Lucky Catch: A Quick Snap Novella

by Lea Coll

  I chuckled. “All of the above. When I play or train for football, that’s my focus. But in the offseason, I like to relax.”

  “Work hard and play hard, right?” She smiled.

  It was easy to focus on her smile, the sparkle in her eyes that appeared when she was on camera. She thrived on the pressure.

  “You got that right.”

  “I had the pleasure of joining you on one of your special projects a few weeks ago. One that you’ve kept relatively quiet.”

  This was the moment I’d let everyone in. I could only hope it wouldn’t change things. “In college, I started going to high schools to talk with the coaches and players. At first, I’d observe, see what they needed, and then I’d offer help. Whether it was someone to throw the ball with, money to buy pads, or someone to talk to. I get to know the kids. They stay in touch with me. I offer advice on college ball.”

  “I have to say the kids look up to you, but why no cameras?” Lexie tilted her head slightly.

  “It’s not necessary. The kids don’t need that. They just need someone interested and focused on them, not the media attention my last name brings. They deserve their privacy.”

  “That’s commendable. I’m not sure everyone in your position would do the same.” Lexie’s tone was professional, but her eyes were soft and intent on mine.

  “I’m not trying to be anyone else. I’m just trying to be Gavin Keller.”

  Lexie smiled softly, letting me know she liked my answer. “Have you thought about turning your efforts into a charity? Coaching other players on how to interact with high school players. Maybe, even making it something the team does.”

  “You know, I hadn’t thought about it before, but if the guys are interested, I think it could be great.” I thought of the rapport I’d built with the team the last few weeks, how I’d like to experience it with them. They were good guys.

  “How do you feel about your parents watching your game today?”

  “I’m proud to be wearing a professional jersey, happy to have them cheering for me in the stands. Nothing compares to making your parents proud.”

  “What do you say to people who say you’re here because of your last name, your father’s legacy, or your brother’s success.”

  “I’ll be honest with you. I had opportunities other kids didn’t. That’s partly why I like to give back and help others. But I got here with a lot of hard work and determination. My brother and my father have raw talent. I don’t. I kept my head down and worked hard. My stats and reputation speak for themselves. Every day I’m on that field, proving I deserve to be there. And if I screw up, I won’t have a spot.”

  She smiled, pride evident in her eyes. “Thank you, Gavin. Good luck today. I look forward to watching you on the field this season. You’re an asset to the Seattle organization.”

  When the lights on the camera turned off, Lexie said, “We’re done.” She stood, placing her notes on her chair before moving toward me.

  I stood while someone unclipped my mic.

  “You did great. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank you.” My words sounded stiff. I was aware of the numerous people around us, listening to our exchange.

  “You’re welcome. I think the fans are going to love it. I was serious about getting other players on board. I think it could be amazing for the team and the local high schools. We could invite teams before each game, and they could participate in the pre-game activities.”

  Excitement shot through me. “I think it’s a good idea too.”

  Lexie looked around. When most of the people cleared the room, she squeezed my hand. “You were amazing.” She winked. “That’s me talking, not the reporter.”

  I wanted to lean down to kiss her. I wanted to wrap my arms around her. I wanted to declare to everyone in this room and anyone who was watching the interview, that this woman was mine. My chest ached with the realization that we couldn’t and might not ever be able to. She wasn’t willing to risk her job any more than I was willing to risk mine.

  Then she whispered, “I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Did you want to come to dinner with my parents?” I asked softly. I hadn’t planned on asking her, but I wanted her there.

  Her mouth dropped open slightly. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  “I’d like to introduce you to them. They’ll understand we’re keeping it quiet. As far as anyone else knows, we’re friends like you and Clay.”

  “I’d love to. Text me when and where. I’ll meet you there.”

  “Meet me at my apartment at six-thirty. We can walk to the restaurant from there.”

  “Okay.” She smiled, but it faded when her manager, Adam, touched her shoulder. “We need to talk.”

  “I’ll see you later, Gavin,” Lexie said before turning her attention to Adam.

  I turned to leave, thinking about how we needed to talk to about the future of our relationship. Maybe not the day before the season opener, but one day soon. I didn’t like hiding what we had. I didn’t want other guys coming onto her because they thought she was available.

  Over the last few weeks, I’d discovered my game-day routine was better when she was with me. I’d always thought a woman would distract me and make me lose focus, instead, it was just the opposite. She calmed me. She made me see there was more to life than football.

  Chapter 13

  Lexie

  “You agreed to read the questions,” Adam stated.

  I turned my attention from Gavin to Adam, the high from the interview and the dinner invite quickly dissipating under Adam’s anger. “I asked about his family, his brother, the pressure he’s under. It was everything you wanted me to ask. Maybe not the exact words. I don’t want to make Gavin uncomfortable on camera. He’s on our team.”

  His jaw tightened. “Janice said you were too close to the players.”

  My jaw clenched. “I’ve been friends with Clay since college. I make it my job to be friendly with all of the players.” I wanted to say I’d never cross that line, but it would be a lie. I took a deep breath, hoping he wouldn’t ask any more questions. “I can’t imagine the front office would have an issue with the interview.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Then he stalked out of the room.

  I took a few deep breaths to steady myself. All that mattered was that I was proud of the interview. I’d done what made sense professionally. I just hoped it was good enough.

  Gavin

  Lexie knocked on my door a little before six-thirty p.m.

  I opened the door to find her in a sleek black dress and silver heels. “You look beautiful.”

  She touched my lapels before going up on tiptoes to kiss me. “You look handsome yourself. Is there anything I should know about meeting your parents?”

  “No. They’re pretty normal.”

  “Um, your father won two championship games. He’s not normal.”

  I laughed. “Not that I’ve ever brought a woman home to my parents before, but none of the women I dated knew what that meant. They heard he played professional ball. That was all that mattered.”

  She studied me for a few seconds, and I wondered if I should have kept that detail to myself.

  She finally patted my chest. “I’m not like most women, and it is a big deal.”

  I rubbed her arms. “You have nothing to worry about. You could charm anyone. Let’s go before we’re late.”

  She proceeded me into the hallway and waited while I locked up. “I wasn’t going to chicken out. I have to get used to talking to big-shot football players.”

  “You talk to me,” I said as we entered the elevator. I couldn’t resist teasing her.

  She slapped my stomach. “Ugh. Don’t get cocky on me, Gavin Keller. Now that you’ve had your first big TV interview, you’ll be dancing in the end zone when you score tomorrow.”

  I smiled. “Will and I did choreograph a pretty cool celebratory dance.”

  She shot me a sharp glance. “You did
, didn’t you? Here I was hoping you’d always be humble.”

  “I won’t change. I’ve been around this all of my life. It hasn’t affected me yet.”

  “That’s true.”

  The closer we got to the restaurant, the quieter she got. Before I opened the door to go in, I stopped, pulling her to the side. “I want to talk to you later about where we stand. Tonight, I plan on introducing you as my girlfriend. I’ll tell them we’re keeping it to ourselves for now. They’ll understand. They’re used to the game.”

  “Okay. That sounds good.”

  Her mouth opened as if she wanted to say something else, but I opened the door, scanning the room until I found my parents already seated. I waved to the hostess to tell her we were meeting someone before I placed my hand on Lexie’s lower back, guiding her to the table.

  “Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Alexandra Austin. Lexie, this is Brooks and Carol Keller.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard so many great things about you.” They shook hands. I pulled Lexie’s seat out for her.

  “How did you two meet?” Mom asked.

  “We met at training camp. I’m a sideline reporter for Seattle. He’s the big story this year, so we’ve been spending a lot of time together. I accompanied him while he met with some high school football players. What he’s doing with those players is amazing. You must be proud of him.”

  I neglected to mention I hadn’t told my parents about mentoring.

  My parents looked at me. The confusion evident on their faces.

  “What’s she talking about?” Dad asked.

  I’d only kept it from them because the media followed every move my dad made. He’d want to show up and help out. I didn’t want the attention. But tomorrow, the interview would air, and everyone would know. “I go to high school football practices and throw the ball around.”

  Lexie rested her hand on mine. “Gavin does so much more than that. He mentors them and gives them money for their football equipment. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize he hadn’t told you.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us you did that?” Mom asked me.

  “It’s not that I didn’t want you to know. You know if the media got a hold of it, it would be about Dad.”

  “I would have understood,” Dad said.

  Lexie squeezed my hand under the table. “We should probably order. The waitress will be here in a minute.”

  I appreciated her diverting my parents’ attention. After we ordered steak and a few side dishes to share, an uncomfortable silence fell over the table.

  “Tell me about yourself, Lexie. Where are you from?” Mom took a sip of her water.

  “I grew up in Tennessee. I have two older brothers. I grew up watching sports.”

  “Is that why you wanted to be a sideline reporter?” Mom asked.

  “I used to watch Erin Andrews on the sidelines, and I wanted to be like her. After college, I was a sports anchor for a local station here and then I got my current position this year.”

  “That’s admirable for someone so young. You must have impressed them. Especially to be doing a national interview before the first game,” Dad said.

  “I worked hard for this. I think Gavin has a great story to tell. The fans will rally behind him after they see him talk tomorrow.” Lexie fidgeted with her napkin.

  After the interview aired, I’d garner the kind of attention my dad and brother had. Was I ready for it?

  “You and Will play well together.” Dad turned his attention to me.

  “We do.” I talked to my dad a little about the game tomorrow, the players, what to expect, what to focus on, and what to ignore. I’d forgotten how invaluable his advice was.

  Lexie listened with rapt attention. When we quieted, she said, “It’s amazing listening to you talk, but I won’t repeat anything you say.”

  “I’m not worried. I wouldn’t have brought you tonight if I was.”

  Her eyes softened as she looked from my parents to me. “As long as you trust me.”

  I felt my parents watching us.

  “Of course, I do.” We needed to have that talk sooner rather than later. I didn’t want her to be a secret anymore. I wanted to announce to everyone she was mine.

  We said goodbye to my parents, parting ways outside the restaurant. When we turned to walk toward my apartment, a woman stepped in front of us.

  Lexie sucked in a sharp breath. “Janine, what are you doing here?”

  Janine’s face screwed up in disgust, looking from our joined hands, to Lexie. “I could ask you the same question. Do you still maintain you’re not sleeping with the players?”

  “There’s no rule against dating a player.” Lexie’s voice was shaky with agitation, her hand gripping mine tighter.

  I was pleased she hadn’t stepped away or denied our relationship.

  “You know that doesn’t matter. After I tell Adam, I’m not the only one who will think you slept your way into this job.”

  “I was hired before Gavin was drafted. Why would Adam care?” Lexie asked.

  “First, you were with Clay, now Gavin. It looks like you’re just after a football player.”

  Lexie stiffened.

  I couldn’t help but wonder if Lexie was comparing our situation with what happened with Mike Presley.

  “I told you Clay and I are friends, but you do what you have to do, Janine. I’m not playing these games with you.”

  Before I could say anything, Lexie tugged me down the sidewalk away from Janine. I glanced back to see Janine’s mouth drop open as she watched us leave. “Are you sure you want to leave things like that?”

  “I’m surer than I’ve ever been about anything.” Her voice was stronger than before.

  “She’s going to report it to your boss or a media outlet.” I wasn’t sure I cared, but if Lexie wasn’t ready for everyone to know about us, I’d help her any way I could.

  “Let her.” Lexie’s jaw was set, her eyes determined.

  We walked in silence for a few minutes before she stopped abruptly.

  “Unless you want to keep us a secret? I’m sorry. I was only thinking about myself when I said that.” She’d pulled her hand from mine, wrapping her arms around her stomach.

  “I want to be honest. Like you said, we’re both new. I don’t think our relationship will be a big deal like Janine thinks.”

  We’d stopped in front of my apartment.

  “Do you want to come up so we can talk about this more?”

  Lexie hesitated. “Shouldn’t I leave so you can a good night’s sleep?”

  “No. I like having you here. I sleep better with you.”

  She smiled, allowing me to guide her upstairs.

  We settled on the couch before I drew her in my arms. “I don’t want us to be a secret anymore. I know you’re worried about your job, but I think you proved you could handle it with that interview today.”

  “Thanks. You don’t think if people find out we’re sleeping together it negates the interview, my hard work, and takes the attention from football, placing it on your personal life?” She chewed her nail, thinking out loud.

  My jaw tightened. Logically, everything she was saying was possible. “When you talked to Janine, what were you thinking?”

  Lexie looked at me, her eyes uncertain. “I was thinking I love you and I don’t want to hide anymore. I don’t want to act like what’s between us is this dark awful secret when it’s not. I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Things with you feel right.”

  My heart soared as my fingers tangled in her hair, my mouth lowered to hers. “I love you too. Whatever happens we’ll deal with it together.”

  The kiss was slow and sweet, a promise of what was to come, a relationship, a future together.

  Chapter 14

  Gavin

  “I’m going to go out on the field to play hard,” I said to Lexie on the sidelines in a pre-game interview. My voice felt stiff as I held my helmet in my hand, the pads heavier than ever. When
had the expectations ever been this high? My interview with Lexie played on the jumbotron before we ran out intensifying the energy in the stadium. The crowd’s excitement flowed through me, pumping me up. I was itching to take the field.

  “Good luck out there. We’re cheering for you.” Lexie smiled wide.

  I touched her arm before heading over to the rest of the team. I wanted to do more, but I’d wait until the game was over.

  We were going through a warm-up when Will approached me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “Settle down. It’s just like practice or a preseason game. Filter everything else out.”

  “Okay.” I knew he meant the interview, the crowd, and my parents in the stadium.

  He slapped my shoulder pads and yelled to the team, “Let’s play ball.”

  The other guys yelled in agreement and then I was swept up in the beginning of the game—the coin toss and the kick-off. I was rarely on special teams because I wasn’t the fastest receiver on the run, so I had to wait for our offense to get the ball and for a play to be called where I was needed.

  Finally, on third down and long, Coach called for me. I ran to the huddle, listening for the play. It was one of the ones we’d hammered in practice. It was Will and me. I was supposed to run long and he’d throw it up. It was up to me to catch and protect the ball.

  Before the snap of the ball, I visualized running down the field, jumping up, and catching it. As soon as the ball was in Will’s hands, I was off like a shot. When Will’s arm drew back, I was a half-step ahead of my defender, but another one was coming from my left.

  I tried to forget about what happened last time. My job was to catch the ball and take the hit, not worry about it beforehand. I kept repeating to myself—catch, protect, and take the hit. My eyes focused on the ball. I leaped with my hands outstretched in front of me. I caught it and quickly tucked the ball into my chest when the defender hit me mid-torso. I bounced on the ground with the defender’s arms around my middle. Relief poured through me when I realized I’d held onto the ball.