The Journey Collection (11 page)

“Margaret, I need you to call the printers and check on the status for this week’s programs,” Stewart Thornton groused as he walked out of his office. Looking up, he noticed Travis standing there. “Oh, hey, Travis. I didn’t realize you were here.”

“I just got here,” Travis explained. “Margaret and I were catching up.”

“Oh, well, that’s great,” Stewart mumbled. Bringing his hand up, he pulled on the Windsor knot of his tie, trying to loosen it from around his thick neck.

With the classic build of a lineman, Stewart was broad in the shoulders and chest, which had given him the ability to move mountains back in his day. Before he’d taken ownership of the Sharks, Stewart had been one of the best offensive linemen in the business, having led Detroit to back-to-back championships. Of course that had been twenty years ago, but he still had the same love of the game, which made turning him down even harder for Travis.

“Is this your father?” Stewart asked, nodding his head toward Russ.

“Oh, yeah, sorry,” Travis muttered. “Russ, this is Stewart Thornton.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” Stewart held his hand out to Russ, who took it with a smile.

“You, too. I watched you play back in eighty-eight; you were amazing,” Russ said.

Stewart smiled. “Well, thank you. That was a long time ago, though. Now, I get the pleasure of watching the game reach new heights.” Turning to Travis, he clapped his hands together. “I hope that you’ve come by to tell me that you’ve changed your mind about joining our staff. We could sure use you, Travis.”

“I’m afraid not,” Travis replied. “I would like a couple minutes of your time, though. I can come back later if you’re busy.”

“Nonsense,” Stewart scoffed and gestured toward his office. “You’re already here, after all.” Looking back at Margaret, he added, “The programs were supposed to be here this morning. Please find out why they aren’t.”

“Yes, sir.” Margaret turned back to Travis. “I’m happy for you, even if it does mean that you’re leaving us.”

“Thank you, Margaret, for always being a friend.” He hugged her before following Stewart into his office. Travis knew that she would keep Russ distracted to give Stewart and him the time they needed to hash out everything.

Travis had been in Stewart’s office a few times before, but he was always amazed by the memorabilia on his shelves. There were leather helmets from the early 1900’s, a ball from the 1932 college game between Yale and Harvard, and various newspaper articles dating back over a hundred years. Stewart’s office felt like walking into the Football Hall of Fame.

“Have a seat,” Stewart said, gesturing to one of the leather chairs in front of his desk. “Can I get you a coffee or water? Maybe a soda?”

“No, thanks. I’m fine.” Travis waited until the older man had sat down before he spoke again. “First, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the past six years. I’ve loved every moment that I’ve been with the Sharks.”

“Then why are you leaving?” Stewart asked. “I get that you’re out as a player. It’s unfortunate that your shoulder will never be strong enough for you to play again, but I’m offering you a chance to coach. Why won’t you take it?”

Travis brought his finger up to rub his chin and tried to organize his thoughts. “Since I was a little boy, the game has been my life. There wasn’t a moment that went by that I didn’t dream about standing in the middle of the largest stadium in the world and hearing people chanting my name. I slept with my football, for Christ’s sake. I’ve had a great career, a lot better than most players get. We’ve had more wins than losses, but I can’t do it anymore.

“I went home because I needed to get some stuff straightened out before I could even think about what my future looked like. But, in the process, I discovered that my future is there. I have a family back in Texas, people who love me — people who need me. So, while I appreciate the offer, with respect I have to decline. I hope you’ll understand.”

Stewart huffed. “Well, no, I don’t, but I won’t press you to change your mind, Travis. The last six years have taught me that when you make your mind up, there isn’t anything anyone can say or do to change it. But I won’t lie and tell you that I’m not disappointed.”

“I’m sorry, but I have to do what I know is right for me and my family.”

“Yeah, I guess I can appreciate that. Hell, this team is my family, and every decision that I make has to be for the good of team, even when that means having to say goodbye to you.”

“I’ll miss this place, but maybe one day I’ll be able to bring my son here.” Travis smiled at the thought of Max walking the halls with him. Shaking his head, he turned back to Stewart. “Now, I’d like to get my contract stuff settled so that I can head back to Texas. What do I need to do?”

An hour later, Travis walked out of Stewart’s office a free man, so to speak. While the Sharks would still deposit the remainder of the current year’s salary into his account throughout the next few months, Travis was off the roster. It was a bittersweet moment for him; the ending of one era in his life and the start of another. With the assurance that Stewart would keep the announcement under wraps until the end of the season, Travis felt at peace with his decision.

***

Chapter Three

A Little Wine and Dine

After his meeting with Stewart, Travis decided to show Russ around the rest of the stadium. They started out with the locker rooms, and then Travis took Russ out onto the field. The look of complete and utter wonderment on his father’s face reminded him of how he himself had felt as a child watching his first football game. If Travis concentrated long enough, he could still feel the cool, autumn breeze and see the mirage of orange, yellow, and red as the trees changed with the season. He could hear the screams of the crowd as they rooted for their teams, and he still could feel the thrill of victory when the Broncos won their first state title.

Travis had to hope that there would be a day when Max would know just how he’d felt — not because Travis wanted Max to win the state football title, though that would be fine. The important part was the love of the game and the feeling of adventure. It was the knowledge that every drop of sweat, every bruise, and every aching muscle came from putting it all on the line. Travis wanted Max to feel that kind of happiness and pride in everything he did.

“Wow, this is . . .” Russ trailed off as he turned around in a circle. “Incredible isn’t a strong enough word. I can’t imagine the rush that you must have felt every time you took the field.”

Travis laughed. “Yeah, it was like being high.”

Russ lifted an eyebrow in his direction.

“Not that I know what being high is like,” Travis was quick to add, “because drugs are stupid. ‘Just say no’ and all that.”

“Oh, no, of course not,” Russ scoffed.

“I didn’t need drugs to feel that exhilaration. Standing on the fifty yard line, holding the ball in my hands while searching for someone — anyone — who was open did the job for me. I lived the dream that every kid wishes he could; I got to play football every day.”

“You did so much more than that, Travis,” Russ said. “You gave millions of children hope that one day they could be where you were right then. Never underestimate the power you held in your hands each week.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying for years, Mr. McCoy, but your boy here is a tad bit stubborn.” At the sound of Cal Hendricks’ voice, Travis and Russ looked behind them. Cal was leaning against the goal post with his arms folded in front of him and a smirk curving the corners of his lips. “But from the way he tells it, he gets it all from you,” he added.

“Nah,” Russ said, shaking his head. “I still have all of my stubbornness, so he must’ve gotten it from his mother.”

Cal threw his head back and laughed. The tall, lanky red-head pushed away from the goal post and walked over to Russ, extending a hand. “How are you, sir? Been a long time.”

“I’m good, Cal.” Russ shook his hand. “How are you? Travis doesn’t share much with me, ya know.”

“Hmm, yeah, I know,” Cal replied, glaring at Travis. “I’m good. Stay pretty busy trying to keep everyone healthy. They seem to feel that every ache and pain needs to be addressed. Well, with the exception of Travis, of course.”

“Yeah, yeah; whatever,” Travis muttered. “If it doesn’t hurt some, you’re not doing it right. That’s always been my motto.”

“Hmm, and where are you right now?” Cal asked.

Travis smiled. “Right where I am supposed to be.”

“You are not supposed to be on the field with a bum shoulder, Trav!” Cal exclaimed, rolling his eyes.

“I’m not,” Travis assured him. “Cal, I’m leaving Miami for good.”

Cal stood there staring at Travis for what felt like an eternity. Before Travis could say anything else, he threw his hands up and said, “What? Are you being traded to another team? I’ll fucking kill Stewart if he cleared you to play. Damn it, Travis, you’re going to end up doing some serious damage to that shoulder!”

“Whoa, calm down, Cal!” Travis held up a hand, trying to stop his friend’s rant. “He didn’t trade me or clear me for anything. I’ve decided it’s time to retire.”

“What?” Cal gasped. “Man, are you sure? I know you can’t play the game, but there’s still a place for you in football. Didn’t Stewart offer you a coaching job? Because I told him to!”

Travis sighed. “Yes, he did, but I turned him down.” Before Cal could scream at him for being an idiot, he continued. “I’m going home. This time for good. Remember that girl I told you about freshman year? The one I left back in Clarendon?”

Cal smirked and nodded.

Travis shoved his hands into his pocket; he could feel his father watching him. “Well, um, I followed your advice and went home a couple weeks back. Penelope still lives there, and I didn’t know it at the time, but we have son — Max. And, um, he’s an amazing kid, Cal. So, I’m going home to be with him and Penelope. It — it’s where I belong.”

“Never thought I’d see the day when Travis McCoy grew up.” Cal grinned. “It’s a good look on you, man.”

“Yeah, feels good, too,” Travis admitted. “Anyway, I was gonna stop by before we left and see if you wanted to grab some dinner tonight. Thought I might take Russ over to Marty’s, show him what a real steak tastes like.”

“Oh, wow. I would, but Anna and I have plans.” Cal shot a quick glance in Russ’s direction. “Ben’s at a friend’s house for the weekend.”

“He already knows about Anna,” Travis said.

Cal’s eyes closed.

“Sorry. He asked, so I told him.”

“Hey, I’m right here,” Russ grumbled, causing Travis and Cal to laugh. “And I won’t lie and say the age difference doesn’t concern me, Cal, but Travis tells me that she’s good for you. I’d like the chance to meet her myself. Now, if that makes you uncomfortable, then I’ll understand.”

“Mr. McCoy, it’s not me that I’m worried about,” Cal confessed. “Anna’s a little wary when it comes to meeting new people. They tend to judge her based on her age, rather than getting to know her first.”

“Well, son, I’m sorry she’s had it so rough, but I’d like the chance to meet her. She’s important to you, and well, I’ve always thought of you like a son.”

Travis shifted his eyes to the ground and tried to bury the hurt that sprang up inside him at Russ’s words. He didn’t begrudge Cal a place in Russ’s heart, but it hadn’t been more than a couple of weeks ago that Travis had felt like his father had never loved him. Now, Russ was reaching out to Travis’s best friend and calling him one of his own. It stung.

“I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll give her a call and let you know,” Cal offered. “Does that work?”

“Of course it does,” Russ scoffed. “Not like I would force you or anything. Right, Travis?”

Travis looked over at his father. “Yep.”

“Okay, well, I should get going,” Cal said. “Travis, I’ll text you and let you know for sure.”

“Alright.” Travis nodded. Once Cal had left, he gestured for Russ to follow him. “We should go, too. Practice will be starting soon, and we don’t want to get in the way.”

“Okay,” Russ said.

The ride back to Travis’s apartment was very different from the trip to the stadium. Travis answered Russ every time he spoke to him, but he couldn’t get any more than the bare minimum of words out without risking his father seeing how much it had hurt him that Russ was so accepting of Cal. He stopped and picked up some packing boxes on the way, in the hopes that focusing his attention on boxing up his belongings would help distract him from the hurt. However, the minute they walked into the apartment, Russ turned to Travis.

“What the hell is your problem?” Russ demanded.

“Nothing,” Travis muttered. “Why would I have a problem? It’s not like you reached out to my best friend in a way that you never did me — not until recently, anyway.”

“Huh?” Russ looked confused.

“You told Cal that you’ve always thought of him as a son,” Travis said.

“Yeah, and that’s wrong?”

Travis huffed. “No, but why did it take you ten years to see
me
as your son?”

“What?” Russ shook his head. “Travis, I don’t understand. You’ve always been my son.”

“No, I haven’t, because when I needed you, you weren’t there!” Travis seethed.

“I thought we’d already gone through all of this,” Russ replied, placing his hands on his hips. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t the father you deserved when you were younger, but I can’t change that. All I can do is be your father now.”

Travis sighed. “No, I know that. I just . . .” Pausing, he tried to calm down. “I just wish that it hadn’t taken us so long to get over our shit. I missed you, Dad.”

“I missed you, too. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t pick up the phone to call, but pride has always been a hard thing for me to overcome.” Russ placed his hand on Travis’s shoulder. “But I’m here now, and I will be here every day. If you’ll let me, of course.”

Travis smiled. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?” Russ asked.

“Don’t tell Cal about this. He gives me enough crap for being ‘emo,’ as he calls it. He’ll never let me live this down.”

“Emo?” The confusion that spread over Russ’s face was almost enough to make Travis laugh. “What the hell does ‘emo’ mean?”

“Oh, um, like emotions,” he explained. “You know, like a big sissy. So just don’t tell him, all right?”

“Deal,” Russ laughed.

~*~*~*~

At seven o’clock sharp, Travis and Russ were sitting at a table in the back corner of Marty’s Bar and Grill. Cal had sent Travis a text, confirming that Anna had agreed to dinner, but he had warned Travis that she was nervous. Travis could understand her fears, but he knew Russ would treat her with respect, even if he had concerns about the age difference between her and Cal.

They were sipping on their iced teas when Cal and Anna, a beautiful woman with shoulder-length raven hair and startling, midnight-black eyes, approached the table. Travis stood up and reached out and pulled her in for a hug. Anna was maybe five-foot-four, which just added to the amusement of seeing this ravishing Latin beauty with a six-foot, five-inch, lanky Irishman.

“Anna, nice to see you again,” Travis said, kissing her cheek. “How’s Ben?”

“He’s good. Made the A honor roll for the first time in two years. I’m very proud of him.” Anna turned to Russ, holding her hand out to him. “You must be Mr. McCoy. I’m Anna Ruiz. It’s an honor to meet you, sir. Cal’s told me so much about you.”

Russ wrapped his fingers around her and smiled. “The honor’s mine, Anna, and please call me Russ.”

“I’ve known you for a decade, and you’ve never once let me to call you Russ,” Cal muttered, placing his hand on Anna’s back. “That doesn’t seem very fair.”

“You’re not anywhere near as pretty as Anna, Cal.” Russ laughed at Cal’s pout and pulled out Anna’s chair for her. “Here you go, miss.”

“Oh, um, thank you.” She slid into her seat.

Russ sat down next and looked up at the other men, both of whom were staring at him. “Don’t just stand there like a couple of goobers; sit down.”

“Told you that we shouldn’t let him around her,” Cal groused and took the seat next to Anna. “She’s gonna think he’s funny all the time.”

“Even though he’s not,” Travis added and returned to his chair. Russ and Anna were laughing at the two of them. “Anna, don’t think he’s always this charming; he’s just trying to lure you into his evil trap.”

“Don’t listen to them. They lie,” Russ said.

Anna smiled. “I’m sure they do.”

Their waiter came up to the table and took their drink order, returning just a few minutes later with a soda for Anna and a glass of water for Cal. Since they knew what they wanted to eat, the four of them ordered their meals and settled in for some light conversation. Travis could tell that Anna was still uneasy with Russ, but the more his father talked to her, the more her shoulders relaxed.

“Cal tells me you’re in school. What are you studying?” Russ asked, leaning up and placing his arms on the table.

“I’m pre-med. Just working on my basics for now, but I’m hoping to be through with that by next fall, and then I’ll have to start considering which medical school to apply to,” Anna explained.

“That’s impressive,” Russ commented. “It must be difficult to balance work, school, and your brother, though.”

“Yes, sir, it is,” Anna admitted. “But Ben needs me, and one of the biggest gifts I can give him is showing him how hard work and discipline pay off. Like with him making the honor roll. For most kids that wouldn’t be a big deal, but Ben’s had a rough couple of years. He was in the car with our parents, and he suffered severe trauma to his frontal lobe. Because of that, he’s struggled to keep up with the rest of his class. He’s the smartest boy I’ve ever met, but he lacks self-confidence. When he came home this afternoon with his report card, he was happy.” Pausing, Anna wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to get so emotional, but my brother is very important to me.”

“Don’t be sorry, darlin’,” Russ murmured. “Do you have family to help?”

“No, my parents were both only children, and my grandparents are too old to be able to handle a child with Ben’s needs, so the responsibility landed on my shoulders — not that I’m complaining. Our parents always stressed the importance of family, and Ben is my family.” Anna looked over at Cal, grabbing his hand. “So is Cal.”