Free Places in My Heart by Sheryl Lister

time we bring a little diversity to the sports agency world.”
    â€œAnd you got the cream of the crop with your first client,” Bryson said.
    â€œI appreciate the vote of confidence.” In her book, Omar was the cream of the crop in more ways than one.
    A lull in the conversation gave Morgan a chance to take her leave. “If you’ll excuse me, I see my client heading for the exit. It’s been a pleasure meeting you. Good luck with the center.” They shook hands, and she made her way toward Omar.
    Omar smiled as she approached. “Are you ready?” she asked.
    â€œWhenever you are.” He gestured her forward.
    Jaedon was leaving at the same time. “Hello, Morgan. It’s been a while.”
    â€œIt has. Congratulations on opening your firm,” she said.
    â€œThanks. Congratulations to you, too. If you have any questions or if you need anything, let me know.”
    Morgan smiled. Coming from any other man, she might have perceived it as a put-down, but she knew he hadn’t meant it that way. “I’ll do that.”
    â€œI told him about what Roland did just now,” Omar informed her.
    Jaedon’s lips settled in a grim line. “He’s always been arrogant, but I never thought he was stupid. I have a private investigator friend of mine checking to see what else Roland is involved in. Let me know if he says anything else.”
    â€œI already let him know what would happen if he pulled another stunt like he did tonight,” Morgan said, getting heated all over again.
    Jaedon nodded. “Good enough, then. I’ll let you two get out of here.”
    After leaving the hotel, they rode the first few minutes in silence. Finally Morgan asked, “Why didn’t you tell me about your role in the center?”
    â€œI don’t know. You seemed to have an opinion of me already, and I thought I’d let my actions do the talking. I guess I wanted you to understand that there’s more to me than what the media puts out.”
    â€œI see.” Once again, he’d left her speechless. Not one media outlet had reported on all the good he was doing. Her emotions rose as she remembered how he had shared experiences about his friend and his brother.
    â€œActually, that was the other reason I decided to clean up my act—not like it was that bad in the first place.” He slanted her an amused glance.
    Morgan laughed softly. “Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I think what you’re doing is fabulous and needed. My dad and Uncle Thad will definitely want to contribute since they’re both veterans.”
    â€œWe could use all the help we can get. I want to be able to offer a variety of services that don’t revolve around medication—retreats with peers, ways to help them understand their new normal, family counseling—and address mind, body and soul.”
    His passion was infectious, and she found herself getting excited and wanting to do all she could to help. “You said ‘I.’ Do you plan to work at the center?”
    â€œEventually.”
    â€œDoing what?”
    â€œAs one of the clinical psychologists.”
    Morgan shifted in her seat to face him. “You’d need a doctorate in psychology in order to practice.”
    â€œI have a BS in psychology. I had planned to start applying to some doctorate programs before this mess with Roland. Now I’ll probably wait until my contract is settled.”
    â€œSince we’re talking about your contract, how many more years are you looking to play ball?”
    â€œI’d like to get at least four, which is what management has offered. Roland was pushing me to go for six. Said I needed to get as much money up front as I could so I wouldn’t be broke later.” Omar snorted. “Probably more like so he could get as much money up front.”
    â€œWell, rest assured he won’t get one more dime of your money. Ideally, Jaedon will be able to