Impossible To Resist (BWWM Romance Book 1)(7)
Jared should have been overwhelmed by the large family but they did everything to make him more comfortable. The food was delicious, the home-cooked kind that reminded him of his own family. In another life, this could have been him with his parents and siblings. By the time the dishes were cleared, Jared felt over-full and wished for a nap but he allowed Paul to lead him to the den where they settled into a worn leather couch.
It didn’t take long for half of the family to join them as Paul showed off his analyst skills with something Jared had definitely missed. There definitely was a way to beat Glover despite the cornerback being just a bit faster than Jared.
“You’re absolutely right, Paul.” Jared agreed with the assessment, “if I break just a hair sooner I will be able to beat him in the routes. Do you have any more suggestions?”
Paul beamed, clearly pleased with the praise. “Yeah, I think so. I mean, I’m sure I have more ideas to help you out if you want to hear them.”
“Of course,” Jared concurred. “But right now, I really need to use the restroom.” He made his way toward the bathroom and nearly collided with Ally. She overcame her surprise and stepped aside but Jared seized the moment to pursue his real reason for being there. “I hear you went to A.J. for therapy.”
Ally nodded. “Yeah, she’s great.”
“She doesn’t really like me,” Jared confided in the woman.
Ally laughed. “She wouldn’t.” She turned to walk away but Jared stopped her.
“Wait, why do you say that?” he asked, truly curious.
“You don’t know?” Ally gaped, truly surprised.
“No. I’ve never met her before. I mean, I’ve seen her play basketball a few times but we’ve never met,” Jared explained.
“But you don’t know her story?” Ally’s expression changed, as if she couldn’t decide what to do. Jared had to admit, Ally’s one attractive woman, especially biting her lip in indecision.
“No, I guess I don’t.” Jared shook his head. “But I’d like to understand her better.”
Ally cracked a small smile, suddenly understanding why Jared cornered her. “You like her, don’t you?”
“Well, yeah, she’s my physical therapist,” Jared scoffed.
“No, I mean, you really like her and it kills you that she doesn’t like you back.” Ally chuckled. “My dad likes you. He says you’re a good guy so I’ll help you with A.J. but even with my help you will have to prove yourself to her.”
“Deal,” Jared affirmed. He’s always been good at that part if he understands what he’s dealing with.
Ally gave him a knowing look. “It’s not going to be easy. She’s not an idiot and she really hates professional athletes, especially ones who are media darlings.”
“But why?” Jared tilted his head to the side, genuinely confused. It seemed so specific.
“The media ruined her life,” Ally said simply. “You never wondered why she walked away from basketball?”
“I guess I didn’t give it a second thought,” Jared admitted. “I mean, she was really good but there are a lot of talented athletes who walk away.”
Ally exhaled. “I guess you can find out on your own anyway so I might as well give you the abbreviated version. Most people around here know about it but nobody talks about it. A.J.’s mom and little sister were in an accident on their way to a party. Her mom was killed and her sister was in a coma for two months. When A.J.’s sister woke up she had some brain damage. Her dad couldn’t handle it and bailed on them so A.J. moved here to get her sister the best care possible.”
“That’s awful.” Jared imagined what he might have done in the same situation. He couldn’t even fathom it. “But what does that have to do with me?”
“The accident was not so much an accident as the result of some overzealous reporters who thought A.J. was in the vehicle. She tried to sue them to help pay for her sister’s medical bills but she lost. Everybody who stood by A.J. when she was at the top, left her hanging when she needed them most.” Ally explained. “So you see, you represent everything A.J. hates about sports. The fact that you’re never photographed with the same girl twice is just icing on the cake. Face it, Jay, you’re a player.”
“But,” Jared sputtered, “I’m not really that guy. It’s just a show.”
“Well, then you are one hell of an actor,” Ally observed, “because the media portrays you as a womanizing, media-whore, jackass.”
“That’s a bit harsh,” Jared responded, a little wounded.
“Truth hurts, All-star,” Ally scoffed. “Like I said, you have your work cut out for you.” She turned on her heel and disappeared down the hall.
Jared slipped into the bathroom and contemplated what Ally told him. He should have asked about A.J.’s sister, didn’t even get her name. How could A.J. get beyond something like that? Jared stared at his face in the mirror, he didn’t recognize himself beneath the short hair and beard. Being honest, Jared hadn’t recognized himself in a long time.
The women, the parties, the money. Spending time with Rick’s family had only reminded him of who he used to be before the money, before the fame. Maybe he had become more like the image than he’d care to admit. Is that why his family stopped visiting? Are they ashamed of who Jared became? Jared desperately needed to leave, to go home, to be alone, to think things out.