4. Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Adam

Taking a sip of my peppermint tea, I look through Thanks-A-Latte’s window and catch one last look at Susie Owens before the next building blocks my view.

The long-haired beauty took my breath, and apparently my words, away. Her jade eyes sparkled while she talked, and her face just got brighter and pinker. She was adorable.

If Josh is anything like me with my sister Olivia, I’m pretty sure Susie is off–limits. I feel a small clench in my chest, and disappointment floods me at the realization.

My mind strolls over to Amelia as I unlock my blue 1990 Jeep Wrangler and easily slide into the seat, placing my peppermint tea in the cup holder.

I slide my phone out of my pocket and open The Blitz Brigade. My stomach drops when I don’t see a new message. I turn over the ignition when Finn’s number appears on my screen. I pop in my earbuds and answer his call.

“Hey, Finn,” I pull out of my parking spot and head down the main road. “I’m on my way to the training facility now.”

“How far away are you?” A smile crosses my face, and I shake my head. It’s just like Finn to hover like a mother hen on my first day.

“I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes with plenty of time to spare.”

“Good, good,” I hear him blow out a deep breath.

“You’re not worried, are you Finn?” I can’t keep the teasing out of my voice.

“Of course I’m worried!” He all but yells through the phone, and a smile creeps across my face. “I’ve been worried since the trade. I just want to make sure you put your best foot forward and that this transition goes smoothly for everyone. But especially you and Steve.”

“Thanks, Finn. It’s been difficult the last few days.” I run a hand through my hair and blow out a big breath. “I’m still not happy about the whole situation–”

“Adam–”

“But,” I cut him off. “I’m doing better. I had a nice long talk with Steve and took him on a virtual tour of the farmhouse. Both he and Nicole love it.”

Finn’s sigh of relief is audible through the phone. “Seee…I told you the house would be perfect for you.”

“You did,” I shrug, admitting defeat. Finn was right about what I needed. “Oh, I met Susie Owens at Thanks-A-Latte. She’s–”

“Off-limits,” He says firmly, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“I figured,” hoping the disappointment doesn’t come through. “If Josh is anything like me with my sister, forget about dating; you better not even look at her the wrong way.”

“You and Josh are going to get along just fine,” Finn chuckles. “As long as you don’t try to marry his sister, that is.”

“Seriously?” I scoff. “Marry her? Ha! I won’t even be trying to date her.”

Finn’s laughter rings through the phone. “I’ll see you in ten.”

I blow out a whistle as I park in front of the Mavs training facility.

“That is an impressive building,” I say, picking up my phone to snap a photo. Just as I’m texting Steve, a car pulls up next to me, and Finn gets out. I push open the door and slide out of the Jeep. I reach over to grab my duffel.

“Did you send Steve a picture of the training facility?” Finn teases. I stop reaching for my duffel bag, a small grin on my face and look over my shoulder at Finn. He’s beaming at me, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“How could I not? This building is amazing from the outside; he’s going to be ridiculously jealous.” I pull the duffel bag out and throw it over my shoulder.

“Wait until you see the inside; it’s even better.” Finn holds the door open for me, and my footsteps falter when I step over the threshold. The room is gigantic, with high ceilings and a minimalist style that uses team colors. On the far wall is the Mavericks logo. Finn laughs behind me and slaps me on the shoulder. “We’re going left.”

Finn walks past me as I stand with my mouth hanging open, slowly perusing the room.

What will the rest of the facility look like?

“Hi. Finn Mitchell and Adam Daniels are here to meet Mitch.” Finn turns to me, a smirk on his face. I keep my face blank as I walk toward him.

“Hi, Finn, Adam.” The receptionist looks over at me with a smile. “Mitch is expecting you. Have a seat while I call him down.”

“Thank you. Adam, come and sit over here.” Just as I’m about to sit, I see Mitch McDermott walking toward us. His smile is friendly and excited. There’s a gleam in his eyes, and I find myself smiling back.

“Hi, Finn,” he turns to me with his hand out. “Adam. I am so glad to have you here. Coach McGee can’t wait to talk to you and get you on the practice field with the team.”

I stand and take his hand in mine. He pumps it enthusiastically, and again, a smile forms on my face. “Thanks, Mitch. I’m excited to play for the Mavericks.”

I feel Finn’s eyes on my back, and I know he has a grin.

“Follow me,” Mitch says as he leads us down the hall to the locker room and Coach McGee’s office.

As we walk, Mitch talks about the training facility and everything on-site. The press hasn’t exaggerated about this; the Mavericks’ facility is state-of-the-art, and then some.

Voices from the locker room carry down the hallway. A heaviness hits my chest as a sense of sadness weighs me down. Knowing my brother or former Jags teammates won’t be with me hits me in the gut. My talk with Steve last night comes back, and I know I’ll be fine, but right now, it’s an adjustment.

“Daniels!” A voice calls out as soon as I walk into the locker room. I immediately recognize Darius Brown’s voice. Finn and Mitch wave me off, so I head over to the Maverick’s starting safety and my old college teammate.

“Darius.” I reach out my hand, but he slaps it away and pulls me in for a hug. “It’s great to see you, man. How are you?”

“Better now that you’re here to help fill the gap in our offensive line. Here, let me introduce you to the guys.” He drags me into the middle of the locker room with his arm around me and gets everyone’s attention. Still the same old Darius, I see.

“Hey, everyone! This here is Adam Daniels. Some of you may know him, and others may not. Those of you who do will also know his twin brother Steve, and they are known as the ‘Dynamic Duo’ on opposite sides of the line.”

My new teammates approach me one by one, and Darius introduces me to them. I do my best to remember their names, but sadly, I only remember the players I already know.

The Maverick’s team roster is filled with talent. That’s for sure.

“Here, let me show you your locker,” he says, tapping my arm to catch my attention. Then he points toward the front of the room, where I see Finn chatting with Josh Owens.

“Dude, I’m so happy to have you here to do battle with us. You’re gonna love the organization and the guys on the team.” He gives me that overly big smile that Darius is known for. He’s always looking on the bright side, and I’m grateful for that trait right now. “It’s one of the best. Not to mention me being here, so you know it’s the best.”

I’m surprised to catch myself laughing out loud at his comment, but Darius has that effect on people.

“Steve called me earlier,” Darius says softly as I place my duffel bag in my locker. “He’s worried about you. You running off for some alone time freaked him out.”

I shrug and start to unpack. “You know how he worries over every little thing.”

“Nah, he doesn’t,” Darius says before leaning in and whispering in my ear. “It’ll be fine, better than fine, once you settle in. But I’m here if you want to talk.”

I meet his gaze and nod. He slaps me on the shoulder and heads back to the guys, talking smack the entire way.

“Josh, you’ve met Adam, right?” Finn moves his body so we can see each other.

“Yeah, a time or two.” Josh reaches out his hand, and I shake it. “But I have more experience with Steve. If you’re anything like your brother, I am beyond happy to have you on our side of the line. Maybe we can even settle who the better half of that ‘dynamic duo’ people talk about is.”

“Oh, trust me, that’s already been established,” A cocky grin slides across my face, and Josh starts to laugh. “It’s me.”

“Adam met your sister today.” Finn gives me a mischievous grin, and everyone in the locker room goes silent.

“I know,” I raise my hands in surrender. “I have a sister too. Off-limits.”

The entire room laughs, and Josh slaps me on the back. “Glad that’s been settled.”

He winks at me to let me know he’s only partially kidding, but everyone in the room knows he’s completely serious, including me.

“Daniels!” Coach McGee’s voice rings out. “Once you’re settled over there, step into my office.”

I nod my head and finish what I’m doing. I can organize my stuff later.

“Go ahead, Adam,” Finn slaps my shoulder. “I’ll check in with you in the evening.”

“Thanks, Finn.”

The rest of the day went smoothly and better than expected. I throw my duffel bag in the back of my Jeep and toss the team's playbook on the passenger seat. As if on cue, my phone rings, and I see Steve’s name.

“Hey,” I answer, then put the phone on speaker.

“I am officially jealous,” Steve addresses the picture of the training facility. “Is the inside as impressive as the outside?”

“You know how good it looks on all the news broadcasts?” Of course he does. He and everyone in the NFL does. “It’s better.”

“Better?” Steve’s voice drops. “How is that even possible?”

I shrug one shoulder and put the key in the ignition, firing up the engine. I pull out of the parking lot and head toward the highway.

“How did your first day go?” I can hear a tinge of worry in my brother’s voice. At this moment, I decide to make the best of this situation. There is no sense in both of us struggling because I was unhappy about the trade.

“It went really well! Everyone was terrific, and I didn’t think about how good it would be to play with Darius again.”

“Great!” Relief is evident in Steve’s voice, and tension I didn’t know I was carrying eases from my shoulders.

“Hey, Adam,” Nicole, Steve’s wife, pipes in the conversation. “Did you read Amelia Adams’ new book yet?”

Steve’s groan has me chuckling. Nicole and my sister Olivia love Amelia Adams. It drives Steve crazy. What he hates even more is that the two got me hooked on her books, too. Her stories are the perfect blend of funny and sweet. At the same time, they leave you wanting to fall in love.

What can I say? I’m a romantic at heart.

“I didn’t! I’ll have to stop at the library on my way home. That may be the perfect settle-into-my-new-home book.”

“You have to learn your new playbook,” Steve mumbles. I can just imagine him rubbing his face.

“I can do both.” I laugh at his groan and make the decision to find the library in Pleasant Hollow.