Honestly Sam's more of a movie star than a kick-ass financial guru. She is smart, don’t get me wrong, but she has so much more to give before she’s in an office for her entire life.
I’m happy to hear that she’s been talking to Jax and he’s been helping her work this decision out. But for the most part, I know she's working through this on her own. Sam is fiercely independent and smart. This will work out for her.
We open up a vintage bottle of champagne and celebrate. I love seeing Sam so excited and full of life. It’s contagious and we’re giggling, holed up in my room. It reminds me of being in our college dorm.
When it’s finally time to go to bed she tells me she hopes I don’t mind taking the detour to come back to NYC before heading to Ohio. She was surprised that Jax suggested it and she asked me what was going on.
This was the best move for me; I'm much more relaxed in our home. She hugs me and tells me to let her know what I need. I love that she isn’t pressing me.
I’m not sure if she knows about my breakdown last night; I wonder if she knows why Jax came to Detroit this morning.
“How come Jax surprised me today?”
Reluctantly she tells me how broken up Jax has been that he wasn’t there to save me at Club 6 and then again when I was in Detroit. I guess she does know.
I turn my phone back on and text Jax that I’m heading to bed and will see him in the morning for our flight. My interview is in the evening, so we’re in no rush to get there.
Laying in bed for hours and not being able to sleep sucks. It’s nice knowing we have a security system in the home and its familiar surroundings, but my anxiety is high. Every time I close my eyes I see the man who hurt me; I see Chase.
I check my phone every few minutes until I get so mad at myself I turn it off. He never texted or called me. We left it worse off than we did so many years ago. One question is answered in my mind. I’m almost positive Chase never would have come after me even if he knew where I was.
I toss and turn for hours until I fall asleep. I awake in a pool of sweat and my covers are all off the bed. I’m shaking but don’t remember my dream at all. I’m sure of one thing though… it was about the faceless man.
It’s useless to try and sleep anymore. I’m exhausted but the adrenalin is keeping me awake. I run on the treadmill until I’m about to pass out and walk back into my room hoping that helps me fall back asleep.
Fail!
How am I such a mess? I try to convince myself that I’m not hurt and no one will hurt me but something won’t let it sink in. I need to sleep so I take a shower and try again.
The nightmares continue and the sleep is restless but I finally get a few hours in. I’ll be drinking a lot more coffee than I normally do to prepare for the day.
Jax comes over in the morning and we go to breakfast. He’s as excited as Sam is that she’s joining the film and he’s sorry he couldn’t tell me. I’m glad he didn’t tell me, it wasn’t his place to share that news.
He doesn’t ask me how I am. It’s obvious that I’m exhausted. We spend the rest of the morning hanging out and talking to Sam. Jax tells us the places they are scouting and it hits me that Sam and Jax will both be away from me.
“Sam, can you come to Columbus with us?” I ask, but she doesn’t answer me right away.
She’s texting or looking something up, I’m not sure which. A few minutes later she screeches, “Yes!” She’s able to work from home so she can do that in Columbus just as easily as New York. Looks like she’ll be joining us after all.
Chapter 22
“Finally!” Sam and I say in unison as we walk into our home.
Jax and Sam spent the entire week with me. First we went to Columbus, Ohio and then to St. Louis, Missouri where I completed two more player interviews. They both went great and it was awesome having my friends with me.
The three of us had such a great time. We stayed in the hotel ordering room service and watching movies most days, unless I was working. It was the most fun I’ve had in years and I slept peacefully every night.
Jax had to go back to Los Angeles so he took a separate flight from St. Louis. He’s heading to Europe tomorrow to scout a few locations for the movie. Most locations are already secured and they expect to start production in just 30 days.
It’s Sunday and I’m well rested. Sam and I are spending the day at the spa after some shopping. We need the most relaxation we can get since we’re having dinner with her parents tonight.
These monthly dinners with the Renaults are always at the best restaurants but they’re usually a bit stressful. The press is usually there and it’s an endless rotation of people vying for their attention. It’s usually pretty nerve-wracking but always entertaining.
I call Ana and try to convince her to join us but she won’t have anything to do with the monthly dinners. It’s kind of funny but Mr. Renault is shameless as he tries to introduce us to his acquaintances. Since he knows it freaks Ana out, he really overdoes it with her. We all think it’s hilarious but Ana disagrees. She will, however, join us for shopping which always means we get some serious discounts; not such a bad thing!
We have a lovely day and lots of champagne and are pretty buzzed when we get to dinner. Sam and I are actually really enjoying the night until Mrs. Renault asks if I’m dating Jax or Chase. Sam burst into laughter, I do not!
The past week with Jax was great, but it was pretty platonic. That may have been because Sam was there; we were like the three amigos. Actually it was pretty great to feel such a part of their friendship. Jax and I slept in the same bed and cuddled every night but, the kissing wasn’t very steamy.
Jax will be gone this week but that’s ok because I have a busy week of traveling. I will complete two more interviews this week, first in Dallas and then in Miami.
Chase’s team is playing the team in Miami this weekend so I may end up watching the game. Neither one of us has reached out to the other so I’ll be watching from a far, like I did in LA.
I miss him and that thought troubles me.
It must be the alcohol, but I’m traveling down memory lane and a frown is on my face… which is not going un-noticed by Sam. I tell her that I’m sad that she and Jax are leaving me soon which turns her mood. Nicely done, Lucy!
We make it through dinner without Mr. Renault trying to marry either one of us off, this is a major success. James, Sam’s driver, takes us home and we go straight to bed.
The next couple days go by in a blur. Sam is busy wrapping up her job with her dad and I’m organizing the interviews while prepping for my next two trips. I can’t believe this project is almost over.
Right before I’m leaving work for the day I receive an invite instructing me to head right over to the conference room to view the promo that has been approved, featuring my interview with Chase. I’m nervous because I’ve seen some of the videos and the connection is obvious. Rebekka said it just looks like I’m a natural born interviewer with real talent and obvious knowledge and love for the game.
I try to take on Rebekka’s view of the promo when I’m watching it. Everyone in the room loves it and I’m thrilled. I sneak out after the champagne toast and head home to get to bed early so I’m ready for my interview tomorrow.
I wake up in a panic and look around expecting someone to be there. The nightmares keep happening but I seem to have them under control. I’m not waking up screaming and I haven’t had a panic attack in the past week, until tonight.
I lie and try to convince myself that I’m nervous about going on the road again, but all I can think about is that promo and the natural vibe that was clearly shown between me and Chase. It’s unnerving.
It’s 4am so I get up and complete my normal workout.
After a long exhausting run I decide to be honest and walk into Sam’s room as she’s about to leave.
“I’ll miss you banging on that treadmill at 4am Lucy, have fun in Dallas, Texas,” she tells me with her best southern accent.
&
nbsp; “About that,” I say, “can you come with me Sam?”
She stops and looks at me and I’m almost in tears. I never ask her for much so I know she knows I need her. She doesn’t even think twice and she agrees.
“I have to make some calls, but I’ll be ready in an hour to go to Dallas.”
God I love Sam. She’s so supportive of me and doesn’t ask any questions. I can finally breathe knowing I won’t be alone.
After an hour we’re both ready to go. “Sam are you for real?” I ask her since she’s dressed in cowboy boots that I’ve never seen her in before.
“Yee haw Lucy, hell yeah I’m for real, let’s go!”
My first interview is with George Marvey. He has been with the league for a few years and this year during training he showed he had escalated his game even more than what we saw last year. I know George because his brother and I interned together a few years ago. I’m excited to see him again and I’m very confident for this interview, especially with Sam being there.
Dallas is hot and humid and I’m wearing an Alice and Olivia shift dress. Sam does not agree with my choice and made a call to Ana to get some more sensible ‘Texas appropriate’ clothing delivered to our hotel. I’m so glad that Sam is with me, she soothes me greatly and I was in desperate need of it.
This is the second time that Sam is saving me and she probably doesn’t know it. I made the decision that it’s time for me to discuss this fear out loud so I stop having nightmares and stop having anxiety attacks.
I head to the stadium and on my way into the room I see George. He grabs me up and swings me around. “Oh my God George, stop it! I’m showing everyone my panties!” I tell him.
“Oh damn Lucy, I should’ve had someone else do that so I could see them,” George teases.
I slap his arm and tell him to knock it off. George always was a flirt; he’d flirt with me while he had two girls on his arm, and that’s not really my thing. “Knock that shit off, George, and lead the way,” I say linking our arms together.
I love how George is excited for our interview. We get there early and he tells me we can start. It’s just us and the camera guy but I say let’s do it and we start. This is the first interview without all the PR people around and I can’t believe both parties have given the go ahead to start.
George is great in the interview. He tells personal stories and I know a lot of them will be picked up and shown over and over again in highlights. He really is an inspirational player. He talks a lot about how important a coach is in a player’s life and these are parts of the interview that I’ll make into a promotional piece for him.
He does a lot of free speeches to underprivileged areas and has a few camps set up across the nation. He’s one of those players that gives back and does it with almost no promotional expectations because it’s all about the kids and not about his name in the paper. I tend to disagree with him though; if he had some press behind it he’d find more support and more support for the kids is what his camps and speeches are all about.
“Hey, you know, Sam’s in town with me!” I tell him and instantly see him blush. I know calling him out on it will only deepen the red, so I don’t mention it.
“Do you ladies want to go out with me and some of the other players tonight?” George asks, and I accept.
Sam and I have a great time getting ready and it reminds me of our dorm days. We’re blasting our music, dancing, and getting ready for a night on the town.
Sam promises me over and over that she will not leave me alone and I roll my eyes at her. I let her know that as long as we take drinks from the bartender and never put them down we should be fine. That was the real lesson, why don’t Sam and Jax understand it?
Sam tells me how her Dad had it out with Jax and she got quite an earful too about not taking good enough care of me. I love Mr. Renault, but everyone should be yelling at me. It was my fault.
Thank God Chase was there.
It helps knowing we’re in control of this night using our own car, driver, and security; all from Renault Financials. I know they will be watching over us with grave concern and for the first time I don’t think this is overboard. I’m thrilled to have them.
Luke is our security guard and he looks really familiar to me. He’s tall and muscular and is built like a Marine. I feel very secure with him. He comes to our room and escorts us downstairs but says nothing to us.
Since we’ve had a few drinks I’m giggling and Sam just looks at me which makes me laugh even more. She has no idea why I’m laughing and demands I tell her.
I can’t control it, it’s one of those times you start laughing and you can’t stop. Sam starts laughing at me because she can see I can’t control it any longer and it only makes me laugh more.
Our huge ass Marine clears his throat because we’re now in the lobby. Sam and I look at each other and fall into a new round of laughter.
Poor Luke, he has some teenage-acting girls on his hands tonight. He moves me to one side of him and Sam to the other and lightly pushes at our backs so we make our way out the door. Being treated like this is quite funny.
Once he puts us in the car I see him smirk, which makes me smile; it feels good being a little out of control.
Luke gets into the front seat and our driver pulls us toward the restaurant. “What was that all about?” Sam asks me.
I smile over at her, “for the past 5ish years we’ve been followed by security and I always thought you and your family were a little bat-shit-crazy and tonight I’m finally bat-shit-crazy with you guys. I love having Luke and Fred here.”
“You know our driver’s name is Nate, right?” Sam tells me and I laugh.
“Obvi,” I tell her back and we giggle.
Once we’re at the restaurant we are escorted to a private seating area where George is already sitting with three other players. He introduces us to them but doesn’t take his eyes off Sam.
Dinner is fabulous all due to the company we have. George is hilarious and the conversation and drinks keep flowing. He is seriously flirting with Sam and she doesn’t seem to mind. He’s quite cute so I don’t blame her one bit.
At midnight they suggest we move to the club and I decline. Reluctantly Sam agrees that I go back with Luke after George suggests he calls for additional security to go to the club with them.
We only wait 30 minutes for George’s security team to show up and I head back to the hotel with Luke. We have a large hotel room with separate bedrooms and living area so I head to my room and Luke stays in the living area.
I text Jax but I don’t expect a reply; he hasn’t replied in a day or so but this was expected. It feels a little odd knowing Luke is in the other room but I’m glad someone is here looking over me.
I awake to the sun streaming in the windows and feel very refreshed. I quickly shower and get dressed and see that Luke has left. I move to open Sam’s door but I hear her voice and she isn’t alone. I laugh and quickly cover my mouth not wanting them to hear me.
“I’m going to get some breakfast downstairs!” I yell into her room.
“Take Luke with you,” is all Sam yells back to me.
Very sly Sam! She doesn’t want me to know George is in her room, but she also doesn’t want me to be alone.
Luke and I have breakfast and then walk around for awhile. It’s not as humid today but it’s still hot. He tells me he has been working with the Renaults since he left the military. I’m not surprised that he was in the service at all since he looks a lot like a Marine.
We have a pleasant conversation and I’m not surprised to hear that he has been my security detail for awhile; I knew he looked familiar. He doesn’t think it’s as funny as I do that I have a security detail; I guess that means he’s doing his job.
Since I’ve been dating Jax I’ve seen the weirdo’s out even more, but I ignore them in hopes they will ignore me.
I get a call that I need to do some re-shoots from some camera errors so I rush back to the hotel to chang
e before going back to the stadium to finish the interview.
Chapter 23
Welcome to Miami! It’s great to be in this city. We just completed two more interviews and only have two more to go. The end of this project is near.
Tonight Miami is playing the Detroit Mustangs and I plan to stay for the game. Even though Chase and I are not on good terms it’s great to see him play, even if I’m supporting him from a distance.
Sam stayed in Dallas with George. I called her out on making sure she was living her life; she’s been too worried about me lately. I assured her that I would ask for help if I ever needed it. What I really want is for her to spend time with George and have some fun.
I finally got to talk to Jax and I love hearing how excited he is for his new role as a Director. There’s something so magical hearing about someone else’s dream coming true.
I’m watching the game from the field, a major perk of my NBC badge, when I see Chase up to bat. I see it clear as day as the ball cruises toward him and slams him in the head.
I drop everything and run to him but I’m stopped by security. I lie and say I’m his sister and they still don’t let me through but they let me stay right where I am. Good choice because I’m not leaving.
Paramedics rush onto the field toward him and I can’t tell if he’s knocked out or if he’s getting up. I have never been so worried in my life.
Finally he gets up and walks, with assistance, off the field. It’s good that he’s walking but not good that he’s leaving the game. He must be really hurt. I know they will be going to the training room so I head there as well.
His coach sees me and recognizes me right away. He grabs my shoulders and tells me our boy will be ok. All I can do is shake my head agreeing with him as a tear runs down my cheek.
I sneak into the room as they are assessing him and he’s out of it but thankfully he’s awake. He is answering all their questions correctly but he keeps asking, “When will the game start?”
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