Page 94 of Reckless Love
“I’m just going to say that the past few days have been the happiest of my life. I have never been so sexed up and done so right,” I'm saying it all quietly, so no one but the ones at this table can hear, and they stare at me, enthralled. “It's justrightwith us,” I say. “I don't know another way to put it. I could not be a happier man.”
“This is the best news I’ve ever heard,” Bowie says.
“What did I miss?” Henley says as he walks up to the table, slapping The Single Dad Playbook in the center.
“There's that thing. I've been missing it,” I say. “It's been way too long since we've gotten together.”
“I know this season, with me not being there regularly for the games, is throwing me off. But with the season coming to a close soon, we'll get back on track,” Henley says.
“That’s what we were saying too. It’ll be good to catch up more. Have you noticed it’s getting harder now that some of us have significant others?” Weston says.
“Fuck yeah, we’ve noticed,” Penn says. Hetilts his head to Bowie. “Looks like it’s just you and me.” He looks at Henley. “Oh yeah, you missed Rhodes waxing on about how he’s hung up his player ways and gone all domestic with Elle.”
I should probably confess something to these guys about that, but now isn’t the time.
“I’m really happy for you, man,” Henley says.
“Thanks. I’m happy too, but I should clarify that I’m still not fully sure Elle isn’t going to bolt at any time. However, it’s looking far more promising than it ever has. We still have her job hanging over our heads too, so it’s a tentative balance.”
“Oh, this is a done deal,” Weston says. “Sadie said Elle was glowing.”
“So when can we meet again?” Penn asks. He looks at me. “Since I won’t have you as my wingman anymore, I’m gonna need more coffee dates scheduled.”
“Don’t forget we’ll have plenty of time together leading up to my wedding,” Weston says.
“Yes! Does Sadie have any hot friends I haven’t met yet?” Penn asks.
“I wouldn’t know,” Weston says, dryly.
“Have you decided what you're doing next season?” Bowie asks Henley.
We all turn to look at him. It’s been a subject we haven’t broached with him lately, but he’s seemed better, happier, so it feels like a good time to check in.
“I have,” he says. “Well, sort of.”
We all look at him in surprise.
“It’s possible I’ll be the next Monday night commentator. Not as much fun as playing, but I think I’ll enjoy it. And I’ll get to stay in Silver Hills and help with the teamwhen I’m able. I’ve also been asked to join a podcast, and it sounds like a fun gig.”
We all congratulate him, and even though I miss him out on the field every time we play and know that he’ll miss it too, he’s not as sad as I thought he’d be. He seems excited about what’s ahead. He’s had such an amazing run in this sport.
“That's great, man. I'm so happy for you. I’ll always miss you out there, but I'm grateful you're doing something you're excited about.”
“I do feel good about it,” he says. “I knew my time was limited, and the injury just sped that along, but I think this will be a positive change.”
“Things are moving and shaking with the Single Dad Players,” I say.
Penn snorts. He’s always made fun of us for calling ourselves that.
“Henley’s got a whole new career ahead, Weston’s getting married soon, and I’ve got Elle in my bed. Nothing could make me fucking happier…except her saying she's gonna stay there forever, and I'm working on that.”
I point at Bowie and Penn. “Now we just need to find the loves of your lives too.”
“Oh, here we go.” Bowie shakes his head. “No one needs to find any loves of their lives, thank you.”
“Only if we’re talking about many lives that I can love,” Penn says. “ThatI could get on board with.” He sighs when he looks at me. “You used to at least pretend to feel the same way.”
“Yeah, about that,” I start.