Off Season (The Blake Boys Book 15)

by Rhonda Laurel

  “The douche that thinks he can beat your records?”

  “The one and the same. T.K. asked me to have a chat with him. I did. But there are still some more things I’d like to teach the kid. Provided he’s willing to listen.”

  “Good.” Derek forked some sautéed mushrooms into his mouth.

  “Really? I thought you would tell me I was wasting my time.”

  “Who knows? Maybe mentoring wayward quarterbacks is your new calling.”

  Seth snorted and looked around the bar. “You ever thought about tapping out?”

  “Maybe in a few years. The team is working well together, and it helps that my love life isn’t plastered all over the Internet. Right now I’ve never felt so balanced in my life.”

  “Love will do that to you.”

  “I hear you. So how is Morgan? She still feeling rundown?”

  “Yes, she went in for tests and has an appointment for when we return. She’s a little bummed about it. I hope being around family will cheer her up.”

  “Well, it’s going to be an epic birthday party. The entire family is going to be there, including Trevor.”

  “Wow. He was serious about keeping in touch. I think I’ve met him once since I’ve known the Reed family.”

  “Charisma and Trevor are still mending fences with their mom and dad. He’ll pop back in town to make the effort, and he gets to keep an eye on me.”

  “There’s that too.” Seth grinned. “Charisma’s mom is pretty intense and a little misguided.”

  “I agree. It’s been baby steps, but Charisma’s willing to put in the work to have a better relationship with her mom. Getting love and support from Grandma Reed and Sydney has helped.”

  “Don’t forget the love and support from you. You’ve softened her heart.”

  “She’s pretty much melted mine.”

  Seth smiled and raised his glass. “To the lovely Reed women.”

  “Hear. Hear.” Derek clinked glasses with him.

  * * *

  The entire crowd of family, friends, and neighbors had come out to celebrate Grandma Reed’s birthday. There were people Morgan hadn’t seen in ages that were floating about the ballroom. Patton and Nina and the kids had made it too. Emerson had grown so much since they’d seen him last, and Morgan couldn’t believe that Nina was complaining about baby weight. She looked great. Gabby made a beeline for Jake, who begrudgingly allowed her one, three-second hug before darting across the room. Everyone was ready for the birthday girl to arrive so they could get the party started.

  The crowd applauded when a few minutes later Charisma and Derek walked Grandma Reed into the packed ballroom. Morgan sniffed as her grandmother, so touched by the attention, burst into tears. Seth put his arm around her and kissed her.

  “I’d say she was surprised.” Seth said. “She looks great.”

  “Doesn’t she?”

  After getting a thousand hugs and well wishes, Grandma Reed was finally able to take a seat at the table. Morgan mingled for a while with Seth until she saw Grandma was alone at her table. She rushed over to her side.

  “Hi, Grandma.” Morgan kissed her grandmother on the cheek, then took a seat beside her.

  “Hi, baby. You look so pretty.”

  She laughed. “Thank you. It took me three hours to put this together.”

  “You’ve always had a natural beauty. Seth told me that one of the things he loves is waking up to your beautiful face without an ounce of makeup.”

  “He’s very poetic. You should see the poems he writes me and leaves around the house. Well, he used to leave them around the house. The boys knowing how to read has put a stop to that.”

  “He’s also hopelessly in love. I remember the day you brought him by to meet me. He had stars in his eyes.” She smiled as she scanned the dance floor to see Isabelle and Tate in an intimate embrace. Dana was running her hand through her husband’s hair. Beverly had a death grip on hers as he led her in a slow waltz. Charisma and Derek were doing more talking than dancing, but Charisma had a big smile on her face. “You know, you hope and pray that your children meet someone who will cherish them and treat them well. My granddaughters are loved.”

  “Charisma and Derek make a great couple. Don’t they?” Morgan said.

  “Yes, they do. Derek is a good man and he knows how to care for her heart.” Grandma beamed. “Charisma told me that you two are talking more.”

  “Yeah, at first it was to discuss your party, but now we keep in touch and talk about other stuff. She talks about Derek a lot. I think she’s afraid to make any missteps, but the funny thing is, Derek calls Seth asking for relationship advice. They both want it to work.”

  “I want you to promise me something.”

  “Sure.”

  “I want you to help her. She’s come a long way with her self-esteem, and I think it would be good if someone she looked up to that’s her age was there to guide her a little bit. I think one of the reasons she was jealous of you in the past was because she wanted someone to love her like Seth loves you. She has that now and she’s trying to figure out how to love him back in a healthy, loving way.”

  “I will.” Morgan looked at a sleeping Mackenzie nestled against her grandfather, who was rocking her to the music on the dance floor. “I hope Mackenzie wasn’t too much trouble earlier. I saw her trying to hug you.”

  “Of course not.” Grandma patted her hand. “She’s so much like you.”

  “Really? I think she looks like Seth.”

  “Well, she does. She’s going to be a handful. I hope Seth’s ready for the storm that’s coming.”

  “He’s in denial, maybe worse than my dad and brothers were when I was little.”

  “He’ll get through to her. Curtis adored you. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to try and put a smile on your face.”

  “He even delayed his own happiness for me.” Morgan winced.

  “He did right by his child. That’s what daddies do.”

  “Well, she’s definitely a daddy’s girl and she loves to see what her brothers are doing. I think this is the first break Jake and the boys have had from her in ages.” Morgan pointed to her sons chatting at a table with their cousins.

  “Elizabeth would say, let her play. She’s got to learn how to fend for herself.”

  “I don’t remember so much of that time. I wish I had more vivid memories to go along with the old pictures of my mom.”

  “I wish you’d had more time with her.” Grandma touched her hand and she felt the warmth and love radiating from her. It reminded her of the days past when just being near her had comforted her and made her feel safe.

  Charisma approached. “Grandma, do you want me to get you something else to drink?”

  “No. You’ve done so much already. I want you to sit down next to me.” She patted the chair.

  “It was a group effort,” Charisma replied, sitting down.

  “No, it wasn’t.” Morgan shook her head. “Charisma had a little help, but this is her accomplishment. She wanted you to have an awesome birthday party.”

  “Morgan pitched in too from Texas,” Charisma added.

  Grandma laughed. “This is a nice change of pace.”

  “Charisma and I are in a good place.” Morgan clasped Charisma’s hand.

  Grandma clasped both their hands. “I’ve dreamed of this moment for a long time. My girls are getting along. Trevor’s back and keeping in touch. It makes me feel good that the family is together and that they love and support each other. This is what your grandfather and I always wanted.”

  Morgan’s heart suddenly felt very heavy. Her grandmother’s statement felt more like she was wrapping up loose ends. Charisma must have felt it too because she had the same stricken look on her face.

  “Grandma, don’t go retiring your jersey just yet. There’s still lots to be done with this family. We’re not perfect,” Morgan said.

  “Yeah,” Charisma chimed in. “Trina is still pretty snarky all the time.”<
br />
  “And Jared and Autumn may need a nudge to get that family started,” Morgan added.

  “True. Trevor’s just resurfaced and he’s being good about keeping in touch—so far. Don’t forget my mom. She’s still a work in progress.” Charisma pointed to her mother who was dancing with Derek. “Who’s going to keep her in line?”

  “Relax. I’m not going anywhere just yet.” Grandma Reed sighed. “I’m just happy to be spending another birthday with the whole family.”

  “Oh.” Morgan let out a sigh of relief. “I thought your friend Mr. Greene was coming tonight?”

  “He couldn’t make it. Besides Curtis and Lucas would have stalked him all night.”

  Morgan smiled. “Sydney and I pointed out the irony in my dad’s attitude toward your friend.”

  “Grandma, did you ever think about getting married again?” Charisma asked.

  “Never.”

  “Ladies,” Seth said as he approached. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  “You are never an interruption, Seth,” Grandma Reed assured him. “How’s life after football?”

  “It’s pretty good. I spend every moment I can with Morgan and the kids.” He grinned.

  Morgan held her breath. She knew for sure Seth was going to mention she hadn’t been feeling well. She didn’t want to think about that tonight. She wanted to have fun and—

  “Grandma Reed, would you like to dance with me?” Seth said.

  “I’d love to, gorgeous.”

  Morgan and Charisma couldn’t believe their eyes at Seth’s ability to get Grandma on the dance floor. It started a firestorm. He danced with her until Derek cut in, followed by Jared. Tyler cut in next but soon got tapped on the arm by Jake. The family was in awe of the matriarch’s moves. But some of them weren’t too happy.

  Dana approached with a champagne glass in her hand. “Funny how Grandma doesn’t need her cane tonight.”

  “And Grandma has the nerve to talk about the way we dance.” Trina’s mouth gaped open.

  “Really? You’re hating on your own grandmother?” Morgan mused.

  “When she’s dancing with my man, yes,” Beverly said as she walked by.

  “She calls that move her—” Charisma started.

  “No!” the Reed women yelled.

  “We don’t want to know what she calls it and how she perfected it. All I know is that she’s got five minutes before I cut in and get my husband back,” Beverly drawled.

  Michelle giggled. “Tyler taught her how to line dance.”

  Suddenly Morgan was swept out of the crowd and into Seth’s arms. He twirled her about, then pulled her back in. She knew he probably wanted to get on the DJ’s microphone and broadcast that she was sick but he didn’t. He respected her wishes to keep things quiet so she could enjoy this time with her family.

  He twirled her again and pulled her closer. “How are you feeling?”

  “Honestly?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “A little out of it, but that nap I took this afternoon helped. I’m sorry you had to get the kids ready on your own. Mackenzie’s hair actually looks cute.” She scrunched her nose.

  “I tried. Michelle worked her magic.” He laughed. “I’m glad we came.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  * * *

  Seth tapped his fingers on the bar and looked at the Texas-shaped clock on the wall. It was Morgan’s idea for him to meet with Riley the night before her doctor’s appointment. She felt that focusing on the wayward quarterback would give him something to do besides worry about her.

  He glanced at the clock again. Riley had exactly five minutes to get here or Seth would be calling it a night. The bar came to a standstill when Riley came through the door like he expected everyone to ask for an autograph, dressed in designer jeans and an expensive shirt and sticking out like a sore thumb. There wasn’t a hair out of place on his head, and he looked like he’d shaved. After giving Riley a long look, the bar patrons went back to their business. Seth bit back a smile. He could tell it wasn’t the reaction Riley was expecting.

  “Sloane.” Seth waved him over.

  “When you said you wanted to meet for a drink, I thought you meant some place a little fancier.” Riley stuffed his sunglasses in his shirt pocket.

  “Why would you think that?”

  “You belong to one of the richest and most esteemed families in Texas. Aren’t you friends with the governor?”

  “I’m friends with all kinds of people. This is my home away from home. Not fancy. Just down to earth people who love to have a good time. Hell, some of the best times of my life happened in this bar. My brother got his start here.” Seth pointed to one of Tate’s guitars mounted on the wall, then he called to the bartender and owner of the Bright Star. “Cal, I’d like to introduce you to the Tomcats’ new quarterback Riley Sloane. Riley here has big plans to be a star. Get this young man your finest longneck.”

  “If you want fancy, I got a frilly tablecloth we put out on buffet night.” Cal slammed the bottle down on the bar.

  “No, thanks.” Riley looked around, then kicked some sawdust. “This is a lovely establishment.”

  “Said the fox to the chicken. I got my eye on you boy,” Cal huffed and walked away.

  “What does that mean?”

  “I don’t know.” Seth laughed. “A lot of Cal’s idioms are fable-based. Let’s grab a table.”

  Seth led Riley over to his favorite table. It had a great view of the entire bar.

  “So T.K. isn’t the only one who talks like that?”

  “No, my daddy talks like that too.” Seth scratched at his beard. “I caught the game on Sunday. You did some good work. The Mavericks are a tough team. They don’t allow too many touchdown passes on their home turf.”

  “Thanks.” Riley skimmed through his phone. “I heard you turned down the Monday Morning Quarterback anchor job.”

  News sure did travel fast. He’d just told Luke that he didn’t want to be considered when he was in Philadelphia last week. “I did.”

  “Are you nuts? That’s a sweet retirement gig. I know they offered you tons of money to do it.”

  “This fossil still commands a competitive salary, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.”

  “Whatever.” Riley shrugged and held up his phone for Seth to see a pic. “This is my latest ad campaign. Can you believe I got a cool fifteen million for standing around in monkey clothes for five hours?”

  “That’s nice.” Seth glared at him. “Have you made any progress with the team?”

  “Ross and those older dudes still hate my guts. I can tell they’re jealous of me.”

  J.J. came over and plopped down in a chair at their table. “Is this the new quarterback that narrowly won that game against the Mavericks?”

  “The one and the same,” Seth said. “Riley, I’d like you to meet my brother—”

  “You’re John Blake.” Riley beamed.

  “I knew T.K. hired him for a good reason.” J.J. said as he took a beer from Lurleen the waitress. “He does show potential when his head’s in the game.”

  “You’re preaching to the choir. What are you doing here?”

  “Cyril asked Tate to take a listen to this new band. He’s outside talking to them before they start their set.”

  “You finished reading Parker the riot act?” Seth laughed.

  “Not by a long shot. I think it finally sank in that the family wants her to be safe.”

  “Morgan said you were rough on her.”

  “Believe me, I didn’t want to be so harsh, but I have to put up a good front to Parker and Avery. By the time Mackenzie is a teenager, I will have perfected my stern tough love bit.”

  “You’re John Blake,” Riley repeated like a parrot.

  “And you’re the hot shot that hit on my niece when you came to the ranch.”

  The quarterback tugged on his shirt collar. “That would be me.”

  “Why don
’t we listen to the band?” Seth said.

  The music on the stereo system subsided, and Tate took the stage to introduce the Southern Gentlemen. Seth wasn’t the only person making career changes these days. Tate had slowed the pace of recording new albums, but he’d become interested in helping Cyril find new talent. He’d started writing songs for other artists. That was a big leap for him, sharing his music. Since he’d gotten so much closure on his past and had all these wonderful plans with Isabelle and the kids, another part of him had opened up. He and Cyril had tossed around the idea of starting their own country music record label.

  The band had a good sound, and the patrons in the bar stopped chugging their drinks to pay attention. The music also quelled Riley’s incessant talking. Here he was sitting at the table with two accomplished football players and he’d done nothing but talk about money. The ladies were definitely showing some interest but it was an unwritten rule that none of the regulars went anywhere near the Blake men.

  Seth folded his arms and thought about his problem quarterback as he listened to the music. That game against the Mavericks had been good, but Riley was the one who should’ve been analyzing his performance so he could improve in the next game. Instead, photos of him partying every night of the week surfaced, and he’d recently been seen having lunch with some big reality star. What he does on his time is his own business, he kept reminding himself. The problem was the personal behavior was hindering what was really important: bonding with his team.

  Tate joined them after the third song.

  Seth nodded. “I think you and Cyril have a winner. They are awesome.”

  “I think so too.” Tate extended his hand to Riley as he sat down. “Tate McGill.”

  “It’s such a great pleasure meeting you,” Riley said. “I’m a big fan.”

  “I’m always happy to meet a fan. Even those who try to chat up my niece.”

  Riley’s face reddened. “I—” Just then, Riley’s cell phone rang. “I have to take this, guys. This is my publicist. He’s going to flip when I tell him I’m here with the Texas Triple Threat.”