Her response had been tinny. Almost…unenthusiastic. Maxwell tried not to feel disappointed by her response and dug into his chicken. The limey-cilantro flavors burst into his mouth, more delicious than he expected, but he couldn’t fully concentrate on that as silence descended between them.
“Kinda thought you’d be more excited about that,” he finally said. “You know. Vacay and all.”
“It sounds like a great idea,” Jill said. “It’s just…who knows what will happen between now and then? We’ve got so much to think about in the meantime. Honestly, the Super Bowl seems like a lifetime away still. I can’t even wrap my head around it.”
“I like to hear that you assume we’ll be there,” Maxwell said.
“Of course I do. With how well you guys have been doing this season…” Jill winked. “Just make sure you get us tickets.”
“How could I not?” Maxwell snagged a few more bites of his meal before the kids needed help. Jill had set his mind at ease, for the most part, though part of him wondered if she was truly thinking about this from the same angle he was. It wasn’t about the when—it was about the yes. He wanted to plan things with her. They didn’t need to know when they’d go to California—just that she wanted to. With him. With them. Like the happy family they played at every day. Like the woman on his arm he was excited to woo and take places and show off to the world.
Dinner continued on as it normally did: active, loud, full of small messes. It wasn’t until he cleared the table that he remembered what was on the agenda for tomorrow.
“Oh. We can’t forget about the cookout tomorrow,” he called out as he rinsed dishes in the sink.
“That’s right,” Jill said. “I saw that in the calendar and meant to ask you about it. So it’s a Sharks thing?”
“Yeah, it’s like a meet and greet for fans, but family-friendly. So that means you and the triplets are on deck.” He loaded the dishwasher as they chatted. “It’ll start after practice, so you don’t have to feed the kids before you come. They’re cooking out.”
“Wow,” Jill said, letting Cameron out of his high chair first, followed by Kevin, then Shelley. “So this is my very first Sharks VIP event, huh?”
“First of many,” he promised just as the kids started shrieking and chasing each other into the living room.
Jill shielded her eyes from the late evening sun. Thanksgiving had just blown by that Thursday in a delicious blur and playoffs were on the horizon for the Sharks, but here at the Savannah training facility, it felt like full-blown summer fun.
The parking lot at the practice facility had been converted into a temporary cookout hub. Seven grills were smoking, manned by black-aproned chefs, while meats and veggies cooked for the fans, team members, and families in attendance. Jill was taken aback by the sheer abundance of Sharks gear surrounding her. The entire team was decked out, as well as all the fans. Enormous Sharks banners hung from a makeshift photo area, where different teammates cycled in and out of photos with fans.
Not knowing what to expect, Jill had opted to bring the nanny, in case she needed any extra support. She knew this was technically a work function for Maxwell, so she had planned to stay well out of his hair. Besides, taking in all the sights and sounds of a formal NFL event…it was a little overwhelming. She felt every inch of his VIP status as she took in the glamorous football wives around her, the high-class lifestyle that most of the players enjoyed more than evident in so many ways: their top-dollar shoes, expensive rings, the flawless hair and makeup that suggested most had consulted with a personal stylist before showing up.
But it wasn’t just the differences of lifestyle that stood out to her. Jill hung back because being around so many people who knew Max made her wonder what they knew about her.
She wasn’t dumb. NFL players had to talk in the weight room. They spent damn near seventy hours a week together, and Maxwell had his besties. The question wouldn’t leave her: What does he say about me?
Jill smiled down at the triplets while she and the nanny and a handful of other NFL moms lingered around a makeshift play area. Footballs were scattered everywhere, along with tires for climbing on, and other kid-safe physical training implements, which they flocked to. Cameron and Kevin and Shelley were having a blast.
“The triplets are so cute,” someone said at her side. She turned, finding a pretty blonde at her side, petite and young. She’d met her earlier, in the greeting whirlwind—Tessa. Mark Coleridge’s girlfriend.
“Thank you. I think so too,” Jill said with a big grin. She peered around Tessa’s side, where her son eyed the play area suspiciously. “He’s a cutie too.”
“Go on and play with them,” Tessa encouraged.
“But they’re all little,” Angus protested.
“It doesn’t matter. You can still have fun,” Tessa said.
“My babies right there”—Jill pointed them out to Angus—“would love if you played with them. They love big kids.”
Angus seemed encouraged by this, so he approached them. Jill and Tessa watched with smiles as Angus offered a football to the kids.
“How have you guys been doing with them?” Tessa asked. “I can’t imagine handling three. One was so much for me.”
“It’s been…an adjustment,” Jill said. “That’s for sure. But Maxwell and I, we’re finding our groove now.”
“That’s amazing. Two is a tough age. Well, they’re all tough in their own way, I’m finding,” Tessa said, her nose crinkling with a laugh. She didn’t look like most of the other women in the NFL wives and girlfriends club—she seemed so down to earth. So normal. A small reassurance in this sea of newness around her. “If you ever need anything, let me know. Seriously. If you need to vent, bitch, whine, air grievances. I’m available.”
“I appreciate that, Tessa. Thank you.” Jill watched as another lady made a beeline for them. “This child-rearing thing has been a rollercoaster I wasn’t expecting.”
The new woman approached them, her long black ponytail swishing as she waved. “Hey, ladies. Just wanted to drop in and say hi.”
“Daisy!” Tessa gave the newcomer a hug. Daisy smiled big, the official Sharks polo shirt jogging Jill’s memory. This was Daisy the coach. As in James Sullivan the quarterback’s lady. “Jill and I were just watching the kids play.”
“So glad you could make it today, Jill,” Daisy said. “Maxwell always gushes about you and the kids.”
“Does he?” Jill let the compliment warm her. Even if Daisy was just being friendly, it was nice to think that Maxwell recognized her to others.
“Yes, he always gives us updates in the weight room in the mornings,” Daisy went on. “And I’m happy to know your dental clinic is going so well. If James and I could send Emma to you, we would! But I think she’s aged out of your services.”
“But Angus hasn’t,” Tessa said, wriggling her eyebrows. “I’ve been wanting to get him on your schedule.”
“Aw, you two are too sweet,” Jill said. “I appreciate that. We’d love to have him.”