Page 26 of Backup Plan

There’s just no telling, and rather than sit back with the same imposter syndrome I had in Pittsburgh or feel like I’m second best, I’m leaving San Diego feeling like I just haven’t had my chance yet.

I just need to get out there and show a new team what the fuck I’m made of. I’m made of determination and grit, and I will show the whole fucking world that I deserve to be on the starting line every Sunday.

I met with Tanner today, and he made me feel like I was already part of the team. The head coach, Brian Dell, did, too, as did the general manager. I had my physical with the team doctor and even did a quick training session with Nick, the head trainer.

The general manager showed me around the facility and the practice fields, and I got a strong sense that this was going to be my next home—not just because the phone hasn’t been ringing off the hook with other offers, but because I think this is where I want to be.

It helped that I was leaving behind a windy forty-two this morning and landed in a sunny sixty-eight, and next I’ll be landing in Vegas, where it’s eighty right now. I’m not sure when I became one of those old men who’s interested in what the weather is in each city I’m visiting in a single day, but here we are.

“At this time, please make sure all portable electronic devices are in airplane mode.”

I pull my phone out to switch it into airplane mode when I see I have a new text from the contact I saved just last night.

My chest tightens with something unfamiliar, something warm and unexpected, and I race to open the message.

Penny: Hey, it’s Penny Calloway. Sorry to bother you and I know we’ll both be in Vegas but in case I don’t see you there, I was just wondering…is there any chance I can still take you up on your offer to stay with you for a little while? It would be me and my two kids. I know it’s a big ask, but I just need to get out of this house. Hope your visit in San Diego went well.

It’s like I can feel her pain physically coming through the message, and my first and only thought is what the fuck did her motherfucking sack of shit husband do now?

I’ll fucking kill him.

My fist clenches involuntarily, and rage seems to color my vision as I read back her message.

She sent it forty-six minutes ago. For forty-six minutes, she’s been vulnerably waiting for my reply.

If I could give her the fucking world, I would. She deserves it.

Me: Yes, absolutely. I’ll have the guest rooms ready for you by Sunday night when we get back. Are your kids safe now?

Her reply is incoming, as noted by the little bubbles that appear while she types.

As I wait, I flip over to my thread with Dolores.

Me: Hey, I need a huge favor. Change of plans. Penny and her two kids will be staying with me starting Sunday night. She’ll stay in the guest room. Make it cozy and relaxing if you can. Let’s put up two loft beds in the office, twins are fine. Fill it with kid stuff, two boys, ages 5 and 7. Dinosaurs, sharks, Lego sets. Use my black card. Move my office furniture into the weight room for now. I know you’ll ask what I’ll do about Ivy, and we’ll tackle that next. Maybe she can stay at Ev’s instead.

I hit send and see Penny’s reply came in, so I flip back to my conversation with her.

Penny: Yes, they’re safe. He mainly pawns them off on a nanny. He’s fine with them. He’s just a trash human to me, and I can’t take it anymore.

I settle back into my chair and finally flip to airplane mode as the plane takes off toward Vegas. I turn on the Wi-Fi so I can continue messaging her.

Me: What did he do?

Penny: He baited me into a reaction and recorded me.

Me: Without your consent?

Penny: Correct. He also cheated on me without my consent, so there’s that.

Me: What did he say that baited you?

Penny: It doesn’t matter.

Me: Tell me.

Penny: Essentially he said he cheated on me because I’m lazy.

Me: What a waste of space that guy is.