I pick up the phone and call my financial advisor to give him a heads up of my plans. He’s shocked by my decision, but he knew it was coming soon. We hang up and I contact my realtor to set me up with an agent in New York who can help me look for a place to rent there until I make my final decision.
I look at the letter again and want to read it, but I’m going to wait until the right time. I get up and walk out of the office and head downstairs. I hear Maria and Drew laughing in the living room. Either he’s here to visit or Maxine called her dad already.
“Are you laughing at me or is there a joke I missed?” I smile and have a seat on the couch with Maria.
“Maria was telling me about all the fun I missed. Why didn’t you call me? I love a good girl fight.”
I laugh. “I figured you would, but I didn’t want to bother you since you have such a wonderful family.” Why did I have to be such an ass for that last comment?
Maria looks at Drew. “What? You didn’t tell me anything, Andrew. Don’t you start keeping secrets from me.”
Drew laughs it off. “Scott is being a dick like usual, but yes, I have a family that I haven’t told anyone about. But since we’re going to be asses, why the fuck are you quitting soccer?”
Okay, it’s too late to change my mind now. Maxine didn’t waste any time telling her daddy. Mr. Rivers knows Drew’s my best friend so he needed confirmation. Maria’s looking at me confused because I didn’t tell her either.
“Is this why you said we’re going to New York?”
I take a deep breath. Why are they making things complicated when they don’t have to be?
“Does this have anything to do with Grace? Please tell me it’s not.” I can hear a hint of anger in Drew’s voice.
“Maria, would you please get us some whiskey? Drew, no. This has nothing to do with Grace, I promise.”
“Thank God. So what’s going on, brother? Because taking jabs at me isn’t cool.”
“Sorry man, I’m just thinking about so much at once. I have a letter from my father that’s upstairs waiting for me to read. My dad wrote a letter to my mother and was sending her five thousand dollars every month. As my past has finally caught up with me, I’m realizing what a douchebag I’ve been. I’m not proud of how I’ve been treating people, especially women. I’m not proud that I’ve been allowing my wants and desires to be more important to me than anything else. I’m tired of blaming everyone else for me being such a fuck up when I’m the only one to blame. Everything is so overwhelming, and I need to take the time to focus on myself to become the best man I can be. I’m even starting to think maybe Grace’s daughter might not even be mine.” I take a deep breath and Maria places two full glasses of whiskey in front of us. I down mine in one gulp.
“Thank you, Maria. Would you please just bring us the bottle?”
Drew’s looking at me like I’m another person. I watch him finish off his glass of whiskey and sit back in his chair.
“Why don’t we go upstairs and read the letter together?”
That would be okay to do, but I’d rather read it to myself. I know Drew completely understands my decision.
“No, it’s okay. I’m going to wait and read it when I’m ready to open that door.”
“No problem, you need to do what you feel is right. So, you really quitting soccer?”
“Yeah, I’m going to take a break and maybe play in the States. They have good soccer teams out there also.”
“Yeah they do, but I never thought I’d see you leaving the team. Hell, I thought I was going to leave before you.” He starts to laugh.
“Yeah well, you have enough money in investment like I do, so you probably could.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind opening up a restaurant for Danielle. Maybe one day… You never know what the future may hold.”
His phone rings, and I watch him answer it. I see how his face lights up. I’m glad that he’s starting to be more open with me about Danielle. I drink some more and realize I definitely have to speak with Mr. Rivers tomorrow since Maxine didn’t waste any time in spreading my good news. I look at my watch and realize it’s getting late. I’m quite worn out from the day’s activities.
“That was Danielle. She cooked and wants me home. It’s pretty late anyway, so I’m going to head home. Call me before you leave for New York, okay?”
We get up and I walk him to the door. “Don’t worry. I’ll call you the day of.” I laugh.
He turns around and gives me a serious look. “Really, man, call me before you leave.”
“Okay, I will. Don’t get your knickers in a bunch.”
He laughs, and I watch him get into his truck and leave. I close the door and head upstairs. I take off my clothes and open my drawer and put on my shorts before I lie down on my bed and go straight to sleep.
I wake up feeling groggy. I look at my phone and it’s six o’clock. I get up and go in the shower. I feel more refreshed afterward, so I go downstairs and make some breakfast. I fix enough for me and Maria. I’m shocked she isn’t up yet. She must be taking this vacation idea pretty seriously! I don’t go to her room to bother her, I just go in the living room to see what’s on television. I doze off again for some reason, and when I wake back up, I grab my phone off the table and I send Mr. Rivers a text:
I’ll be at your office in an hour.
I get up, and I see Maria sitting down in the dining room eating. On my way upstairs I hear her say, thank you, and I yell that she’s welcome.
I decide to put on my Tom Ford business suit. I look in the mirror to check myself out. Damn, I look sexy. I smile and put on my Aviators. I walk downstairs and I’m thankful that Maria already has my driver here to drive me to Mr. Rivers’ office.
“Good morning, Mr. Scott.”
“Good morning, Henry. Thanks for coming to drive me.” I laugh and get in the Bentley. He smiles back.
On the way to the office, my phone chimes.
Rivers: Come to the office at the stadium
“Change of plans, Henry. Drive to the stadium, please.”
I sit back and relax because I’m ready to face the cocky bastard and see what bullshit he’s going to toss my way. We pull up to the stadium, and I’m very relieved that there are no photographers waiting around. Maybe he’s waiting for the right moment. I tell Henry to wait for me here. I get out of the car and walk into the stadium and go right upstairs to Mr. Rivers’ office that overlooks the field.
I look to see if his secretary’s there but she isn’t, so I knock on his door.
“Come in, Scott”
I open the door and he’s seated at his desk, talking on the phone. He wants people to think he’s a big, powerful man, but I always ignore him when he wants to be asshole. I take a seat across from him and listen in to his phone call.
“We’ll be needing a new forward on the team soon. Yes. I won’t be surprise if we’re looking for a new goalie, too. You know they go hand and hand.” He starts to laugh.
I wonder who the fuck he’s talking to as I’m sitting right in front of him. What an asshole! I clear my throat so he’ll look at me and know I’m impatient to get this over with.
“Let me call you back, darling. Scott wants my full attention. I’ll tell him you said hi.”
Darling? I give him a puzzled look, and he smiles back at me.
“My wife says to tell you hi, and she wishes you’d stay on the team.”
I chuckle because I was always fond of Charlotte Rivers. She was like a mother to me.
“Please tell her I wish I could, but other things have come up back home.”
He nods his head with his smug grin.
I don’t waste anymore of my time and get down to business. “I take it Maxine told you the minute I told her. So, yes, it’s true. I’m leaving soccer and going to New York. I have some business out there I need to attend to.”
“Is this about that pretty redhead named Grace and her pregnant be
lly?” He leans back in his chair like he knows so much.
I smile at him and cross my arms. “I figured you’d mention Grace’s name even though I told you before to never mention her, and now you’re bringing an unborn baby into the picture. It just shows what a dick you really are. Nice play, but this isn’t about her. It’s about me getting my life back together, and being part of this team isn’t going to work for me anymore.”
“You’re our best forward on the team, but if you really want to cut your contract short now, that means you won’t receive anything more from the team.”
I laugh. “Thank you so much for reminding me, but don’t worry, I’ll live without it. Thanks. It makes me happy to know that you won’t be getting anything either. Anyway, I’m going to set up a press conference tomorrow to announce that I’m leaving the team. I’d love for you to be there for the support.”
“I see you have everything planned out, huh? You think she’ll leave her husband for you?”
I stand up and walk toward the tall windows looking out onto the field. “I can only say so much and do so much, but you still won’t understand. I don’t think you ever will. Just be at the press conference and we’ll never see each other again after that.” I turn around and start walking out the door before I pause.
“Oh…I forgot to mention that you might want to tell your little princess that laser removal of a tattoo is a bitch.” I laugh and close the door behind me.
I notice his secretary is back at her desk. I turn to give her a kiss on both cheeks and watch her blush.
“What was that for, Scott?”
“Oh, no reason, Kat. Enjoy your day.”
I head downstairs with a fresh spring in my step. I see Henry waiting for me with a smile on his face.
“Let’s go back to the house because I have to plan for a press conference.”
He laughs, and we head back to the house. I loosen up my tie and unbutton my shirt. I think I’m going to go for a swim. I wonder if Drew can get Danielle to put together the press conference.
Me: Drew can you ask Danielle if she can put together a quick press conference, please? Thank you.
We pull up to the house. I thank Henry and go inside to find Maria.
“Maria!”
I walk into the living room and she isn’t there. I check the dining room and still no Maria. I walk outside and find her outside drinking tea.
“I thought you left.”
“Where would I go? I’m enjoying tea time. Do you want some?”
I take a seat next to her. “No, thank you. I’m going to hold a press conference to announce I’m leaving the team tomorrow. I texted Drew so he can get Danielle to set it up. Mr. Rivers said, which I already knew, that I won’t be getting any money from the team. I think he thinks I’m going to come crawling back when I run out of money, but he doesn’t know about the investments.”
“Why won’t you get any money from the team?”
“The contract he tricked me into signing was like selling my soul to the devil. I was pretty much spending advanced money, and the money I was making was small in comparison to what I was supposed to make because Mr. Rivers took half of it for himself. But don’t worry, we’ll have money. I’m still filthy rich.”
My phone chimes:
Drew: Luckily for you Danielle said she’ll work on it. You have to pay her, but she’ll give you the family rate. I’ll be there tomorrow along with the rest of the team for support.
I smile.
Me: Thanks, bro. I know I can count on you. I’m leaving after the press conference for New York. I need to get away from here.
I look up at Maria and smile. “I’m going upstairs to change for a swim. We’re leaving tomorrow for New York.”
I see the shock on her face as I’m leaving to go inside. “Stop telling me things so late, Scott.”
“Hire someone to come pack for you, Hell, I’ll need someone also.”
I go upstairs and change into my swimming trunks. A few laps in the pool will relax me. When I return back downstairs, Maria has already cleaned her mess and is on the phone, probably calling someone to pack up our clothes. I dive into the water. Once the cold, refreshing water hits my body I feel cleansed. I’m going to miss this place, but tomorrow starts a new beginning, and I’m ready for it.
I wake up the following morning to a loud noise near my room. I jump out of bed, grab my bat from behind my door, and go downstairs. I look in the living room and discover Drew, a few of my teammates, and Danielle are in there setting up some things.
“What time is it, and what the fuck is going on?”
Everyone starts laughing and Danielle turns to walk outside. “First, go upstairs and put some briefs on because your cock is out.”
I look down and mumble fuck you while I run upstairs to put on my boxer briefs and shorts. I can still hear Drew and the fellas laughing. I look at my phone and it’s eight o’clock. Really? What time is the damn press conference?
I go back downstairs and sit in the living room. “So, Drew, what time is the press conference?”
“Ten o’clock. We came here early because you said you’re leaving after the press conference. We wanted to spend a little bit of time with you before you go.”
Diego pats me on the back and shakes his head. “You really think you were going to leave without telling us?”
I run my fingers through my hair. “I was going to send out a massive text.”
“Really, bro?”
Thank God Maria comes out with a breakfast style buffet for us to eat. I smile at her, and she whispers that while I’m holding the press conference, our things will be packed. After we finish eating, I excuse myself to go upstairs to shower and get ready.
I put on my jersey with some shorts and sneakers. I run my fingers through my hair to have the wild caveman look that all my fans love about me.
I walk downstairs and discover everyone is ready. I catch Danielle and Drew kissing and I smile.
“All right fellas, let’s go do this”
We all walk outside and I see two limousines outside.
“We’re taking limos?”
“Duh, Scott. We’re going to relax.”
I sigh deeply and get in the limo. I sit back and listen to Danielle and Drew chat about whatever. I’m just looking out the window, wondering if I’m really doing the right thing. Soccer is my life, my passion. It’s what got me on the right path. Without soccer, I don’t know what I would’ve done with my life. I close my eyes and lean my head on the headrest. I have to keep reminding myself of one thing: I’m not doing this for Grace or the baby. I’m doing this for me.
“Scott, we’re here, buddy.”
I open my eyes and look at all the press that’s here. Damn, they really want to know what I have to say!
Danielle looks at me and smiles. “You can do it, unless you’re having cold feet?”
I look back out to the crowd and back at Danielle and Drew. “Nope, I’m ready. Let’s go”
Danielle gets out, and Drew and I follow behind her. I hear the crowd screaming our names. Part of me is going to miss all this attention. We walk up to the stage, and I see Mr. and Mrs. Rivers are already up there. I shake his hand and smile for the camera before I give Mrs. Rivers a hug. I take seat in the middle. To my right are Drew and Diego and on my left are Mr. and Mrs. Rivers. Maxine is nowhere to be found, thank God. I clear my throat and take a deep breath.
“Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. The lovely Danielle here put this last minute press conference together because I have a major announcement to make. I’ll no longer be playing soccer. I’m not retiring; I’m just taking a break from the sport to focus on other things that are going on in my life. I want to travel the world and do some reflecting on my life. I want to better myself so I can be a man who’s worthy of your support. I’d love to thank everyone who supports my decision, especially Mr. and Mrs. Rivers and my teammates. I’ll probably tak
e one or two questions before I leave.”
I take a deep breath and lean back away from the mic. Drew claps me on my back and smiles. Danielle points to a reporter who stands up to address me.
“Hey Scott, there are rumors that you’re going back to New York.”
“They’re only rumors, of course. We shouldn’t believe everything we hear.”
“I have a very credible source that there’s more to this conference. Is there?”
“Your source is mistaken. One more question before I leave.”
A gentleman stands up. “What about all your endorsements? Are they going to drop you?”
“No, all my endorsements are fine and taken care of. They also support my decision. That’s all the questions I’m answering today. Take it easy.”
I stand up and shake Mr. Rivers’ hand again and hug Mrs. Rivers before I walk off the stage with my teammates behind me. I hear the members of the press still trying to ask questions, but I don’t care. I have an idea who the credible source is who leaked my personal information, but again, I don’t care. I hug all my teammates who came out to show support on such short notice before I get in the limo with Drew. Danielle stays behind to finish up with everything there.
Drew pulls out a flask. “Man, I couldn’t wait to pull this out.”
I laugh at Drew and take the flask from him to enjoy a few sips.
“They were trying throw you under the bus or something. You know who leaked the information, right?”
“Oh, of course. Daddy’s little girl.” We start to laugh.
“Drew, I’m really leaving when I get back to the house.”
Drew puts the flask away and looks at me. “You’re serious, man. Shit, I’m riding with you to the airport.”
“Okay. That’s fine with me but none of that sad shit.” I start laughing as we pull up to my house, and I see Henry helping Maria put some things in the trunk.
I get out of the limo and walk over to Henry to thank him. I thank Maria, too, before I enter the house and do a walk through. I go upstairs and change my clothes into a pair of ripped jeans, T-shirt, and hoodie jacket so I can get straight on the plane without being recognized. I walk to my office. I already had Maria pack all my personal files up and make sure they went with us. I look at the envelope that’s been haunting me the past few days. I grab it and lock the office door behind me and go downstairs. I see Drew and Maria hug.
The Risk: Scott's Story (Runaway Love Series Book 2) Page 12
