by B. B. Hamel
“See that?” he asked. “You didn’t scramble. You saw them coming and you didn’t move. Plus, you had Reggie wide open.”
“I didn’t see him,” I said.
“Bullshit,” Coach answered. “Bullshit you didn’t. You’ve never missed a throw like that in your whole damn career. What happened to you yesterday?”
I shook my head. I couldn’t tell him the truth. He’d throw me off the team, and my entire career, everything I’d worked for, would be ruined.
I hated lying to Coach Taylor. He’d brought me into MD and molded me into the player I was. He was a serious man who took things hard, and I couldn’t imagine disappointing him. I knew he cared about all his players, but he would never forgive me if he knew the truth.
“I had the first-game jitters,” I said. “I was nervous, thinking about pro scouts.”
“Fuck the pro scouts, Gibson. You’re good at this, son. You need to just play your game.”
“I know,” I said. “I got myself together.”
“You did. The second half you were a completely different person.” He frowned at me. “Listen, if you ever need to talk about anything, and I mean absolutely anything, you come to me. Okay? You come talk to me.”
“I’m good, Coach,” I said.
“I know you are. But if you ever need help with something, I can help you. Understand?”
“I understand,” I said.
He nodded and then turned on the game tape for next week.
I tried to pay attention, but I was so damn distracted the whole time. I kept thinking about how I had let my team down by throwing that first half and how fucking dangerous it had been. I’d risked everything just for a few thousand dollars to help Avery and my child out. I didn’t regret it, but I knew it had been stupid.
And the mob still wanted me to throw an entire game. I couldn’t imagine doing that, but the money they were offering was so damn good. It would be enough to take care of Avery and my kid until after the draft. It would be more than enough to make everything right.
But if Coach noticed these things in just one bad half, what would he say about an entire game? If I screwed up too badly, he might actually pull me and I could never start again. I might throw away my entire career, all for one game.
Eventually the game study session ended and I had the rest of the afternoon off. I wandered over to Dom’s with Hynes and Drinkwater to grab something to eat, but I couldn’t pay attention to their usual bullshit.
I was just too distracted. I had the mob taking over one half of my mind and Avery taking over the other. I was worried about making the wrong decision with the mafia and was stuck thinking about Avery’s body working mine. Not to mention all her measurements and her study project shit. I felt like I was juggling a thousand balls at once, and at any moment I could drop them all, ruining everything.
Things were moving faster and faster. I needed to be on top of my shit, or else I was going to lose, and I never fucking lost anything in my life.
I wasn’t about to start now.
20
Avery
I was nervous as I walked into the student health center, but I didn’t need to be. It was Monday morning, and I had skipped all my classes to make this appointment.
The nurses were beyond nice. They set me up in a room, got me dressed in a gown, and set me up for the doctor. When the doctor came in, I felt incredibly relieved that it was a woman, about my mom’s age.
We went over my medical history, did a pelvic exam, breast exam, pap smear, took some blood, and finally I peed into a cup. All throughout, the doctor talked to me about my pregnancy and went over as many lifestyle changes as she could think of.
By the end, I felt exhausted, although it had probably only been an hour.
“Any questions?” Doctor Green asked.
“No,” I said. “I don’t think so.”
She laughed. “You will have plenty sooner or later. The nurses will give you a bunch of pamphlets and websites to check out, and my card will be with all that stuff. Feel free to call me anytime you have a question, day or night. Okay?”
“Wow,” I said. “Thank you. Do you offer that sort of thing to everyone?”
She smiled. “Just the young pregnant mothers. Remember, you’re not just living for yourself anymore. You have a baby to think about.”
“Thanks, doctor,” I said.
“Fortunately, you look like you’re in great health. We’ll get the blood work, urine work, and the pap smear back soon, so expect a call within the next few days.”
“Okay, I will.”
She stood up. “Okay, Avery, good luck. Make sure you come back soon, and don’t hesitate to call.”
“Thanks again.”
She smiled and left, and I felt like I had a handle on this thing for the first time.
I was eight weeks pregnant and things were just getting started, but Doctor Green had walked me through it all and told me all about what I should expect. Before I had just had a bunch of opinions of various women on blogs and websites, but now I finally was able to talk to an actual doctor about this stuff.
I left the health center feeling better than I had in days, with the exception of that night with Gibson.
I could hardly believe what had happened as we walked away from the statue that night. He walked me back to my apartment and even kissed me good night. I was floating on a cloud all that night and the next day.
I saw him Sunday morning, and again Sunday afternoon, but he had practice and tutoring and another team meeting later that night. I suggested we meet up later, but he had passed out asleep at around eight that night, or at least that was what he texted me the next morning.
I shouldn’t have been suspicious, not after the way he treated me that night, the way he touched me, kissed me, fucked me. I shouldn’t have been suspicious, but I just kept seeing Cathy down on her knees in front of him, that sexy look on her face.
I sat down on a bench outside the health center and took a deep breath. I was feeling a little crazy and stupid, and I needed to get myself together. I pulled out my phone and sent Harper a quick text to let her know that everything had gone well, and then I looked at my messages with Gibson.
I bit my lip. I told him I’d let him know how the health center went. I couldn’t just ignore him, especially considering this was his baby too. He had offered to come with me and at least just sit in the waiting room, but I told him that wasn’t necessary.
I typed him a message. “Just left the doctor’s, everything went great.”
He answered almost right away. “Good! I was waiting for you to text.”
That made me smile. “Really? Waiting with bated breath?”
“Not sure what bated breath actually is, but more like a hard cock.”
I laughed. “Great. This is the mother of your future child you’re talking to.”
“Exactly. All the more reason to make her feel as sexy as I think she is.”
I couldn’t help but grin like an idiot at my phone. “Well now I’m sitting out in public, feeling very sexy, and you’re nowhere in sight.”
“Don’t tempt me. I’d skip class for a chance at that pussy any day.”
“Don’t get yourself in trouble.”
“Where are you? I’ll be there in five. Go ahead and warm yourself up if you want.”
“Oh wow. Such a gentleman.”
“Okay, don’t. I’d be more than happy to lick that pussy top to bottom until your toes curl.”
“I’m not against that.”
“Listen, come to my apartment tonight. We can celebrate your clean bill of health.”
“Is this your really obvious attempt at getting me alone in your room?”
“Yes. I want to slide my cock deep inside you from behind, watch that ass push back down along my length. Can’t stop thinking about my palm over your mouth as I fucked you.”
I bit my lip, my pussy suddenly dripping wet. Gibson had a way with words that made me incredibly ho
t.
“Since you ask politely, I guess I can stop by.”
“Come over at ten. I’ll be done tutoring by then.”
“Okay. See you then.”
I slipped my phone back into my pocket, a dumb smile plastered across my face.
Every time I had doubts about him, something always managed to make me feel better. Usually it was just talking to him that made me feel good. Gibson was doing his best to do the right thing and then some, and I had to get rid of my lingering doubts.
He wasn’t just the bad boy the media made him out to be. He wasn’t just some kid from the wrong side of the tracks with a penchant for partying and drinking. He was smart, sexy, and made me feel good. He was the father of my unborn child.
I couldn’t keep having these prejudices against him. So what if he was a famous football player? It wasn’t his fault that people chased him around, wanting things from him. He clearly didn’t like it when people kept coming to him with their hands out, or when girls dropped to their knees and offered to suck him off just for winning some game. He was proud and he worked hard. Everything he had, he had earned.
I stood up and headed off to the library. I was going to get a few hours of studying in to make up for skipping classes before I got dinner and told Harper about my little date.
It was going to be pretty hard to concentrate, though, with those messages Gibson sent me to read over and think about.
Hours later, I was showered and dressed. I had butterflies in my stomach as I rode my bike the short distance from my apartment to Gibson’s.
I parked and climbed off, locking it up. The doctor told me riding the bike was fine early on, so I was relieved about that and didn’t have to worry about it just yet. I went into his building and slowly walked up the steps.
It was ten after ten, and Gibson had already texted to let me know that he was home. He even conveniently added that Hynes was out for the night.
I knocked. A second later, the door opened.
Gibson was wearing jeans and a button-down shirt. He looked absolutely gorgeous. I saw a hint of the tattoos that I knew spread up his body, and he smirked at me.
“There’s my baby momma,” he said.
“Cut it out.” I walked into the apartment and he shut the door behind me.
“I can’t help it. I’m just happy everything is good.”
“Seriously. I can’t handle you calling me your ‘baby momma.’ It’s just too weird.”
He laughed and walked into the kitchen. “All right. Your call, princess.” He pulled open the refrigerator and held up a green champagne bottle. “How about a toast?”
I frowned. “You know I can’t drink.”
“Oh come on,” he said, popping the cork out, “it’ll be fine.”
“Seriously, Gibson, are you kidding?”
He grinned at me. “It’s sparkling cider. I’m not an asshole.”
I sighed and looked at the label. Sure enough, it was non-alcoholic sparkling cider.
“Sorry,” I said.
“Never doubt me, kid.”
“I won’t. Not ever again.”
“Good.” He grabbed two glasses from the cupboard and poured two drinks. “Here’s to your health and our baby.”
“Cheers.”
We clinked and sipped. I smiled at the bubbles.
“So, how about the tour?” I asked him.
“Angling to get into my room already?”
“You wish,” I said.
“Sure. Whatever you say.” He grinned at me. “Here’s the kitchen.”
“Lovely,” I said.
I followed him into the living room. “This is where the real magic happens.”
“Smells like feet.”
He laughed. “That’s Hynes.”
“I’m sure.”
“Come on. This is the bathroom.” He pointed at a door. “And that’s Hynes’s room.” He pointed at another door.
“Where is he tonight anyway?”
“With a few guys at Dom’s.”
“You weren’t invited?”
“I’m always invited,” he said. “I chose this little gathering instead.”
“Choosing me over your friends? I’m flattered.”
He smirked at me. “Good.” He walked to the end of the hall. “And here’s my room.”
I stepped inside. It was surprisingly neat. A queen bed dominated the center of the room, with a small desk off to one side and two end tables. The closet was closed, but there was shockingly little clutter.
I sat down on his bed and he sat down next to me. I felt nervous all of a sudden, though I didn’t know why. We both understood why I was there and what was going to happen, and I frankly couldn’t wait for him to slowly strip the clothes from my body. But I was also nervous, like this had never happened before.
He smirked at me. “What do you think?”
“It’s a lovely home,” I said. There was a black duffel bag near my feet, sticking out from under the bed. “Hey, didn’t you have this bag with you the other night?”
He glanced down at it. “Yeah. Why?”
“I don’t know. Just making an observation.” I frowned. “You left suddenly and then you had this bag.”
“That’s what happened,” he confirmed. “Go ahead and ask.”
“Ask what?”
“You want to ask what’s inside the bag.”
“I do, but I also know I’m being super nosey and rude.”
“It’s actually for you.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Presents already? I think you’re moving a little fast.”
He laughed. “It’s more for our kid, actually. Go ahead and open it if you want.”
I frowned and handed him my drink and then grabbed the bag. I slowly unzipped it.
Stacks of cash. I reached my hands in, my eyes wide. Stacks of twenties filled the bag.
“Holy shit, Gibson. What is this?”
“Five grand,” he said. “I know babies aren’t cheap, and neither are pregnancies.”
“I thought you were broke.”
“As far as anyone else is concerned, I am, but I’m trying to make some money for you.”
“Where’d you get five thousand dollars in cash from?”
He shook his head. “You don’t want to know.”
“Seriously, Gibson, where?”
His face got serious. He stood up and set the cups down on his desk and then looked at me. “Are you sure you want to know? Once I say it, you can never go back.”
“You’re freaking me out.”
“Remember the first half of the game? Remember how I played like shit?”
“You weren’t that bad,” I said, “but yeah. I remember you guys were losing at halftime.”
“I threw the half.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What? Are you kidding?”
“No. I got in contact with some guys that run some sports betting, and they paid me five grand to throw the first half.”
I shook my head, completely blown away. “How would that even work?”
“People bet on more than just who is going to win and who is going to lose. They bet on the winners at halftime, the spread, all sorts of shit. Nobody bet that Mountain was going to be winning at halftime, and these guys made a lot of money.”
“Gibson,” I said softly, completely in shock, “you cheated. You bet against your own team.”
“Not exactly. I didn’t bet. I won the game in the end.”
“Yeah, but still. Gibson, who are these people?”
“The mob,” he said, so simply that it made me want to scream.
I stood up, my head dizzy. “I need to go.”
“Avery, wait.”
I walked out of his room quickly and didn’t look back.
“Avery,” he said, following me, “hold on. I can’t make money like normal people. If I’m going to help you, I had to do this. It was my only choice.”
“I believe you,” I said, “but I’m still freaked out. I ha
ve to go.”
“Avery,” he said again, “hold on.”
I stopped at the door. “You don’t owe me this,” I said.
“I know,” he answered. “I owe my kid.”
I bit my lip and then shook my head. “I’ll see you later, Gibson.”
I quickly left his apartment. He didn’t call after me again.
I couldn’t believe it. My head was spinning as I walked my bike back toward my apartment. I couldn’t believe he would do that, get involved with the mafia. I couldn’t believe he’d throw a game, even if it was just part of a game, just to make some money.
Sure, it was money for our child. At least that was what he said. He could have gotten paid much more than that and I’d never know. He could have been doing this sort of thing for years.
I felt dizzy and confused. I had never imagined someone getting involved with the mafia like this, let alone acting like it was no big deal.
I thought I understood Gibson, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe he wasn’t the honorable guy I thought he was. Maybe he was just like everyone else, willing to do whatever just to make some money.
As I headed home, I didn’t know who or what I could trust, not anymore.
21
Gibson
She didn’t show up to take my vitals that next morning and didn’t respond to my text.
I couldn’t believe I fucking told her. She was finally warming up to me, finally letting her guard down, and I fucking told her something so intense and crazy. No wonder she was freaked out. She probably thought I was some psycho mobster and was trying to run away as fast as she could.
She just didn’t understand my world. She didn’t understand that it was close to impossible for me to live a normal life right now, not with all this intense pressure and scrutiny. I couldn’t get money the usual, normal ways.
I shouldn’t have said anything. She was just asking about the bag on a whim; she didn’t really care what was inside of it. But of course I was a fucking idiot and wanted to tell her so badly, wanted her to know that I could take care of her and the baby.
Her face told me everything. As soon as she saw the cash, she instantly looked terrified. She knew what it was, or at least she knew that I hadn’t gotten all that money in any legal, normal way. Nobody had a duffel bag full of cash from a legal source. It just didn’t happen. Nobody walked home from their part-time job at McDonald’s with their paycheck in rubber-banded twenties.
