Hail Mary Baby: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (14 page)

“
C
onway is that you
?” The crowd roared above me. They needed me, more than my team even, now more than ever. I threw my arms up in the air and ran to the coach.

“It’s me.” I mumbled. “Let’s fuck these Packers up.”

“You look like shit. I have half mind to send you back home. Where the hell were you?” His arms were crossed, his face strained. I could tell he was angry, but he also needed me.

“Out drinkin’.” I smiled. I was at the end of my ropes. I didn’t care anymore. I was going to win this game. End of story.

He pulled me in closer so that no camera could read our lips. “You come on my field and disrespect me like this? I’ve been there for you from the start, Conway, but this is fucking ridiculous. You’re lucky as hell I need you right now. If I didn’t, I’d send you home and recommend a permanent suspension.” He spit onto the field below him.

“Don’t worry, coach. I got this. Call him out.” I pointed to the second-rate quarterback they had thrown in on a whim.

The coach blew his whistle and motioned for him to come in. The kid gave me a look of disgust and I whispered, “Watch how a real player does it.” I ran out onto that field and never looked back.

In the huddle I came face to face with my demons. I looked everyone dead in the eye, one at a time, and took a sigh of relief. “It’s good to be on this field. Now, I know you all hate me. For good reason probably. But now’s not the time to go against me. We’re down by 14 points. By my calculations, that’s an easy fucking win. But you have to listen to me. You have to play ball. For the next few hours, are you with me? Will you stand next to me and lead these Packers to their graves?”

I looked around at the players. Charlie nodded. He said, “You’re a son of a bitch, you know that?”

“Shit. I know it.” I laughed.

“How many times are you going to come onto this field with apologies? We don’t need apologies or pep talks or nothing. We need to win.” Jimmy said.

“Then let’s win.” I smiled. “On three. Victory.” Our hands fell into the middle, one on top of the other. We are all in this together.

1-2-3 VICTORY!

Our hands flew into the air. Before we knew it, we were out on that field, eyes in front of us, dodging the some of the hardest defensive players the NFL has got. Pass after pass, run after run, we began to gain solid ground once again.

The sports commentators were eating this shit up.
“I can’t believe my eyes! Liam Conway, controversial as ever, is redefining what it means to be a football player. He is truly giving this game his all this morning.”

Fourth and long, we only had one real shot. I was still drunk, depressed, and angry, but when I got into the zone, there was no stopping me. “
HIKE!”
The ball came directly into my hands. I looked for Charlie. No, he wasn’t in the clear. Jimmy. Shit, it wasn’t looking good.

Three linemen were barreling towards me. Everything moved in slow motion now. The sound had grown filtered and almost non-existent. One guy’s hands were on my shoulders. I spun and broke free from his grasp.
Fuck
, I thought. Is this it? Is this what losing felt like?

I nearly fell to the field, losing my balance. But something kept me up on my toes. I decided my only chance was to make a run for it. I pushed one guy away from me, while ducking through the other’s outstretched arms. It was like running through a firefight. I only had one narrow path and if I didn’t make it, I would lose everything. They would take the ball and bring it to another touchdown.

Only 7 yards to go. I just needed that first down. One yard, two yard, three yard, four yards passed. One of the Packers wrapped his hands around my ankles. “No!” I screamed, dragging my feet. Another yard down.
Just stay up on your feet, dammit.
One more yard down.

Men were diving at me, coming from all angles. I was done for. I started to tumble, I reached my arms forward, and finally hit the ground. The crowd cheered above me. I tried to discern whether their cries were good or bad. I looked at the ball and then the referee, and it was called. I got my first down.

I threw my fist into the air ran back to the huddle. “Alright, second chance. Standard formation. Jimmy, you're going long. We’re cutting into their lead once and for all.” I said. He nodded. “Charlie, back me up out there. You'll be my bodyguard today.” We broke the huddle and decided to go for it.

I dropped back, eyes on the target. Jimmy gave me a nod as he turns, so I threw the ball with about as much force and speed as a bullet launched from a pistol. The catch was direct and smooth.
Touchdown!
It was hard to find a defensive team that could compete with my throw.

I high fived my teammates and walked to the sidelines. Coach Stevens shook my hand and playfully slapped my ass. I jumped forward. “You did good out there.”

“Yeah?” I unattached my helmet and ran my hands through my wet hair. “You don't want to take me out anymore? Sounds like a bad idea now don't it?”

“You're doin’ good. Just bring it home.” He said.

“Thanks coach.”

T
he game went as planned
. By dedicating ourselves to a strict wall of defense, as well as pushing strong offensive plays with the best players we had, we took the game home. Touchdown after touchdown. Throw by throw.

At the end of the game, I turned to look at the crowd. They were all just faces to me, every single one of them. Those faces chose to come out to see us win for their state, night after night. So far, we've lifted their expectations. So what do we get in return? Fast cars? Endless money and satisfaction?

I sat at the press conference after with that thought in mind. Laura. Most men would have given up by now. Something in me was pushing me to keep trying. Maybe I was deficient. Maybe I should have just let it go. Then again, that kind of thing wasn't for a guy like me. A real man keeps on fighting. A real man stands against the flames, despite the odds.

A reporter, some young graduate from Columbia, Harvard, or some other school of privilege, stood up and asked, “You had a rough start this season. What's changed inside of Liam Conway? What made you want to play better?” She listened attentively for my answer, notepad in hand.

“You mean besides wanting to win it all? The money? The cars? No, I'm joking. It's actually, uh, going to sound a bit cheesy. I met a girl worth fighting for. Unfortunately, we’re not together anymore, but she gave me hope. She made me realize my love for the game just as it was starting to slip away.” I said.

“Slip away? What do you mean by that?” She asked.

I scratched my head. It was embarrassing having a hundred microphones shoved in your face, waiting for your philosophical opinion on subjects you're barely qualified to answer. It’s all a part of the game, I guess. I just hoped Laura was watching.

“It's as simple as it sounds. I hate to admit this, but after winning that Super Bowl last year, my love for the game was slipping away. I love playing, but there's all this other stuff surrounding the sport that really has no place on the field. Secretly, I was ready to give up, ready to throw in the towel and leave forever.” Some of my teammates shuffled in their seats. One of the coaches coughed loudly. “Fuck it, I ain't afraid to speak my truth. This woman saved me. That's all. And now I'm giving all the remaining teams this warning: Watch your back. ‘Cause I'm coming for you.” The sounds of cameras clicking, laptop keyboards clacking, and smart phones bleeping could be heard all over the room.

Another reporter stood up and asked, “No fights today, huh?” I shrugged. I wasn't going to take the bait that easily. “I'm guessing the suspension made you think about what's at stake.”

“You guessed wrong.” I laughed and closed my eyes for a brief second. I had to decide how I would answer this one. “You know, there's a lot of tactics a player can use on the field to intimidate the other team. Using words is generally the weakest and easiest route to choose to do that.” I stopped myself short and took a deep silence.

“
C
are to elaborate
, Liam?”

At this point, I had left the bar and headed home. The press conference was on as I held Alex in my lap, sewing a pocket of his pants.

Liam smiled, giving the reporter that signature cocky look of his. “If one of the players fucked with me today out on the field, I would have pummeled him just like I pummeled that second-string loser last game. See, sometimes you guys with the cameras can't hear what is said out the field. Well, it just so happens that the guy I socked deserved it. That girl I love, the woman I mentioned earlier… He made a comment saying he was going to, well, he said he was going to do inappropriate things to her.”

The whole press whispered loudly. I felt my stomach drop. He was defending me?
Shit…

He continued speaking. The tone of his voice was sounding more humble by the second. “I just snapped. It's not that weird to blow up on the field. You in the press love it and the audience loves it too. This was different though. If a man is going to insult the woman I love, at least have the decency to say it to me when I'm on my feet. I'll still sock you in the teeth, but at least then it's a little fair to me.” He laughed. “No but really, people laugh when I say this out loud, but I'm done with all that fighting shit. I'm not one of those guys who is into punching people in the face every game. But if you insult the mother of my child, you better fucking expect to end up in the hospital.” He leaned back in his chair and said, “And one more thing…”

I hit the TV screen. “Oh, Liam…” He had a million excuses, but this time he actually sounded genuine.

Alex started to run around the house in excitement. “Liam! Liam!” He repeated, running in circles.

“Your dad is a jerk,” I began, rolling on the floor next to Alex. I laughed. “And I can't believe I'm saying this, but I really love him. I really do.”

Alex smiled, probably too young to understand the intricacies of love. Although, maybe not. Fact was, he and his dad were all I had left in my life as a constant. Even Katherine would someday leave me to pursue her own life and love. Liam was always there for me. Despite his character flaws, he had really changed into someone worth standing by. I couldn't believe he admitted to having a kid on national television. It wasn't exactly the best way to announce it, but it sure did make my cheeks grow hot with excitement.

“He was just protecting me. I thought he was reckless. I thought he was being selfish. I fought him hard. Oh, Alex. I think momma’s made a big mistake.” I said, chewing on my finger nails.

“Big mistake.” Alex said back to me.

“I, uh,” Liam continued, “I’d like to, uh, use this forum as a place to ask an important question. That is, if everyone is okay with that.”

There was a slow rumbling of whispering voices. He ignored them and chose to continue speaking. “On the off chance that she’s watching this on TV, there’s something important I’d like to ask you. Laura, you’re the love of my life. Since you met me I’ve been cocky, I’ve been shitty, and I’ve been downright irresponsible. But I
have
to tell you that that’s not me. Deep down, I’m someone different. I’m honest, good, and trustworthy. I know that seems impossible now, but if you just give me another chance, I’ll make it up to you tenfold. I love you, Laura. And, uh, will you...will you marry me?” The whole crowd of reporters and fans gasped.

“Who’s the mystery girl Laura?” One reporter yelled out. Another screamed from the back while standing on a chair to be heard, “Marriage? What about your bad boy image?”

“Fuck my bad boy image! It was you who created it. Not me.” He said, flipping the cameras off. “I’m out. See ya.” And just like that, he walked out of the press conference.

I grabbed my purse and threw a change of clothes inside. “Come on, baby. We’re going on a little trip to Massachusetts. It's time to get your dad back.” Filming would have to wait.

O
utside
, it was raining and chaotic. The winds were picking up high speeds and the stop lights were shaking against the force of the earth’s systems. A taxi cab stopped at the corner and its radio was blaring loudly out the man’s window.
“We have a major storm hitting the city, as well as upstate New York. It is advised you stay indoors as winds are gaining speed at a rapid rate.”

“Taxi!” I yelled. The cabbie got out of the car, holding his hat on against the wind.

He opened the door for us, yelling above the sounds of thunder and rain, “Inside! Inside!” He ran back to his seat and slammed the door.

“Thanks for taking us. Can you do long-distance trips?” I asked, hoping he would say yes. It was worth a try. All of the trains had been shut down because of the storms and the thought of taking a huge bus in this storm with my baby was frightening to say the least.

“No long distance.” The man said. “Only city.”

“I'll pay you double. It's important.” I pleaded with the man, showing him I had the cash to pay. “I need to get to the greater Boston area. Please.”

“Not in this storm!” The cabbie exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air.

“I'll pay you triple.” I said. “Trust me, I'm good for it.”

The man leaned back against the seat, turning his head to face me. “What do you want to go to Boston for? It's rainin’ cats and dogs out here and you got a baby in your arms. Is it really that important to you?”

“It is.” I said. “It's more important than you know.”

“You know, my wife and kids are out of town for the weekend. I don't really have nothin’ to do and there ain't anybody waiting for a cab in the city today. Guess it's your lucky day, huh?” He put the cab in drive and sped against the wind.

“You're going to take us? Oh, thank you!” I exclaimed with glee. “You hear that Alex? We’re going to see daddy!”

I
walked
down from the podium knowing full well it wasn't a good press conference. I had said too much. Too honest, they would tell me. At this point I was used to the whole shtick. I'd go to my agent’s office, apologize, and then play a slew of games that'll make them forget the incident ever happened.

My coach cut me off on the way to my car. “The suits want to talk to you, Liam.”

“Shit. They pissed about the press meeting? To be honest, I thought it went as well as it could. You know, considering the circumstances.”

“Son, those men operate on a different wavelength from me. I have no idea what they want from you. All I know is they want to speak with you.”

I grabbed my phone and called my agent. “You want to speak with me?”

His tone was light and excited, the exact opposite of what I was expecting. “Liam, sweetheart! How are you?”

I glanced at the dark clouds forming above the city and frowned slightly. “I've seen better days, but overall I'm good. I heard you needed to speak with me. What's up?”

“I just wanted to let you in on some of the calls I've been getting today…”

“Look, I just want to apologize about the press meeting. I know I got a problem with running my mouth, but I can't always be honest. I should have consulted you guys before announcing to the world I am in love and have a kid out of wedlock.”

Though I thought I was going to get talked down to, the guy actually laughed when he heard me say that. “Are you kidding? Everybody loved that. First of all, everyone's had a kid out of wedlock. It's not a big deal and the fact that you actually care seems to boost your appeal quite a bit. People are losing their shit over this, Liam. And they're doing it in the best way possible.” He said.

“Really? I guess honesty has its charm.” I muttered back, sort of dumbfounded people even gave a shit about that sort of thing.

“Everyone is dying to know who this mystery woman is.” He said.

“Yeah, well, it doesn't matter much. She's done with me now. It's time for me to move on.” I solemnly admitted.

“No!” He shouted. “Liam, if there's one thing I know, it's that nothing is over until it is over. Find her. Reconcile your relationship dammit. Think about your career.”

“She isn't some object. She's a woman and she has nothing to do with my career. You got to get that through your head. I don't give a fuck about your ratings or popularity charts. I throw my best and make good decisions out on that field. I lead my team to victory. That should be good enough for you.”

I hung up the phone and smiled big. I was finally back to the point where I could be myself again. I ran further outside to my car and jumped in quickly. It was now pouring over the city of Boston and I was half-soaked. I was just about to pull out and head home when I heard someone yelling my name.

“Liam! Hey Conway!” The voice said. I turned and tried to look out the rain-soaked window. It was Jenkins!

“There’s the man of the hour!” He said with a grin on his face.

“I saw you were playing a game in New York in a few days. I had no idea you’d be out here though! Why didn’t you text me? Oh, by the way, congrats on winning those playoff games. That’s huge. Can’t believe we’re both going to the Super Bowl. Hope you’re prepared.”

I unlocked the car and watched as he dove inside. “Man, it’s deadly out there right now. I had a layover here, but they’ve cancelled all the remaining flights for the day. Anyway, I thought I’d come out and see you. Figured I’d just wait until this whole circus died down. You played good out there today by the way.”

“Thanks man. Yeah, I never thought it would happen. Two blood-brothers, facing each other in the Championships. You remember back in college when we made that pact?” I laughed.

He suddenly looked very nostalgic. “Yeah, man. I remember. We said we’d always back each other up. We will, right?” He asked me.

“Always.” I said with pride. “You have to admit, it’s plenty weird how the deck gets shuffled sometimes.”

He nodded, licking his lips. “Man, I feel that. You know I love a good challenge.” He wiped some of water off his Under Armor and got comfortable. “So what’s this about marriage? You really serious about all that?” He asked me.

“The woman drives me crazy.” I admitted. “Yeah, I'm serious.”

“What about your old lifestyle? How do you plan to kick all those habits?” He laughed. “Imagine. Liam Conway without a multitude of pussy on him at all times! Man, that just seems wrong. It's like a dog without an owner.”

I chuckled. “I'm not sure I get the analogy.” I said. “I'm getting old Jenks. I’ll be 33 next December. You know what that means, right?”

“Shit, don't even worry about nothing. You think they're going to force you out of the game?” He asked, sensing the reality of the situation. Jenkins was 28. He hadn’t felt the entire weight of life yet. I suppose I hadn't either. “Wait, you're serious?”

“The average age of retirement in the NFL is 30, man. Who am I kidding? They've been tryin’ to force me out for years. I've just been good at proving I'm still a great return of investment.” I bit my lip and thought about it all for a second. It was a bullshit situation, but it was one I had chosen to live with. “So yeah, I love her. And someday soon, when I'm forced out, I'll run away with her and we’ll never look back.”

“Sounds like a perfect plan, but right now you have to keep focusing on the game. Look man, I came to talk to you about some actual serious shit.” His smile turned into a dark frown. His muscles tensed up as the rain began pouring harder.

“Bad storm.” I acknowledged, nodding my head at the rolling thunderclouds and lightning in the distance. “Alright, Jenkins. Give me the serious stuff.”

“They don't want you to win that Super Bowl. In fact, they don’t want you near it.” He simply stated.

“Who doesn't?” I asked with a straight face. I ran my fingers across my stubble. I could have gone for a drink right then and there had Jenkins wanted to soften the blow of the news. Instead, I sat there like an ill patient waiting to hear his death sentence.

“The networks. The investors. All the top mother fuckers. I overheard my agent and coaches talking the other day. They want our team to win it, not you guys.”

I shook my head in complete disbelief. “That's not how it works, brother. It’s not up to the networks or CEO’s. It's up to the God damn players who win the games.” My hand was wrapped tightly around the steering wheel, even though I was completely secure and stationary in park.

“You know as well as I do that's not how this shit works. They're paying the coaches extra to get there. They’re telling them to put in certain players at certain times. You know, telling players to get injured and shit. It’s all fucked up. They're coming up with ways to stop you from winning. They’ve got a lot riding on this game, you know.” His face looked angry. His eyes had creased downward, while his lips were cracking from the stress.

“Yeah? So what? Let them try. The people will have their say. They want me in and I’ll win it for them. My agent just said my popularity rating has shot up.” I argued. I just didn't see how they would even be able to succeed at this, especially when nothing of the sort had been mentioned to me.

“Don't you understand? They're trying to get you barred from the rest of the last few games!” His expressions had grown volatile. He had expected me to overreact, perhaps punch a window or two, or maybe down a bottle of vodka or whisky. Instead, I sat calmly looking out at the incoming storm. It was oddly comforting to me right now.

“I guess I just don't believe it. I know they hate me and all. Everyone loves to hate me. That doesn't mean they're really going to get me barred. It doesn’t mean that my team has to lose because of money. Shit, they tried to suspend me for a full game and failed at that!” I exclaimed with utter justification. It wasn't that I didn't believe him. I actually did. Jenkins was the most trustworthy guy in the game. The trouble was, I didn't
want
to believe him.

This time it was him who punched my dashboard. “That? That was just the beginning of the big setup. I'm telling you, they'll do
whatever
it takes to get you out of that game. If you are going to make a good case for yourself and get the public to adore you, you better start now.” He said.

“Alright, I get it. I think I see what you're asking me to do.” I nodded, still staring off into the horizon. My hands were ready to ring the necks of the network supervisors. Now that I knew what their plan was, I was going to do everything in my power to stop them. I was going to win game after game until we brought that Super Bowl trophy home to Massachusetts.
Fuck them
, I thought to myself.

“That's why I asked if you were serious about this marriage thing. ‘Cause if you are, it's time reinvent how the public sees Liam Conway.” His smile had come back on his face.

“You got it. I'm can't believe I'm about to say this, but… I'm calling Cindy.”