Unprecedented Read online

  No wonder Gia had grown up loving it.

  He’d visited here a few times and could never get over the fact that Gia grew up here as an only child. He would have killed for this kind of space from his three siblings. Their childhood homes were very different from each other as were their families and their lifestyles.

  This however-many-million-dollar home was sheer luxury. The patio was the size of his last apartment or bigger. The outdoor furniture alone was more comfortable than any piece of furniture he’d ever owned. In addition to the recessed lighting and ceiling fans, strings of exposed bulbs were draped between raw wooden beams. On the opposite side of the patio from the golf set up was a built-in grill, a smoker, and an outdoor kitchen. A huge table with a bench on one side and chairs on the other took up the space in the middle.

  It was all similar color tones and patterns—something he wouldn’t have noticed before listening to Gia talk through her bedroom design decisions with him.

  “How are sales, Xander?” Burley asked when there was a lull in the conversation.

  Burley could sniff out lies like a hound dog, especially when it came to business. But nothing inside him seemed to think it was a good idea to tell Gia’s dad the whole truth about how slow things had been recently. If he wanted permission to marry her someday, then he needed to stay in Burley’s good books.

  “I’m hoping to see an uptick over the next couple weeks as we head toward Christmas. I’ve got a few new ideas I want to implement when I get back that could help revenue streams.” Thanks to three women who had girls’ night with Lucy last night. She’d collected thirty dollars each for him and they’d brought two additional friends Lucy said.

  “When are you going to get back into futbol? I’m sure selling stuff is good for paying the bills, but futbol feeds your passion and a man cannot live a full life without that,” Ronaldo said with a smirk.

  Xander rubbed his neck. “I thought I’d get back into it after my wrongful conviction suit is settled, so I don’t have a black smear across my name legally anymore.”

  Ronaldo shook his head. “You said the coach confessed on video. People want to see you win now. Everyone loves an underdog. Find a team looking for a good comeback story and forget about waiting.”

  That was exactly what he wanted, but didn’t know if he could have.

  Burley chuckled. “Might be more complicated than that, Ronaldo, depending on the legal system.” His words deflated Xander’s hope a bit. Burley turned him. “That said, I agree you should get back into coaching soccer. Ease yourself into it. You might have some PTSD to try to conquer as you go.”

  “I certainly won’t be touching any food or drinks the team gets,” Xander said. The men laughed.

  “Talk to Gia about locations of where you want to live and work long term, but I have a C-level contact in the US National Team’s office thanks to Invicto and Invicta being their apparel partner. I’m sure there’s a U-19 or U-20 club around that could use an experienced coach unless you’re planning to get back in at the college level.”

  Locations? As in Gia wanted to move from Colorado? She hadn’t mentioned anything. Somehow, he’d envisioned them in Colorado together. The thought stunned him briefly. In his cautious dreaming of the future, he hadn’t included them moving, but it didn’t really matter where they lived as long as it was the right thing for both of them.

  He shifted in his seat to extract his phone from his pocket. She’d been here for months with her family. Maybe she was considering moving back. He glanced at his phone as if she’d have texted him about it, then made a note to mention it to her when the time was right.

  “You could spend some time at the Coaching Education Center in Kansas City. They have a decent set up that could get you back on the sidelines,” Ronaldo said. “We’ve sent some coaches there for an international exchange program of sorts.”

  Xander shook his head. “That’s time and money I don’t have yet. I need to expand and add some employees so I’m not the only one running everything. I want to offer girls’ night upcycling workshops and I can’t be at evening practices if I have to be leading craft night.”

  “Once you get them happening regularly, put out an ad for a part-time manager. I saw Gia’s office space. Maybe you could turn the front area into a shop for your stuff. Have you considered some pop-up workshops in different locations? Here for example?” Burley asked.

  It was brilliant. “That’s a fantastic idea. I’ll gather some materials tomorrow and send out a press release Monday. One for The Upcycled Life and one for a girls’ night. Maybe Sophia could send out the information to some ladies who want to craft and drink beverages of their choosing.” If he could tap into the Carters’ contacts here in New Orleans, he might have a chance at making this a profitable idea that could expand nationally.

  Burley laughed. “Flip and Sip.”

  Ronaldo and Xander made eye contact and raised their eyebrows. Ronaldo chuckled and raised his glass. “Beats Craft and Draft.”

  Xander smiled. “Too bad I can’t just call it ‘Hammered: BYOB to craft time.’”

  Burley and Ronaldo doubled over laughing.

  “I can’t decide if it’s a terrible idea or genius,” Burley said, standing up. “I’m going to get Sophia out here so she can give you girls’ night ideas. I’m no expert in that industry, but I can see people loving the idea.” He laughed his way inside, giving Xander a pat on the shoulder as he went.

  When Burley closed the door behind him, Ronaldo smiled. “You and Gia make a really good team.” His words dangled in the air between them.

  “Permanently, I hope.”

  “Is that so? Soon?”

  “I’ve only been out of prison for half a year. I have goals emotionally, financially, with our businesses on where I’d like to be when I ask her to marry me so she’ll know she’ll be taken care of by me. I don’t want to be depending on her family in those ways when we should be standing on our own feet.” He gave a quick smile as an offering of no offense.

  Ronaldo nodded his understanding. “Just make sure she’s clued in on where the goalposts are set. Burley almost lost Sophia because he thought she’d love him more if he had more to offer. She about gave up on him because he couldn’t see that he was enough. When he finally realized it, he married her and they built their empire together way better than if he’d done it without her.” With a short laugh, he shook his head. “Those two are a force. And you and Gia are, too. That’s what you want your lifelong partnership to be.”

  His words touched a part of Xander deep inside, a worry he didn’t know he had. They were good together and she made him a better man. They’d need to have that chat soon, depending on her desire to move.

  “Hey, I’ve got some futbol duties I decided to work into my leisure schedule while I’m here.” Ronaldo shifted in his chair, his fingers grazing his trimmed goatee. “If you’re interested, I’d like you to join me, Xander. I am researching how others are running their kids’ leagues that feed into their U-clubs and into the national teams. Our Brazilian futbol infrastructure is haphazard.”

  “I can tell you how it all fits together. I spent a lot of time studying how I could place myself strategically when I was applying for coaching positions.” Back when he had all the confidence in the world that he was going places. And he was…to places he never wanted to go.

  Ronaldo sat back with a satisfied smile. “Perfect. Next week, I have a visit to make. Maybe you’d like to meet my former teammate? He lives with his family not far from here.”

  “Sure, if he’s willing to entertain a third-wheel. Anyone I would know?”

  He shrugged. “Cruz Mora thinks he’s well-known, but is anyone really as big of a deal as they think they are?”

  Xander’s jaw dropped a bit. “The Cruz Mora? I didn’t know he lived in the States.”

  Ronaldo shook his head. “He’s only here on a visa. His daughter needed some specialized surgery to treat a rare genetic disorder she has. But
he’s doing a lot of work on the side with para-Olympic sports coaching, specifically vision-impaired futbol. They’ve made some progress with it. Cruz is incredibly talented and doesn’t waste it with money and fame. He’s out to do some good. You and he have a lot in common.”

  Blind futbol was a discussion for another time. Ronaldo thought he was talented? “I appreciate the vote of confidence. I’ll be honest, upcycling has gotten me mostly on my feet, but it’s a bridge until someone finds me employable again in the coaching realm.” If. This case had to clear his name or he’d be stuck indefinitely.

  “You can always come to Brazil. I know a guy.” Ronaldo winked. They laughed as Burley came back out with Sophia and Gia behind him.

  He uncrossed his legs as he snagged Gia’s hand and pulled her into his lap. “I didn’t know you’d returned.” His lips found the soft skin under her ear.

  She leaned in, a sure sign she liked that. “We just pulled in. Tell you more later.”

  That caught his attention except Sophia had just settled into the chair opposite him and pronounced herself ready to talk shop.

  They talked out some of the finer points of his workshop ideas like reservation only and a waiting list for the next workshop so he’d know when he had enough interest to host another one.

  “I’ll book the country club and invite the neighborhood ladies. They were all growing tired of the same boring ladies’ nights anyway.” She grinned. “If you don’t mind, I’ll send out a picture of you with your flier. Young attractive men always draw a crowd.”

  Burley snorted.

  “Ew, Ma.” Gia covered Xander’s eyes loosely. “Xander is mine. Keep your cougar friends away.”

  Xander gathered her in his arms and stood. “On that note, I’m going to excuse us as Gia promised to beat me handily on Mario Cart. I think I just saw the cousins swarming into the kitchen for a late-night snack, so the gaming console should be open.”

  “Put her in her place, Xander,” Burley called as Xander walked in with Gia in his arms.

  “You have to stop carrying me places.” She giggled as he banged her feet on the door jamb. “I’m capable of walking.”

  Xander grunted. “But would that make you feel loved and cherished?” With a heave, he tossed her on the couch and pretended to do a WWE move so she scrunched into a ball. When she looked up, he was sitting calmly next to her holding out a controller. He smirked. “Get ready to be beaten.”

  She was two laps ahead of him when he asked her how the airport run went. “Cara was quiet the whole way home. Said she was tired, but I think she’s sinking into a place she might not come back from. We all agreed Joey needed time away. And she’d never keep him from doing what he needs to do, but she’s going to be lost staying in that house all by herself after all these years living with family. I’m worried about her.”

  Talking had broken Gia’s concentration and he caught up with her. “Are you thinking of moving in with her?”

  “That’s not a bad idea. I’ve committed to staying here until the New Year, so I can finish the design on the Venha Resort that Joey left me.” She crashed into a barrier and hissed as he passed her to cross the finish line first.

  “Best out of three,” she said pressing the button to restart.

  He paused it and moved her legs so she faced him. “Are you planning to stay here in New Orleans after the New Year?”

  Her playful smile faded. Her eyes searched his. “I don’t know. I built a new life in Golden that I enjoyed, but I’ve missed my family and I want to be here for Cara if she needs me. And my parents, too. It’s a huge decision. And I’ve been avoiding it, because you’re in Colorado and having a long-distance relationship is…” She sighed.

  “Maddening. Lonely. Not exciting.”

  She peered up at him with a sad smile. “And more. I want a relationship with you, and moving here would send you the wrong message.”

  “As soon as my settlement is over, Gia, I can move anywhere. Your parents have a network here that we could really benefit from with our businesses.”

  She grabbed his hand. “But that’s not fair to you. You’re just getting your family back.”

  “Family shows up no matter where you live.” He shook his head. It was amazing that he still believed that after years in prison without his family. “Well, should. Long distance is easier with family. You and I are my priority.” He kissed her. “I’m going to see if your dad can connect me with a soccer coaching opportunity in the area.”

  “Really?” Her eyes lit with excitement. He nodded. She squeaked and threw her arms around his neck, peppering his face and lips with kisses.

  Making her happy gave him this unbelievable feeling. It should probably terrify him, but it didn’t on any level.

  “Get a room,” muttered Silva as he plopped down on the couch near them with a bowl full of popcorn in his hands.

  They laughed as the other cousins came in one by one to watch a movie. The day’s grief had certainly taken its toll.

  By Monday, they had finished five different sci-fi and fantasy series. Xander’s mind was mush. He hadn’t watched that much television in over a decade. He was more than ready to head out with Ronaldo to see Cruz Mora while Gia went to work.

  As he kissed her on her way out the door, he could feel the tension in her body. She was distant and short. The pressure was on with such a visible project, not to mention all the codes that had to be fulfilled for another country.

  He walked her to the garage and captured her face in his hands. “Please let me know how I can support you best. You have a lot going on right now, and you do not have to carry it all alone.”

  She sagged against him and mumbled how much she loved him. “Once I see what I’m up against with the resort design, I’ll have a better idea of what life is going to look like. I’m worried about Cara and Joey. And sometimes when I think about Tia Carolena, I can’t breathe.” Her shoulders sank. “Thanks for being here, babe.”

  “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” He tightened his hug and kissed her once more, relishing the feel of her under his fingertips. “I’ll see you for dinner tonight.”

  Inside, he plopped on the couch and texted Reggie again that he wouldn’t be back in town for a few days. He’d sent him to Lucy’s bakery Friday and Saturday. She’d let him at the pallets behind her building with a saw, a hammer, and some nails.

  By Saturday evening, Lucy sent him a picture of Reggie’s pallet bookshelf with Reggie holding it up, beaming. He planned to sand and paint it today. Then Xander would post it for sale.

  He’d dropped his office key by Lucy’s before he left so she could grab him more equipment if he needed it. There was something about this kid that made him sit up and take notice.

  He had the build of an athlete and the drive of a grown man. He’d searched Reggie’s name on the internet in hopes of coming across social media profiles, but didn’t find any. More confirmation that Reggie wasn’t the kid’s real name. Hopefully, he’d come to trust Xander enough to tell him his story. Making money was okay, but did the kid have a place to sleep? Or support through the tough times?

  His gut said no.

  Ronaldo’s car showed up right on time. They sat in the back while the driver took them where they needed to go. It felt pretentious but necessary so he could walk Ronaldo through the soccer league system while Ronaldo took notes. When the car pulled in, they were at a field of sorts.

  People milled about. News anchors and cameras set up for the perfect frame. There were short sections of stands and field lights looming above.

  Ronaldo got out and shrugged on his suit coat. Xander was in the collared button down and dress pants he’d worn for the funeral, but he hadn’t expected this atmosphere.

  “What’s going on here?” he asked, lengthening his stride to match Ronaldo’s.

  “The grand opening of the blind futbol pitch. First of its kind here in United States and Cruz is giving the opening speech. Prepare to be amazed at their
skills.”

  A lady with a clipboard greeted them with a handshake and gave them both lanyards with VIP pass written on it. Ronaldo walked him over to the field. The sides were bordered with kickboard.

  “It’s five-on-five. All the players are blindfolded. The ball jingles and the coach stands behind the goal post and taps on the poles so the player can know where to put the ball,” Ronaldo explained, tapping on a post so it rang. He couldn’t really imagine that working.

  “Ronaldo!” A voice spoke in rapid Portuguese behind him, something he couldn’t understand.

  Ronaldo laughed. “Watch your language, Cruz. There are children everywhere.”

  Cruz waved him off. “None of them speak Portuguese, and if they did, they’d know I spoke the truth anyway.”

  “Cruz Mora, this is Xander Reinerman, university men’s futbol coach.” Ronaldo motioned to Cruz. “This is Cruz Mora, former captain of the yellow canaries, now a handsome relic.”

  Xander shook Cruz’s hand, pushing aside the star struck feeling threatening to capture his tongue. “As a kid, I watched you and Ronaldo dance around opponents on the field in international matches. It’s an honor to meet you.”

  Cruz smirked. “Ronaldo danced. I was too busy carrying the team on my shoulders.” He brushed off his suit coat clad shoulders and faked an injury at Ronaldo’s punch.

  “You did well here, Cruz. This place is first class,” Ronaldo said.

  “It’s a start. Wait until you see these players in motion. They’re stunning. Sighted players should train with these guys to tune their senses. There will be a match after lunch,” Cruz said.

  “Mister Mora, a photograph?” a voice called behind them.

  Cruz turned, his dazzling smile in place. He stepped between Ronaldo and Xander with his hands on their shoulders. They smiled.