by Ivy Jordan
“You let me think that the Super Bowl was settled by scoring home runs.”
I chuckle. “That was funny, though. I see you’ve studied up on the sport since then.”
“A little. Someone once told me that maybe using sports to teach science would be a good way to reach a younger crowd,” she said, smiling sweetly up at me.
“And, how is that working for you?”
“Today was the first day I got a chance to try it out, to be honest. But it was fun, and the students were very engaged.”
“I bet school-aged kids would love it, too,” I offer.
“Maybe.”
My gaze wanders over her desk which is cluttered, but in an organized chaos kind of way. My focus falls on a pair of framed photos. One is Serena with a slightly younger blonde version of her that I assume must be the sister she’d mentioned during our one encounter. The other is of her and a small child. There is something about the kid that seems familiar, but I can't put my finger on why.
“Is that your sister?” I ask, gesturing toward the photo.
“Yes, that’s Ashley.”
“And the other photo?”
“That’s my son.” She offers adding nothing else, and I don’t press. I can tell she’s wary of my presence, and I know I must tread lightly.
“Why are you here, Cade? Seriously?”
“I wanted to ask you out to dinner.”
“Did you break up with Josephine again?” Her sarcasm is biting.
“This isn’t about Josephine.”
“Couldn’t find any Hollywood starlets to tide you over until the two of you get back together?”
I wince at her words. They cut because they’re true, and I know I have to prove myself to her. “I wanted to see you. I’ve thought about you hundreds of times since that night. Maybe thousands,” I emphasize.
“Really?”
I can tell whatever wall she has built up just cracked a little. I don’t want her to think I’m feeding her a line because I’m not. Honesty seems like the only way to go, so I press forward.
“Really, Serena. I liked talking to you and spending time with you. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked all the other stuff, too. But that isn’t why I’m here. The truth is, I was looking forward to seeing what might happen between us. I was ready to embark on something new, something I saw as exciting. I wanted to date you, get to know you, but when I woke up...you were gone with only a post-it note left in your wake. That hurt a little.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she says softly. “I just... No one like you had ever hit on me before, and you were so sweet, and I had so much fun with you, but...”
“But what?” I press.
“I don’t know. I just couldn't see it going anywhere. We’re worlds apart, Cade.”
“How did you know that, though? You had no idea who I was that night.”
“You’re right. I didn’t know you were a Hall of Fame-worthy quarterback. But I did know that you were very smooth and very rich. I’m a simple science nerd. And, I might not have known you were a jock then, but it was obvious that you were more than just a businessman. I’ve never met a businessman in my life with a body like yours.”
“You liked my body?” I tease, wiggling my eyebrows at her. She blushes.
“Shut up, you know it’s incredible. I mean, how often do you go to the gym?”
I laugh. “Six days a week.”
“Six days a week?! Are you certifiable?” she smiles.
“It was a part of my job, and I loved it, so no, not quite certifiable,” I wink at her.
“I don’t work out. Between school and home, who has the time?”
“What about dating, do you have the time for that?” I ask sincerely.
“I have a son, and he has to come first.”
“You should put yourself first sometimes, too.”
“Easier said than done when you’re a single mom,” she says.
“There’s no Mister Doctor Jacobs waiting at home?”
“There is nobody waiting at home.”
“No boyfriend?” I ask just for good measure.
“I don’t date much.”
“Why not? You’re beautiful and smart. How has no one won you over?”
“You have to go out to meet people, Cade. I very rarely do that.”
“So, go out with me, then. Let me take you to dinner. Can Ashley babysit for you tonight?”
“Why would I go out with you? You’ve been going through the same back and forth cycle with Josephine for years. You break up, you parade around town for a week with other women while she shows up everywhere with a piece of man candy, and then you’re back together like none of it happened. I’m not a fling. I have more self-respect than that.”
“And, I told you that night you were more than that. I meant it. I mean it even more now.”
“I don’t know, Cade.”
“Please? Just one date, that’s all I’m asking, Serena. I promise that I’ll be a perfect gentleman, and if you still think I’m a toolbag, then I won’t ever bother you again.”
“Ashley is getting ready for a show and is painting tonight.”
“Tomorrow?” I ask, hoping she’ll agree.
She looks at me for a moment and takes a deep breath. “Okay.”
“Okay?” I repeat optimistically.
“Okay.”
I try not to look giddy, but I’m fairly certain I fail. “Let me give you my number, and we’ll figure out all the details.”
When I leave Serena’s office five minutes later, I am elated. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt this excited about a date with a woman. I know the battle is only half won, though. I’ve got an uphill climb to prove myself, but I am more than up to the challenge.
Chapter Fourteen
Serena
I still can’t completely wrap my head around everything that happened today. I try to get some work done in my office, but Cade’s scent lingers. It’s woodsy and manly with this hint of something not overly sweet or fruity. It’s just right, and I find myself gravitating to the chair he sat in earlier where the smell seems to hang in the air a little more than anywhere else.
Since I can’t seem to focus, I pack my stuff and head across town for Ashley’s studio.
When I first met Cade, Ashley was just floating in the breeze. I’m so proud of everything she’s done since then. She is still the free-spirited Jacobs sister, but she now owns an art gallery and is in the midst of preparing for an upcoming show. I know I’ll find her there, and I need to tell her what happened.
I park around back of the gallery and let myself in the back door of the building where Ashley’s studio space is. I hear the new age music she likes to listen to when she’s painting and follow the sounds, pausing in the doorway to watch her work. I am always fascinated watching my sister paint, although I don’t often understand the abstract works.
I must make some sort of noise because Ashley pauses and straightens, turning and seeing me.
“Serena, what are you doing here?” I smile at the paint streaks across her cheek and in her hair.
“Weird day; I needed someone to talk about it with.”
“Can you talk while I paint?” she asks.
“Of course, but I think you might want to take a break to hear this.”
“That good, huh? Color me intrigued.”
She sets her brush down and I continue. “Cade showed up during my Physics at the Movies class today.”
“Wait, what?” Her attention is now fully mine. “Cade? Cade Thomas?”
“The one and the same.”
“Holy shit, Serena. This needs more than a break; we need cocktails, or at the very least wine. Let me clean up and we can go somewhere.”
I help her clean up and put away her supplies, and ten minutes later we are seated at a quiet wine bar just down the block from her studio. After our glasses are filled and we are alone, she prompts me to tell my story.
“Ok, so Cade just rand
omly shows up at USC today and pops into your lecture of all places?” she asks.
“As crazy as that sounds, yes. Although, I don’t think it wasn’t totally random. He saw my interview last week, the one I did about physics and Santa Claus?”
“Oh yeah, that was cute. So, he saw it and had to come find you?”
I shrug. “I guess? I don’t know. He showed up near the start of class and hung around. I snuck out while the kids bombarded him for autographs after.”
“You left him to fend for himself with the co-eds? That’s cold, Serena.”
“Come on, Ash. He’s kind of a playboy,” I insist.
“He’s been off and on with the same woman for years,” she comes to his defense.
“And when they’re off, he’s out with a bevy of models. I am not the model type. I have curves and dark hair, and I wear glasses, for Pete’s sake! What could Cade Thomas possibly want with me?”
“Well, for starters, you’re gorgeous. Secondly, you’re super smart. You’re kind, you’re a great mom, you’re funny... What wouldn’t he want with you?”
“He asked me out. He found his way to my office somehow, and we talked for a little while. He asked me to dinner.”
“What did you say?” she leans in.
“I told him no.”
“Why would you do that?! Are you nuts? He’s a total hottie and gave you the best orgasm of your life. Why would you turn down the chance for another one of those?”
“I told him I couldn’t go out tonight, but he could take me to dinner tomorrow,” I finally offer with a grin.
“Yes, Serena. Get some!”
I shush her. “Can you please keep your voice down? I’d like to keep my business private if we could. Besides, I only said yes to get him out of my office.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean he’s been off and on with the same woman for what? Five years? And, he’s likely got a bedpost full of notches, myself included.”
“You don’t know that he’s slept with all the women he’s been photographed with.”
“You’re right; there could be others that never graced the pages of US Weekly.”
“Why not give him a chance, Serena? He sought you out, that means something, right?”
“Maybe,” I concede.
“What’s the big deal? He’s a good-looking guy; let him wine and dine you. Carpe diem!”
“I’m a mom now, Ashley. I can’t just do whatever I feel like. I have to think about Alan.”
Ashley frowns. “I know you’re the serious one, but you’re being way more serious than normal. What gives, Serena? What’s the real issue?”
I sigh. I haven’t even admitted the truth to myself, so how can I admit it to my sister? “This isn’t like the last time, Ash. This isn’t you making me go out on a blind date. I’m responsible for another human being. I have to make the right choices not just for me, but for Alan, too.”
“That’s not it, though. There’s more. He’s Alan’s dad. Doesn’t that earn him a chance?”
“He doesn’t know that.”
“You didn't tell him?” she scoffs.
“Why would I tell him? He just showed up. That’s not something you just spring on someone after you haven’t told him for three years.”
“I just don’t understand why you’re not more excited. He’s handsome and rich. He can take care of you and Alan.”
“We don’t need someone to take care of us; we’re doing fine on our own.”
“Is that what this is about? You don’t want him to know because you think he’ll try to take him or something?”
“I don’t think Cade would ever do something like that.”
“Tell me then. Tell me what’s going on in your head. Help me understand because right now I think you’re certifiably insane for not wanting to go out with that man.”
“That's just it. I do want to go out with him, I just don’t want to admit it.”
“Why not?”
“Because I like him far more than I should. We had one date over three years ago. But it felt like so much more.”
“Is that why you ran off in the middle of the night?”
“Yeah, maybe. I was scared.”
“Well, I think you should find out now. He could be good for you, everything you’ve ever looked for. He could be good for that adorable nephew of mine. He is half his after all.”
“It pains me greatly to say this, but I know you’re right.”
“I’m always right. My only word of warning is to keep a low profile. He’s a paparazzi magnet, and if you don’t keep a low profile, they’ll find you and be all over you.”
“There’s still one other thing,” I admit.
“What’s that?”
“What if I tell him about Alan, and he’s furious? That scares me more than anything.”
Ashley reaches her hand over and squeezes mine. “He does deserve to know. And if he’s angry, would you blame him?”
“No,” I say. “He’d have every right to be.”
“Well, have dinner with him. Feel the situation out, and go with your instincts. That’s all you can do,” she assures me.
We finish our drinks, and Ashley tells me more about her upcoming show and the painting I interrupted her working on earlier. Before long, I leave to pick Alan up from my parents and head home. I have dinner with my son and then it is bath time for him. We play with cars in the floor of his bedroom for an hour and then settle into his bed where I read to him until he falls asleep. I kiss his forehead and tiptoe from the room, leaving the door cracked open as I retreat to my bedroom.
I am sitting on my bed, staring at my phone, teetering with the idea of canceling my date with Cade, when it chimes with an incoming text message.
Dinner tomorrow at 7? I can pick you up.
I’m not ready for him to know where I live, so I reply with, Send me the address and I’ll meet you there.
You promise you won’t stand me up? he asks.
I promise. I’ll see you tomorrow night, Cade.
I can hardly wait. Goodnight, Serena.
Chapter Fifteen
Cade
After my encounter with Serena in her office, I didn’t sleep for crap. I never got like this before a big game, so why are there so many emotions going through me now? I wonder. I’m anxious and nervous about my date with Serena, but I’m excited, too. I still have no clue what possessed me to drive to USC and basically stalk her, but I’m glad I did. She’s still everything I remember and then some. Best part, even though she now knows who I am, she still isn’t affected by it. Maybe that’s why I’m nervous. She’s not like any other woman I’ve been out with. And, I want this to be perfect. Oddly enough, for the first time in my adult life, I want to impress a woman.
I’ve had ideas spinning in my head since last night. This morning, I got the idea of taking her to a really upscale place that is always impressive, and so I called to make a reservation for us.
I’m still feeling antsy, though, even after making solid plan. Despite it being early, I head into my closet to pick out something to wear and after thirty minutes of back and forth with myself, I finally settle on something. I check the clock to see I still have two hours before I need to head in to work. Plenty of time for a long shower and breakfast before making the drive to the studio where the show is filmed when we’re not on location.
Driving in to work only gives me more time to stress out over tonight. I need to stop. On second thought, what I need is to talk to somebody about Serena. Sadly, the number of real friends in my life are few. There is one person, though. Tyler. I know I can spill my guts to him, and he’ll give me honest feedback. He’s the last person I ever thought I’d call my best friend had you asked me a few years ago.
Tyler Washington was my biggest rival on the field, playing for the Condors biggest rival: the Vipers. We were drafted the same year, me with the first pick, Tyler with the second. He won the Super Bowl first – which absolutely kill
ed me – but in the end, I won it more times. I hated the guy, even still when he retired the year before me.
When I was approached about doing a weekly commentary show after I announced my own retirement, I was excited, until they told me that Tyler and I were going to be hosting together. I came so close to turning it down, until our producer convinced me to sit down and meet him, one on one, and make a decision with fresh eyes and look at Tyler as a partner in this, not a rival. Switching off game mode was hard, but I did sit down for that lunch with Tyler and surprisingly, we hit it off. He’s still a cocky SOB, but I know I can always count on him for advice when I need it.
I park in my designated spot at the studio and head inside, greeting staff and security guards as I go. After a quick spin in the makeup chair and through the wardrobe department for my suit, I take a seat in the green room, going over our producer's notes for this week, as well as my own while I await Ty’s arrival.
Fifteen minutes pass before Tyler walks in and he smiles easily in greeting. “Hey, man. You’re early.” Tyler is always here before me; I am usually pulling in just ten minutes before we film.
“I broke up with Josephine,” I blurt out.
“Yeah, you do that about every two weeks, what’s new?”
“No, I did it for real, for good.”
Tyler studies me for a long minute before he says anything else. “You’re serious.”
“Dead serious,” I confirm.
“It took you long enough. That girl is nothing but trouble. You can do better. Hell, you deserve better. She’s only ever been after you because you’re a household name. She could care less about your likes and dislikes, so long as you’re famous and she gets to show up on your arm.”
“It was so fake. And annoying. I hated all the premieres she dragged me to. Half of those movies were awful.”
“You need someone down to earth and real, who sees the you that no one else gets to see.”
“Yeah, well, we’re not all lucky enough to find that in high school and marry her.”
“Yep, I’m pretty lucky.”
“How did you know, that Tamara was the one?”
“I don’t know that there was any one thing that made me know. It was just a feeling, and I knew. I know how fortunate I am to have found someone that doesn’t give a shit about the fame or the money. She just loves me, flaws and all. It’s not easy, but it’s out there.”