The room quieted as Terry made his way to the podium at the front of the room. There were easily three hundred people in the ballroom. I relaxed a fraction when I didn’t see Grayson or Parker.

“Thank you all for coming this evening. As a new team, we are anxious for you all to get to know us and learn about our charities. It’s important for us to spend time with our community and give back. I’m sure you saw the tables in the hallway with the different charities. Please chat with the players and coaches if you have any questions. You’ll find them floating around. Cheers, everyone!”

Just what I didn’t want. Free time. I thought it was an organized event where we spoke briefly about our charities, ate dinner, and left after an hour. Instead, it was an upscale buffet with a full staff behind each station to serve us. Lexi wanted to wait to eat and I was fine with that. I was good sitting in my chair the whole evening with the rest of the room behind me.

Lexi stood and leaned over my shoulder to take my drink order. “Do you want anything to drink? I’m going to socialize and grab another wine.”

“I’m fine with water.” I smiled and nodded. I turned my attention back to Tina. “So, you plant the bulbs in the fall?” I was getting a lesson on tulips and, right now, it was everything to me.

“Well, if it isn’t homecoming queen turned NFL pro.”

I turned when I heard Max’s voice. “Max! What are you doing here?” I jumped up and hugged him tightly. I pushed him away only to pull him back for another hug. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I’d talked to him on the phone during my first week with the Cheetahs. He was so happy for me. He had just opened his fifth gym in the northeast this spring.

“I wanted it to be a surprise. I have business over in Boston and thought I’d swing by and see how my favorite quarterback is doing.”

“I can’t believe this. I’m so freaking happy!” I took his hand and squeezed. “Let me introduce you to everyone.” He shook my staff’s hands and had a little something to say about each coach, noting a great call they made during their careers.

“You were great in Dallas. I’m sorry your career got cut short,” Jamal said.

Max had blown out his knee during his third year. He waved Jamal off. “I’m still blessed. I miss football, but I don’t miss the pain every week.”

“How do you know McCoy?” Brandon asked.

“We went to the same high school,” Max said.

“Small world, huh? Grayson Moats is from around your area, too. Do you know him?” Jamal asked.