*
The week leading up to the game was a flurry of activity. Luke was busy with practice and media appearances. Every day something new was scheduled for Luke and the other top performers on the team—morning shows and talk shows and every kind of radio interview. I accompanied him to most of those since I was still on the books as his bodyguard, but it was a lot more relaxing than it was previously. The threat was over, and we could both focus on what really mattered.
Timothy Ortega and Andrew Schulz were charged with blackmail, racketeering, assault, attempted murder, and several other charges related to sending threats in the mail. The police department held a press conference to announce the charges the Tuesday before the Super Bowl, which of course was the only thing the reporters wanted to talk to Luke about at the Super Bowl media event.
“I’m just glad it’s over, and am grateful for the hard work from Detective Lumens and the SLCPD,” Luke told the room full of media personnel. I was standing at the back of the room, observing quietly. “Sometimes it’s easy to forget that this isn’t just a game to some people.”
“Have you reached out to the blackmailer’s son?” one reporter asked. “Brock Schulz, who played for Alabama in the National Championship game last year?”
“I haven’t spoken with Brock, but I did see his statement on Twitter denouncing his father’s actions,” Luke replied. “But I plan on reaching out to him and offering him and his mother tickets to the game this Sunday, just to show there are no hard feelings. Brock is a good kid, and was a fantastic outside linebacker. I’m honestly surprised he went undrafted this past year. I hope a few teams invite him to training camp this summer to give him a chance to play.”
After the interview, I told Luke that I was surprised he would invite his attacker’s family to the game. “It’s not their fault the father did what he did,” he replied. “And honestly, I sympathize with him a little bit. He’s just a guy that would do anything for his family.”
The next morning, while Luke was out at practice, I went to get coffee by myself at an old place in Glendale. I sat outside, soaking up the morning sunbeams and grateful that I wasn’t wearing a coat in Salt Lake City. But despite my comfort, I tapped my foot nervously. My coffee sat untouched on the table as I gazed up the street.
“This seat taken?”
Jessie stood behind me, smiling apologetically. A dozen emotions fought for control inside my chest as I looked at my ex. He was wearing that dumb leather jacket he always had on, but there was something different about him. Something calmer.
“Are you expecting a hug or something?” I asked.
“Guess not.” He sat across from me. “I’m surprised you called.”
“Why would you be surprised?”
“I got the impression you didn’t want to have anything to do with me.”
“Gee, why would you get that impression?” I said, acid dripping from every word. “Is it because you were cheating on me for six months with your client? Or was it the fact that you blamed me for it afterwards?”
“You have every right to be angry,” he said calmly. “I was a horrible boyfriend. Hell, a horribleperson. I did a lot of things I wasn’t proud of while we were together. But I’ve realized that I want to be a better person, Caz. And I have changed, even if you don’t want to see it.”
I don’t want to see it.
“You were so toxic,” I said, the words pouring out of me. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but it’s obvious to me now that we’re separated. I’m so much better without you.”
He sat there like a good punching bag. “I know.”
“You cheating on me with that girl was the best thing to ever happen to me. So, thanks for that.”
“Is that why you invited me here?” he asked, taking a long sip from my coffee. “To get all of this out in person? Because I’ll gladly let you get your shots in, but I’ve got a busy day ahead of me. Anything longer than ten minutes and we’ll have to schedule a second session.”
“Berlin.”
“Berlin?”
“Berlin, Germany,” I said.
“I know where Berlin is, Caz.”
“Why did you do it?” I demanded. “Why did you pull strings to put me at the top of the list for the job?”
His leather jacket creaked as he shrugged. “There are lots of reasons.”
“Such as trying to break me and Luke up?”
Jessie furrowed his brow. “Who’s Luke?”
I rolled my eyes. “My boyfriend. The star wide receiver for the Stallions. Do you seriously not watch TV?”