I snort as he helps me up. But while I’m waving off his comment like it’s ridiculous, my mind wanders to Hayley. Exactly where it shouldn’t be going partway through a game.
Fuck if I can get that kiss and the rest of our night out of my head. I’ve only seen her once since New Year’s Eve, but we’ve spoken daily, and every time my thoughts drift into unsafe waters, I reel them back in.
Like now.
I’ve always prided myself on my focus, and today is not the day to give up on that.
After we kick the extra point, the first half ends and we run off the field in high spirits. Even if we lose our final game of the season today—which we won’t—we’re still sitting pretty in the top spot of our conference, guaranteeing us a place in the divisional round of the playoffs.
I hate to get ahead of myself, like some of my teammates do, but I’m feeling good. We’re here for back-to-back Super Bowl wins. Our time to shine isn’t over yet.
We kick ass again in the second half, securing the win by twenty points, obnoxiously cheering as we enter the locker rooms. But as we each spot Wes Johnson, decked out in a suit—looking very GM-like—silence ensues.
“Fuuuck.” Luke’s the first to break the tension when he’s one of the last guys through the door. “So the rumors are true.” He does a slow clap while most of the guys stare in shock.
It’s hard to say if it was speculation, or if someone had insider information, but for the past week, whispers have surrounded us about another change in the management team, just as Thomas predicted.
And since Wes is here, it’s safe to say we’ve lost another GM.
“Wes, my man.” Luke walks over, offering him a fist bump as Wes shakes his head, giving him nothing in return. I’d laugh if we weren’t surrounded by various reporters ready to throw us to the wolves again.
I can see it now…“What’s going on in the Storm camp? It can’t be one big happy family if they’ve lost another GM so quickly.”
Let’s hope Wes is here to stay. If that’s why he’s here. He may just be filling in for the interim.
Keeley gets our attention as D’Angelo steps up onto one of the bench seats, giving us a wave. “We fucking did it,” he begins, hitting us with a smile, starting off on a positive note. I grimace internally. If it were me, I’d have started with the bad news, but I’m not in his position, so I smile wide, trying to give him the excitement he’s seeking. “We’re top of our conference,” he continues. “Ahead of the pack. You’re all making me look good, and honestly, I don’t even have to try. But…” He trails off. “Since we just had another fantastic win after a phenomenal season, and you’re all looking at me like I killed your cat, I’m going to get straight to the point.
“I’m not going to pretend you’re naive. You know what’s going on. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors. So, I’m giving it to you straight. Miles Stanford was politely asked to leave after it became apparent he didn’t share the same values as the rest of us. At our last charity event, I spoke about wanting us to be true leaders, to be a team our fans could be proud of, and though you may not have seen it, Miles was not on the same page.But…I come bearing incredible news because we’ve secured someone who is. He’s a man of great integrity, a man that’s proven himself on and off the field, and today, he steps forward as our new general manager. He’s coming back to the place he once called home. Everyone, please join me in giving a huge Storm welcome, or welcome back, to former tight end champion, Wes Johnson.”
Now the team roars like never before. We should have had Wes from the start.
While some of us, including me, haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him, the excitement is still very real. He had anincredible career before his injury and went on to coach the D1 Heartwood University team before most recently becoming their GM. This role makes perfect sense for him.
And God, I hope he sticks around.
Wes joins D’Angelo beside the bench, and they shake hands before Wes steps up, offering a shy smile.
“I’ll make this short because you’re all in desperate need of a shower. I want you to know that I didn’t come to this decision lightly. In fact, I rejected the position the first time around because I wasn’t sure it was right for you, myself, or my family. But after long chats with my brother-in-law, Dylan—who I think you may know—and Carter over there, I waspolitelypersuaded.” He pauses for the laughter before continuing on. “Together, Dylan and Carter sat me down and spoke to me from the view of the team. Asyourvoice. They reminded me what it’s like to be a player, and how hard you’ve all had it while being forced to live up to your full potential. All while facing the criticisms and controversy behind the scenes.
“I hadn’t allowed myself to think like that before. I’d been a player, sure, but that was so long ago that I’d put that part of myself behind me. Until your teammates, along with my beautiful wife and children, reminded me of the guy I once was. Of the guy who would have done anything for his team. This is my team. And I’m here to tell you, the player is now fresh in my mind. I’m here for each and every one of you. And I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. Not unless you force me out. So…since I said I’d be short and I’ve been rambling for what feels like a lifetime, I’m going to hand the floor over to somebody else. And if you need me…my door’s always open. Thank you.”
He jumps down, passing the mic over to Keeley while the media erupt with questions.
“What really happened to Miles Stanford?
“Is this the last of the Storm controversy?”
“Is the Storm in financial trouble?”
Keeley fields the questions while we all peel off to shower and change. Most of the guys pretend they’re not paying attention to the media, when it’s obvious we’re all listening in. The thought of financial trouble never once crossed my mind, but now that I’m thinking it, it’s possible.But what does that mean?
When we’re finally released after our media commitments—which lasted a hell of a lot longer than usual—I’m a mix of emotions as I exit the locker room, but when Hayley runs toward me, launching herself into my arms, all that changes.
“Holy shit, Reed.” She wraps her legs around me as I secure her in my hold, and hits me with her infectious smile.
“You were amazing. I mean, you’re great in most of your games, but today. My God. I’m not going to lie. It was hot.”
I shake my head, a low chuckle rumbling from my chest. “I don’t know, Hayls. Something was different about tonight. Something felt right.”
