CHAPTER 83

Both of the men made one last pitch to sell us the Escalade, stating that they could probably go down a little more on the price. I thanked them, promising them I would keep it in mind. We climbed back in Alexis' car, drove across town to the dealership she had bought her vehicle from. She quickly found her salesman, they greeted each other with a quick hug. She then introduced me to Gary, asking him to show me what he had available. I followed Gary down the aisles of vehicles, until we came to several 750 Li Models. My eyes immediately went to the Sapphire Metalic Black Model, with the low profile performance tires and the gorgeous chrome recessed wheels. I walked over to the driver's door, opened it to find a champagne interior, trimmed in wood grain. As I slid into the driver's seat, I was surprised to find how comfortable the seat was once I adjusted it back.

We took a quick test ride, I knew within the first block, this was one fine machine. By the time, I made it back to the lot, I wanted this car. We went into the office and Alexis helped me negoiate a really nice deal considering the stocker price on the car. I asked Gary if I could return tomorrow with a check, he agreed saying he would have the vehicle cleaned and ready to go.

Alexis dropped me off at my hotel, I thanked her for all of her help. I woke early the next morning, went straight to early morning practice, finished up then headed to the hotel. I called Gary at the dealership, he informed me they had completely detailed the vehicle it was ready to go. I told him I still had a rental, so there was no way I could pick up the car right then. He quickly offered to drive to my hotel and pick me up.

About two hours later, I pulled out of the dealership in my first new car. I went back to the hotel, called the rental service, telling them they could pick up their SUV at anytime. They promised to have someone over by five, which they did. That night as I laid in bed, I shifted gears and started thinking about a permanent place to live.

We started practicing twice a day the week before our first preseason game. I was getting my fair share of repetitions, but it was clear so far, Billy Huber was still the starter, but it was closer than he wanted it to be. One thing that greatly helped me, everyday after practice Josh would spend time with me explaining various coverages that were being used, showing me how to exploit them. He was basically showing me what he looked for when he scanned the field, if he could get me in the same frame of mind, it would make things a lot easier. Every day after practice, we spent at least an hour to an hour and a half, working on everything from basic route running, to knowing when to break off a route and adjust to the ball. One thing we practiced religiously was the back shoulder throw. Josh was good at it, add my height and jumping ability, it was next to impossible to defend. Several times during our extra sessions, I noticed Coach Reed watching from the large glass window in his office over looking the field. I'm not sure what he actually thought about what we were doing, he never mentioned a word to me.

We had our first preseason game at home in our stadium against Chicago, it was a sloppy game on both sides. I was in the lineup for a total of eleven plays, I had one reception for eight yards. I missed at least four blocking assignments, and missed a blitz pickup that resulted in a sack. I came out of the game learning one thing for certain. To play at this level, with the speed and size of the players, you had no time to think. If you weren't prepared to instantly react, the opportunity was over.

The following day at practice, we watched the game film from the day before, then met with our position coaches and coordinators. I received my fair share of criticism, but it was well deserved, I had an awful game. We practiced hard the rest of the week, then flew to Miami on Thursday for our game that weekend.

We played somewhat better than week one, I felt I had improved somewhat on my blocking, I had three catches for a total of thirty four yards. I was still having problems adapting to the unbelievable speed of the game at this level. Several times after a catch I turned up field, it appeared I would have room to run. Just that quickly a defensive player would close the gap and make the tackle. I had a total of eighteen plays in all, but we still had lost two in a row. I knew it was only preseason, but I could tell no one was happy.

We arrived back home early Sunday morning, we had the rest of the day off. I got back to the hotel, took a short nap, then called home and talked to Ashley for close to an hour. It was during my talks with Ashley I would miss being home, sometimes I felt so alone here. I then walked down the block to the small restaurant , grabbed a quick bite to eat, then walked back to my hotel. I had just walked back in the door when my cell phone rang, I answered it right away.

"Brian, this is Alexis, are you busy ?", she asked.

"No, I just got back from lunch.", I replied.

"Something has come up, I thought maybe you might be interested. A girl who lives in the building has accepted a temporary job in Spain. She will be gone for two years, but she is coming back. She wants to keep her condo, she is looking for someone to sublet it until then.", she started.

"She is very nervous about letting a real estate agent find someone, it's a really nice place. She mentioned it to me, I told her about you, if you're interested she would be willing to talk to you.", she continued.

"It's basically furnished, you wouldn't need much, other than your personal belongings, maybe a few dishes or so. Anyway, that's it, just thought I would throw it out there to you.", she ended.

"Sounds interesting, I have even started to think about finding a place yet and honestly this hotel room is getting old. How much is the rent, do you know ?", I replied.

"She is asking thirty five hundred a month, but I think you could get it for less if you're really interested.", she answered.

"I would like to see it, when would be a good time ?", I inquired.

"I'll go talk to her, then call you back.", she responded, hanging up.

Thirty minutes later Alexis called me, telling me that I could meet with her neighbor today, she seemed very receptive. She also added that she would be leaving the country in less than two weeks, so she was going to have to turn it over to a realtor soon. I took down the address, cleaned up, dressed and drove over to the complex. It was a very nice area, all upscale units, mostly young professionals it appeared. The condominium complex was gated, and very private. It had it's own large pool, spa and weight room. Every unit had two private parking spots, both were covered. I called from the parking lot to let Alexis know I was there, she told me to hang on she would be right down. I got out of my car, leaning against the side, looking around. Two young women were leaving the pool area walking towards me, both very attractive. They were both talking back and forth quietly, both looking my way. I heard a my name being called over my shoulder, I turned to see Alexis walking towards me. She was dressed in tight black shorts, a white tank top, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. This was the first time I had been around her in anything other than a business environment. I know I had to appear to be staring, but she was absolutely mind boggling. You could definitely tell she had been an athlete her entire life, the training showed. She had a small waist, strong shoulders and muscled arms. But her lower body was even more incredible. She had the best set of thighs I have ever seen on a woman. The definition and symmetry of her legs were amazing.

"Hey Brian, glad you could make it. Come on I will take you up to Jessica's place.", she said, waving her hand for me to follow her.

She turned and headed back in her original direction, I was right behind her. She looked as good walking away from you as she did coming towards you. She had a great ass, high and firm. I could tell she spent a lot of hours in the gym, this was a body that had to be maintained. I followed her up to the second floor of building two, made a sharp turn then down an open breezeway. As we passed unit number 204, she tapped on the door quickly and turned her head in my direction.

"This is me here.", she stated.

I continued to follow her two more doors down until we reached unit number 208, the last on the corner of the building. She lightly tapped on the door, it opened quickly. A very small framed woman, who appeared to be in her early forties, stood in the doorway.

"Hey Jess, this is Brian Stevens, the guy I told you about.", Alexis told her neighbor.

"Hello Brian, why don't you guys come in ?", replied the woman.

I followed Alexis into the condo, I closed the door behind me. The small entry hall led to a very large, open floor plan. There was a large main room, which was separated from the kitchen by a large bar area that had four stools on one side. The kitchen was extremely spacious, all the appliances were stainless steel.

"So Brian, Alexis tells me your new to San Diego. You play football here ?", she started.

"Yes mam, I do. It's my first year.", I replied.

"How do you like it out here so far ?", she inquired.

"I'm not sure really, I think I'm still homesick.", I laughed.

She began to basically tell me everything that Alexis had told me about her situation. She worked for a large corporate giant, she was being sent to Spain to open a new office, staff and train the workers. She would be gone at least twenty four months, possibly a bit longer. She loved her condo, didn't want to sell it, but basically she was in a tough spot. The condo board would not allow her to leave it vacant, but they would also have to approved any tenant she sublet to.

"Before we go any further, let me show you the rest of the unit.", she said.

I followed her to the master bedroom which was huge and beautifully decorated, with an incredible master bath adjoining it. There were two other smaller bedrooms, one she had as a guest room, the other was an office. The unit was close to twenty five hundred square feet, it was extremely clean and well maintained.

"So what do you think ?", she asked, as we made our way back into the main room.

"It's very nice Ms. Jessica, I really like it.", I answered.

"Please, no need to be so formal, call me Jess.", she asked.

"Forget it Jess, this boy was raised old school, he is not like these young guys today.", she laughed.

"Well if you want it, it yours, provided the condo board accepts you. I'll need you to sign an agreement that if any of my furniture or appliances get damaged or destroyed, you will be responsible for them. The rent was going to be thirty five hundred, but I am fine with three thousand even, if you agree to stay until I return.", she stated.

"That's fine with me mam.", I said, shaking her hand.

"Oh, I'm not sure you noticed but theres no TV here. I don't own one, I never watch it. I do have the cable hookup right here, you will have to buy your own.", she laughed.

"That's fine Ms. Jessica.", I replied.

"By the way, just how big are you ?', Jessica asked

"Almost six foot seven, about two hundred sixty five pounds.", I replied.

"Oh baby, the girls around here are gonna go crazy over you.", she laughed.

We all went down to the main office for the complex and even though it was Sunday, there was someone taking care of the office. Jessica secured the necessary paperwork to present to the board on my behalf, we then walked back out to my car. I promised her I would drop the papers off the following day after practice, so she could get everything going.

"Wow, that's a beautiful car Brian.", she said, admiring my new purchase.

"Thanks Ms. Jessica, Alexis knew the dealer, she's a big help.", I replied.