Hot Pursuit

by Rhonda Laurel

  Parker hopped off the stool. “I think that’s our cue to leave. Abel, thanks a million for the tips.”

  “I’ll be sure to give you a mention on my blog,” Melissa told him. “Can I tell everyone where you’re located?”

  “Absolutely. I hope you ladies will spread the word about my gym. Having a couple of professional athletes work out here would be great. As a matter of fact, I have some free workout gear for you ladies. And everyone who says they were referred from your blog will get a free T-shirt and a one-day free pass.”

  Melissa smiled. “That’s so sweet of you.”

  “No problem. Just between us, I’m about to go national with my gyms. I finally have enough capital to make it happen. That was supposed to be the big announcement at the end of the evening. Wes was going to bring me on stage and have me talk about it. You know, as an example to the contestants and what good things can still happen even after you’re no longer competing. I’m going to have a small partnership with the show.”

  “So being connected to the show continues to be beneficial to you?”

  “Yeah.” He shrugged. “They’d tossed me aside, but after Jax failed to win the contest that year, they came back to me.”

  “What for?”

  “They needed a champion to keep the momentum of the show going so more hopefuls would try out the next season. Me trying to launch my gym was seen as an inspirational consolation prize to there being no winners. It was a shame too. Jax loved the limelight, and he was set to be a spokesman for the show in addition to the other perks. I think he would’ve been able to get involved behind the scenes and even get a producer’s credit.”

  “Hi, girls!” Sunny exclaimed with a phony tone as she bum-rushed the counter.

  “Hi, Sunny. We were just leaving. We had an awesome workout with Abel, and he videoed it too.”

  “But… I just got here,” Sunny pouted.

  “Maybe Abel can help you shave some time off your grand entrances.” Parker smiled and turned to Abel. “You were fantastic and very generous. I’ll be sure to tell Riley you’re a big fan. I’ll have him autograph a football to go with that jersey. I bet he wouldn’t mind taking a photo with you either. We’ll come by one day next week.”

  Abel looked like he might have a heart attack of pure gratitude. “Thanks!”

  Parker and Melissa headed to the locker room to change.

  “Why do I feel like she’s staring laser beams through us?” Melissa asked under her breath.

  “You better believe it.” Parker giggled. “There’s a side door we can sneak out of if you don’t want to run into her again.”

  “Cool.” Melissa opened her locker. “What do you say we go grab a bite to eat?”

  “What? The lawn grass didn’t fill you up?”

  “Not one bit.” Melissa stuck out her tongue. “I tried to cover, but it had that gross split pea look to it.”

  “I’m in. You can show me your blog while we eat.”

  “I love it. Jen put the blog link on the UC page, so I am getting tons of views. But occasionally I get a creep commenting.”

  “Really? What do they say?”

  “Bizarre crap like I should stay out of the competition and my life depended on it.”

  Parker froze. It was similar to what Bridgette said she was seeing on Parker’s social media pages. “You can block them, right?”

  “For sure. Jen said sometimes you get cranks who have nothing better to do than troll. So I fine-tuned the comment filter and crazies will go right to the trash bin unseen.”

  “Good.”

  A few minutes later they were dressed in their street clothes and ready to leave. Most of the people in the gym were at the front watching Sunny tape a monologue of some sort. It wasn’t too hard to discreetly leave the locker room and head down a corridor that held some of the staff offices to the rear exit door. As they passed what looked like a storeroom, you could see a lot of Ultimate Champion signage in there.

  Abel was trying to distance himself from the show but still needed it in a way. He also sounded a little bitter about how the intent of show had changed once big money was in play. The fact that he’d skipped the banquet for a family emergency, which she didn’t believe for one second, was odd too. There was something he wasn’t saying.

  “Since I’m new to the area, you pick the restaurant,” Melissa said. “Do you have any suggestions where I can grab a bite to eat?”

  “I know a place that’s nowhere near here, but the people are amazing, and the food is good. It has an old Texas feel complete with sawdust on the floor and a cantankerous cowboy owner named Cal, who is family.”

  “Sure. What’s the name of it? I’ll program it into the GPS just in case we get separated. I don’t know if my little car can keep up with your Corvette.”

  “I won’t lose sight of you, and I promise to obey the speed limit. It’s called the Bright Star.”

  Melissa suddenly pointed toward the window. The cameraman had turned the lens in their direction. “Uh-oh. Let’s get out of here. We’ve been spotted.”

  “Right.” Parker flashed a smile and went around to the driver’s side and opened the door to her Corvette. Sunny’s mouth gaped open in disbelief, while the rest of the crowd gave her a thumbs-up and cheered her on. Sure the Corvette attracted losers with cheesy pickup lines, but it also put uppity fake bitches with ulterior motives in their place too. But what she loved most of all was that Riley bought it for her to lift her spirits about losing her car. He cared about her, and listening to him the other night talk about not wanting to lose her touched her heart.

  She got in and turned on the car. When Melissa signaled she was ready, she pulled out of the spot. She’d learned a lot about the show today, and it wasn’t about how to navigate the obstacles. There was an undercurrent of resentment with nearly everyone who’d ever been part of the show. But which person was bitter enough to maim and possibly kill people?

  * * *

  When Aubrey said she wanted to go shopping after breakfast, Riley began to feel at ease. He’d had his best conversations with her while out spending money on his kid sister. Little had he known that she wanted to shop for camping attire for her hiking expedition with Theo.

  Now they were walking around the outdoor sports store. He still thought the expedition was a bad idea, but he resolved that harping on her about it wasn’t doing any good. She wanted to go, and more importantly, she wanted to be with Theo.

  It seemed like time had flown by since she’d arrived and she was getting ready to leave for Tennessee.

  “What do you think about this?” He held up a water canteen.

  “Do they have it in pink?”

  “I can ask.” He smiled. “How long is the hike?”

  “I think it’s a week.”

  “What are your plans after that?”

  “Some friends want to go on a cruise. I said I’d think about it.”

  “You could always come back to Texas.” He held up a small first aid kit. “I’m sure someone will have one, but this is small and can fit in your backpack.”

  “That’s a good idea. Put it in the cart. I think I’ll need a sturdy pair of boots.”

  “And some insulated socks.” He picked up three packs of socks in her size and threw them into the cart.

  “How are things with you and Parker?” Aubrey asked.

  “Great. We’re in a really good place.”

  “I’m happy to hear that. This is the longest relationship you’ve ever had.”

  “Yes. It is.”

  “I thought for sure you’d be a bachelor until you were in your nineties.”

  “Sometimes the right person comes along and you know it’s right.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Uh-oh. He’d just painted himself into a logical corner. It was time to change the subject. He went over to a shelf filled with toiletries and picked up a bottle. “You might want to think about shampoo.”

  “You know I hav
e a special shampoo.”

  “I meant the kind you rub in but don’t wash out. The wilderness isn’t a luxury hotel. It’s going to get pretty rough.”

  “I can handle it,” she shot back.

  “OK.”

  “I didn’t mean to snap.” Aubrey’s expression softened. “Thank you for doing this.”

  “It’s my job to look out for you. And I’m always here for you.”

  “I know.” She looked at her watch. “We’re late for the baseball game.”

  He looked at his watch too. “You’re right. Do you have everything you might need?”

  “I think so.” Aubrey looked into the cart. “Oh wait. There’s one more thing.”

  Aubrey went over and picked up a S’mores maker. “Now I’m done.”

  “Of course. A campout isn’t complete without one of those.” He laughed. She really had no idea what she was in for, but he paid for the items, and they were on their way.

  While they were in the car, she got a call from Theo. He listened to her prattle on with him until they reached the baseball field a half hour later. She ended the call and hopped out of the car.

  “I want two hotdogs with mustard and onions and a water please,” Aubrey said before he could ask. “Oh and some popcorn too. I’ll go grab us a seat.”

  “OK.”

  Aubrey went over with the family while Riley got the snacks. Several of the family were here today to support the kids, but then again a few of the Blakes and their security detail always looked like an entourage. Isabelle, Michelle, John Jacob, and Teri-Lyn were cheering them on from the stands.

  He kept his eye on the game as he walked from the concession stand and took a seat with the family. Aubrey took a hotdog while chatting away with Isabelle and Michelle. They were happy to see her and wanted to know what she’d be doing for her summer vacation. He tuned out, knowing any second Theo’s name would come up.

  Bases were loaded, and Colby was up at bat getting ready to hit the ball. It was two outs and runners on base, and the game was tied. There was quite a bit of tension in the air for a children’s baseball game. But then again it was Texas. Everyone took sports seriously.

  “Good going, guys! Great teamwork!” Seth, who’d been talking to the coach in the dugout, clapped as he climbed the bleacher steps and took a seat next to him. “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it.”

  “And miss the big game? Not on your life. Aubrey wanted to go shopping and time got away from us.”

  “I see.” Seth looked him over. “How’s the offseason treating you?”

  “So far, so good.”

  Seth glanced back at the field. “Come on, Colby! Remember what we practiced! Matt, keep your eye on the ball. Jack, keep your guard up.”

  Seth took a rabid interest in the sports all of his kids played. What made this even sweeter was that a lot of the Blake kids were on the team.

  “Guys, do you mind watching the kids while we go get more hotdogs?” Michelle asked.

  “Of course not.”

  “Seth, did you want something?”

  “I’ll take two chili dogs,” Seth replied.

  The kids started spouted off their preferences.

  “I know what everyone wants.” Michelle eased down the bleacher steps. “And grape juices all around.”

  A guy walked past the bleachers and called out to Seth. “Seth! How’s it going?”

  “Good, Andy. The kids are doing great.” Seth yelled back as he waved.

  “We should talk—”

  “Maybe after the game,” Seth replied.

  “Oh. Right.” Andy gave him a thumbs-up and kept on.

  “Another parent willing to pay you to coach their budding football superstar?” Riley asked.

  “No. He wants me to invest in a new hydro therapeutic hot tub designed especially for athletes.” Seth scratched at his five o’clock shadow.

  “It doesn’t sound like a bad investment.”

  “He wants me to endorse it and be part of the publicity campaign.”

  “And you wouldn’t do something like that unless you knew everything about the project from soup to nuts because it only takes a second to spoil a sterling reputation with the public.” Riley smiled. He’d just mimicked his mentor’s own words.

  Seth gave him a surprised look. “You remember.”

  “I remember everything you’ve taught me. Thanks to you, I avoided getting involved with that clothing line that had that sweatshop scandal.”

  “I’m happy to hear that.” Seth suddenly stood and clapped. “Good going, Gabe!”

  “Do you always coach from the sidelines like this?” Riley mused.

  “I can’t help it.” Seth gave him a sheepish smile. “You should see me at Kenzie’s soccer games. Luckily, I haven’t been asked to leave.”

  “Come on, Rascals!” Deacon clapped, smashing his hot dog between his hands, sending mustard flying everywhere.

  “Why don’t I hold on to that for you, Deacon?” Riley took it out of his hands and wiped his face and hands with a napkin. He turned back toward Seth. “No one in their right mind is going to ask Seth Blake to leave anywhere. You are a Texas institution like sweet tea and barbecue.”

  “I’ll remember to put that on my resume.” Seth grinned. “Did you have a good time at Patton’s football camp?”

  “Sure did. We got in some serious talks in between running plays. Some of the kids were sharp. They asked smart questions about safety and how to have longevity while taking care of their bodies.”

  “Good. Sounds like the next generation is a step ahead.”

  Colby swung and connected with the ball, sending it skyrocketing through the air. The runners advanced toward home while everyone cheered wildly. Colby rounded the bases quickly and ended up on third base by the time the other team got control of the ball.

  Seth glanced at Riley. “Did Jake ask any questions?”

  “He’s ready for his football debut in the fall.” Riley bit back a smile. “Jake was on point. He asked questions I’m pretty sure he already knew the answers to, but they weren’t things the other kids were asking.”

  “That’s my boy.” Seth clapped, keeping his eyes on the field. “Did you two coordinate your schedules?”

  “Yes. I am officially Jake’s football mentor. It took some time to find a mutual opening. That kid has quite a social calendar.”

  “Yeah, he’s popular. But his siblings and his cousins always come first.”

  “You taught him well. What I don’t fully understand is why he needs a coach. He lives with a legend.”

  “If he wants to play football successfully on the field and off, he needs to learn from the best,” Seth said thoughtfully.

  “But you are the best. You set records in your career for completions and yards thrown that still haven’t been broken, and believe me I’ve been trying to break them. You’re in an elite club of four-time-winning Super Bowl quarterbacks. And you’re a hall-of-famer. Need I go on?”

  “I did accomplish those things in my career.” Seth nodded. “I also want a good relationship with my son. I can’t be his coach and his dad. I’ve seen too many times with parents who tried doing double duty and it ended disastrously. I’d rather be Dad a million times over than his coach or agent.”

  Riley nodded. Family was important to Seth, and even though he saw potential in Jake, he didn’t want to ruin their close-knit relationship. He got that.

  “I feel honored you think I can teach him something. Not so long ago, I thought I knew it all.” Riley laughed. “I believe you once told me to get a lasso on my ego before it became too big to tame.”

  “Look how far you’ve come. You went from a smug, self-obsessed brat to a man with integrity who leads his team and gives it his all every time he steps onto the field, not expecting to win but expecting to get better.”

  “Because winning championships can only be attained by reflecting on the decisions we’ve made in our darkest times,” Riley uttere
d. Seth had told him that during one of their many talks over the last couple of years.

  “You remembered.”

  “Wise words are unforgettable. Got any sage advice about sisters picking the wrong mates?” Riley asked in a low tone so Aubrey wouldn’t hear him.

  “The cat’s officially out the bag, eh?” Seth mused.

  “No. I’m thinking everyone else knew, but I was in denial. Do you like Theo?”

  “He’s a good kid. I know he seems like he aimlessly roams around, but he’s young. Tyler went through the same thing. He didn’t want to go to college. He didn’t want to live in his big brothers’ shadows. He’d take off for parts unknown to find himself and had plenty of fun in the process.”

  “How do I know Aubrey isn’t the fun Theo is having?”

  “Because Austin and Alex would have wrung his neck by now. They watch those two from a distance. The last thing they want is for either of them to get hurt. And from the way I hear it, Theo is at just as much risk of getting hurt.”

  “How so?”

  “Austin says he tries to impress Avery so much, it’s like watching a squirrel pushing a boulder up a steep mountain,” Seth drawled.

  “What?”

  “He’s smitten. Aubrey hasn’t been that easy to impress. The young man loves to chase adventure, but he keeps going back to Harper’s Grove for Aubrey.”

  “And Alex, Peyton, and the kids.”

  “I think they’re more like a bonus feature to his visits. He goes there because his heart is there with Aubrey. You can sympathize, right?”

  Unfortunately, he could. Damn it, he was counting on Seth’s’ notorious protective streak to surge and tell him to chase Theo away with an angry, torch-carrying posse. After all, Seth had chased Riley off when he thought he was interested in Avery.

  “I suppose so. So why did you raise holy hell when you thought I liked Avery but didn’t give me the same flak when Parker and I got together? Is it because she wasn’t your niece?”

  Seth shook his head. “I treat everyone in the family the same. I love Parker just as much as I love Avery. If I thought for a moment your interest in Avery was genuine, I would have eventually relented. But at that time you were focused on getting under my skin, and Avery was the best way to do it.”