Free Tackled by Love by Rachael Duncan Page B

last time,” he answers, looking down at his drink. He sounds slightly bitter and I’m sure he’s thinking about how this made him give up football for good.
    “Well, at least you have a good support system. You’re all Brenda ever talks about and I’m sure she’s taking really good care of you at home. Some of your teammates have spoken publicly about their support for you and wishing you well. So at least you don’t have to do it alone.” I take a sip through my straw.
    He lets out a huff that sounds like an attempt to laugh, but not quite. “Yeah, a good support system. So good, in fact, that my wife left me because of it.” He starts clenching his jaw and I know this is a topic we need to quickly move away from. What the hell happened though? How could she just leave him like that?
    “Because I couldn’t play anymore,” he shrugs like it’s not a big deal, but I can tell it bothers him. Oh, shit. I said that out loud?
    Dear Brain-to-mouth Filter,
    You suck.
    Sincerely,
    Autumn
     
    Not able to help myself and since I’ve already started to pry, I figured one more question wouldn’t hurt, “So she was just in it for the status? To say she was a quarterback’s wife?”
    “Yeah, and the money that came with it. As soon as she realized I wasn’t going to be pulling in the millions anymore, she bailed.” I’m a little surprised he’s talking so openly about this with me.
    “What a bitch,” I mumble before taking another drink.
    That earns me a chuckle. “You hit the nail on the head with that one.” His mood lightens slightly at my comment. I wish I could say I’m surprised by her recent actions, but I’m not. She was such a fake bitch in high school and got so much joy off of others’ misery. The fact that Landon seemed shocked by the whole thing just goes to show that he probably didn’t know her for the heartless person she is.
    He asks me normal questions you ask when getting to know someone. How I got into cake decorating, what I like about it, things like that. I notice he avoids all conversation that would involve high school, and I’m glad.
    As I’m about to walk out, I hear Landon yell out my name. I turn around and he says, “Mom said she was taking the day off tomorrow since the schedule isn’t too hectic. I’ll swing by to do the deliveries, so why don’t you give me your cell phone number so I can text you when I’m on my way. You know, so that everything will be ready when I get there.” I rattle off my number to him, and a few moments later my phone is vibrating. “I just texted you so that you’ll have mine too,” he says as he holds up his phone.
    “Okay, thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow then,” I reply with a grin and walk out of the gym.
    When I get into my car, I check the text.
    Thanks 4 the tour sweetheart see u 2morrow
    And for some stupid reason, this puts a big cheesy grin on my face.
    The whole way home.
     

That evening after leaving the gym, I find myself still thinking about Autumn. She had a faraway look on her face momentarily, and I could tell it had to do with something that still plagues her. I don’t know what could have triggered it though, but I wasn’t going to ask her and make the situation worse.
    I didn’t really need a tour of the gym. They’re all pretty much the same. Whether it’s the state of the art facilities I used while in the NFL, or the small town gym I’m using now. Working out is working out. But I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend just a little time with her. And, if I’m being honest, it was nice to see her firm ass swaying in front of me as she led the way.
    My mind is spinning in a million directions. I’m not legally divorced, but here I am, finding ways to talk to this girl who intrigues me. It makes me feel a little guilty, but then I think about what a gold digger that viper is and the guilt quickly fades away. The thing I can’t really figure out is, why am I not more torn up about my marriage