Off Season (The Blake Boys Book 15)

by Rhonda Laurel

  “You got it,” Charisma replied.

  “I’d be honored to be a part of this endeavor. Thanks for thinking of me,” Penny said.

  “You’ve done awesome work with the Main Street clinic. I’m hoping the foundation can give it an extra boost.” Morgan said.

  “I’d like to make a toast.” Teri-Lyn stood with Mackenzie on her hip and her drink in her hand. “To Morgan Blake, a woman who is always thinking of others.”

  “Hear. Hear.”

  * * *

  The rumor that the Tomcats were letting go of their defensive line, linebacker, and offensive coordinator coaches was on every sports channel. This wasn’t something the general public normally knew about, so the fact that the rumor mill had started churning wasn’t good. Seth and J.J. had analyzed the team and the back office personnel for months, it was good fit. Losing even one of those key people would derail the delicate system that was in play and would put the Tomcats back at the bottom of the league.

  He called Ross to see if he had any information. Ross said there had been a lot of meetings by management, but no decisions had been made. Someone tipped a reporter off that there were problems in the executive offices and that’s where the trouble had started. Seth was so incensed, he drove all the way down to Blake Enterprises and marched into J.J.’s office. And walked right into a meeting.

  The managers all greeted him, but he held up his hand. “Hi, everybody. I’m sorry to interrupt. I guess that’s what Anna Beth was trying to tell me on my way in here.”

  “Probably.” J.J. laughed. “People, can you give us a minute? Last time I saw him this fired up, Tyler had worn his lucky shirt to school.”

  The group laughed and exited the office.

  Seth picked up the remote and turned on a sports channel. “Did you see this?”

  He and J.J. watched the sports media coverage for a few minutes in silence.

  “What the hell is T.K. doing over there?” J.J. huffed.

  “I don’t know, but now is not the time to switch up offensive coordinator coaches with Riley. The kid’s just getting his footing.”

  “I think that divorce is messing with his head. He needs to learn how to delegate." J.J. lowered the volume on the television.

  “Hold on. There’s a team of people there who get paid well to make decisions. He can’t be the only person moving the chess pieces around the board.”

  “Wanna bet? I’ve heard from a few people that he runs a very tight ship.”

  “Everyone they have in play is the perfect setup for a championship team.”

  “You almost sound like you care.” J.J. raised an eyebrow.

  “Don’t you?” Seth demanded.

  “Of course I do. I grew up a Tomcats fan too.”

  “Well, I can’t sit by and watch T.K. sound the death knell for this team.” Seth took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’m going to call him and see if that job’s still available.”

  When J.J. didn’t say anything, Seth began to panic. “J.J., say something.”

  “I think that’s a great idea.”

  Seth did a double take. “What?”

  “It’s a good idea. I don’t want to watch another decade roll by with Texas as the laughing stock of the NFL. I think it will be good for you and T.K.”

  “I don’t even know what positions are open.”

  “Sounds like the whole damn coaching staff needs to be filled. But he’ll let you know.” J.J. picked up the receiver of his office phone and handed it to him. “Give him a call. I was going to call mama and see how Gabe is doing. He was a little fussy this morning. I hope he’s not getting sick.”

  “Sorry to put you out.”

  “No worries, I’ll use your office.” J.J. smiled and closed the door after him.

  Seth scrolled his phone for T.K.’s number then dialed on J.J.’s desk phone. He answered immediately. “T.K., is that job offer still available?”

  CHAPTER NINE

  Seth readied for his meeting with T.K., confident he’d made the right decision. The idea of finally becoming a Tomcat, no matter what capacity it was in, was an exciting and new challenge he’d finally decided to accept. He chose a charcoal gray suit and a gray and white pinstripe tie that the boys gotten him last father’s day. There wasn’t a hair out of place. He’d shaved for a clean look. Morgan said it wouldn’t hurt to have those dimples showing today. He took one last look in the mirror and headed downstairs. Morgan and the kids were waiting for him by the front door.

  “What do you think? Does your dad clean up good?” he said as he reached the landing.

  “You look very stylish,” Jake said.

  “And handsome,” Colby added.

  “And.” Connor looked up like he was remembering his line. Morgan nudged him. “And the sh—”

  “Connor Blake!” Morgan said, frowning at him.

  “—sharpest dressed man in Texas!” Connor giggled.

  “You really sold that, Connor.” Morgan shook her head and smoothed Seth’s lapel. “See boys, this is swagger.”

  “You three have clearly been coached by your mama. What do you think, Sweet Pea?”

  She must have liked it because Sweet Pea lunged into his arms and gave him a kiss.

  “I think she’s in agreement.” Morgan kissed him too. “Now go. You don’t want to be late.”

  “Thank you for supporting this decision.”

  She smiled. “We’ve got your back. Always.”

  Seth turned to leave, but Morgan stopped him. She snapped a picture with her cell phone.

  “What was that for?”

  “I have a feeling you’re going to come back a new man.”

  Seth drove to the stadium, not knowing what to expect. He and T.K. would have to iron out exactly what he would be doing if it were going to work. He had plenty of ideas. He’d studied the last two years of Tomcats games and jotted down tons of notes. He’d even asked J.J. for his opinion a few times. It was incredible to think he’d finally be part of the Tomcats. When he made his way upstairs, T.K. was staring out of the massive panoramic window in his office. But the presence of the two other people shocked him. John Jacob and T.K.’s son Logan were there too.

  “Daddy, what are you doing here?”

  He grinned. “I thought it would be a good idea if I sat in on negotiations.”

  “I think T.K. intends to offer me a generous salary after we map out my job duties.”

  “I know. We had a long talk during our golf game last week, and I think you’ll be more than happy after this meeting.”

  T.K. began to speak. “I’ve pursued you for a number of years as a football player and it didn’t pan out. I tried to recruit you for the executive offices and you turned me down, twice. But John Jacob said he was certain you would accept an offer from me with the right incentive.”

  “T.K., I’ve always loved this team. I know a lot of people have given up on it, but I know they can be champions.”

  “I think we can make that become a reality together. How does a partnership sound?”

  “What?”

  John Jacob interrupted. “T.K. and I had a long talk. We’ve been friends for years and have been successful in our own right, but we never found the right vehicle to collaborate. The Blake family will buy a fifty percent stake in the Tomcats, making us equal partners.”

  “Why would you do that?” Seth turned to T.K. “I know you love this team. There’s no way you’d want to share it.”

  “My latest failing as a husband has put many things into perspective in my life. It’s time to step back and let some new blood into the organization. There’s no better way to groom champions than to join forces with John Jacob Blake and his two Super Bowl-winning quarterback sons. Collectively you have the business knowledge and expertise of the game on your side. I’d be a fool not to make a proposal like this. And to be frank, I need the time to mend some fences.” T.K. looked at his son Logan. “I’ve been an awful father most of my life and I don’t know if it’s t
oo late, but I’m going to try to set things right.”

  Seth glanced at John Jacob. “Daddy, can Blake Enterprises afford this?”

  John Jacob raised an eyebrow. “Son, I can do anything I want.”

  “I don’t know anything about owning a team. And then there’s Morgan’s illness and quality time with the kids,” Seth stammered.

  “I don’t think you have to worry about Morgan. She’s going to be busy with the bookstore and running the Blake Foundation.”

  “But—”

  John Jacob continued. “J.J. didn’t know anything about running a company, but he dug his heels in and shadowed me until he was ready. T.K. has agreed to show you the ropes until you get the hang of things. Family will always come first. It’s just a matter of learning how to juggle your priorities.”

  Seth sighed. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate the vote of confidence but you would have to level a lot of the family’s capital on a purchase like this.”

  “I’ve talked to J.J. and Bubba. We can do it.” His father smiled at him. “I have faith in you just like I did the first time you stepped onto a field. You have been blessed with amazing abilities on the field and off, it’s only right that you take it a step further. This is will be a new chapter in the Blake family legacy. Football is in our blood and with any hope one of my grandsons will play for the Tomcats,” John Jacob said.

  “Finally, there will be a Blake on the roster.” T.K. smiled. “I agree with your father. You can whip this organization into shape. I’ll even give you this office.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Seth looked out the window. It was the best view of the stadium in the place and had been etched in his mind since he was a little boy. There were so many things to consider, including whether or not it would interfere with his time with Morgan and the kids. He’d have to manage some things, but he was ready for a new challenge that would surpass his passion for playing football since he’d returned home to Texas. Now he’d be an owner.

  “Logan, are you staying?” Seth said.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” Logan grinned. “As a matter of fact, I’ve just been given a new incentive to stay.”

  “This is going to be mighty interesting,” John Jacob added.

  “Interesting indeed,” T.K. replied.

  Seth walked over to T.K. and extended his hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

  * * *

  Seth practically ran home to Morgan and the kids to tell them about the new development. They were cheering and happy, and he felt immediately like he’d made the right decision. When he launched into how they were going to make all of this work, Morgan quieted him and told him to enjoy the moment. The rest would fall into place.

  He had a lot of things he wanted to do, and he and T.K. had agreed on a few things before he’d left the meeting. First on his agenda was getting Patton on his team. He talked to his friend that night into the wee hours of the morning. Patton was excited about coming to Texas with his family to help Seth whip the team into shape. The details were still being worked out, but Seth knew his friend would get down in the trenches with him to help reshape the Tomcats’ legacy and he had big plans.

  Patton’s acceptance of the offer made Morgan happy because that meant she would be seeing Nina more often when they moved to Texas. The ladies talked on the phone about realtors and schools. Nina would be working at the Blake Foundation in addition to her party planning business. The only person who wasn’t super psyched about the news was Jake. Gabby would be moving closer too.

  A couple of days later, he had dinner with his friend Ross McKinney. He wanted his old friend to know before an official announcement. Ross already knew, it turned out. There were rumors swirling around in the locker room. Ross told him the other players were excited about the prospect of a young owner who was also a football champion heralding the Tomcats into a new era of football.

  The day of the news conference, Seth had arrived at the stadium early. He wanted to talk to Riley face to face. He’d sent him a text asking him to meet him near the concourse by the restaurant.

  “Riley,” Seth said as he approached.

  “Mr. Blake.” He nodded.

  “Seth is fine. I guess you heard the news.”

  “Heard it. Still working on believing it. I hear you’re making a lot of changes, including giving the stadium an overhaul.”

  “Well, we needed a facility that was big enough to handle your ego.”

  He gave him a quizzical look. “Don’t tell me you’re going to be attending all the practices. Will you be running drills with us too?”

  “Those days of heavy lifting are over kid. I’ll be keeping an eye out from up there.” He pointed to T.K.’s panoramic window.

  “So am I getting shipped off to parts unknown?”

  “Why would I do that? You’re just beginning to show some real promise.” Seth’s eyes gleamed. “You will be expected to think more carefully about the things you do and say when you’re not on the field. Whether you like it or not, you are an extension of this team, kid. And that means continuing the things you’ve been working on since we met. Imploring more humility and thinking with the head that isn’t in your pants.”

  “Don’t worry, pops.” Riley grinned. “I’ll do you proud. As a matter of fact, my new mission in life is to be better than you in every way. I’m going to be the new golden boy and face of this franchise. People will forget the name Seth Blake.”

  Seth laughed. “Good luck, kid. But there’s only one Seth Blake.”

  “Wow. Conceited much?”

  “No, it’s called knowing your worth. And I didn’t have to put anyone else down to have this healthy sense of self-esteem. You’ll learn.”

  Riley cocked his head to the side. “Looks like I have no choice now.”

  “I have to go. The press conference will be starting soon.” Seth extended his hand for a shake.

  “Congratulations on your success.”

  “Thanks.” Seth went to walk away but stopped. “Riley, I don’t have to tell you to stay away from my niece Avery, do I?”

  “What makes you think you have to?”

  Because he wasn’t blind. Riley got this sparkle in his eye whenever Avery was mentioned.

  “I know you kid. I was you.” He winked. “Don’t make me add a clause about staying away from her to your contract.”

  * * *

  The news was out that the Blakes were part owners of the Tomcats. The sports world went into a frenzy with predictions, speculations, and issued some hefty expectations for the new owners. Seth, out of respect, flew to Philadelphia the day before the official announcement to meet with Jimmy Fontane and give him the news. Jimmy was ecstatic and told him he looked forward to seeing him at every owner’s meeting. Seth told him that it was Jimmy’s teachings that had helped him get this far and he was forever in his gratitude. They agreed no matter when the Titans or Tomcats played, the rivalry would never upset their friendship. His wife Jocelyn was excited that Morgan was taking center stage and embracing all of her new roles. She said they made the perfect power couple with their mixture of business ventures and philanthropic pursuits.

  The offers were pouring into Luke’s office even more than ever, but Seth told him that his personal endorsements would have to take a backseat to the team’s needs. With all the players involved in that world, he had to avoid conflict of interest at all costs. But there was one offer he wanted to consider. The publishing house that had published Love of the Game was still interested in him co-writing a book on marriage with Morgan. Although they tried to keep their lives quiet and private, he thought it would be a good platform to talk about marriage, kids, lupus and the Blake Foundation. And they’d sprinkle some anecdotes in about the kids that he was sure no one would believe. He thought it was a good idea and was happy that Morgan did too. They were to begin working on their book titled The Quarterback and the Girl Next Door: A Fairytale in Progress. It was scheduled to be published next year.<
br />
  It was an auspicious time in the family. Bo and Summer were getting married in a few months. The family was entering the realm of sports team ownership. He worried that he’d let everyone down, but they assured him during Sunday dinner that they all had faith in him to usher the Blake family business into a new direction.

  There were nights when he paced the floors, but Morgan assured him they could balance all the new things in their lives. She’d become fearless again with the second Reed Bradley Books taking form and the Blake Foundation getting underway. The kids were happy and healthy, that’s all he really wanted.

  Today the entire Blake family and their friends were converging for a party on the fifty yard line to celebrate. He, Morgan, and the kids arrived early to take a moment before it all officially got crazy again.

  “This is a heck of a place for a party,” Morgan said.

  He grinned. “I thought it was fitting.”

  “Dad, will you still be able to coach the soccer team?” Jake asked.

  “Yes. Nothing’s going to change. I’ll even continue to help out your mom with the cooking.”

  “Mom’s a better cook,” Connor replied.

  “OK. Well, I can help out with other things like homework.”

  “Will you pick us up from school if we get sick?” Colby asked.

  “Sure will.”

  “Do you think you can help the Tomcats win a Super Bowl? They haven’t won one in a long time,” Jake said.

  “That’s the plan.”

  “If anybody can do it, Dad, you can,” Jake said very seriously.

  “Thank you for the vote of confidence, Jake.”

  “So what do you think? Sounds like a new adventure for us as a family, right?”

  “Yeah!”

  “Then it’s settled. We’re all Tomcats!” Seth said.

  “Tomcats!” Mackenzie said.

  “Here you go.” Seth lightly tossed a mini-football at his daughter, who caught it. He applauded. “Yeah, Sweet Pea! Take it to the thirty yard line.”