Page 97 of Hidden Plays

TWENTY-ONE

JORDAN (JJ)

Afew months later, I strolled into my hotel room at the combine in Indianapolis, exhausted from a day of proving my worth and showing off my skills. In my team sweats, I strolled to the window and gazed across the parking lot at the Lucas Oil Stadium, lit against the dark sky, and reflected on the last few months. Everything had worked out, and my relationship with Dad had never been better. My parents had invited Holden’s family for Christmas, which helped them since Holden’s brother had still been in treatment. Our families seemed destined for each other.

Thanks to my agent and my uncle, I’d met with the Cardinals’ coaching staff my first day here and had expressed my desire to stay in Arizona and play for them. It helped I was already a star player with ASU, and the fan base would follow me.

My phone buzzed on the bed, and I strolled over to it. “Henry Cowden.” With a grin, I answered the call. Hopefully, he’d have more good news for me. I was unstoppable.

“JJ?” Henry asked.

“Yeah, this is JJ.” Henry was finally using my nickname.About time. I sat on my bed with my back against the pillows and the headboard.

“I have good news. The Cardinals requested your information.” He chuckled. “I have a good feeling about this.”

“They have?” I sat up in bed, my spine straight. “That’s great news. Is there anything else I can do to sweeten the deal?” Like maybe express my desire to play with themagain?

“No, I think we’re good there,” he said. “But JJ, I’ve also gotten a request from Baltimore.”

My heart sank. I’d met with them briefly, but given them no sign I’d want to play with them. “Okay, so what does this mean?”

“Well, the Cardinals pick first. If they don’t pick you, then I guess you’ll go with Baltimore.”

I slumped my shoulders. Draft day would be a nail-biter. “But the Cardinals will pick me, right?”

“You know as well as I, there are no guarantees. I think your odds are good, but it depends on the organization.”

“Okay.” I scoffed a sigh. I had another month to wait this out. “Thanks, Henry.”

“You’re welcome.” He paused. “JJ, relax. I’m sure you’ll get your spot with the Cardinals, and we’ll negotiate a great deal.”

“Thanks, man.” I jumped off the bed. “Talk to you soon.” It was time to call Holden.

“Yes, bye now.” The call ended.

I called Holden, put the phone on speaker and waited through three rings. Where was he? It was a Saturday night. Was he out?

“Hello?” Holden asked, breathless.

“What are you doing?” I paced the room in front of the window, peeking at my reflection.

“I’m out with Noel.” His smile carried through the phone. “We’re having a nice dinner at your favorite place, Postino’s.” He chuckled. “Noel’s drinking a Coke. Turns out he hates wine, so it wasn’t triggering for him.”

“Hi, JJ,” Noel said in the background.

“Put me on speaker.” Fucking hell, of course he was with Noel. The two had been inseparable since he’d gotten out of treatment. I rubbed my forehead, a grin teasing my lips.

“Okay, you’re on speaker,” Holden said.

“So, I just spoke with Henry, and he says the Cardinals asked for more information about me.” I waited, my grin breaking across my face. “I guess Baltimore asked for info too, but the Cardinals are picking first.”

“That’s outstanding, JJ,” Noel said. “Tell him, Holden.”

“Shh,” Holden said.

“Tell me what?” I stalked across the room. I couldn’t sit still during this conversation.

“I got an internship with the Cardinals over the summer. They called me this morning.” Holden sucked in a breath.