CHAPTER 25 LINCOLN

It"s incredible how one second of a day can be the thing that throws everything out of balance.

I'm just a guy minding my own goddamn business, flying home after an incredible weekend with my family where I feel closer to my brothers than I have in years—maybe ever—despite the awkward conversation I had with my father, and I'm ready to get back to work. I'm ready to work out the trade deal to get Asher on the Aces. I'm ready to find a place for Grayson and make a proposal to him if he's really ready to hang it up.

I'm ready to put my focus on my new team.

My dad was right, as much as it pains me to admit that. I need to keep my distance from the female reporters. It's not just my dad's reputation at stake…it's mine, too. The last thing I want to do is cause any drama at all. Feelings two decades old might've resurfaced, but that doesn't mean I have to act on them. I'm a grown man with plenty of self-control.

Except when it comes to Jolene Bailey.

Fuck.

When the plane lands, I spot a text from Jess.

Jess: I'm in Vegas! Can I see you?

After a weekend away, I have shit to catch up on, but I can probably squeeze in a drink. To that end, I text Jack first to see if he has time for a meeting this evening, and when he responds in the affirmative, I text Jess to let her know I can meet her across the street from my office around seven.

And wouldn't you know it?

When I walk in the place, there sits Jolene, watching me greet an old friend with something akin to jealousy on her face.

Okay, so Jess is more than an old friend, I guess. She's not old, and she certainly wants to be more than a friend.

I've got a season to focus on. A new job to focus on.

But on the other hand, I like the idea of distraction, and I know Jess can give me that. She's not a local reporter who will only stir up drama.

I know I shouldn't use Jess. And so that's why I'm honest with her.

"An ex is sitting across the way from us if you'd like to put on a show with me." My eyes are on said ex as I say the words, and she's definitely watching us.

The rage on Jolene's face is nearly comical. She's good at playing straight-faced when it matters, but clearly right now is not one of those times.

I lead Jess over to the bar, where we each order a drink.

"So what are you doing in town?" I ask.

"Remember I told you the partners are thinking about opening a division here? They sent me to do some research." She shrugs. "I figured who better to show me around town than a local."

I laugh. "I wouldn't classify myself as a local. Yet."

"Well this little hole in the wall is just the kind of joint I'd figure locals hang all the time." She indicates the barbecue joint where we find ourselves by gesturing with her glass around the place.

Hole in the wall?

I'd hardly call it that.

I realize I'm getting defensive over it before I speak the words. And this place of all places…I have exactly zero business feeling defensive over it.

Particularly given my father's words at the anniversary party on Saturday night.

I can't imagine what he'd think of me hanging out at Joseph's bar…of paying my money into his pocket.

He'd hate it.

But it's the closest place to the Complex, so it makes the most sense regardless of who owns it.

I shake off the thought, but the single conversation I had alone with my father has replayed over and over since the night it happened.

"It's close to work," I say with a nonchalant shrug, but the truth is…I sort of like this place. I can see the vision Joseph had for Rivalry when I'm here, and something about it feels a little bit like home—like how the bar was back when our fathers first opened it instead of what my dad tried to turn it into.

I hate having negative thoughts about my father. He worked hard to give the four of us advantages. He placed calls to the right people at the right time. I wouldn't be where I am today without him, and my allegiance will always lie with him because of that.

Still, when I sneak a glance across the bar and see Jolene is no longer sitting in her corner booth but a different couple is there, I can't help when a sense of disappointment filters through me.

"Speaking of work, how's it going? What's it like being head coach for a team? I feel like you're so much busier now than when you were OC in LA. I hardly hear from you at all." She's jabbering on and I'm hardly listening as I think about where Jolene might've gone.

"It's been great," I say, and I offer a tight smile. "It's all still pretty new, really."

She's quiet a beat as she studies me. "Is everything okay, Coach?" she asks, and her tone is a little more sultry than I'm looking for tonight.

"Yeah. I just have a few things I need to take care of tonight at the office." It's a clear brush-off.

"Oh. I was hoping we could…you know." She looks truly disappointed, but I can't find it in me to feel bad about it.

Not when I'm contemplating running out to the parking lot to see if Jolene is still somewhere around.

And to that end, I let her down gently. "I wish I could, but I really need to focus on work."

"Maybe some other time?" she asks hopefully.

"I don't know, Jess," I say quietly. "I think it's probably better if you stay in California." My eyes meet hers, and she looks disappointed as she nods her understanding.

It's not a break-up, exactly, and it actually feels like a bit of a load off for me, but it's still not easy saying goodbye to someone—especially to someone who might think this is more of a break-up than it is to me.

"It's been fun, Coach," she says, and she clinks her glass to mine.

"To memories," I say, clinking mine back to hers as I wonder whether Jolene left or if she's still around here somewhere.

I shake out the thought.

Football. I replace those thoughts with football as I finish my drink, bid Jess goodbye, and walk back across the street to the Complex…where I find Jolene Bailey sitting outside the media room.