So I said nothing. Instead, I followed along as Chase read the article out loud. But my thoughts weren't with him. My mind was still on all that I wanted to happen between us. I didn't know which way I would eventually go. My doubts were as hazy as a cloud.
Chapter 7
Touchdown!” I heard a man in the stands behind me holler.
“A solid catch by Chase Farr,” came over the intercom.
I sprang to my feet and screamed. Chase had done it! He had made his starting debut a success. That eighty-yard catch was his third reception for a touchdown in this game.
With under a minute left in the fourth quarter, it looked like the Seattle Storm would win their first game of the season. And Chase was responsible for most of the action.
My new friend Shay Smith gave me a high five as we sat back down.
“Way to go!” she shouted as we settled back into our seats.
I laughed because she'd said that as if I had caught the ball. But I knew she was excited for me, just as I had been when her beau caught the only other touchdown in the game. We were two proud women.
Several other folks sitting in the players' section gave us thumbs-up. We even received smiles from the three wives who had been so rude to us at the luncheon.
When the game clock ran out, we were all standing on our feet and cheering as the final score gave the Storm their first win. With a throat sore from screaming, I rushed to the locker room, wanting to be the first to congratulate my friend.
But when Chase sauntered out of the locker room, almost thirty minutes later, I couldn't get anywhere near him. Reporters and fans swarmed around him, so I stood back and smiled. Chase deserved this.
As the crowd began to disperse, I moved closer, wanting to get my turn at Chase. Just as I got close, a voluptuous chick, with hair weaved down to her butt and wearing the tightest black miniskirt I'd ever seen, pranced up to Chase. Wordlessly, she took a piece of paper out of her low-cut blouse and shoved it into his hand.
I squeezed between her and Chase.
“Hey, baby, great game. You ready to go?” I planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Excuse me, girl, but we were talking,” the floozy said, swinging her hair into my face.
Chase took my hand. “She's with me,” he said. “I don't think I'll be needing this.” He graciously handed her the piece of paper. Then he placed his arm around my waist and walked me out of the dome.
Although we were only steps away from his car, it still took almost an hour to get there. Players, coaches, reporters, and fans constantly stopped us, wanting to offer their congratulations or to get an autograph. It didn't bother me. Chase had waited a long time for this. It was his time to sparkle.
Still, I was eager to be alone with him. I knew today that I could no longer hide what I was feeling. He was definitely the total package—the type of man I wanted to spend my life with. Even though I'd known this for several weeks, today all of my emotions seemed to converge.
I stood back and watched him with the fans. His dream had emerged, but that wasn't what made him so attractive. It was the glow that he wore, not from his football victory, but from the favor he had from God that allowed those dreams to come true. God was smiling down on Chase because he never doubted what God could do.
Granted, there were several more games to be played before Chase could be considered a true player in this league. But this amazing game—with almost three hundred receiving yards, some tremendous catches that others would have dropped and one snatch from a cornerback that probably would've been an interception—showed that Chase Farr was on his way to stardom.
By the time we got to the car, I was ready to show my own appreciation. I gave him an enormous hug. When I tried to pull back, he held me close and I relented. Neither one of us wanted to let go.
Keeping his arms around me, Chase whispered, “Today was a great day for me. But a lot of what I needed to succeed was given to me when I glanced into the stands and saw your gorgeous face smiling at me. I was in the zone.”
I held my breath as he held me closer.
“I love you, Zoe,” he whispered into my ear.
It only took a moment for our lips to meet. It was a soft, sweet, innocent kiss, filled with passion that we'd both kept hidden away.
He loved me, and I loved him. This felt so different from anything I'd ever experienced. And this wasn't the beginning stages of a budding romance. This was full, blossoming love.
When he finally leaned back, tears slid down my face. I was overcome by the love I could feel from him.
“Baby, don't cry,” he said.
“How can I not?” I replied as more tears flowed. “Just a few weeks ago I thought love was over for me. But God is so good. He knew what He was doing when He let Devyn leave me. I'm so happy right now.” I took his hand in mine and kissed his palm. “I love you too, Chase, and you're a blessing I don't deserve.”
He smiled at me. “We all deserve God's blessings.”
I shook my head. “Look at my history with Devyn. That wasn't how God expects dating to be.” I paused and stroked Chase's precious face. “Yet, despite how messed up I am, God gave me a tremendous blessing. I am so full of love for both you and God right now.”
Chase's soft dark brown eyes caressed me with his love. The kind of love every girl longs to experience. The kind of love every girl expects to have only once in a lifetime. And I knew that this was the true kind of love that God wanted me to experience.
Over the next two weeks, Chase continued to play amazing football. It was a whirlwind of success, with fans cheering, the press calling, and through it all, Chase loving me. I was the most blessed woman in the world.
And even though Chase was very affectionate with me in public, we made no formal announcement about our relationship. So, I wasn't very surprised when a lady from the public-relations department for the Seattle Storm called me for an interview. I had heard that players' significant others never work in the front office. Rightfully so, I guess. But what would happen now? When I'd applied for the job, Chase and I were just friends. Now we were much more than that. I was nervous. If they knew Chase and I were involved, surely I wouldn't get the job. And I really wanted it. I was tired of letting him make our way.
“You're going to be terrific, sweetheart,” Chase said to me when I told him my concerns. “They are gonna want you because you're good. So what if they find out. I want the whole world to know that you're my woman!”
By the time I sat down with Kelly Wallace, I felt better. And when she asked me that first question, I knew I'd be all right. The questions were simple, easygoing: How did I like Seattle? What were the major differences between Seattle and Miami? I was relieved that she kept the interview to what I wanted to do; I wouldn't have felt too comfortable talking about my personal life.
“So, what are you doing here in Seattle?” Kelly asked.
I sighed. “I'm still searching for the perfect job.”
“What are you interested in doing?”
“Actually, I have a degree in public relations and I really hope to work in the field.”
Kelly snapped her notepad shut. “You know what, Zoe? I think I might have an opportunity for you. We don't have anything open in that department here, but…”
In minutes, she gave me the details and set me up for an interview with Blanche Wright, a sharp-tongued Bo Derek look-alike. Blanche was a private party-planner who gave some of the hottest shindigs in Seattle.
That same day, I went to Blanche's work address, and she and I were only ten minutes into my interview when Blanche said, “Zoe, I like your style. You're hired.”
I wanted to jump up and kiss her. But instead, I remained in one of the two leather chairs in front of her desk. “Thank you, Blanche. I'll do a good job for you.”
“You'll get paid by the job,” Blanche explained. “But you don't have to worry. There is plenty of work.”
This job would be better for me than working for the Storm anyway,
I thought. I can still do what I love, and Chase and I won't have to keep our relationship a secret.
The first weekend after I started, I helped Blanche do the grand opening for a chic local restaurant. For just that project, I received $1,200. Next, we dedicated a library, and I got $800. I was ecstatic.
I was even more excited when Blanche called me into her office and told me that we would be doing the governor's ball.
“You'll make three grand for this,” Blanche said nonchalantly.
“Three thousand dollars?” I wanted to make sure that she hadn't made a mistake.
Blanche grinned. “Don't worry, honey. You'll earn every penny.”
I didn't care how hard I had to work. At that rate, I'd soon be making more money than Chase!
A few weeks later, I was dressing for the governor's ball in a body-fitting silver gown that was both elegant and sexy. I waited in the living room for Chase to come out of his bedroom. Not only was he going to be my escort, but he was also a guest speaker.
I turned when I heard his footsteps. I whistled and he grinned.
“You look good,” I said, licking my lips playfully.
He bowed slightly and said, “You don't look bad yourself.”
I twirled, knowing that I looked good. “You like?”
He nodded.
I loved the way he looked at me.
A limousine took us to the hotel, and when we arrived, the entryway was filled with other limousines and cars dropping off guests. It was going to be an elegant affair, with politicians and other dignitaries mixing with many of the athletes from the Storm and the other Seattle teams. At the entryway to the ballroom, I paused, taking in the sight of the white-and-gold decorated room.
Chase pointed to the ice sculpture of a wave sitting in the center of the buffet table. “That is gorgeous.”
We walked closer to the table. “Do you like it?” I said. “I figured with all the excitement about the Storm, I'd get a sculpture with the team's logo.”
“Sweet!” He looked around the room. “Did you do all this?”
I nodded. “A lot of the decorations were my idea. Working with Blanche is great. She's allowing me to blend my personal taste with her flair. It's a cool mix.”
“Come here,” Chase said in a romantic tone, putting his arm around my waist. “There's something I forgot to tell you.” He placed his lips near my ear. “The sculpture is beautiful,” he whispered, “but it doesn't have anything on you. Baby, you got it goin' on. You look great.”
I smiled, inside and out. “You look mighty fine too,” I said. “You could be a model.”
I floated through the evening, mixing with the guests and making sure that everything proceeded smoothly. I even had the chance to pause and listen when Chase spoke.
He didn't want me to hear his speech ahead of time. The only thing I knew was its title, “Staying Afloat When the Waters Are Raging.” He did a fantastic job with his address. It was basically the story of how he made it to the NFL, and it was so inspirational.
As I watched him onstage, I had another fantasy. I imagined running up to him, pushing the mike away and kissing him like he'd never been kissed before.
I shook my head. What is wrong with me? Oh, how I want that man!
After his speech, Chase was flooded by guests wanting to offer their congratulations, wanting to tell him how excited they were to have him with the Storm.
I stood to the side, wanting to watch him as he stood in his glory.
“You know what? You are the Storm!” one man exclaimed.
Others around Chase agreed, but he didn't. Chase shook his head. “No, this is definitely a team effort.”
I smiled with pride. There was no denying that Chase had made the difference on that team. Since he joined, the offense was doing better than ever, averaging thirty points a game. They had won four games in a row.
“Chase, you can be modest if you want to,” the man continued. “But come on, tell us your secret.”
Chase lowered his head, just a bit. “There's no secret. Any success I have is due to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Every victory I help the team achieve comes from the Lord.”
At those words, I walked to the back of the ballroom. I was sure that Blanche was looking for me and I had heard enough. Those words were the reason why I was so in love with that man.
October 13th was the seventh game of the season and Chase went off by himself—again. He was taking our relationship slowly, and I knew God was guiding his steps. That should have been enough for me. But I longed for things to go a little faster.
Still, I was excited about the game and made plans for Shay and Fawn to come over to our apartment to watch the game on TV. I was grateful for the support and friendship of Shay and Fawn. Over the weeks, we'd become closer.
“I don't know why I'm so nervous about this game,” I said as I placed a bowl of potato chips on the table.
“Girl, you don't have a thing to be nervous about.” Shay laughed. “Your man is a star! And next week you don't have to be stressed because it's a bye week.”
I laughed with Shay, but I still shook inside. I realized that any game could be Chase's last. There was always the possibility that he could have a bad day or get injured.
“Can the winning streak continue?” the announcer asked as I turned up the TV's volume just minutes before the game was to begin. “Since Chase Farr got on the field, the Seattle Storm have been unbeatable. But is there any reason to believe that their luck will continue? Is this guy really a diamond in the rough? Before this season, no one had ever heard of this bench rider from the University of Miami. But we sure have heard of him now.”
The announcer's words made me feel even more uneasy. Shay and Fawn chatted as I watched the Storm, then San Diego, taking the field. I said a quick, quiet prayer as the captains did the coin toss and sighed when San Diego got the ball first.
That's not a good sign, I thought.
I was right.
During the first three quarters, Chase dropped two passes and fumbled one sure catch, which was picked up by San Diego and run back for a touchdown. I saw the dejection in Chase's face when a camera zoomed in for a close-up of him. All I wanted to do was reach through the television and put my arms around him.
“It looks like the honeymoon is over for Chase Farr,” the announcer said. It almost sounded as if he were chuckling, enjoying Chase's demise.
It was all I could do to hold back my tears.
Fawn noticed my anguish. “Oh, come on, Zoe. It's not that serious. This is just one game.”
Her words released my floodgates. Tears started to flow.
Shay put her arm around me and handed me a tissue. “You can't go crying just 'cause your guy's not doing well.”
“It's not the stupid game,” I blubbered. “I just want him so bad, and I don't know what to do.”
“You've already got him, girl,” Fawn said.
“But I want us to be . .. together.” I sniffed into the tissue.
“You mean physically?” Shay asked as if she were surprised.
“Yeah.” I pointed to the screen. “Look at him. He's so fine! I think about being with him all the time!”
“I know what you mean, girl,” Shay said, shaking her head. “I think about being with Byron all the time. Well, at least I used to.” Shay looked down at her finger and at the huge rock on it, which her guy had just given her last week. “Then I started praying about it, and God let me know that our time would be coming soon. So now, I think about other things in our relationship, and now it doesn't bother me so much.”
Through my tears, I sighed with relief. I wasn't sure what Shay and Fawn would think once I said that I wanted to be with Chase. In the past, I'd known people who were Christians, and many times, I found them to be judgmental. So, I was glad to know that Shay had experienced the same feelings I had.
It was also good to know that I could be real with Shay and Fawn.
“But don't you think h
e needs…you know, to be intimate?”
“You are so naive, Zoe,” Fawn said. “Do you really believe a guy needs to have it? That if you don't give it up, he's gonna go out there and sleep with the first thing that walks his way?”
I hadn't said any of that, but I was amazed that Fawn knew exactly what I'd been thinking. I knew it was only a matter of time before some woman caught Chase's eye. And, with her, he might suddenly decide not to wait.
I said, “Well, that's true of most of the guys I've ever known.”
Shay laughed.
“I mean, I'm sure he's at least thinking about it. He is a man, after all. You know what I'm saying?” I giggled, wiping my tears away.
Fawn stared at Shay and me. “Personally, I don't think that's funny.” She crossed her arms in front of her. “You need to get your mind off that.” She paused. “One of the reasons you might be thinking a lot about being with Chase is because you're living here with him. The best thing for you to do is to stop living together.”
I forgot all about my tears and I looked at her with wide eyes.
“It was one thing when you and Chase were just friends,” Fawn continued. “But now that you guys are dating, this sort of arrangement is shacking.”
“How can it be shacking when my room is clear on the other side of the apartment?” I argued.
“You're still in the same house. You said you think about being with Chase all the time. If you keep this up, you're going to end up having sex with him. The temptation is not going to go away.”
I shook my head. “We're fine—”
“This will put a strain on your relationship,” Fawn interrupted me. “I know that's not what he wants.”
“How do you know what he wants?” My face grew hot.
“Because when he came over for dinner a few nights ago, Chase told Frankie that he wasn't interested in anyone. Frankly, I was quite surprised when you said you two were now dating.”
Inside, my heart pounded, but I tried to keep cool. “Maybe he just told your husband that because he didn't want our relationship out there. We agreed to keep it secret.”