End Zone (SEU #3)

[ 08 ] WORK-OUT

END ZONE

[ 08 ] WORK-OUT

MATTEO

My phone rang on the nightstand table and I sighed in my sleep, palming my face as I turned to face the noise. Unsure of what time it was, I grabbed the iPhone and rubbed my eyes to see clearly. Todd Wilson's name flashed across my screen. I'd given him a call this week, hoping he'd get back to me as soon as he got back in town so we could talk about the current arrangement with Brigette.

I immediately got myself up, moving Tosha's leg aside that previously rested in between mine.

I searched the bed for my boxers as I was in the nude from the previous night spent with my wife. Once I found the pair of boxers, I slid them on and answered the call before it went to voicemail.

I snuck around the room carefully until I made it to our balcony and opened the door.

"Hello? Todd?" I spoke, finally, leaning against the edge of the railing as the windy morning air blew past my bruised skin.

"Four! My favorite player, soon-to-be father and now we can add actor to the list!" Todd's corporate automated voice pierced through my ear over the phone. "I mean, man, listen. I didn't think you had it in you but I'm surprised with your work on set. Brigette has kept me informed while I was on my business trip."

I visibly frowned at the mention of her name and sighed, but Todd didn't seem to catch my discomfort as he kept rambling on.

"Now, tell me. Adding Brigette to the team was probably one of the best decisions I've made for your career. Am I right or am I right?" He said smugly,

My frown deepened. "Yeah, she's been holding things up while you were gone. But I wanted to–"

"She sure has. I mean, the things we have lined up for your career is going to be life changing. Look, Four, we want you to be the next star! We're going to take this thing bigger than just football! We want to get you in doors like Dwanyne Johnson! A household name!"

It was too early for his enthusiasm.

"Todd, I'm sorry, man. I just woke up. It's pretty early."

He immediately switched his tone. "My God, Four, I just landed off the plane and you were the first on my list to give a call back. Look, I'm going to try to get some rest today but I want you to stop by my office when you get a chance later today after lunch. We have so much to go over for your future."

"That sounds good. I have an early morning workout and then I'll be able to head over there. But Todd, I really do need to talk to you about something. It's best if we speak face to face." I told him seriously, knowing that I needed to share my concerns about Brigette, especially since Tosha had found rumors about her sleeping with previous clients in the industry and stepping into more than what her job description entailed to be.

However, he sounded delirious over the phone. "I hear ya, I hear ya! We'll meet at lunch. I'll talk to you later, man."

"Later," I said and we ended the call.

I sighed to myself and shut my eyes, hoping that this didn't blow into something bigger than it was. I simply needed to get rid of Brigette once and for all and move on with my career. I was sure that Todd would have a replacement up his sleeves that would fill in perfectly and we could continue work as regular.

I slid the balcony door opened and stepped back into my bedroom.

I was surprised to see Tosha awake, her head resting on her arm as her thick curls framed her face.