“Did you enjoy yourself with the kids last night?”
“It was nice spending time with the boys and their coaches, but I missed you. We need to talk, Rachel. Now.”
At his serious tone, her gaze met his and her heart began to beat faster. Am I about to be dumped? “Talk about what, Quentin?”
“About us, and the real reason I came to Augusta.”
Nine
“Why don’t we go sit in the living room so we can relax while we talk?”
“That’s fine with me, Quentin. Do you want something to drink?”
His gaze met hers and he sensed her uneasiness, though Rachel attempted to quell and conceal it with a smile. “Just some juice or water.”
Rachel poured two glasses of tropical fruit juice and handed one to him. Quentin followed her into the casual area of the living room and sat down beside her, placing his glass on a coaster on the coffee table. She tried not to stare at him or to tremble noticeably as she watched him and waited to learn his news.
He took a deep breath and began his revelations. “As you probably know, all professional sports have only so many players and teams in their leagues. In football, the NFL and AFL have twenty-eight teams and fourteen hundred and eighty-four players. Because those numbers are limited, a lot of talented college players don’t get chosen to play professional ball; and a lot of veterans get dumped for younger men with lower salaries, or when they get injured and don’t play as well as they used to. There’s a group of wealthy investors who are interested in forming a new league, a semi-pro one, that would allow some of those college stars an opportunity to play and those aging mainstays—as we’re called in the media—a chance to play longer. They’re thinking of setting twenty to thirty new teams around the country, mainly in large towns where support for them would be good. Like it is with baseball, those boys could move up to pro ball if they have the talent. The new league would mean more games for people to attend and ticket costs would be lower due to reduced salaries and expenses. Plus, people wouldn’t have to travel so far to see a game if they had a local team to enjoy.”
Quentin paused to sip his juice, but Rachel remained quiet and alert to prevent distracting him. Too, she couldn’t surmise where this line of thought was going and if it had anything to do with her, with them.
“Augusta was selected by one of those investors—Bill Effingham—because the Falcons are in Atlanta and your town seemed the next best choice for locating a second team. Its position is excellent for drawing spectators from two states, maybe three with Florida only a few hours away. The Master’s Golf Tournament and those other national and international events you mentioned pull in large crowds, so he’s hoping the same would be true for a semipro football team. I guess you could call me an advance scout for the project. Bill asked me if I thought it was a good idea and could be profitable; I believe it is. Since I had to almost shove my way onto the playing field, I know what it’s like to want to play and to have a difficult time getting accepted. Before he proceeded with his plans, Bill asked me if I would come to Augusta to look it over and test the waters for interest and support. That’s why I needed to learn so much about the CSRA. I suppose you wondered why I was so curious about this area.”
At Rachel’s nod, he grinned and continued, “If Bill’s going to be able to lure players here, in particular those with families, it has to be a nice place to live and to find work during offseason. Naturally their salaries will be lower than those of pro ball players, and especially in the beginning when things are just getting started. Local and state governments will have to help finance a stadium and approve the idea, so their cooperation is vital to success. The public must be eager and willing to support a team with steady attendance. From your expert tours, there seems to be plenty of land available for a building site and plenty of people to hire as workers on the construction and for the games. I already know the Augusta Eagles team didn’t make it years ago and funds were denied for building an ice rink to lure in semi-pro hockey, but it might be different for football, and with a new league to support a local team. I also know that your mayor is trying to find funds to enlarge and improve Heaton Stadium for the Augusta Green Jackets baseball team. It might be possible to make Heaton into a joint baseball and football stadium; that way, it could be used almost year round.”
“Are you thinking of playing on that team if it becomes a reality?”
“No,” he said without hesitation, “when I leave the Cowboys, I’m hanging up my cleats for good. But Bill did ask me if I was interested in coaching the team. He’ll need a good recruiter to select players, and he also suggested I might want to invest in the project. I doubt they’ll put another team in Texas; we already have pro teams in Dallas and in Houston, the Cowboys and the Oilers. Right now, I’m not in the mood to decide on investing, but I’m fairly certain I don’t want to coach any team, new or old. To be honest, I don’t want to be that close to football if I’m not playing. Also, the salary wouldn’t be that good, especially in the beginning.”
Quentin didn’t mention at that time that he had just lost his one remaining endorsement. He knew if he was cut from the Cowboys, his big salary was gone, money he wanted to replace retirement dollars lost in two soured investments, money to finance a new career, money to provide aid to his parents if needed, and money to renovate his home for Rachel’s possible occupancy. He was financially secure, but the year’s salary would prevent him from having to draw those large expenditures from his savings and retirement fund. Lordy, he thought as he sipped more juice, how he craved one last season and a chance to go out in a blaze of glory; he yearned to play during the seventy-fifth anniversary season; and he longed to be in a final Superbowl if the Cowboys threepeated. He hated going out this way, a has-been. There was no way he was moving to another team; even if one wanted him, he’d most likely have to take a huge cut in salary and spend most of his time on the bench. The media would have a field day over his demotion; no doubt the public would pity him. Yet, he didn’t know what kind of job, career, would replace his lost earnings and would support a new family. Sportscasting was out, as it would keep him on the road too much. Perhaps ranching was the best avenue to pursue.
Quentin set down the empty glass. “I need to meet with the mayor-and council to see if they’re receptive to Bill’s idea. Who knows, it might not interest them at all. After I do that, the project will become public knowledge. Until my scouting was finished, Bill wanted this kept a secret; that’s why I couldn’t tell you and why I was pretending to be on vacation.”
“I know the mayor and his secretary, I can probably arrange a meeting with him for you this week.”
“Thanks. Do you know anyone on the Augusta Sports Council?”
“I’m afraid not; at least, I don’t think so. I can get a list of names from the mayor’s secretary when I phone her.”
“Their help could be what swings the deal here. I need to check on land prices with a real estate company so I can give Bill and his group a cost estimate for comparison with other cities. The agent can tell me what’s available close to town; a large tract will be required for a stadium and parking. The ideal solution could be to tie in football to Heaton Stadium, if there’s sufficient space, if the location is acceptable to the investors, and if the local government approves the project and funding. I’ll check with the mayor and the Richmond County Board of Commissioners on their feelings, and Bill will have his man follow up. As to builders, a contract this size is put out for bids to large companies; that angle will be handled by the investors. I’m not responsible for hashing out this kind of business deal. I’m just the fact gatherer and water tester because Bill figured I could get better results at this preliminary stage than a fancy suit could.”
“He was clever to send you. Who better than a beloved sports star to interest the right men in their project? Those appearances you made must have shown local politicians how popular you—and football—are, and pointed out how good it would be to have
our own team.”
“I hadn’t thought of that angle. Since this isn’t in my regular field of expertise, any suggestions or help will be greatly appreciated.”
Rachel was delighted that he wanted her involved. “I’ll do whatever I can to assist.”
“Thanks, Rachel, and you’ve been a big help already. We’ll talk more about this business later. Right now, I want to talk about us.”
Her gaze fused with his. “What about us, Quentin?”
He slid closer to her on the sofa and placed one arm along its back, making contact with her shoulders. His fingers toyed with the brown hair at her nape. “Do you think there’s a chance for us to become more than friends? I don’t want to pressure you into a romantic relationship you don’t want or give myself false hopes about a possible future with you. The bad thing is, with the season starting soon, our time together is limited.”
I know. “There’s something important I should tell you, Quentin.” She saw his expression turn apprehensive at her grave tone. “I can’t have any more children and I don’t think I would want another child at my age if it were possible. I know you love children; I can’t give you an heir, but a younger woman could.”
Quentin considered her unexpected words for a long moment. “I did want children when I finally settled down, but having you in my life means more to me.”
Rachel closed her fingers around his hand on his knee. “Don’t say that before you have time to give it long and serious thought. That sacrifice may not seem important to you now, but later it might be, and that could cause problems for us. I had to have a hysterectomy in ‘78, so it isn’t something that can be fixed if you change your mind. I wouldn’t want you to regret this decision. You would make an excellent father, Quentin, and I’m sure your parents want grandchildren.”
He interlocked their fingers and gave hers a gentle squeeze. “They have grandchildren, Rachel.”
“Not yours. If Frank doesn’t have a son, there’s no one to carry on the family name. I’m sure that will disappoint them.” And maybe you one day.
He chuckled to ease her tension, and was touched by her concerns for him and his parents. “It isn’t the end of the world not to have kids these days; plenty of couples choose not to have them. Besides, I’m thirty-eight; that’s getting up there to rear rambunctious kids.”
“That’s another point, our age difference; I’m forty-seven, nine years older than you, only eleven years younger than your mother.”
“That doesn’t matter to me and shouldn’t matter to you. If we’re suited to each other, shouldn’t we spend the rest of our lives together? It’s only a number, Rachel, and nine years isn’t that wide a span.” He smiled and gave her hand a playful shake. “Besides, you don’t look your age. And who would know about that difference if we didn’t tell them?”
“I’m sure those tabloids would reveal it to the world.”
“As soon as I retire, they won’t be interested in me anymore.”
“Perhaps,” but our friends and families will know the truth. “And another thing. You said you don’t intend to become involved with the Augusta team if it becomes a reality. Somehow I don’t think you would want to settle here. You live halfway across the country, and you’ll be gone soon. How can we get to know each other well enough in nine days to make such a serious decision about our futures? You can’t remain here and I can’t traipse around the country following you from town to town; that would certainly give tabloids and gossips something to talk about. I can’t do that to my children or to myself, Quentin.”
“I know you can’t, Rachel. To be honest, I don’t want to live in Augusta. It’s a nice town and I like most of the people I’ve met, but there isn’t any kind of career for me here. I’ll probably wind up ranching. Are you set against Texas?”
Are you proposing this soon? I haven’t known you long enough to accept. Are you turning my world upside down and my feelings inside out? “I have friends and family here. Karen will be returning next June.”
He perceived her hesitation and careful reply. “If I recall, you said she might not settle in Augusta; and Evelyn lives in Ohio. If you moved to Dallas, you could visit your friends and family any time you want. Did you have your fill of simple country life while growing up?”
“No, I love the country, and I’m sure Dallas is a wonderful place,” especially with you there.
“Are you afraid your girls won’t accept me in your life, in theirs? Are you worried about my reputation with women and my past mistakes?”
“My daughters love me and would accept my decision, if I convinced them you’re what I want and need to make me happy. Actually, I think Karen and Evelyn and Eddie and my grandchildren would like you. As to your playboy image and past marriages, they don’t worry me. But what about your parents and friends? How would they react to you marrying an older woman, if our relationship went that far one day?”
Her words and expressions were encouraging to him. “They’ll adore you, woman, I’m certain of it. Am I in your game plan or still benched?”
Rachel laughed. “This isn’t the time for you to be creating new problems and decisions for yourself; you have a career to concentrate on. Even if you retire, you’ll have a new one to consider and establish.”
“I’ll know where I stand after my physical, and after practice, then preseason games in August. Why don’t we see how our relationship goes while I’m here? If we aren’t certain about our feelings, we can test ourselves during our separation until September first; that’s five weeks of loneliness and thinking. If I make the team, I’ll be playing from September through mid-January, to the end of January if we make the Superbowl. By then, we’ll know what we want to do. Right?”
Rachel remained quiet and thoughtful, so Quentin added, “That’s too long to go without seeing each other, so you’ll have to come visit me.”
“How? I know games are usually played on holidays.”
“You can come when I’m idle; that means, our weeks off.”
“How will that look to people, especially if we don’t get married later? I don’t want to sneak around as if we’re doing something wrong, but I don’t want to risk staining my reputation. In the South, that old double standard still exists for women. And I know what those tabloids write about couples who…live together.”
“We’ll be careful, Rachel, but we can’t ignore and avoid each other if we want to be together. Besides, there will probably be talk no matter what we say or do; some people just have dirty minds and loose tongues.”
Like Janet. “Intimacy can be dangerous these days, Quentin.”
He smiled and caressed her rosy cheek, her meaning clear to him. “I’ve always used protection, Rachel. Don’t you remember?”
Her flush deepened, but she smiled and nodded.
“I don’t take risks with women and I’ve never slept with any of those groupies who hang around ball teams. I also have regular physical exams and blood tests; they’re a team regulation.”
“I’ve never been with anyone except Daniel and you, and I’ve never taken drugs, or had a blood transfusion since my hysterectomy in ‘78. I should be safe, but I’ll have a blood test if you prefer.”
Quentin took her hand. “Since a test isn’t necessary for either of us, does that mean we can get closer today?” he asked.
Rachel smiled and said, “Yes.” She wanted him, if only for a short while. Though they could spend the rest of their lives together, she was far from sure that would come to pass. She was not convinced at this point that he could—or should—give up having children or that she could move to Texas, so far from at least one of her daughters. Too, she would miss her friends and her comfortable life here, and she didn’t know how he would view her writing career, something she wanted deeply, something that would fulfill her in other ways. Nor did she know how a change in his career would affect him and his personality. A hasty commitment based on emotions alone could be a painful mistake, one she must avoid. Even so,
her yearning for him must be sated.
Quentin drew her into his embrace and she went willingly. Their mouths fused in a series of kisses that began softly and tentatively but swiftly became heady and urgent as their passions were ignited into scorching surrender.
“Rachel, Rachel,” he murmured against her delicious lips. “I want you like crazy.”
“I want you, too, Quentin,” she responded, almost breathless with raging desire and exquisite pleasure. It was wonderful to be with him like this again.
Their tongues explored in reckless abandon and their hands stroked each other’s bodies, savoring the contact. He nestled his cheek against her silky hair and inhaled her sweet fragrance, needing to catch his breath for a moment. He wanted to move slowly but wondered if his rampant ardor would permit it.
Quentin’s blue gaze engulfed her lovely face as his fingers stroked its surface. “I knew you were special when we met years ago, but I thought you were out of my life forever. I’m so glad I found you again. It’s as if there never was a long separation, as if the present is the only reality, and all the years in between don’t exist. I don’t want to lose you again, woman.”
Rachel’s fingers wandered into his ebony hair and were concealed amidst its wavy strands. She felt more alive than she had in years, in twelve years. She felt desirable, carefree, adventurous, daring. “I know what you mean; it’s strange, but it’s as if we’ve been apart for only a short while. I feel just as at ease with you now as I was back then. You’re much too disarming and captivating, Mr. Rawls.”
Quentin chuckled and beamed. “You’re the one who’s captivating. I never could get you out of my mind and, Lordy, I tried hard.”
“I couldn’t forget you, either; that’s why no man I dated after you suited me; you were always like a cunning shadow between us. I would compare them to you, and they would come up short, too short. Would you be surprised if I told you I’ve been a closet football fan since I learned your identity?” He grinned. “I even rented and purchased tapes of old games just to watch you and to learn more about you. I’m glad you’re back in my life, Quentin, because I’ve missed you terribly. You’re a tough act to follow.”
Anything For Love Page 17