Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(39)

“I know, but I get why you guys didn’t really come around,” Jared said glumly. “I wish I could take it back.”

“I don’t,” his mom said firmly. “We all learned a lot over the past few years. Look how much you’ve grown up” She studied him, “I sure would like to know how that happened, but I’m not complaining at all. You look and talk like the old Jared, the one who just wanted to play football and do the right thing.” His Mom reminded him of the kid he’d once been, wide-eyed and hopeful. That kid had been swept up in the glamor of major league football and all of the celebrity that came with it.

“I’ve changed a lot, Mom. And, I think I’m going to need to make some big moves so that my life fits me again.” Jared noticed the tears glistening in her eyes and changed the subject. “How’s the restaurant?”

“It’s great! I have a really good manager who can handle things when I’m gone and my sous chef is fantastic. I am so grateful for everything you did to make it happen,” his mom gushed. “It feels so good to cook again. It’s tough having skills that you can’t really put to use.”

“But you did, Mom,” Jared reminded her, “you taught all of us how to cook and trust me, it came in very handy for me.”

“Mmhmm,” his mom murmured. “So this is all about a girl, isn’t it?”

Jared’s heart caught in his throat. It started out that way but he wasn’t sure there was still a girl in the mix. Jared didn’t even know how to begin to fix things at this point. A.J. hadn’t returned any of his calls or texts. Honestly, it hurt more than anything that she iced him out.

“Mom, I need your help with this one.”

“Okay, honey. Tell me what happened.” His mom patted his hand gently.

Despite his plan to hold off until they were safe in his house, Jared found himself explaining about A.J. and everything that transpired while he was on hiatus and then what Derek pulled and everything that happened since. By the time they walked through his door, Jared’s mom was up to speed.

“Well, you’ve got quite the mess to work out, don’t you?” His mom had kept quiet until he finished the story before affirming what Jared already suspected.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Jared admitted.

“It sounds like you need a new agent for starters.” His mom scrunched up her nose. “I never liked that man but your father thought that he was the best to get you what you needed and deserved, whatever that means.”

“He’s very good at his job,” Jared pointed out, “but he doesn’t give a shit about anything else.”

“Sounds like it,” his mom noted. “Do you have any leads?”

“A.J. gave me a list and, as it turns out, one of the agents represents Xander and Trent Roberts. They like her a lot and she played basketball with A.J. so she understands the life of an athlete more than Derek ever could,” Jared explained. “I gave her a call and she’s actually open to meet with you tomorrow. I arranged for a spa day and you’ll just casually get to meet with her. I hope that’s okay?”

His Mom’s eyebrows shot up. “When did you learn to be so devious?”

“I learned from my agent,” Jared said bitterly. “I can’t be seen taking a meeting with another agent, can I? Derek has eyes and ears everywhere. But, if you were to casually bump into her at a spa and have a conversation, there’s nothing nefarious about that.”

“Okay, so what do I do?” his mom asked. “I mean, I’m more than happy to help but I don’t know what say.”

“Just talk to her, see what you think. Tell her my story.” Jared practically begged, he needed to figure something out soon. It wouldn’t work to fire Derek without a back up option with opening day just around the corner.

“I can do that.” His mom seemed uncertain.

“Mom, just think about what I need to be successful and see if she is willing to take me on as a client. That’s it.” Jared simplified it a bit but, basically, that was all he was asking of her.

“I’ll do it, honey, if that’s all I have to do, I can manage it.” His mom grinned at him. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Be proud if I pull this off.” Jared sighed. “There’s so much left to sort out. Matt says it’s going to be tough to land a trade and I don’t see a way to get A.J. to move here if she won’t even talk to me so I need a trade.”

“Then, let’s just take one step at a time.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You can do this, Jared Jackson. If this is what you want, then I know you will make it happen.”

**

“I really like her, Jared.” His mom looked younger after her day at the spa, or maybe not so much younger as refreshed. Curled on his couch in lounge pants with a cup of tea, she recounted her meeting with Ameryst Rice. “She’s sharp and motivated. I think she will be fair.”

“So she agreed?” Jared asked again, still waiting for the bottom to fall out of his plan.

“Yes, honey. She’s more than happy to take you on.” His mom sipped at her tea to hide a smile. “She was surprised you were interested in her firm at all. They don’t have any big names.”

“Xander Tate is pretty big,” Jared argued.