Unforgettable, page 32
“Right,” the other man said, before continuing on to where his own truck was parked.
Gavin said, “Whatever kind of business you have with George Reynolds is between the two of you.”
The other man managed to step in front of Gavin, blocking his path. “I’m sure you don’t want Reynolds’s gambling debts to be made public. He came to me for a loan. I gave him five grand, which he understood came with restrictions. He now owes me fifteen thousand. I want my money.”
“And how does this concern me?”
“That huge contract you signed last year was in all the newspapers. I’m sure you don’t want one of the tabloids to get a hint of this story.”
Gavin’s eyes narrowed as he studied the other man. “Are you threatening me?”
“Not at all. But make no mistake, I’m a businessman. I don’t believe in throwing my money away.”
“Ah, Mr….”
“Matthew,” he supplied.
Gavin nodded. “Mr. Matthew, I don’t believe in throwing money away either, but that’s what you did when you tossed Reynolds five grand. I’m not about to give you a penny. As far as calling the tabloids…” Gavin reached into his jacket and retrieved his cell phone. “Knock yourself out,” he said as he tossed the other man the phone before he walked away.
As Anna and Kyle drove toward the new football stadium on Brush Avenue, she described how spectacular downtown Detroit had once been, all lit up during the Christmas season, while she was growing up in the city. When she and her brothers were kids, they couldn’t wait to see Hudson’s Department Store’s display windows, not to mention the Thanksgiving Day parade.
The Lions’ new stadium was across from Comerica Park, where the Detroit Tigers held their baseball games. Ford Field had been open only since the beginning of the season. Judging by the enthusiasm of the crowd it was an undeniable success. Despite the weatherman’s forecast of an additional two inches of snow to go along with the four inches already on the ground, the stadium was packed.
Anna knew nothing could dampen the crowd’s excitement, because the Lions were having a record season, and there was a great deal of talk about the upcoming Super Bowl. Many Detroiters viewed the new stadium as a good luck charm since the Lions were finally back home in Detroit.
Nearly every seat was taken, including the team’s family section of the stadium. Anna and Kyle waved to her family when they came in. Anna and Kyle’s seats were a couple of rows behind the Prescott family’s. Everyone was there except Devin and baby Kaleea. Anna’s cousin Ralph, as usual, was with a new lady. Kelli switched seats with Kyle so that he and Wayne could sit together.
Anna had been relieved when Gavin’s father had gone to the GreekTown Casino rather than the football game. There had been a steady increase in tension around the house since the day of George Reynolds’s arrival.
Everyone rose to his feet when the home team ran out onto the field. Detroit, unlike many professional football teams, didn’t have cheerleaders, but their mascot, Roary the Lion, was there to rev up the crowd. By half-time, the Lions were trailing the Chicago Bears seven to thirteen. The second quarter was barely under way when Kelli sent Anna a questioning look.
“You have barely said two words to the family. Is something wrong?”
Careful not to be overheard, Anna said, “It has been a stressful week. I’m just glad to see Kyle relaxed and happy for a change.”
“What happened?”
“Gavin and Kyle’s father has come for the holidays. I’m surprised Mama didn’t mention it to you.”
“From what Wes has told me about the man, he isn’t much of a prize. The man walked out on his fourteen-year-old son without a word to anyone.”
“You can’t imagine how stressful it has been with him in the house,” Anna confessed. “You would think he would be proud of Gavin and want to see one of his games while he’s in town.”
“Where is he?”
“GreekTown Casino.” Anna jumped to her feet along with the crowd when Detroit recovered the ball. When they were seated again, she told Kelli about the custody papers. Careful to keep her voice down, she said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen if Gavin can’t get him to sign those papers. Kyle deserves better than what George Reynolds has to offer.”
Kelli whispered back, “You really sound scared. Surely the court won’t take him away from Gavin? Reynolds deserted him.”
“I hope not. Gavin doesn’t want Kyle to testify against his father. And I agree with him. Kyle would be devastated.”
The two women exchanged a troubled look.
“Maybe it won’t come to that,” Kelli tried to reassure Anna.
“I hope not. Gavin has been so worried. He can hardly concentrate on anything else.” Anna watched as Gavin fumbled the football. “He’s not playing anywhere near as well as he should. Those kinds of mistakes can get him hurt.”
“Don’t I know it. Wesley’s game is off too. Do you think it was the fight they had?” Kelli asked with a frown.
“I don’t know, but the team cannot afford having its two best players make stupid mistakes.” Anna frowned.
“Are you and Gavin going to the party at Stanley’s house tonight after the game?”
Both women were suddenly on their feet, shouting when Detroit made a first and ten.
“Aw right now. Kelli, tell your man to get that arm working.” Shirley Jackson, wife of one of the offensive guards, Cal Jackson, shouted from where she was seated two rows back.
“You tell Cal to hold that line,” Kelli shouted back with a wave.
“You got it.”
Everyone laughed. The third quarter provided Detroit with a field goal opportunity that they missed.
“It doesn’t look good,” Kelli said anxiously, and then shouted, “Gavin, get your feet moving.”
Anna whispered, “If those two knuckleheads would work together we could win this one. This feuding is certainly not doing either one of them any good. Gavin hasn’t said anything, but I know he misses Wesley. I love them both and I hate feeling as if I am in the middle.”
“It has been especially hard on you. Wes is pretending it doesn’t affect him, but I know better. Gavin is coming to Christmas dinner, isn’t he? Your mom told me that your dad invited him.”
“I don’t know. He believes if he comes he will spoil my mother’s holiday. There is bound to be an argument. And I haven’t changed my mind. If he doesn’t come, then neither do I.”
“Anna, that will spoil everyone’s holiday.”
“It can’t be helped. Kelli, I didn’t start this, but I won’t leave Gavin at home alone either.”
“This is so hard on you.”
“Whatever I do, someone will be hurt.”
“Look!” Kelli jumped up.
It was in the fourth quarter with less than five minutes on the clock. Detroit’s offensive line managed to hold Chicago’s defense long enough for Wesley to get into the pocket. He spotted Gavin in full motion as his long legs ate up the Field-Turf the team was so fond of.
Gavin dodged yet another defensive back by turning his body and stretching his legs even more as he flew past the fifteen-yard line while reaching over his left shoulder for the football. The crowd went wild as he caught the ball and tucked it into his side. With an explosive burst of speed he moved toward Detroit’s end zone. Gavin was close to the line when Brad Coleman, the Chicago Bears outside defensive linebacker, charged into him from his right side while Jack Howard, the cornerback, hit him from the opposite side. The jarring force sent him forward and down as two other men piled on top of him. All together over a thousand pounds of sheer force pinned him in place.
It appeared that Detroit had made the touchdown. From what could be seen of his upper body, he appeared to be in the end zone. The hometown crowd was in an uproar. Yet when the last man rose, Gavin didn’t move. Even though he was surrounded, Anna could see that he wasn’t moving. A hush fell over the stadium as they waited to find out how badly he was hurt.
Anna, like everyone else, was on her feet, hands covering her screams as she waited to see if Gavin was all right. Kelli held on to her as they watched Wesley take off down the field. Somehow her brother reached Gavin before the team doctors or the Lions’ staff and was down on his knees removing Gavin’s helmet, talking to him.
Anna had no idea that she was screaming his name until Kyle grabbed her and buried his wet face against her shoulder. She was too busy praying to offer the boy more than a word of reassurance. Suddenly, she was surrounded by her family, and their unwavering support as they all waited an eternity for word.
Everyone in the stadium knew that while football was a game that could bring tremendous joy, it could also bring horrendous physical risks to its players. There was always the possibility of severe injury, head trauma, paralysis, or the very real threat of death.
“He’s going to be all right, baby girl,” her father insisted.
Ralph said nothing, but Anna felt the steadfast comfort of his hand on her back.
“Please God,” Anna prayed.
“Look,” Donna shouted.
“He moved! I saw him move!” Kyle whooped.
Anna and Kyle hung on to each other as they watched Gavin sit up on his own. He was being helped to his feet. And then he was able to walk off the field on his own. Evidently the wind had been knocked out of him. The crowd roared. Not only was Gavin all right, Detroit had made the touchdown. The score was tied.
As the team moved into place to try for the extra point, Anna’s family went back to their seats. Everyone settled down to watch the remaining minutes on the clock being played out.
Kyle whispered in Anna’s ear, “You don’t think Wayne saw?” He referred to his tears.
Hiding a smile, she shook her head. “He was too busy watching the field.” She smoothed a hand against his cheek. “You okay?”
“Yeah. You?”
“I need to sit down.” Anna’s legs were trembling so badly she had no choice. Kyle helped her into her chair.
“You okay?” Kelli asked.
“I will be once I know he’s okay. Can you see what’s happening? Is he still on the sideline?”
Kyle said, “He’s sitting on the bench. The team doctor is checking him out.”
Kelli patted Anna’s hand, “If it was serious they’d have taken him to the hospital. They don’t play around.”
Anna nodded, trying to collect her scattered wits. She glanced at Kyle who didn’t look much better than she felt. “Want to sit here with us?”
He nodded, taking the empty seat on the other side of Anna. He said, “I never thought much about him getting hurt.”
“It’s a rough game, but he’s going to be fine,” Kelli volunteered, and then whispered to Anna, “There was some good that came out of this. Wesley was right there beside him.”
“You’re right.” Anna smiled. After Kyle and Wayne went off to get ice cream, she swallowed before she told her sister-in-law, “I was so scared. I thought I’d lost him.”
Kelli squeezed her hand. “But you didn’t. He’s going to be fine.”
Ann nodded. Kelli knew only too well what every woman who loved a football player knew. His life could end out there on that field he loved so much. Kelli also prayed that when her husband went out on the field, he would return to her alive and whole.
“I need to see him, look into his eyes to know he’s all right.” Anna confessed. “I love him, Kelli. I didn’t plan to but I can’t help it.”
Her sister-in-law surprised her when she said, “I know. Why else would you ignore your family’s disapproval to be with him? Does he know how you feel?”
Just then the crowd went wild as the Lions made the extra point with less than two minutes on the clock.
“No. I can’t tell him.”
“You don’t believe he returns your love, do you?” Kelli said, close to her ear.
“I know he doesn’t. We want different things from life. For now, just being together has to be enough.” Anna said no more. There was nothing more to be said. She’d like nothing better than a good cry, but knew it was pointless. It would solve nothing and leave her with swollen lids and a headache.
Although Gavin had called while they were on the way home from the game to let them know he was fine, Anna still felt unsettled. She moved restlessly around the kitchen, waiting for him to come home, while Kyle enjoyed a snack, though Anna had no idea how he had room for it. He looked calm, his gaze on the small television set on the counter.
Anna soothed her nerves by making one of the hero sandwiches that Gavin enjoyed after a game. She was wrapping the huge sandwich in plastic wrap when they heard a key in the lock.
Anna laughed when she saw Kyle grab his brother and give him a hug before he was barely in the door.
“I’m okay, bro,” Gavin said, returning the hug.
“Good. Don’t scare us like that again,” he ordered.
Gavin chuckled. His eyes locked with Anna’s over the boy’s head for a long moment before Kyle let his brother go.
“Yeah,” she said, going over and encircling his waist. She buried her face against his chest as she blinked back tears.
“Sweetheart, I’m fine…honest. Just got the wind knocked out of me.” He gave her a gentle squeeze, kissing her temple.
Eventually she had collected herself enough to ask, “Hungry? I just finished your sandwich.”
“Sounds good.”
Kyle was clearly enjoying his Christmas vacation from school. He grabbed a half-eaten bag of chips. “I’m going up to my room. I have a phone call to return.”
Gavin lifted a brow. “Oh?”
“Her name is Anita,” Anna teased.
“Really. How old is she?” Gavin wanted to know.
“Fourteen. She’s in my homeroom,” Kyle volunteered around a grin as he dashed out of the room.
“Maybe I should have that talk with him?”
“I thought you two already had that talk,” she said as she retrieved a carton of milk from the refrigerator.
“Never hurts to repeat it.” He came up behind her, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck.
She turned to face him. “Kyle is right. You really scared us.” She moved a caressing hand over his unshaven cheek.
“I’m sorry, Anna.” He held her close. “These kinds of things happen. It’s part of the game.”
“Coming from a football family you know I understand, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
When she would have backed away, he tightened his hold. “Come back here. Let me hold you a little longer.” He urged her closer until her breasts were cushioned on his chest, her legs tucked between his.
Anna released a deep breath as her arms moved up to encircle his neck. “I couldn’t stand it if you’d gotten hurt.”
He ran a soothing hand down her spine. “It’s over. And I’m only a little sore, that’s all.”
“I’m fine, now that you’re here. I didn’t expect to see Wesley going to help you.”
“You aren’t the only one surprised.” He swallowed hard. “It hurts knowing that Wesley no longer had my back. It’s been like losing a member of my own family.” He pressed a kiss against her lips. “Do you still want me? As much as I want you?”
Anna shivered but would not let him change the subject. “Did the two of you have a chance to talk?”
“Not really.” He took yet another kiss. “Wes knows that I’m not about to give you up.”
“Well, well.” George laughed as he entered the kitchen. “Should I come back later?”
“Of course not.” Anna put some distance between them. “Would you like a hero sandwich?”
“Yeah.” He grinned, eyeing Gavin wearily.
“Take mine. I’m not that hungry,” Gavin offered, and then added, “When you’re finished, you’ll find me in my office. We have a few things to settle.” Before his father could respond, he walked out of the room.
Gavin was seated on the edge of his desk, rereading the contract his lawyer had sent over. He had to convince their father to sign. Kyle’s future was at stake.
“What’s up?” George asked as he walked through the open doorway.
The walls were paneled with rich cherry wood, and Gavin’s football and track trophies were displayed in floor-to-ceiling cases behind his desk. Framed photographs of Gavin on the field were mounted on the wall in front of the desk.
“Please close the door and have a seat.” Gavin motioned to one of the leather chairs in front of the desk.
“What’s this about?” George looked uncomfortable. “If this is another go at how I failed both you and Kyle, I’m not interested.”
“This is about Kyle making his home here with me. As you know, I’ve been granted temporary custody. Both Kyle and I would like me to permanently take over his guardianship.” Gavin handed over the papers. “My lawyer has drawn up the necessary papers. All it takes is your signature.”
George didn’t bother to read the papers. “You know what I want. Get your checkbook out, then we’ll have something to discuss.”
Gavin reached into the desk and took out his checkbook, and quickly wrote out a check and passed it to his father.
“A thousand dollars. Are you nuts?”
“That’s should get you an airline ticket and somewhere to stay for a few days.”
When George moved to tear it up, Gavin warned, “I wouldn’t, if I were you. That’s all you’re getting.” Before his father could respond, he said, “I met your business associate. He stopped me outside the team’s headquarters.”
“What?”
“Mr. Matthew, I believe he said his name was. You owe him money and he didn’t see any reason why I shouldn’t pay your bills.”
George straightened in his chair, the check in his pocket. “Look, I had nothing to do with that.”
“He threatened to take your gambling problem to the tabloids,” Gavin explained.
“What did you do?”
“I gave him the use of my cell phone. I don’t like threats.” Gavin’s voice was hard with anger. “I suggest you take care of it and quickly.”
