Work drags on at a snail’s pace as I sit at my desk working on my article. There’s been very little press about the philanthropic aspect of Jack’s life. Everyone else has been focused on his romantic ties or if there were more scandalous aspects of his personal life.
I’ve not found any articles discussing how he supports a local high school football team in South Central LA. He even shared with me how he goes there at least once a month to work out with the boys and typically once a week during their season.
My plan is to focus on the school and the football program, maybe even do some player profiles, and share it with Jack when it’s ready so I can get his approval before I submit it to Vince. I don’t want it to be solely about him, but I think it’ll be enough about him that people will be interested in reading it. I know Vince will probably be pissed that it’s not the scandalous article or exposé he was really hoping for, but it’ll be about Jack, and it will bring positive press to the paper and a local high school. He can’t argue with that kind of good press.
At least that’s what I’m hoping.
I’m just finishing the update to my notes when my cell phone rings, and Gina’s name pops up on the caller ID.
I answer immediately. “Hey, Gina, what’s up?”
“Hey, girl, I was wondering what you were up to for the next couple of days and if you’re down for some girl time?”
“Um, yes! I miss you. I’d love to see you. How soon can you be here?”
“Funny you should ask.” She laughs. “I’m only about an hour away. I took a risk that you’d say yes and just got in my car this morning. I’m desperate to get out of San Fran. Collin keeps trying to convince me to give him another chance and won’t leave me alone, so I thought I’d come visit you for a few days and get away from his annoying, cheating ass. Plus my mom has been hounding me to come visit her, and Long Beach isn’t too far from you, so I figure this kills two birds with one stone.”
“Absolutely. You know you’re always welcome. I’m just at the paper finishing up some work, but I could meet you at my place as soon as you get into town.”
“Sounds great. I’ll give you a call when I’m a few minutes away.”
“Okay,” I respond happily. “Talk to you then.”
I hang up quickly, excited to see my best friend after a month apart and anxious to finish my work so I can get out of here. It’s only after another minute of thinking of what we should get for dinner tonight that I remember I already have plans with Jack. I quickly text him.
Me: Hey! Gina just called me to let me know she’s on her way for a surprise visit. I’m so sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel our dinner plans tonight.
He responds almost immediately.
Jack: Cool that she’s coming for a visit, but I hate that I won’t get to see you. Do you think she’d be down for dinner if she wasn’t the third wheel? I’d love to meet her. I could bring Max. Thoughts?
Me: Let me check with Gina.
I quickly call Gina back and fill her in on Jack’s offer.
“That actually sounds like a fabulous idea since I really want to meet your guy. Also, gives me a chance to make sure he’s got good intentions this time. And if not, I’ve been practicing my kickboxing…”
I laugh at her protectiveness and tell her I’ll let him know and see her later. I text Jack back to let him know we’re a go for dinner.
Gina arrives not too long after and we both squeal and hug each other like it’s been years instead of a little over a month since we’ve seen each other. I know it’s so cliché for women to do that with their girlfriends, but honestly, I couldn’t stop it even if I tried. Frankly, it’s the one moment where I feel like I can relate to the excitement dogs must feel when their owners come home.
We both change into clothes that are slightly dressier than our business and travel wear. I’m catching her up on everything that’s been going on when I hear the buzzer to my building. We grab our purses and head down to meet Jack. When he comes into view, I’m surprised to see Will Edmonson standing with him instead of Max.
“Good Lord, who is that handsome hunk of a man next to your guy?” Gina asks quietly.
I laughingly reply, “That would be Will. He plays for the Wolves with Jack.”
“My God, it should be illegal for a man to be that attractive.”
I catch Gina’s blush and can’t help smirking. My friend is not one who is easily overwhelmed by a handsome man. She’s usually feisty and confident. Very little causes her to blush or become shy, but here she is, looking almost overwhelmed with bashfulness.
I’m further intrigued when we greet the guys and I notice Will appreciatively check her out. When I catch the slight blush on his cheeks as they shake hands, I decide that I’m going to have to talk to Jack about Will and find out as much as I can about him. He’s always seemed like a good guy, fairly quiet and reserved, but Gina deserves the best. I’m not going to encourage this if Will turns out to be a player like most football guys. She’s had enough of asshole boyfriends.
At dinner, their mutual attraction is even more obvious. Will occasionally becomes more reserved and almost withdrawn before Gina inevitably pulls him back into the fold and he’s blushing like a schoolgirl all over again. Gina seems to have found her footing, although I notice she’s being subtly flirty instead of outrightly so.
I make eyes at Jack—are you seeing this?
He gives me a brief nod but seems surprised and a little cautious about it. Why would he be surprised? Gina is amazing. Will would be lucky to have her.
We go out for drinks after dinner and stay out much later than we probably should seeing as how the guys have a game tomorrow. When they drop us off, I ask Jack to call me after he gets home. He kisses me sweetly and then it’s just us girls.
“So…” I start, “Will seems pretty great, huh?”
Gina laughs. “Oh my God, was I too obvious? At first, I thought maybe he’d just be smoking hot and a total dummy, like some athletes. Or a complete bore who’s obsessed with himself. But he was kind and thoughtful. I can’t believe how easy the conversation was all night! And, by the way, Jack is awesome.
I’m so glad things are working out with you two. You guys are so clearly meant to be together, it’s almost sickening.”
I laugh and shrug my shoulders at that comment, but I can’t help but feel giddy at the idea that someone else sees how perfect we are together. I was so reluctant at first but having Gina’s approval makes me feel more confident in my decision to give him another chance.
“I’ll get the dirt on Will for you, if you want.”
Gina sighs. “I would love that, but seriously, what’s the point? I live in the Bay Area and he lives here. It’s not like anything could ever happen. I’m just going to soak in the bliss of having an incredible night with my best friend and meeting a guy who makes me believe there are still good ones out there. And on that note, I’m gonna head to bed. I’m exhausted from driving all day. I love ya. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Get some rest. We’ll have a beach day tomorrow before the game since I took the day off.”
“Sounds heavenly. Night.”
I leave her and go into my own room. It’s not long before I hear her snoring softly on the couch. Gina is not typically a snorer. The few times I’ve experienced it, we’d either been shamefully wasted or exhausted beyond belief, so I know she’s down for the count. That’s why I don’t bother whispering when Jack calls.
I cut to the chase. “So tell me about Will.”
He sighs heavily into the phone. “Honestly, I was pretty surprised about tonight. I’ve
never seen him act like that. Babe, I’m not sure you should encourage anything between him and Gina if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I’m not, but only because Gina said there’s no point in getting too excited since they live so far apart. But why are you saying that? Is he a bad guy?”
“Not even a little bit. He’s one of the best guys I know, but he hasn’t had an easy time for quite a while.”
“What do you mean?”
He sighs heavily again, and I can tell he’s debating on whether he should tell me or not. My journalist curiosity is piqued, so I let the silence fill the line between us. Eventually, my patience is rewarded.
“Okay, I’ll tell you his story, but don’t tell Gina. It’s really not my story to tell, and I barely feel comfortable telling you, but I feel like it’s the only way you’ll understand.”
“Okay.”
“Will was engaged.”
“What happened? Did she cheat on him or something?”
“She died.”
I’m shocked back against my pillow. “What?” I can barely whisper the word, but Jack
hears me.
“Yeah. It was about a year ago. I think the anniversary just passed actually. It was a drunk driver. I don’t know all the details, but I’ve always suspected they had just had a fight, based on some comments he’s made. He was a wreck when she died and has been completely emotionally cut off ever since. He doesn’t date at all. As far as I know, he hasn’t even looked at another woman. I don’t want to see your friend get hurt, and I just don’t think he’s in the right mindset for a relationship yet.”
I was not expecting that to be the reason Gina and Will wouldn’t work out. I can’t help but feel heartbroken for Will. He’s such a nice guy. He definitely didn’t deserve something so awful to happen to him. I’m surprised I never heard anything in the news about it. You’d think that would be a pretty big deal, but I guess he has one hell of a publicist if it never hit the papers.
“Thank you for telling me. I won’t tell Gina, but you’re right. It does help me understand why he’s probably not good for Gina right now.”
“Yeah, I wish things were different. It did seem like they hit it off pretty well. There was definitely some chemistry there, but I doubt Will is going to let himself go there with her.”
We talk for a few more minutes before saying goodnight. As I start to drift off to sleep, I wish Will and Gina had met at a different time. I can’t help thinking that they’d still be perfect together.
