CHAPTER 94

I took a shower at about five, dressed in some nice jeans and a pullover knit shirt, then went back to the family room. It was just after six thirty when I heard Ashley's heels on the hall floor. She walked into the family room, sat down in the chair across from me, her scent finally reaching me. She had on tight jeans, black heeled boots and a white sweater, her hair was pulled back tight in a ponytail. No matter how much I tried not to think of Ashley in a sexual way, it did no good.

I jumped up quickly, it was time to go.

"Let's go get Jasmin," I said.

I followed her out of the back door, locking it, then opening her door, letting her in. I could tell she was really impressed by the car, even though it was a loaner. I opened the door and climbed in the driver's seat.

"This is a beautiful car Brian. ", Ashley told me, as I started the engine.

"If you like this, wait till you see my 750Li. It puts this thing to shame.", I replied.

I pulled out of the drive and headed across town to Jasmine's house. We got there quickly, although it did take me a second to remember which house. Ashley decided to wait in the car while I went to the door. I rang the bell, the door opened quickly, it was Jasmine's father.

"Why hello Brian, Jasmin told me you would be here to get her.", he said, extending his hand to me.

"Hello Mr. Thomas, it's nice to see you again sir.", I replied.

He asked me to step inside for a moment, he called up the stairs for his daughter., He turned back to me, a smile on his face.

"You've been playing really well Brian, I have watched most of your games. I have the complete league package on satellite TV. The catch against Kansas City was incredible.", he said.

"Thank you sir, but that last one, well I just got lucky.", I answered.

"Maybe, maybe not, but it was still a hell of a catch.", he replied.

Just about that time Jasmin came down the stairs, she looked really nice. She had on jeans as well, with a red blouse, that was really tight, she had definitely grown into a woman.

"Hi Brian, where's Ashley ?", she asked.

"She is out in the car waiting.", I replied.

"Oh, well let's go then.", she stated, opening the door.

I followed her out of the door, down the walk to the car. I opened her door as well, she slid into the back seat. I walked back around, the ladies were still saying their hello's. I slid in the driver's seat, buckled up and we drove off. Fifteen minutes later, we were in the restaurant parking lot. We went inside, waiting at the small podium to be seated, it was fairly crowded. It took several minutes before the hostess made her way to us, a pleasant smile on her face.

"How many will be dining with us today," she asked.

"Three of us.", replied Ashley.

"Please follow me.", she answered, grabbing three menus from her station.

She led us to the middle of the room, by the time we had reached the table, I had recognized at least four people I knew. I waved hello to each of them, small town life really never changed. By the time our drinks were brought to us, I think the whole restaurant was caught up in what we were doing. I had learned somewhat to ignore it, but I could tell the ladies were a bit uneasy. Jasmin leaned across the table, speaking to me softly.

"Why is everyone staring at us so much ?", she asked.

Without batting an eye, a serious look on my face, I leaned in and whispered quietly to her.

"Ignore it, it comes with playing the game.", I answered.

We talked quietly among ourselves as we waited for our food, the appetizer came first. After the first twenty minutes or so, I finally had to ask the ladies to start a new topic other than football. They agreed and started talking about Ashley's classes this year and about Jasmine's job. I was relieved, I wanted a break from football. Inevitably though, Jasmin finally asked the question I knew was coming.

"Have you seen Courtney's parents since you've been back ?", she asked.

"No, not yet. I will probably go there tomorrow.", I answered.

"I still can't believe she's gone.", Jasmin stated softly.

I didn't respond, I didn't feel like getting into an emotional discussion. Ashley noticed, she quickly changed the subject. Our meal arrived and we spent the rest of the evening, enjoying our food and talking. We left the restaurant about nine o'clock, dropped Jasmin off at her place, then went back home. I made my way to the family room , turned on the TV and settled in on the sofa. Ashley came in a few minutes later, and sat in her usual seat. I handed her the remote, she flipped through a few channels, finally coming to a reality show that she enjoyed. We watched three straight, half hour episodes, before I decided it was time for bed. I told Ashley goodnight, then made my way down to my old bedroom. I closed the door, got undressed and climbed into bed. I set my clock for early in the morning, I had to go to Carl's gym to train, I could already feel my body reacting to the three days I had missed thus far. I fell asleep quickly, slept really well until the alarm went off. I got up quietly, dressed and made my way to the gym. I was only the second person in the facility, other than Carl the owner who waved to me from his office. Carl had always been very good to me, he was almost like family.

I began my usual routine, which started with a lot of stretching, iso and leg work before hitting the weights. By the time I was ready for the weight area, the gym was beginning to fill. As was usually the case, I noticed several people watching my every move. But then again, how many times would you really get to be this close to a professional athlete, in your own home town. As usual, I basically ignored it and went about my business, banging the plates around, following my usual circuit. I had just finished a set of shoulder presses with the barbells when Carl came over with a man about his own age.

"Brian, this is a very close friend of mine, Tim Wilkerson, he's the President of First Fidelity Bank. Tim, this is one of my star clients, Brian Stevens.", he said, introducing us to each other.

"Nice to meet you sir.", I replied, shaking his hand.

"Same here Brian, I have heard many good things about you from Carl, he is very proud of you, as well he should be. You have made this small town very proud.", he answered.

"Thank you sir, that's very kind of you to say, but I had a lot of help along the way.", I responded.

"Anything you need while you're in town, you let me know Brian.", he offered.

"Well actually sir, I do need to talk to someone about my home here in town, I know my Dad had the mortgage through your bank.", I answered.

"Yes he did Brian, but that was paid upon his death. He had taken out mortgage protection insurance, so the house has no lien on it. It's yours free and clear.", he said.

'Yes sir, I thought so. That's what I want to talk to you about. Could I come see you sometime in the next few days when I am in town ?", I asked.

"Sure, run by today some time, I have a light schedule, I can fit you in anytime before two o'clock. I am playing golf at three.", he replied.

"Thank you sir, I will do that.", I told him.

I went back to my workout, finished up in about an hour, packed up and left the gym, heading home. Ashley was up drinking coffee as I came through the back door, she must have just gotten up.

"Hey, you've already been to the gym huh ?", she asked.

"Yea, I had already missed three days, I had to go.", I replied.

I went to my room, grabbed some clean clothes, showered then dressed. I went back to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee, then sat at the table with Ashley.

"What do you have planned for today ?", she asked.

"Well, I have to go into town for a while, then I guess I am going to Mr. Timmon's house this evening, I can't leave town without seeing them.", I answered.

"No, you can't.", she replied, softly.

Ashley went on to tell me, she had to go run errands, then she was going to have to put her SUV in the shop, it was giving her problems. She was going to rent a car, while they had it. I told her not to bother with that, I already had this one rented, she could bring me back to the airport, keep it till her car was ready, then turn it in. It was on my credit card, I would pay for it. She objected, but as usual I paid no attention, the matter was resolved. I told her to go run errands, call me when she arrived at the dealer to drop off her car, I would pick her up.