by Anthology
Bria was pacing the hallway as she waited for word from the surgeon. Ethan had his appendix removed at Piedmont Hospital and she had been pleased with their care and professionalism. Now she was ready to choke someone if they didn’t bring her news about her husband’s condition.
Dane had tried to use his influence to find out something, but Ethan was still in surgery and there wasn’t anything they could tell until he was out. He walked over to Bria and held her tight.
“You’re not here by yourself, are you?”
“No. My sister Lauryl is downstairs in the cafeteria with the boys. I didn’t want to bring Rafer, but he was having a fit. She’s going to keep an eye on him along with Warrick. What happened out there, Dane?”
“We had apprehended Anthony Ames and two of his fellow gang members. Everything was under control when we heard shots. The GBI is out there investigating the scene. All three had weapons, but they didn’t have an opportunity to discharge them. These guys aren’t the brightest so there may have been higher level members watching and waiting to kill Ames.”
“This is crazy. They shot Ethan aiming at Ames?”
“These clowns don’t often go to target practice so that’s what we’re thinking right now.”
“I’m not going to lose him.” Bria told Dane. “He’s full of purpose. It’s not his time.”
“No, it’s not. I know you’re the prayer warrior, but trust I’m praying, too.”
“I’m worn out. I can’t worry and be full of faith at the same time, but this surgery is taking forever and I’m getting anxious.”
“They’ll be out as soon as they can, Bria. Do you want anything? Some coffee; a bottle of water?”
“No thank you, Dane. But I’ll let you know.” Bria squeezed his hand and began pacing again.
Dane couldn’t stand the waiting either and went and found a quiet spot to use his phone. He couldn’t help, but think about how he could be the one on the operating table. It kind of made him sad that there was no wife that would be there praying for him or waiting for word. He had an urge to talk to Aracely. No; she was not even close to being his wife, but she did like him and right now he wanted that warm feeling to override the chill of fear.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Aracely. It’s Dane. Are you busy?”
“Dane! I saw you on the afternoon news. Are you okay? Is your partner all right?”
“Yeah, I’m good. We’re waiting to hear about my boy. He’s in surgery and I know his condition is critical. I just wanted to call you and…I don’t know. Do you think we could hang for a little bit? I can’t be away from the family too long, but maybe we can grab something to eat or just sit and talk at your place?”
“That’s cool with me, Papi. You know I got you. I can even fix you something here; we don’t have to go out for food.”
“That would be perfect. I’ll leave in a few minutes. It won’t take me that long to get from the hospital to Ashford-Dundwoody.”
“I’ll start dinner. See you soon.”
“Thanks, Aracely.”
She hung up the phone and turned to her bed companion. “Sorry, love. Dane is on the way over. You’ll have to be gone before he gets here.”
“Are you going to give him what you just gave me?”
“You jealous?”
“You know I have absolutely no reason to be. I just wanted to know just how far you’re willing to go.”
“As far as you want me to. I’m completely down. You know that.” Aracely caressed his cheek with her long manicured nail. Her perfectly round breast was peeping out the side of her baby blue tank top. She made a show of putting it back in her shirt.
“You say I’ve got to go, but you’re doing everything you can to make me come. You’re such a naughty girl.”
“And that’s why you love me.”
“Of course I love you. You are my ride or die.”
Jax whipped her breast out in one fluid motion and teased it with his tongue. He nibbled at her nipple with just enough force to bring pain, but not injury. He didn’t even have to wonder if her body was ready to receive him. It always was.
Aracely moaned. “Not fair.”
“Life is not fair. But you’ll get your reward for a job well done, querida. Just make sure you change the sheets before I come back over here.”
Bria was sitting with the doctor in the private patient room reserved for Ethan. They would be bringing him down soon.
“Mrs. Aragon, the surgery was as successful as it could be. Most of the bullets passed through his body, but the one that became lodged in his back had to be removed. Thankfully it did not cause any spinal damage. However, he is in a coma. We cannot say at this point how long he’ll be in that condition. There is brain activity, but it could be a few days before we know more. I know this sounds like I said a bunch of nothing, but right now that’s all we know.”
“He’s alive and his brain is working. He’s in a deep sleep, but that may not be permanent or prolonged. You said a lot of hopeful things, Dr. Patel. I’m a glass half full kind of woman.”
“I can see that. That’s a wonderful thing. He’ll feed off your positivity.”
“Can our sons come in and see him?”
“Certainly, but only for a brief visit. We have tests and things to run soon.”
“Thank you, doctor.” The surgeon patted her hand before leaving the room. Bria texted Lauryl so she could bring the boys up to the room. She turned as she heard the door open again.
“Excuse us, Mrs. Aragon. We have to set up the machines. You’re welcome to stay for that if it doesn’t bother you.”
“No, it won’t bother me. I’m waiting for my children to come up from the cafeteria, but they can wait for you to finish before they enter.”
“This will only take a few minutes.”
Bria looked at Ethan lying in the hospital bed. No matter how big and strong a man he was, he always seemed so vulnerable at times like these. Her husband looked like he was sleeping. She wanted him to rest because there were bad guys he had yet to stop; music he still had to produce; football games he still had to cheer at. She didn’t like seeing him like this. Life on pause.
Once the staff was done with their work, they stepped out and let her have a moment alone. They said they would send the rest of the family in shortly.
She picked up Ethan’s hand and held it tightly. “You are God’s son and He always takes care of His own. Just take a break because we have things to accomplish and you’ll need your strength. But don’t stay away too long because I’m already missing you.”
She bent down to kiss his lips and as she touched him, she vividly saw the dream he’d been telling her about for years. She didn’t flinch or back away. Bria tried to study the scene because she knew she was seeing it for a reason. It seemed familiar to her because Ethan had described it in great detail, but she looked for something new. The image went away, but she saw her clearly. Jerrae.
Ethan could hear voices, but he didn’t recognize any of them. He wondered if he had too much to drink while at the party. He wasn’t a party animal by any stretch of the imagination, but he had to join his team as they celebrated making it into the playoffs. His rookie season was becoming greater than he dreamed. He had been able to buy his mom Celia Aragon and his dad Hampton Hayes their first home together. That meant a lot to him. But in this flurry of voices he didn’t know, one voice was making him feel some kind of way. It was beautiful. It was authoritative. It was wise. He wondered who she was. And if he’d get to meet her.
THE SECOND FOREVER
CHAPTER SIX
Ethan was getting dressed for a photo shoot. He absolutely hated photo shoots, but as the New York Giants newest and brightest he had an obligation to do press and promotion. Apparently he was being marketed as a sex symbol. Not true and has nothing to do with the skills that landed him on the team. He knew the hustle though. Ethan just tried to grin and bear it.
The stylist walked in while he was still
in his boxer briefs. The pretty woman was not flustered in the least to see a half dressed man. Ethan on the other hand was not digging it. “I’m almost ready.”
“Really? You don’t even have on the silk shirt I sent in here for you. Does it not fit, Ethan?”
“It fits, but I’m just not used to this modeling crap. I play football.”
“I get it. You’re shy.”
“Uh, hardly. Forget it. I’ll be ready in a minute.” She didn’t move. “Did you need something?”
“I’m the stylist. I’m here to style.” She helped him into the expensive black shirt. “I’m Catt, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Catt By The Way.” Ethan smiled and relaxed. He didn’t want the reputation of being difficult to work with when all she was trying to do was her job.
Catt smiled in return. “You really are something out on that field. The G Men needed you in the worst way.”
“You’re a fan.”
“Uh, hardly.” Catt laughed. “I’m down with the Jets, but I do appreciate all our New York teams.”
“You got jokes.” Ethan stepped into the navy dress slacks they had paired with navy suede kicks. They actually were very nice. Not necessarily something he would have picked out, but he had to admit the clothes did look really great on him.
“I’ll be right back with the accessories.”
“Accessories?”
As Catt rushed off, Ethan’s agent, Garrett Grant entered the dressing area. “Ethan, my main man.”
“What up, Double G?”
“You look like a million bucks. I would have never pictured you in duds like these. You’re more the ultra- casual type.”
“Will we be doing any ads of the ultra-casual type?”
“Baby, I got all kinds of things lined up for you.”
Ethan scowled. “Don’t call me baby.”
Garrett ignored him. “Bria Coppock and her production staff have asked if you’d like to do a guest appearance on her show.”
“3 Bethel’s Way? I really like that show. They do know I don’t have any acting experience right?”
“You don’t have to do any acting. You’ll be in a short scene as yourself. Well, not that short, but it won’t be like half the episode.”
“Dude…”
“I know it’s not your steez. But Ethan that’s what being a celebrity in the sports world entails.”
“Now I know why Marshawn Lynch acts the way he does.”
“Yeah, well. I think you’re really going to like Bria though. Very down to earth. And crazy talented. To be this young and already have a top rated series is quite a feat. They say she is not your regular industry chick. That would really be refreshing.”
“Just meeting a regular chick period would be refreshing. The groupie struggle is real.”
“You’re the only man I hear complaining about groupies.” Garrett chuckled. “You got something to tell me?”
“Oh, I love the ladies, but I’m not trying to get down with everyone who is trying to be down. Contrary to popular belief, some of us have morals and standards.”
“Another Tim Tebow.”
“More jokes. There’s nothing wrong with Tebow. I admire his stance. I’m no church goer or bible thumper, but I know God and He’s been looking out for a long time. You feel me?”
Garrett bows. “I feel you. It’s been a long time since I’ve been around someone who takes God seriously and gives Him credit. You’re all right, my brother.”
“You’re all gussied up now. Cool. Let me add the cuff links and these other pieces.” Ethan and Garrett didn’t even hear Catt re-enter the room.
Ethan was lead out into the studio and the photographer began to explain what he was looking for. Ethan hoped to get it down quickly so he could go play Madden with the fellas.
“I know it seems like a bunch of fuss, but just act natural. We don’t want it to look like your posing. We want the public to see YOU.”
In his mind, Ethan thought this was so not HIM. He was stiff initially then Garrett put on some 90’s hip hop. It was one of his favorite genres so it loosened him up. Erick Sermon was his boy so Ethan thought about being in one of his videos. The photographer seemed to be pleased with the vibe. They wound up getting some incredible shots. He knew he was going to be teased because that was the life of a rookie. But he also knew the guys would be proud of how well he’s repping the Giants.
Garrett gave him more details about the meeting with the TV production staff. “It’s going to be a blast and it might take a day, tops.”
“I’m with it. But can we slow up with this kind of stuff?”
“You want a sneaker deal? You want endorsements? This is a necessary evil. The knee could blow out and there goes your NFL career. Make the money while you’re getting all this attention. Trust me, you won’t regret it.” Garrett was serious. Ethan could see his point.
“I do have to keep the family fed. Ok, man. I’ll stop giving your grief over it, but keep in my mind what won’t work for me.”
“Deal.”
They gave each other some dap and went their separate ways. Ethan was hungry so he called up his ‘cousin’ once he got into his Range Rover. “What’s up, Payton?”
“Just working. What’s good?”
Payton and Ethan had been friends since they both were sporting diapers so they called each other cousins. Payton was all about the hustle. He was into construction by trade and always landed the high paying gigs. Ethan jokingly called him Pay Day.
“Are you able to break for a late lunch? My treat.”
“It need to be your treat, Big Time.” Payton laughed. “Are you in the City?”
“Yeah, Lower West Side. You want to meet at that Spanish Chinese joint?”
“That’ll work. Give me about an hour and I’ll meet you there.”
Ethan was making his way through traffic when his phone rang. He didn’t recognize the number, but he decided to answer it just in case it was someone from the coaching staff or something. “Hello.”
“Hi. It’s Bria Coppock. How are you, Ethan?”
“I’m good; how are you?”
“I’m blessed. I was really happy you agreed to meet with me. I just wanted to say thank you.”
“I’m the one who should be thanking you. It sounds like an incredible opportunity and I do love your show.” Ethan liked the sound of Bria’s voice. It was soft and sexy.
“I was hoping you were at least a little familiar with it, but I’m hyped that you’re a fan. I appreciate that more than you know.”
“I read a couple of your books, too. One of my ex-girlfriends turned me on to them. You’re very talented.”
“I look forward to meeting you, Ethan Aragon. I won’t hold you up. My assistant suggested a few upcoming dates to your agent; just let them know which is most convenient for you.”
“Will do. Have a good one, Bria.”
Ethan had to circle the block a few times before he found an available parking space. He fed the meter and walked up the block to the restaurant. A few people pointed and stared as he walked by. One girl actually flashed her breasts at him! He was almost to the entrance when a young guy came out of nowhere and blocked him.
“Ethan Aragon! Yoooo. My boys ain’t going to believe I saw you. Can you do me a solid and give me your autograph?”
“Sure, my brother. What do you want me to sign?”
He searched his pockets for something to write on. The only thing he had was a parking ticket. Ethan tried not to laugh. He signed his name and his jersey number. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Dexter.”
He added Dexter’s name and passed him back the ticket. “Be easy.”
“Thanks, man.”
Payton was already seated. He’d seen the autograph signing from the window. “That’s how you rolling these days?” He teased his best bud. “I wanna be you when I grow up.”
“Yeah, yeah. Did you order for us yet? You already know what I want.”
“You see your diet Coke on the table, don’t you?”
“Smart ass. So how’s things with the fam? How’s your moms?’
“It’s all good. She asked about you, too. I’ll be going to Los Angeles to work on a construction project for about three months. That’s a long time, but the money’s all the way on point.”
“You’ll be leaving your girl behind for three months?”
“She’ll be laced. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. Are you seeing anybody these days? You must have a kitty cat thrown at you daily.” Payton laughed and nearly choked on his soda.
“Jokes. You know I don’t roll with random kitties. It would be nice to have someone to share all this with. But now you don’t know who’s for real and who’s a gold digger.”
“You’re a great judge of character. I don’t think you’ll have a problem weeding them out.”
“True. But these chicks are of a different breed. I’ve seen a couple of the players get caught out there falling for the okey doke.” Ethan told his cousin.
“Who were you seeing before?”
“I was messing with Monelle for a short time. She’s okay, but not wifey material. Honestly, I regret even going that physical route with her because she’s too clingy. But clingy with no reason to be. We’ve never been official.”
“Friends with benefits aren’t always a benefit.”
“Cuz, you ain’t never lied.” Ethan made room for his food once he saw the server approaching. “This looks wonderful.”
“Enjoy!”
“Aragon, good practice. How’s that strained hamstring?”
“It’s pretty good. I don’t anticipate it being a problem.” Ethan told the coach.
“Great. Get with the trainer and have him rehab it anyway. We need you to be 100%.”
“I’ll head over there now then.” The coach patted him on the back and took off to give his next set of instructions.
The trainer had him do a series of stretches and recommended a hot and cold therapy. Ethan was heading to the showers when he a member of the security staff came up to him.