“Thank you,” I mouth back to him.
“You aren’t happy in the big city, sissy?” Tom asks, “I thought you loved it there? Even though Nick was a tool, I thought you enjoyed being in that hustle and bustle?”
“Tommy!” I laugh and continue scraping my plate. “I did like it there, but things didn’t pan out how I thought.” I see all my brothers making eyes at each other. “You guys can stop that right now. I’m fine. I’m going to be fine. Just let me get my bearings back here at home, okay?”
They grumble a little but keep eating. “We can rough him up for you. It’d be fun actually,” Billy says. I give him the eye again and thank God for dad, he changes the subject.
“Have you been down to the field to watch Jackson's team, Adam? They’re looking good early on,” Dad asks Adam. I’m grateful for the subject change, but the subject matter is still emotional. Jackson is a Cinderella story gone bad. A rise to the top only to crash before it was time story.
“I saw them the other day, got some big boys, fast too. Jacksonknows talent and knows how to train a team. I can’t believe he can’t get picked up by a college yet,” my dad says.
I can’t help myself. I’ve followed his career quietly, over the years, but I know nothing about a college team. “He wants to work with a college now?”
“Yeah, he’s been trying to get on as a head coach, anywhere, really.”
“Fat chance. No one wants a playboy leading their college team anywhere,” Billy guffaws.
“Billy!” my dad chastises. “It shouldn’t be about that. If the kids got a winning record, that’s what the colleges should be after.His personal life has nothing to do with it.”
“Well, would you want a renowned playboy showing up at your door, talking drafts and college preps with your son at age eighteen?” my mom raises a brow. “I love Jackson like he’s my own, but sometimes things just don’t work out. He’s doing well here; he should concentrate on that.”
My dad makes a little remark under his breath and when my mom clears her throat, he speaks up. “I’m just saying the guy made some mistakes. Those mistakes shouldn’t hold him back from spreading his talent.”
“Seems he can spread his talent really well!” Billy busts out laughing and tries to get Tommy to fist bump him, but Tom just leaves him hanging. “Damn, touchy.”
I’ve read about Jackson's escapades, but I know firsthand a lot of what you hear and read is fabricated. I really hope he didn’t do all they’ve said he’s done over the years. It would hurt every time I opened a magazine to see him with a different woman on his arm. Or at another party with girls hanging all over him. I had no right to be jealous, but he felt like mine.
Since I was a little girl, I had crushed on him and that never went away. In fact, seeing him earlier today has rushed those same old feelings back to the forefront. With all the transitions currently happening in my life, it’s not something I know how to deal with right now.
“Hey maybe you could help with his image, honey? You’re versed in public relations; you know what it would take to get him looked atagain. It’s been a few years since he’s been in the eye of the media. Maybe you can rebuild his brand,” my dad offers.
Adam catches my eye and I’m sure mine are like saucers.
“Oh, uh, dad I don’t think that’s a good idea. I know nothing about his careerthat’s a lieor what playboy actions he’s made that I’d have to correctthere’s another lie.I’m not even represented by a company anymore.” Oh God, work closely with Jackson.I don’t know if my heart could take it.
“So? Go into business for yourself.Start your own PR firm. ‘Love relations!’ I can see it now!” My dad slashes his hand through the air like he’s Vanna White.
“Dad!” Laughing, I say, “I don’t think that would draw the type of clients I’d be looking for.”
Adam chuckles but joins in. “It’s not a bad idea, Chess. Be your own boss. You’ve got plenty of help here to get you started and you have the knowledge.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “I don’t want your money, Adam,” he makes a face at me. “And I just said to you earlier, I’m not sure I even want to stay in this line of work.”
My mom stands and starts clearing plates. “Lots to think about, honey. But save some time for me. I need your help with the annual Almost Christmas festival this year. I’m heading the committee and would love you to head it with me.”
The Almost Christmas festival is a huge tourist attraction in our town. As a kid, it was the best time of year, second to Christmas of course, and as an adult, it was even more special. The town turns into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and all the special magic Christmas holds. The entire towns population jumps in, and the parade showcases the school teams. It’s a big tourist draw and tremendous boost for the local businesses in town.
“I’d love to mom. Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve been back for the festival.”
“Your new neighbor is the Grand Marshall!” mom replies.
My heart flutters again at the mention of him. I’ve been back for 24 hours and already I can’t escape his name.
“Jackson? Really?”
“Oh God, here we go; just another thing to inflate his ego.”
“Don’t be jealous Billy. This may be the exposure he needs to get himself noticed for something good.”