“So, you’re just walking along South Street and bam. Tiger?”
“Something like that.”
“Well, it would give the tiger a chance to smell some delicious steaks from Jim’s.”
As we walked the zoo, we found a dark secluded spot. Jackson took me by the hand and looked deep in my eyes. Nothing was said. There didn’t have to be anything said. He kissed me and again, I was reeling.
Time stopped. The kiss washed over me and I felt safe, warm and alive. Jackson’s musclely arms held me close. With him I could face anything. Like a tiger, he was strong, fast and unstoppable.
“I’m retiring after this season,” he suddenly said. “Please don’t report it.”
“If you don’t want me to report it, why are you telling me?” I asked.
“I just want you to know that in a few months I’m going to be around, ya know? I’m not going to be caught up in practice and going to games. My life is going to be more like this, I think.”
“Hanging out in zoos?”
“Yeah and with animals. Speaking of which…”
A group of photographers had found us. They were snapping pictures. Jackson took my hand and guided me away from them.
“C’mon, I know a short cut,” he assured me.
We rushed over the penguin exhibit. Jackson took a secret entrance to the backstage part. Inside, the zookeepers were tending to some of the penguins. The funny little birds were happy to see people and flapped their little wings in delight.
“Now there’s a pet I’ve wanted since I was a kid,” admitted Jackson. “How cool would it have been to own a penguin?”
“Oh, but you couldn’t, right?”
“No, of course not, but it would be cool, right? Having him walk around and follow you?”
“It would be. Guess you’d have to live in Alaska or something so you’d be in his habitat.”
We snuck out of the penguin habitat. We saw the paparazzi waiting outside. Fortunately, they were distracted by some tigers in the habitrail above. The entire crowd was watching them. It was if the tigers were helping us escape. Making our way outside, we reached my car.
Sitting inside the front seat, I started the car and turned on some music. It set the mood and the next thing I knew, we were making out again. Again, I saw stars. How could this be happening? How could I be falling for two men at the same time? Yet, I couldn’t deny what I was feeling. Jackson and Kyle both made me feel great in different ways.
“I don’t know if I can do this, Jackson,” I said, finally pulling away breathlessly.
“How can I date you and Kyle at the same time? And I have a dinner with Carey tonight!”
“It’s fine, we’re okay with it,” assured Jackson. “Look, we’ve all been around the block.”
“I haven’t,” I admitted. “I’m a virgin.”
“Oh, well that’s nothing to be ashamed of,” said Jackson. “And it’s not like you’re a hermit. You meet people and get to know them. That’s all this is right now. Just getting to know us.”
“So it’s not special?”
“I didn’t mean it that way. You are special to me,” said Jackson genuinely. “Look, what I was saying before— I’m retiring from the game. I’m looking to find some one. Get into a real relationship, you know? I just want you to know that you’re definitely my type. I really think that person could be you. I want it to be you.”
“This is a lot to process for a first date!”
“I know and I didn’t want to come on so strong, but— I’m a competitor. Me and the guys, we’re friends but we like to compete. I just like to have all my cards out on the table. But there’s no pressure, honestly.”
“I haven’t had a lot of relationships. What about you?”
“A few,” he admitted. “Couple of long term ones, but no one that really got me, ya know? I mean, I’m a jock an a vegetarian. A lot of women can’t wrap their head around that. They expect me to be something I’m not.”
“I know right? People put you in this box and when you don’t perfectly conform to what they expect, they freak out,” I said.
“That happened a few times. I was seeing this girl for a year and she used to get pissed when I spent time with animals or doing conservation. She actually said that she thought I was only doing it to impress her!”
Jackson was so thoughtful and nice. I couldn’t bare it if I ended up hurting him.
“So you guys are all gonna be cool with me dating all three of you? What about the Tina situation?”
“That was all Ringo, I promise you,” assured Jackson. “Maybe I’ll explain it to you some time. But, these guys and I are friends. Plus, we all like you, so take your time.”
“And, oh my God!” I said, suddenly remembering.
“What?” asked Jackson.
“I totally forgot the playoffs. You guys are in the playoffs! I don’t want to be the Yoko Ono that made the Sea-Eagles lose their chance at the Super Bowl. My dad would never forgive me,” I laughed.
“Trust me, we’re not going to blow the game over you,” assured Jackson. “If anything, I think you’ll make us play better. Sometimes on the field, you get so caught up in the game. You need a life outside of all that.”
“You swear?”
“I promise,” assured Jackson, edging closer to me.
He pulled me in for another kiss. Nothing but sparks. We kissed for a long time in the car. The windows steamed and Jackson’s hands traveled up and down my body. I explored his with my hands as well. I took stock of every muscle. It was getting a little too hot. I backed off.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, a little out of breath.
“It’s just that I don’t want to get caught in the parking lot,” I said. “Those camera guys are bound to catch up to us sooner or later. Plus…”
“You have to get ready for your date with Carey?”
“Yeah, sounds even weirder when you say it.”
“Honestly, it’s not a problem. I’m going to win your heart fair and square.”
“That’s just what Kyle said!”
“Great minds think alike,” he said getting out the car. “I’ll call you. Have a nice dinner.”
“I will, say good bye to the tigers for me?”
“I will,” he said walking away. “And roll down your windows. You might want to let out all that sexy steam.”
I laughed. What a jokester. It was easy to laugh around Jackson. But the question was, could I really juggle three guys at the same time?
Chapter 7
Carey
I didn’t know what Kyle and Jackson were thinking. I may be a superstar on the football field, but that’s my side job. My real job is hollering at the ladies. Sure, you can have natural talent, muscle, quickness and all, you can learn plays and be coached by the best, but football means nothing if you ain’t got game.
And I’m the gamest motherfucker on God’s green Earth. Know that!
Every playa needs a home base to prep. With the bank I was making, I had a wardrobe that cost no less than 10K and I’m talking just one outfit, not the whole closet. You start with the underwear. Silk, custom made for comfort and style should you end up in the bedroom later with your date.
For a dinner date, custom tailored suit from Italy or London. Nothing else will do, playa. When you’re at the game at this level, it has to be tight. Kiton K-50, Desmond Merrion Supreme Bespoke, Brioni Vanquish— suits so fine, James Bond would look at me and say, “Damn! I gotta get one of those.”
They say the clothes make the man and that shit is true. Plus women love fashion. They know every one of those designers I just mentioned by sight. While men sit around and check out the ladies as they walk by, women do the same thing only they’re looking at shoes and purses and clothes and jewelry.
Oh and speaking of, I’m wearing Cle De Cartier Watch. This time piece is so expensive, I had to get it its own insurance policy. Someone mugs me for this, that’s 200K down the drain. It’s a sweet piece though
. Keeps time great. It better for that kind of money.
Shoes are very important. Women are obsessed with their own shoes, so come prepared. For the first date with Lexi, I had to come on strong. I wore Stefano Ricci Classic Crocodile Leather Loafers in blue. She couldn’t help but notice these shoes and for what I paid, it better not rain. Couple of rings, a diamond stud earring and one gold chain, not too much. It was easy to overstep with the jewelry.
Finally, some cologne. Not that Axe Body Spray crap. For Lexi I busted out the Burberry Black Parfum Collector’s Edition. Smells like success, know what I’m saying? It’s just not enough to be successful, you gotta look successful.
Listen, you wanna look good, spend some money, fam. It’s all I’m saying.
Now for the car, I didn’t want to go overboard. Jackson told that stupid story, so if I showed up in a limo or Rolls Royce she’d be reminded of it. I just busted out the Dodge Viper. No big, deal, just a racing car that costs 87K. Pricey, but not crazy. Also, it was blue so it matched my shoes.
I made reservations at Lacroix at the Rittenhouse. Rittenhouse Square is where the richest people in Philadelphia lived. Me being on the road and that place being old money, I went for younger, swankier digs, but I’ll eat there. Hell yeah. They got a five course meal with a wine pairing that’s out of this world.
Lexi met me out front. That’s how I arranged it. Gave her a chance to see me roll up. I got there early, so I had to circle Rittenhouse Square a few times before I spotted her, but it was worth it. I made eye contact just as I pumped the breaks and the valet reached me. I looked good.
“Hey, Lexi. You looking fine, girl,” I greeted.
She was too. She wore a tight little mini dress, matching purse and just the right amount of jewelry, not overstepping. I mean, she didn’t have my kind of bank, but her clothes were great. She knew how to put together a look. I liked that.
“Wow, look at you,” Lexi said. “Is that a Viper? I love those cars.”
“We’ll go for a ride later,” I promised. “In the meantime, we should go inside. This chef times everything to the minute the way he cooks. It’s fantastic.”
We went inside Lacroix. I had been here a few times. I only brought my best dates here. Lexi definitely qualified.
“Will you be partaking of the caviar service tonight, Mr. Ellis?” the waiter asked me.
“Absolutely DuShawn, thank you. And let’s start with a bottle of Armand de Brignac Brut Gold?” I ordered.
“Right away, sir,” responded DuShawn.
“That sounds fancy,” laughed Lexi. “You know your wines.”
“It’s dry. Should pair well with the caviar.”
“I’m not much of a drinker, but I do like sushi.”
“Caviar’s pretty close.”
“I’m sensing you’re spending a lot of money on this date already.”
“Girl, I got a lot of money,” I assured her. “Hell, what’s the point of being a superstar if you can’t flaunt it when you’re on top? Look at that view.”
She looked over Rittenhouse Square. The park below was lit and people were walking around. But for me, the view was right across the table with her.
“It’s beautiful,” she said.
“Beautiful view for a beautiful lady,” I said, laying on the charm.
DuShawn arrived with the bottle and poured. We toasted and clinked.
“To tonight, wherever it takes us,” I said.
“To tonight,” she repeated.
You see, this was the part of the date where she was overwhelmed with everything. The money, the clothes, the food, the drink, the view--- My plan was always to surround my dates in luxury until they were putty in my hands. Lexi was impressed, but she wasn’t putty…yet.
“I read about you,” she said, changing gears a little bit. “You grew up with money. Did you parents encourage you to live like this?”
“My folks had more modest tastes,” I admitted. “Hey, c’mon, are you trying to interview me again?”
“There’s a lot of gray area between dates and interviews. I mean, I am trying to get to know you.”
“I feel ya.”
“You don’t have to be on all the time, Carey,” she assured. “Relax.”
Did I just hear that? Holy shit! This chick just cut right through me. God damn! This is a real challenge to a playa!
“I’m not on. I mean, I’m always on, but not in way you mean.”
“What way?”
“Phony. I mean, I really like this place and you. I’m just trying to impress you.”
“I am impressed!”
“So what did you mean by that?”
“I mean, it’s great you’re super confident. It’s totally attractive. I do it too, right? When I’m on camera, I have to be perfect. Dress perfect, look perfect, talk perfect, react perfect— One thing goes wrong and boom, I’m in trouble and I’m live.”
“Sure-sure.”
“I mean, the person I am on camera is me, but it’s not me. Get it?”
“Yeah, I see what you’re saying.”
“It’s okay to be a little vulnerable too. It shows you’re emotionally available.”
DuShawn arrived with the caviar. While he set it out and explained it all, it gave me a little time to process a comeback. But damn, I didn’t want Lexi to see it.
“Hold up, what are you doing?”
“What?”
“I can see it behind your eyes, you’re trying to work me.”
“You see too much, Lexi,” I laughed.
I thanked DuShawn and he got the message and left.
“All ‘ight, all ‘ight, go for it,” I said.
“Go for what?”
“Ask me anything, I’m an open book. I’m going to be totally honest with you. No personae, nothing, just me. For real.”
“Well, I didn’t think I was going that far.”
“Aw, you open this can of worms, baby.”
“Okay, okay. I guess I asked for this,” she admitted. “How many football groupies have you had sex with?”
Oh, man! Tough question! I never kept count!
“I’m going to say--- Hmm, I don’t know.”
“Aw, c’mon. You said total honesty!”
“Honestly, I don’t know. For real. That’s the truth,” I said, kind of sidestepping. “A gentlemen doesn’t tell neither.”
She laughed and gave up that line of questioning. Probably for the best for both of us.
“Okay, then,” she started. “Tell me about the Tina situation.”
“For real, I didn’t know Ringo was dating her,” I began. “A guy in my position, I’ve got hot girls throwing themselves at me every day. If I had known, I would’ve stayed away.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, that’s the bro code, Lexi.”
“I’m not familiar.”
“You disrespect your boy if you have sex with his girl. It’s like calling shotgun on a car ride. It’s the law.”
“Who called dibs on me?”
“We all kinda called it at the same time, so… Different situation.”
“But you don’t like, Ringo.”
“No one likes Ringo,” I laughed. “Ringo’s a dick to everyone. But he’s still on my team and hey, he’s got talent. I respect that talent. I meant him no disrespect, but he’s mad.”
“So he has a right to be mad.”
“If I had known,” I explained. “He should be mad at her! She’s the one that cheated on him! I’m single!”
“But the three friends all trying to date me is okay, right? You’re not going to get mad at each other and fight, are you?”
“No-no-no. Me, Kyle and Jackson are tight. We’re bros. We respect the game.”
“Hate the playa not the game?”
“Exactly. Since we know ahead of time, it’s all good.”
“Men have many strange rules when it comes to women.”
“Oh, and women don’t?”
“Mostly the number one rul
e is, get away from him, he’s mine!”
“I just want you to know, Ringo’s girl— the Tina situation? It was a one time thing,” I assured her. “Even though Ringo got mad, I felt bad for him. It’s embarrassing.”
“What exactly happened with that?” she asked me. “I know the gist, but not the details.”
“Well, Ringo had just started dating this girl named Tina, who seemed really into both of us. She was giving me full fledged signals to go for it. And I thought he was okay with it. We’d even joked about sharing her and he’d made some comments that made it sound like that was cool with him. So, one thing lead to another and Tina and I were alone and we went for it. But it turned out Ringo was not cool with it, at all. But Tina was saying she wanted to be with me. I felt I should fight for her. It was a disastrous situation all around, and that’s why I’m trying to be so open with the guys about what’s going on with you. I don’t want any trouble. I want it to be an even match, fair and square, and for everyone to know what’s going on.”
“You ever had anyone cheat on you?”
“I don’t remember.”
“C’mon! Total honesty!”
“Back in high school there was a girl. Patricia. I was so in love with her. She was a cheerleader, I was on the football team— A natural fit, right? Turns out, she was just dating me for the status. All the cheerleaders had to date football players. She had a boyfriend on the side the entire time!”
“Oh, that’s terrible. I didn’t date much when I was in high school, but something similar happened to me,” said Lexi, empathizing. “I was seeing this guy for like a couple of weeks. We were right on the verge of becoming a thing, then I catch him making up with an upper classman while we’re at this party.”
“That’s cold. You dump a drink on his head?”
“Yep and broke up with him right there.”
DuShawn had already come back with the first course and we had hardly eaten any caviar.
“Was the caviar not to your liking, Mr. Ellis?”
“Sorry, DuShawn, we’re talking away up here!”
“It’s fine, sir. I’ll just leave it with your first appetizer. This is Nantucket Bay Scallop with leek, yuzu and kombu. Our wine pairing is an Italian wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Take your time and enjoy.”
Tackled by the Team Page 6
