Chan: No worries. We’re on our way now. See you in ten.
Madi got on her phone, calling her father so he could be in attendance, too.
She was heading up the elevator to his office to greet him when her phone buzzed.
Brett: I’m home :-) Wanna do lunch?
Madi couldn’t contain her smile and texted back with, “Absolutely! Meet me here at noon. :-*.”
She hugged her father, who complemented her dress—a simple, crimson Vera Wang V-neck. She thanked him, and they entered the boardroom with just enough time to get seated before Quillan and Chan joined them.
She was unprepared for the six-foot-six-inch dreamboat clad in a gray suit and blue tie who walked through the door. She even came close to stumbling as she moved forward to shake his hand, but was able to right herself just in time to keep from launching herself into his chest.
Quillan Layton was tall, deeply tanned, dark, and gorgeous. He had eyes the color of caramel, jet black hair, thick eyebrows and a trim beard that covered a square jaw.
“Mr. Layton, it’s a pleasure.” Her father stated, looking up to the tight end.
“I assure you, Mr. Taylor, the pleasure is all mine.” Quil shook her father’s hand then turned to Madi, giving her a bright smile that made her knees weak.
“This is my daughter, our CEO and VP, Madison Thomas.”
“Wow, you’re even more beautiful in person, Mrs. Thomas. I was so sorry to hear about Hunter. Truly.”
Madi’s heart tore at his words. Would she ever get used to hearing people apologize for the death of her husband? She shook it off and smiled back. “Thank you, Mr. Layton. And my condolences on the death of your wife, as well.” She gave him a look that only the victims of loss can understand. He held her gaze for a moment before giving her a subtle nod.
“Please, call me Quil, señora.” His handshake was firm before he pulled his hand back, and Madi motioned for them to sit.
Her father started the conversation off thanking them for reaching out, stating how grateful he was, talking about the stats of their team and all the necessary jargon before he gave the floor over to Madi.
Madi then proceeded to run down her mental checklist, asking what Quil needed from the team, what he planned to contribute, how long he planned to stay, where he saw himself in the coming years, etc.
Quillan informed them that he was a single father who’d planned to stay home with his daughter until she inspired him to come back. She’d been diagnosed as a baby with a rare blood disorder that required her to be in the hospital frequently. Her strength in fighting this condition had made him realize he wasn’t quite done in the NFL. It was amazing how much hope Madi took from his words, and she found herself tearing up as he talked about his love for his child. He simply wanted another chance to prove himself on the gridiron. He knew their team was all about family and wanted to be a part of what they were doing.
“I want you to know that I don’t intend to replace Hunter. I know that isn’t possible. I only wish to be a valuable asset to a team that’s well on the way to their next Super Bowl. I saw what your boys did last season. I was impressed, inspired, hopeful… and I want in. I want to be a part of your organization.” Quillan gave a nod, and Madi and her father followed, smiling.
Quillan Layton was a beacon of hope in their sullen world, and Madi was ready to get him signed. She smiled at her father, who seemed to share her feelings.
They talked longer than originally intended, bringing up old stories, family, the team values, how they ran things, and what they expected from each of their players. Each topic brought deep talk from either herself or Quillan. Madi felt confident that he was going to be among one of their elite.
She was taken off guard when a knock came at the door frame. Brett, clad in a light green Ralph Lauren polo and dark khakis, grinned at her and waved.
Her excitement at seeing him overruled her professionalism as she ran at him, threw herself into his arms, and greeted him. He laughed even as he returned her hug, and they both blushed when her father cleared his throat.
“I apologize. Quil, this is—”
“Brett McFadden. Wow! Zeus in the flesh. Nice to finally meet you, jefe.” Quil stood and shook Brett’s hand.
Brett smirked the term Zeus off as he always tended to do. “I’ve heard great things about you, Quillan.”
“Likewise. I’m eager to join your ranks, man.”
Madi had a thought then. “Would you like a quick tour, Quil? I’m heading down to the locker room before Brett and I have lunch. Which, we’d love for you to join us!”
“Oh, of course. I’d be honored.”
Brett looked put-off but quickly recovered with a nod.
Chan and her father stayed behind to discuss more numbers, and their team lawyer headed in then while the three of them got into the elevator. The two men had a stare-off, sizing the other up, Brett seemed especially charged with tension for some reason that Madi couldn’t pinpoint. He’d just met the man, were they seriously comparing penis sizes? Why did men do that? Sheesh.
“And here we are, Quil. ‘The Colosseum,’ as the boys like to call it.” Madi laughed as she showed Quillan around. Brett just followed, big arms crossed over his chest.
They moved through the training and rehab area, the spas and meditation rooms, workout room, and finally the locker rooms before she showed him out to the outdoor practice fields. He seemed happy with what he saw, and soon, they were coming back into the air-conditioned locker room.
Quil heard his phone ding and excused himself. “I gotta take
