CHAPTER TEN

 

The crap began sooner than expected. Jarrett and Paige arrived at the stadium hours before the scheduled two o'clock game.

"Are you sure you are feeling okay?" Jarrett asked for the third time as he opened the passenger door for her to get out.

She cupped his face, pulled it down to hers and kissed his lips with a smack. "Yes, I am fine. Are you sure my being here unplanned is not a problem for you?"

He kissed her. "Now who's the worry wart? I'm positive," he replied as he pulled his bag from the back seat. "You will be sitting with some of the other players' wives." He wrapped his arms around her waist, then turned towards the players’ tunnel that led to the locker room. "Introduce yourself to them and they will welcome you with open arms."

"Jarrett."

He turned to see Jake, and his wife Valarie.

"Perfect. Hey, Jake, Val." Jarrett was smiling from ear to ear. "Paige, this is Mr. and Mrs. Weingart’s son, Jake and his wife Valarie. This is Paige Cartwright."

"My parents speak very highly of you. You're the dancer, right?" Jake extended his hand.

Paige extended her hand and shook both of theirs. "Yes, I am." She smiled as she felt Valarie appraising her.

"It's nice to meet you." Valarie smiled.

"Thank you," was all Paige said.

"Would you do me a huge favor, Val?"

"Sure, anything, Jarrett."

"Introduce Paige to the ladies and make sure she has a good time. I want to make sure she comes back."

"I can do that." Valarie replied.

Paige noticed a bit of apprehension on Val's part. "You know, I can sit in the outfield and watch the game from there."

"Nonsense," Val said. "You’re a guest of Jarrett's. You are welcome to sit with us. You guys go on. We'll see you on the field," Val added.

Jarrett pulled Paige into his arms and kissed her. "I'll see you after the game. I want you to meet some people."

"Enjoy the game." Paige smiled and watched as the two men walked away.

"You know you just put her in the lions’ den," Jake said as he walked beside Jarrett.

Jarrett turned and looked back, to find Paige looking back at him. "Paige can handle it."

Paige ended up watching the game from her family’s Skybox. As the wives began arriving to the game, it became more and more evident that she was not welcomed. Each person that arrived in the wives’ box looked at her as a misfit. First she was dressed in white slacks, a cardigan top, with a gold belt at her waist, and flat boots and a leather jacket. The others were dressed as if they were going to a club. As Val introduced her around, a few of them made her feel uncomfortable. That was expected, after all she was the new girl and they didn't know her. Once they had a chance to spend some time with her, they would like her, she was sure of that. Most of them were cordial but kept their distance.

"You know, it's not you, they are shunning," Val said as she sat next to Paige with a plate of food from the spread in the room. She pushed the plate towards Paige. "Some are concerned with your looks."

Paige looked down at what she was wearing then back up at Val. "What's wrong with the way I look?"

"Nothing, that's the problem. The women who are married to, or dating ball players have to deal with groupies and others that want what they have. You are a concern because they do not know your status. And, well to be honest, Jarrett doesn't keep a woman around long. Which means, you may be a free agent and may catch their man's eyes."

"No one can take what is theirs, if it's truly theirs. That's what my Grand’Mere always says."

Val smiled at the young woman. "I believe that is true." She picked up a shrimp and put it in her mouth. "However, some of them schemed to get their man and they are afraid another woman will do the same."

"Karma does have a way of coming back and biting you in the behind." Paige picked up a grape and popped it into her mouth.

"That's true," Val laughed. "The others know that Suzette will not be happy because Jarrett's ex is her friend and they don't want to get caught in the crossfire."

Paige picked up another grape and popped it into her mouth. "What's your take?"

"Well, I called Momma Celia and she vouches for you." She ate a shrimp. "Other than that, I've known Jarrett a long time. I've never seen him be openly affectionate with any woman he has dated. He can't seem to keep his hands off you. That will not win any points for you with Suzette." She heard the woman laughing in the distance. "Be forewarned."

"Who is Suzette?" Paige ate another grape. "Why aren't you afraid of her wrath?"

"I'm a wife who is loved dearly by my husband. She goes too far with me and she has to deal with him." She ate another shrimp. "She doesn’t want to go up against Jake. As to who she is, well she is the self-appointed leader of the wives or significant others. We are called the Queens. We do charity work and we also support each other. We're not a bad group. Some of us just have a misconception about priorities in life."

"So, Val, who do we have here?" A strikingly beautiful woman dressed in a black designer dress and heels, with diamonds flashing from head to toe, sneered at Paige.

Paige extended her hand. "Paige Cartwright."

The woman looked her up and down. "You are supposed to be Lacy's replacement?" she laughed. "Jarrett must have lost his mind."

Paige looked at Val, who only raised an eyebrow then looked away. "I'm sorry, I didn't get your name." Paige dropped her hand and waited.

"That's because I did not give it. I'm Suzette Mackenzie. Ron Mackenzie's wife." The emphasis was on the word wife.

"It's nice to meet you, Suzette. I've watched your husband play a few times. He's very good. You must be proud of him."

Suzette frowned, turned and looked at the other wives sitting around the room, then she turned back to Paige. "It's Mrs. Mackenzie to you. We have a certain dress code around here. We represent our husbands and in doing so we must be prepared to be in front of cameras 24/7. While you are with Jarrett, you are to conduct yourself with the utmost dignity and stay camera ready. As I said before, you represent Jarrett." She looked Paige up and down. "Your hair is too short. If you can't grow more, buy some. The next time you step into this area, I expect you to be presentable. For today, there are a few seats at the lower end of the box. You can sit there."

At first Paige was a bit offended by the woman's words and was about to tell the woman that the blouse she was wearing cost more than her entire outfit, but that would be rude. Her Grand’Mere once told her, you can catch more bees with honey than you can with venom.

"Mrs. Mackenzie, you are a very pretty woman. I'm sure your husband is very proud of the way you represent him." Paige picked up her purse. "Thank you for the advice." She looked at the other women. "It was nice meeting you all." Then she turned to walk out of the area.

"Paige, wait." Val followed her. "Where are you going?"

"My family has a VIP box here. I'll watch the game from there."

"Do you know where to meet Jarrett after the game?"

"No, but I'll figure it out. It was nice meeting you Val." Paige smiled then walked off.

"Where is she going?" Suzette asked as she filled her plate.

"To her parents’ VIP box."

Suzette paused. "Her parents have a VIP box here? Who is she again?"

Val wanted to laugh at the look Suzette was attempting to hide when she mentioned the VIP box. The cost of that area ranged from a mere one hundred thousand and up a year.

"Jarrett's friend who you just put out. Her name is Paige Cartwright. According to my mother-in-law her father is a big time Judge and her mother is an attorney in the DC area. I would say you have a few hours to put together a good lie that will not piss Jarrett off. After all, it looks like this one is going to be around for a while. Which means." She popped a grape in her mouth to hide the smile. "Your status as Queen of the Queens may be in jeopardy." Val cleared her throat, turned and walked off.

Suzette stared at the woman's back as she walked away. There was no way she was relinquishing her role to some woman Jarrett just met.

Following the game, Jarrett bypassed the locker room and reporters, and went directly to the seating area for the wives and families. They had a good victory over the visiting team. It felt good knowing Paige was in the stands watching. Where exactly, he wasn't sure. The few times he looked up at the area for the wives, he didn't see her. It didn't matter, he knew she was there.

Walking into the area, he looked around, but did not see Paige. "Suzette," he called out as he spotted her standing with a few wives. "Good afternoon, ladies. He nodded as they were leaving the area. "Did you meet Paige?"

"Hey Jarrett," Suzette replied. "Yes, I met her."

"Where is she?"

"She left earlier."

"What do you mean she left?"

"She said something to Val about watching the game from her parents’ VIP box. I guess sitting out here with us was beneath her."

Jarrett knew better than that. "Did she say which box?"

"She didn't really talk to me or any of the other wives, Jarrett. I couldn't say. I'll walk down to the tunnel with you. I am going to meet Ron."

"I need to find Paige." Jarrett turned to walk away.

"What are you going to do, walk around the stadium until you find her? I've never known you to run after anybody. You never had to search for Lacy."

"Let it go, Suzette." He kissed her cheek. "I'll talk to you later." He walked back down to the locker room and pulled out his cell phone. "Give me a minute," he said to the reporters, then pushed a button on his cell phone. "Hey beautiful. Where are you?"

"Standing outside the locker room with a bunch of your fans. They are wonderful and they love you. You should hear them raving about your game today."

Jarrett couldn't help but smile at the laughter in her voice. "What are you doing out there?"

"It is so much fun. You should come out here and say hello to them."

He laughed. "Tell me where you are."

She looked around. "Near the tunnel entrance where we parked."

"Is there a tall guy with a goatee directing the people?"

"Yes."

"Go to him and give him your phone." She did as he asked. "Julio, this is Jarrett. Would you bring Ms. Cartwright to me?"

"This little lady with the phone?"

"Yes, Julio."

"I can try, but along the way I'm going to try to take her from you, she's a beauty."

Jarrett laughed. "Thanks, Julio." He disconnected his cell and dropped it back in the locker as the reporters emerged.

Thirty minutes later, after the interviews, he showered and was dressing when Ron approached him.

"Suzette said your new girl was rude and walked out on her." Jarrett looked at Ron and just smirked. Ron laughed at the look. "I know, she's exaggerating. You want me to talk to her?"

"Val said Suzette put the girl out." Jake joined them.

"Suzette put Paige out of the area, why?" Sergio asked as he walked up.

"Suzette wouldn't put her out. She would just make her uncomfortable enough to want to leave," Ron stated. "If your girl allows it, Suzette will bully her. Do you want me to talk to her?"

Jarrett looked around at his friends and teammates. He knew them and their wives well and understood their relationships at home were important to their happiness, just as his relationship with Paige was to him.

"I appreciate everyone's concern. Paige is going to be fine." He looked at Ron. "I don't want you to tell Suzette anything that will get you in trouble." The guys laughed as Ron nodded. "Just let your ladies know. Paige is here to stay. Where I go, Paige goes. If Paige is not welcome, neither am I." Jarrett picked up his bag. "Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me. I'm going to introduce Paige to my parents."

"She's meeting the parents?" Ron asked, surprised at the implications.

"Momma Connie is here?" Sergio asked. "Is she cooking?"

Jarrett laughed. "Yes, Ron, she's meeting the family. Sergio, would you like to join us for dinner?"

Sergio did not reply, he walked over and opened the locker room door. "I'll follow you home."

 

*****

The usual crowd of fans was outside the door as Jarrett and Sergio emerged. The media was out in full force as they approached the area where the wives held court with the fans. The cameras and microphones were directed at Suzette and her band of friends, catching husbands and boyfriends as they met up with their women to take the after game media circus photos and occasional interviews with the paparazzi. This was the round where the players who weren't sought out by the top level media core, hung out to get their shine. As soon as the media spotted Jarrett they turned in his direction.

"I don't see Paige."

"You look for her. I'll run interference for you," Sergio offered.

"Bryson, get over here," Suzette called out using her sexy Jersey accent as she motioned for him to come towards her and the camera. "We are talking about Queen of the Knights."

"Do you have a queen to add to the reality show?" the reporter called out to Jarrett.

"Of course he does," Suzette replied for him as she reached out to grab his arm. "Lacy is considering becoming a part of the cast along with the other wives."

"Jarrett, are you and Lacy on again?" the reporter asked as Suzette squeezed Jarrett's arm.

He knew what she wanted him to say, however, it was time for Suzette to learn she cannot manipulate every man.

Jarrett held up his hand, smiling and shaking his head. "No." He patted Suzette’s hand then removed it from his arm and placed it on Sergio's arm. Sergio clamped down on it and held it so she could not pull at Jarrett again. It was a smooth, practiced motion that would save face for Suzette with the media.

"You know Jarrett has always been camera shy." She smiled at the cameras.

"Sergio, will you make an appearance on the show?" another reporter asked.

"Why not. I may have a queen by then." The reporters laughed.

"Do you think Queen of the Knights will be a contender against the other housewives shows without the captain's queen?"

"I am certain Suzette is going to give you plenty of drama."

"That I am."

Jarrett heard Suzette’s strained laughter as he continued in the direction he was previously walking. Ron is going to catch hell when he emerges from the locker room was his thought until the sight of Paige came into view. Approaching the end of the roped off area, leaving behind the paparazzi and fans, he could see Paige in the distance, helping the cleanup crew with the trash from the concessions. Her back was to him as Julio looked up with a bright smile and waved. The women and men around her were laughing and listening to music as they worked. A song came on and the group threw their hands in the air and began singing and dancing to the song. Paige joined right in. Jarrett was mesmerized by the essence of her. He was standing there watching her as Sergio walked up next to him.

"You are so gone."

Jarrett turned to him laughing, then back to Paige and the workers dancing. "Tell me that doesn't make you smile."

Ron and Suzette and some of the other couples approached them. "It's disrespectful, if you ask me."

"Disrespectful?" Sergio frowned. "How?"

"She chose to be with the cleaning crew rather than with us." Some of the women behind Suzette nodded in agreement.

"Oh, I don't know, Suzette," Valarie replied. "After the way you all shunned her this afternoon, I'd rather be with them too."

Suzette took a step towards Val. "No one shunned her. We simply schooled her on what is acceptable. We have a reputation to uphold. If she expects to be accepted, she needs to know that and get in line."

"In line for what and behind who?" Jarrett turned to Suzette. He held her gaze.

"Come on, Jarrett," Ron interceded. "You know how Suzette is with our Queens. She takes the organization seriously."

Jarrett’s eyes never left Suzette's as he spoke. "Does she? I suggest she check herself if she wishes to remain their leader." He turned back to Paige and walked away.

"Did he just threaten me?"

"I strongly suggest you tread lightly on this one, Suzette," Valarie said as Jake took her hand and followed Jarrett.

Sergio grimaced then slowly walked backwards. "I'm going to have dinner with the family." He grinned then turned towards Jarrett.

Suzette turned to her husband. "The family?" She frowned.

"Yes," Ron sighed as he took his wife’s hand and walked towards their car. “He is introducing her to his parents."

"What about Lacy?"

"I think Jarrett has moved on."

Suzette stared at the group of people as they laughed aloud.

Paige noticed the flutter in her chest and knew Jarrett was near. She turned to see him and some of his friends walking towards them. She couldn't help it. A smile as wide as a canyon appeared on her face as she watched the natural swagger of his stride approaching her. The look in his eyes intensified the closer he got, causing her mouth to water, anticipating the taste of him. The people around them faded into the background as the heat between them increased with each step. Her feet began to move towards him, one small step at first, which turned into a speed walk as his arms opened. She jumped into them as his bag hit the ground. Jarrett swung her around as laughter filled the air. The kiss that followed was deep, loving, and all-consuming. Everyone - Ron and Suzette, Jake and Valarie and the other couples stopped. Sergio was the only one who did not seem phased by what was occurring. He picked up the discarded bag as the cleaning crew and Julio cheered for the loving couple.

"Now, that's how you kiss a woman." Julio whistled.

Jarrett had no idea what came over him. The closer he got to her, the more the urgency to taste the sweetness of her lips increased. As he reached her, he realized this was what it felt like to be in love. In that moment he knew he would do anything to have this woman's love. The moment her arms wrapped around his neck he was lost, gone into her beautiful world and he was okay with it. Her kiss held back nothing as she surrendered her all to him. And he was okay with that too, for he did the same.

The giggle in her throat caused him to do the same. Jarrett broke the kiss and held on tight to her.

"Don't you ever let me go, Jarrett Bryson."

He looked down into her dancing eyes, with a grin as wide as hers. "Have no doubt, if I ever do, I will come back for you."

"Okay, you two," Sergio laughed. "I think you've put on enough of a show. Can we go eat now?" He held the bag out for Jarrett.

Jarrett took the bag, holding Paige at his side as he walked towards the SUV. "Julio, thank you for bringing her to me."

"You better hold on tight to that one, or I will teach her some Spanish love and make her forget all about you."

"Las manos fuera."

Julio threw his hands in the air. "Hands off."

Sergio nodded. "Good," Sergio said from his truck. "Now can we go eat?"

Jarrett helped Paige into the vehicle as everyone got into their vehicles.

"Since when does Jarrett act like a horny high school boy?"

Ron shook his head as he held the door for his wife. "Looks like a man in love."

"Oh don't be ridiculous, Ron," Suzette hissed as she got into the vehicle. "This is Jarrett we are talking about. What is she, girlfriend number 52?"

"Looks like she may become wife number 1." He smiled and closed the door on his wife's incredulous look.

"We'll see about that," Suzette said to herself then snapped a picture with her cell phone before Ron got into the car.