around with him, but he realized now that what he really wanted was her. A picture of her and him and King. Together. Frozen in time. He wondered if she’d let them come over just to get a picture, and pretend for a minute or two, so that he could carry it around like this one.
“You hear from her, mate?” Nigel asked, sitting down next to him.
“No,” Sam said. He began to shake his leg up and down, a nervous habit. He had a lot of them. Mark said to just go with them. It was his body trying to find an outlet for stress. As long as he wasn’t self-mutilating, he was good. That had become his new gold standard. No self-mutilation.
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