A Game of Inches - Part Ten

Copywrite - 2012






I was beginning to come into my own, all the extra work with Josh was paying off in huge dividends. I had become one of his favorite receivers, especially in clutch situations. The more I spent time studying with him, the more my thoughts meshed with his. I had scored eight touchdowns on a total of fifty nine receptions thus far. Finally our bye week arrived, it was well needed. Several players needed the extra time to heal up, everybody was battered and bruised. We watched film that Monday, had a light workout on Tuesday, then we were dismissed until the following Monday morning. Since I had close to a week off, I decided to fly home for a couple of days and surprise Ashley. I caught the red eye out of LAX on Tuesday night, I would get in early Wednesday morning. I slept pretty well on the plane, until shortly before we arrived on the ground. I had only packed a small carry on bag, so I made my way straight to the car rental counter and inquired about a car. Being the Thanksgiving holiday and with no reservation, the only thing they had were high end expensive cars left. The only thing they had ready was a Mercedes E350, I had to take it. They brought me to the car lot, handed me my keys and paperwork, I hit the highway.

I arrived at my house, sometime around nine that morning, Ashley?s SUV was in the driveway. I walked around to the front door, ringing the bell, which I knew would catch her off guard. I heard someone scurrying behind the door, then the door open just a crack, Ashley peering out carefully.

?Oh my God, Briannnnnnnnnnnnn.?, she said, flinging the door open, jumping into my arms.

?Hey Ash.God it?s good to see you.?, I whispered in her ear.

I set her back down on the floor, as she straightened her short robe on her body. It was obvious she hadn?t been up long, but nonetheless, she was still adorable.

?Why didn?t you tell me you were coming ??, she screamed, excitedly.

?It was a last minute thing, we have the next five days off.?, I replied.

?Well come on in, I?m glad you?re here.?, she said, grabbing my hand.


I went in, went to my old room and tossed my bag on the bed. I went back to the family room and sat down with Ashley, she had a million questions. We lost track of time, before we knew it , the clock read twelve thirty. I was rather hungry, I suggested we go out and get a bite to eat. She quickly went into her room and dressed, she was back in a flash. As we exited the back door, she saw the rental car parked behind her SUV.

?Whoa hotshot, you living large huh ??, she laughed.

?They didn?t have much left, it was all they had other than a town car, they were both the same price.?, I told her.

We drove over to the diner, had a quick lunch, then headed back home. I dropped Ashley off at home then drove over to the gym to say hello to Carl, it had been well over a year since I had visted him. We talked for a while, catching up, the thanked me for stopping by. On the way back through town, I happen to pass the local bank, I pulled over into the parking lot. I was wondering, if perhaps Jasmin was still working in the bank, or perhaps she had moved on. I decided to pop in and check, it had been years since we had seen each other. I walked through the large glass double doors into the lobby area of the bank. I noticed a woman sitting at a desk in the middle of the lobby, the plate on her desk read ?Customer Service?, I figured she could help me. She noticed me as I was walking towards her.

?Yes sir, how can I help you today ??, she asked, smiling politely.

?Does Jasmin Thomas still work here mam ??, I asked.

?Yes sir, she does, she works in the financing department. She has an office upstairs. Do you have an appointment with her ??, she asked.

?Oh, no mam. I went to high school with her, I am back in town, I just wanted to say hello, no big deal.?, I replied.

?Let me ring her, whom should I say is here ??, she asked.

?Brian Stevens?, I answered.

She looked back up at me like she had been hit by a bolt of electricity, then reached over and pressed one of the many buttons on her large phone. After a few seconds, she spoke into the receiver.

?Ms. Thomas, there is a Brian Stevens here to see you.?, she said, softly.

She hung up the phone, then looked back at me, a smile on her face.

?Ms. Thomas will be right down.?, she told me.

?Thank you mam.?, I responded.

?You?re the Brian Stevens from here, the pro football player ??, she asked.

?Yes mam, I am.?, I answered.

Just at that time, I door open at the other side of the room, a beautiful young woman walked out. I could immediately tell it was Jasmin, but how she had grown. The once very pretty teenager, had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. She was dressed in a business suit, her hair had been cut a lot shorter than I had remembered it. She ran the last few steps jumping into my arms.

?Briannnnnnnnnn, Oh My God, what are you doing here ??, she squealed.

?Just came to see how you were doing. I?m in town for a few days, was passing by the bank, figured I would see if you were here.?, I answered.

?I can?t believe it, I watch you play every Sunday, at least when we can get the games here on TV. I saw the catch you made in the Kansas City game, my Dad went nuts, he was screaming so loud.?, she laughed.

All at once, with nothing being said, our eyes met, I knew we were both thinking the same thing. The joy and exuberance immediately went to sad and somber.She looked down for a second, then back at me.

?Brian, I am so sorry about Courtney. We all loved her, I miss her so much.?, she said softly, touching my hand.

?I know Jazzy, me too.?, I answered.

We talked for a few more moments, she promised to call me later that evening, maybe we could go out to eat or something, I told her that sounded nice. I left the bank and drove straight back home, Ashley was cleaning house. I went into the family room, sat down and looked around. I guess since being gone for a while, I noticed some things that I maybe had overlooked before. The house was beginning to show it?s age, it needed some repairs. I knew the house had long since been paid for, but I had no idea of its worth. As I was sitting there thinking, Ashley walked back into the room and sat down.


?It?s amazing at how dirty the house can get, and it?s just me here.?, she said.


?I was just thinking of the house , it?s funny you bring that up .?, I answered.

?You thought the house was dirty too ??, she asked, seriously.

?No, I was just thinking of how the house is showing it?s age.?, I laughed.

?Oh, ok.?, she answered.

?Ash, what are your long term plans, do you think you will stay in this town ??, I asked.

?Oh I don?t know, why do you ask ??, she responded.

?Well first, if you do plan on staying, I want you to have this house. I want to put it in your name.?, I told her.

?Oh Brian, I couldn?t do that, your father left you this house, it?s yours.?, she replied.

?Ash, I will never come back here to live, and in the remote chance I do, I wouldn?t live here, I would rather be right outside of town, have a lot more land.?, I told her.

?Then sell this, I can move.?, she offered.

?I don?t want to sell it, I want to give it to you, I sure as hell don?t need the money.?, I responded.

She sat there, I guess somewhat embarrassed that someone so young was offering her something she maybe felt she should already have purchased for herself. It was hard to get a read on what she was thinking, so I decided to press her a bit more.

?Look all I was thinking is, if you really think you will stay here, I will spend a few dollars and fix things up, then sign the house over to you.?, I offered.


?Oh no way, if anything gets fixed up, I will pay for it. That?s not open for discussion.?, she answered.

?Alright, I was just thinking out loud, but seriously Ash, I do want you to have the house. I know that?s what my Dad would have wanted as well.?, I said.

I let the conversation drop for now, I would handle it in my own time. I turned on the TV and began watching a movie that had just started. Several hours later, my cell phone rang, it was Jasmin.

?Hey Brian, what?s up ??, she asked.

?Nothing Jazzy, just watching TV.?, I answered.

?You wanna do something tonight ??, she inquired.

?Sure, why not ? What do you have in mind ??, I asked.

?I dunno, I just thought it would be nice to spend a little time catching up.?, she stated.

?How about we go to the Italian Gardens Restaurant across town, say maybe seven o?clock ??, I asked.

?That would be great, I would like that.?, she answered.

?Would it be ok if I asked Ashley to go with us ??, I asked.

?That would be nice, I haven?t seen her in a while.?, I responded.

?I?ll pick you up about seven.?, I told her, hanging up.

I went towards the back of the house looking for Ashley, she was in her room. I stuck my head in the door, she was sitting on the bed.

?Hey, we are going to dinner tonight at the Italian Gardens, be ready for six thirty. We have to pick up Jasmin Thomas, she will be joining us.?, I told her.


?Oh Brian, you kids don?t need me hanging around, you go out and have a good time. I?ll be fine.?, she answered.

?I know you?re fine, but you still have to be ready at six thirty.?, I laughed, turned and walked down the hall.

?Oh you?ll pay for that one buddy.?, she quipped back.

I took a shower about five, dressed in some nice jeans and a pull over knit shirt, then went back in 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 pony tail. 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 Jasmin?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 Jasmin?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 gain 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 dining with us today.?, she asked.

?Three of us.?, replied Ashley.

?Please follow me.?, she answered, grabbing three menu?s 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 eyes, 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?s 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 Jasmin?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 shouler 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 already been to 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.

I left and headed into town to meet with Mr. Wilkerson at the bank. I was quickly ushered into his office, he was between meetings. I sat down and explained to him what I had in mind. I explained to him that I felt Ashley should have the house, truthfully I would never move back into it. Money was not an issue, so giving her the housefelt like the right thing to do. He told me that he felt that was an admirable gesture on my part, the paper work was a mere formality. I asked if it could be done without Ashley?s knowledge. He said it certainly could, although once the deed and title was transferred to her, she would have to sign to accept. I told him to proceed with the paperwork, since I had no idea where the original papers were, he told me the bank kept copies of everything, he could work from those. I thanked him for his time, gave him my phone number and asked him to call me when everything was finalized. I then left went back home , relaxed for a while waiting on Ashley?s call. I decided to call Mr.