Quarterback Sack

by SE Hall

  “I’m Bob Oliver, Mr. Vanderbilt’s attorney. I’ll only be around until everything gets settled with the estate. Please let Coach Benson or Mr. Grayson know if you have any concerns and we’ll answer any questions we can.” And with that, they turn around and walk away, leaving a team full of players with a shit ton of questions. Will anything change for us? Is the team in danger of being dissolved? Will Rush Riggins still be the quarterback?

  The last question may only be mine, but it’s a legitimate one.

  “Alright guys, I’ll see you all tomorrow. Game time is at three, so be here by noon. Expect a late night at the Vanderbilt home and be on your best fucking behavior.” Coach Benson clips out the few sentences before following the suits down the stairs and out of view.

  “I wonder if the new owner will be bringing in some ass for us after that win tomorrow night?” I don’t even have to say anything to Ty because Tank elbows him for me, but not before most of the team cheers him on. Hell, maybe we’ll get lucky and it’ll be a true “NFL style” party. Now I just need to win my first game as a starter and all the rest of the white noise won’t matter.

  AVA

  I walk slowly through the mansion, taking it all in. Memories of my grandfather hit me everywhere I look, but all of them somehow make me feel better about…everything. He was suffering for far too long and when he told me he was ready to go, I knew it was for the best. His best. No matter how it affected me. He’d never leave his team unless the pain was no longer bearable. ‘Take care of my baby.’ His words ring loud and clear in my mind as I make my way through the house.

  Walls filled with pictures and trophy shelves align his office and even more so down the hall. I had to meet with his staff this morning to make sure his room and office are left as is, letting them know I’d be taking the large bedroom on the opposite side of the mansion. There are ten bedrooms in this house. What the hell am I going to do with this much space? Luckily, the cleaning crew will be here to maintain it for me. I can’t even fathom needing that much room.

  I’m looking out at the land over the railing on the upstairs balcony when I hear footsteps behind me. “Miss Ava. The team will be here tomorrow night, right after the game. I’ve secured your ticket in the box seats with the broadcasters just as you requested. Are you sure you’re ready to talk to them this soon?” I think about Bob’s suggestion that I stay anonymous until after this season. I’m sure the team isn’t ready for someone as young as I am to take over, let alone the fact that I’m female and know next to nothing about football. Especially when all they’ve ever known is my grandfather and his absolute love and vast knowledge of the sport. But they’ll just have to get used to it. I’m not one to hide from my duties and I promised my grandfather that I’d take care of his baby. That’s exactly what I plan to do, sooner rather than later.

  “I’m sure, Bob. Thank you for trying to protect me though. I can handle the media, it’s the players that make me nervous. Did you ask them all to wear their jerseys so I can try to learn their names and positions?” This is one very big reason I now regret staying away from the team. If I had spent my life with it, them, this would be a much easier transition.

  “I did. Here’s a list of all the players and their stats.” He hands me several pages of numbers and names to go along with them. With just a quick glance, I see that “L. Thurman Sr. WR had seventy-seven REC.” I don’t know what any of that means, and find it hard to believe anyone else would either, but I will before long.

  “Thank you, Bob. This is important to me.” He looks at me as I motion for him to have a seat and join me on the balcony.

  The weather is gorgeous and so is the view. I already know this will be one of my favorite places to come and sit when I need to think.

  “You have a group of professionals to help you with the players. In fact, the players are the coach’s responsibility. You just focus your attention on working with the managers of the team. That’s all you should ever have to worry about.” I know my grandfather made a point of getting acquainted with every single one of his players, superstars or not, over the years. His health slipped quickly, but his mind? He knew their wives’ and children’s names, what college they played for and their stats off the top of his head. He didn’t get that opportunity this year, but from what he said, only a “handful of fresh meat” was brought in this season. That makes me happy; he still knew most of them, even bedridden.

  “I’ll know more next week, after I meet everyone. Until then, I’ll think about how I want to handle this new job I inherited.” Grace chooses then to come in with two glasses of sparkling ice water. She’s been my grandfather’s housekeeper and friend for years and I didn’t even have to beg her to stay. She made it very clear this is the only place she belonged. “Thank you Grace.” She sets down the tray and I wait for her to leave before I continue.

  “It’s just strange doing this all by myself. My whole family hates me, more than before,” my laugh is pained and shallow, “and living in this giant house, I’ve never felt more alone. Without a single person in my family who is happy for me.” I have a few friends who I’m sure would love to come over and enjoy the pool, sauna and tennis courts, but it’s not the same as family. No, it’s not the same as having my grandfather here.

  “I know you’re sad, dear, but there’s something good that will come of all this. At least they’ve shown you their true, ugly colors. Now you know exactly who you’re dealing with should they come around asking you for anything. Money makes people crazy at times and I’ve learned it’s very hard to differentiate those who are sincere from those who just want a chance at the cash flow. They answered that question for you loud and clear, so no wondering or guilt necessary on your part. If I were you, I’d keep the details of your inheritance to yourself until you’re a little older.” I listen very closely to what he’s saying. It makes sense.

  “Will you be here tomorrow as well?” I take a sip of my drink and let the cool water trickle down my throat.

  “I’ll be here any day you ask me to be. I assured your grandfather that I’d be here for you and that’s a promise I intend to keep.”

  At least I have Bob in my life. It’s not the same B.O.B. that Marcy told me I needed, but I guess he’ll do for what I need help with at the moment.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow night. Invite some of your friends to make it a little easier on you.” He leaves me to my serenity on the balcony. I move to the railing and the glare from the sunlight hitting the pool almost blinds me. Am I insane for doing all of this? I have to be. Anytime I’ve ever done anything crazy, I was always with my friends. I think I’ll take Bob’s advice and make them come to the party.

  I pull out my phone and dial Marcy. “Hey Marce…are you busy tomorrow night? I’m having the football team over and I’d really like at least one person I know here with me.”

  “Are you shitting me? Of course I’ll come to an NFL party!” Marcy screams in my ear. I knew she would be though, she’s the wildest of us all. I also know I’m most likely setting my friends up with football players for the night, but if that’s the worst thing that happens, I think we’ll all survive.

  “Keep in mind, crazy girl, this is serious and I’m not just inviting you to hook up with all of the guys.” She doesn’t even let me finish before she’s talking over me.

  “Minor detail,” she brushes me off, “that we can talk about later. I need to go shopping. Shit, you need to go too! I’ll pick you up in a few hours and we’ll go get you something flattering and glamorous, unlike any of the stuff you usually wear.” She’s always telling me I need to change my wardrobe and I’ve held her and her dream shopping spree off this long by just borrowing from her and letting her dress me when we go out together.

  But I don’t want to show off my assets at this party. I want to display professional confidence, so I’ll have to stand my ground on not letting her dress me like a hooker for the night.

  Chapter Six

  AVA

/>   “Come on in, Bob. We’ve been looking forward to meeting the new owner. Where is he?” an older, distinguished looking gentleman asks as I follow Bob into the press box, instantly wishing we would’ve made a public announcement about me taking over the team… prior to stepping into this mosh pit of chaos. They’re all staring at him, then me, as I’m introduced.

  “Mike, Tim, Steve, I’d like you to meet the new owner of The Thunder, Ava Vanderbilt. She’s Walt’s granddaughter and is excited to be here today.” He guides me forward with a gentle, reassuring hand on my back and I watch as all their faces turn up in fake smiles and obnoxious excitement. I know I’m not what they were expecting, but then again, neither was I.

  “Nice to meet you, Ava. We have a seat for you here in between me and Tim. I hope you don’t mind if we talk to you on the air a few times during the game.” Before I can answer Steve, I’m being escorted to a chair that faces multiple screens, being fed by different cameras spread out over the field. The room is absolute insanity and I chastise myself for foolishly thinking I was ready for this.

  “Welcome to today’s game! Tim, Steve, and Mike here with the brand new owner of the Tennessee Thunder, Miss Ava Vanderbilt. Please say hello to the fans who’ve been dying to know what the fate of this team would be.” A microphone is shoved in my face and I manage a quiet, but polite, greeting. “We’re happy to have you with us today! But before we talk further with her, we need to announce today’s changes to the line-up. First and foremost on everyone’s mind is the replacement at quarterback. Rush Riggins, who you may remember came in to save the game for the Thunder last week will be starting tonight, and as far as I’m concerned, is the best option in the league for this team.”

  A camera pans in for a close-up of this Rush Riggins and my heart comes to a stop. His hair. His hands. His arms. His lips. His eyes.

  I force myself to look away, feeling my face flush as I do. How in the hell did this happen? I finally let go, once, indulging in a one-night stand… with the new quarterback of the team I just inherited? I can’t wait for the media to get ahold of this juicy news. He’s probably the biggest asshole to ever walk this Earth and will most likely try to blackmail me if I have to make a business decision to remove him from the team. If that’s even an option… as if I know all the rules and legalities yet.

  “Ava, are you with us?” Mike’s snide laughter only frustrates me further. This is all a mistake. I feel anxious and wish I could walk out of here without having to say another word. I think fast of a way to get out of this predicament, looking at Bob for a sign, but he’s oblivious to my turmoil.

  “Yes, I’m here. I’m sorry. You’ll have to forgive me. This is a tough game for me to watch.”

  It is. And it just got worse.

  RUSH

  The game was an easy win; the natural chemistry between me and my long-time receiver Ty in full effect and unstoppable. It was just like the old days, but with a much larger audience. The showers are packed full of naked asses vying for space since Coach told us all to get to the Vanderbilt mansion in double-time. He knows most of the guys like to take their time bullshitting after a game, and I, for once, wish we could. I can’t help but feel like I’m at the top of the world. My ultimate dream came true today and it feels fucking amazing; I’d like to celebrate it.

  “Holy shit, we did it! You did it! Your first game and we fucked that team up!” Tyler snaps me on the ass with a towel as he prances around the locker room with his dick flopping in all directions. Neither of us have ever had a modest bone in our body and it’s not unusual to us, or anyone else for that matter, shamelessly naked in the locker room.

  “Yeah we did.” I wrap a towel around my waist and put on cologne and deodorant.

  “Let’s go meet the owner then skip out and fuckin’ celebrate.” Tyler’s always looking for a reason to party, but tonight I’m going to have to agree with him. This is the shit I’ve been waiting a lifetime for and it’s only right that we make a big deal about it.

  “Hell yes. Now hurry up so we can get this night started.” His smile widens than the second I agree. It’s been awhile since I’ve felt like getting really crazy and he’s always giving me shit for choosing my career over getting trashed. But tonight, I have a reason to let loose and kick back with my best friend. And he’s happy about it, so it’s a win-win. And win—the game of course. Three for three, not bad.

  Limos are waiting for us when we exit the stadium; Coach Benson shaking his head as he mumbles something about the new owner already spending unnecessary money. You won’t hear me complaining about getting to roll in class. Let him spend those dollars on his boys—It’s not like he’s not drowning in the money we make him anyway.

  “Who’s out to find some ass toniiiiggght?” Tank asks, crawling in the limo. He’s a very large black man with the brightest smile I’ve ever seen; even when he’s plowing over our opponents, creating holes for the rest of us to fly through. He’s apparently up for whatever crazy shit we can get into tonight as well. I reach for the bottle of Jack Daniels and pour us all a drink. It feels nice to drink with a smile on my face for once.

  “This is the shit, I could get used to winning,” Ty talks over the music and Tank nods in approval as he takes in our sick ride.

  Sitting back against the leather seat, I down my whiskey in one long gulp. “Good. You better, because that’s all I plan for us to do.” Tyler takes the bottle from my hand and tips it back, making it look so good I decide it won’t hurt to have a straight swig myself. It’ll take any extra awkwardness out of meeting this guy tonight.

  I watch as we pull into a long driveway and slowly move to the backside of the over-sized house. The limo driver opens the door and six guys pile out quickly before I even try to squeeze out past them. When I do exit, the fresh night air hits my face and I take in how clear the sky is, the moon shining full and bright. Call me a sap, but I want to remember everything about the night I was the winning, starting quarterback in the NFL. Shit like that is once in a lifetime, ya gotta stop to savor it.

  “Thank ya, Sir.” I’m talking to the limo driver… and there she is again. The girl from the other night—the granddaughter of the late Mr. Vanderbilt—walking toward me. I tame my smile, holding back the one I really want to flash her as I notice just how damn sexy she looks tonight.

  “Rush Riggins? Are you kidding me?” Anger dominates her voice and I know immediately, this isn’t going to go as easy as I had hoped.

  “In the flesh, baby... ” I stop in silent shock as she storms past me without so much as a slight glance in my direction.

  “Don’t baby me! Get over here so we can talk before everyone gets here.” Luckily, Ty and Tank went inside; they’d be getting a kick out of this shit. I slowly follow her, eyes on the sway of her fine ass as she leads me toward a small house that sits behind the mansion. She opens the door with a bang then whirls around to glare me. I pull the door closed behind me, anticipating what she’s about to say, or scream, not needing anyone to overhear it.

  “The other night was a mistake.” Her voice is shaky but her words are stern and definitely meant to make a point.

  “Alright, I can deal with this. You don’t want Daddy knowing you fucked his quarterback, I get it.” She turns her head to stare at me even harder. Fuck she’s sexy, looking at me like that, all flushed and feisty, and I shouldn’t be turned on by it, but I am. I damn sure am. After all, I know lots of ways to make her flush that same shade of pink, how that feisty feels when directed at my dick.

  Maybe it’s the Jack, or the fact that I’m still on an adrenaline high from the win, but I don’t see the big deal if we both agree to be cool about what happened. “Look, I’ll never tell him. In fact, if you want a quick, instant replay, I’ll keep it just between us too.” I step closer to her, but she retreats back toward the wall to counter my approach.

  “That’s not how this is going to work, Mr. Riggins.” My eyes are fixed on her lips as she talks and I decide to ease her
mind a little. Moving close always works. “You don’t call the shots…” Before she can say another word, I grab her hips, tugging her against me and kiss her. She dissolves in my arms and accepts my kiss, but doesn’t give me the same temptress from the other night. I pull away and smirk down at her. “See, I can keep a secret. Your dad will never know.”

  She takes a deep breath before exhaling her frustration and opening her eyes, a beautiful blue, wide and blazing. “Don’t you ever do that again.” She pushes on my chest to move me back a stride and shifts toward the door. “Keep your hands to yourself or I’ll make sure you’re not an issue. I need to get back inside before they notice I’m missing.”

  “Or you could stay and help me celebrate. You are alone with the starting quarterback of the Tennessee Thunder. You know I won my first game tonight.” She scoffs at me as she leaves without another word and I find myself wishing like hell she wasn’t the new owner’s daughter. That’s the number one rule: Never fuck your boss’ daughter. It never ends well. It doesn’t take a fucking genius to figure that shit out, but it was fun teasing her one last time. Maybe she’ll steer clear of me now and I won’t have to worry about him finding out or being tempted. And since it’s too late to follow the rule, I’ll amend it: Never fuck your boss’ daughter twice.

  I follow her at a safe distance, just in case someone is watching. A moot point, since if they are, they’ll see me checking out her sexy ass and those fuck me heels she’s wearing. She really shouldn’t have chosen those shoes, or that dress, with a house full of football players inside if she doesn’t want to get hit on. It might actually be entertaining seeing how things play out tonight.