Change of Hart(9)

“You’re waiting for a call from that kid’s mom, aren’t you?” he asked.

I ignored him and punched “1” to start the message.

“Hi, um, my name is Addison Bryant,” a soft-spoken voice said over the phone. “Mrs. Miller, the music teacher at my son’s school, gave me your number and told me you wanted to speak with me? Um . . . I guess you have my number now. So let me know how I can help you.” She paused. “Thanks. Bye.”

I pressed the “end” button and looked up to Deuce who was shaking his head. “What?” I asked.

“Was it her?” he asked.

“Who?” I replied, playing dumb.

“The kid’s mom, jackass.”

I smirked. “How did you know that was the call I was waiting for?”

“You mentioned it, oh, half a dozen times or so at dinner last night,” he answered. “I’m still not getting why you are so interested in this kid.”

I put my phone back in my pocket. I knew it was dumb to have it with me. Obviously I wasn’t going to be able to return the call any time soon. But I was anxious to at least see if she called. My head wouldn’t be in my workout if I were thinking about the phone sitting in my locker.

“I don’t know,” I said. “I like him. And I think it’ll be good for me to take some time to make a difference in someone’s life. Get out of my selfish little bubble for a while. Do something that has more long-lasting results than making a few tackles every week.” I picked up my water bottle and took a drink.

“So, then, why are you so nervous about talking to his mom?”

I smirked. “Now that’s an easy one. Moms make me nervous. They didn’t like me in high school when I was dating their daughters and I seriously doubt much about my reputation has changed. I just don’t want her to think I’m a weirdo with some hidden agenda.”

“You are a weirdo. But whatever,” Deuce agreed. “Go call her back.”

“Thanks, man,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder. “I’m not sure my head will be in the workout until I get this out of the way. I’ll be right back,” I said, turning the corner and quickly walking down the hall to the locker room. I grabbed my phone and checked the log screen to find the number.

As I dialed, I pushed into the locker room door, sat on the bench and took a breath. There was no telling how this was going to go. I kind of found the entire thing a little strange myself so I couldn’t imagine how Addison Bryant felt.

“Hello?” a soft voice answered on the other end.

“Um, Mrs. Bryant?” I asked.

“This is she,” she answered.

“Hi, my name is Jason Hart. My friend Lindsay Miller gave you my number.”

“Oh! Mr. Hart, hi. I’m actually glad you called. I’m so, so sorry about what happened at the pep rally last week,” she rushed out her words. “I don’t know what came over Jax . . . I know that must have been really strange and I’m just . . . I’m just sorry he put you in that position.”

I smiled. “Actually, Mrs. Bryant, I’m kind of glad he rushed the stage. I enjoyed getting to know him a little that day.”

“You did?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I reassured her. “He’s a really cool kid.”

She paused for a few seconds. “He is,” she said slowly. “Thanks.”

“That’s kind of the reason I called,” I continued. “I wanted to invite him, and you of course, on a tour of the stadium.”

No response.

“I’m getting the feeling that information wasn’t relayed to you.”

“Wait . . . um, no. I was just told to call you. So you want him to come tour the stadium?” she asked, seemingly confused by my offer. “With you?”

I chuckled. “Yeah. I know how into football he is and thought he might enjoy it.”

The phone went silent.

“Um, Mrs. Bryant?” I said. “Are you still there?”

“I really appreciate the offer, but I don’t think that’s the best idea right now.”

I was kind of shocked. I thought for sure she would jump at the chance to let Jaxon get down on the field. I’ve never heard of anyone saying no to a stadium tour before. Heck, I play in them and even I wouldn’t turn down a tour from a player on another team.

“Can I ask why not?” I finally asked.

I heard her take a deep breath and blow it out before she spoke. “I just don’t think now is a good time for Jaxon to star in a publicity stunt.” The comment made me feel like I had been slapped. “Jax is a good kid and I know he would love it. It’s just not a great time for him to be in the public eye like that. His father’s death is just too fresh right now. I don’t like to answer the few questions I get already. I don’t really want to have reporters asking questions, too.”