Chapter 26

On the Wednesday after our final game, we all met for our last team meeting, cleaned out our locker’s, then left the facility. I had been in constant contact with Josh, his surgery had went well, he was expected to make a full recovery. He could start throwing again in a few months, he promised to call so we could work out together. I was now facing at least three months of inactivity, other than normal workouts to stay in shape. I thought about going home, but three months around Ashley just didn’t seem like the right thing to do.

Two days later I was sitting around the condo at about five in the evening, there was a knock on the door. I got up, opened the door, surprised to see Alexis standing there. From the way she was dressed, I knew she had just come straight from work. I invited her in, offering her something to drink.

“No thank you, I just wanted to drop off some information for you about starting the foundation we spoke of.” she started.

“I have spoken to Children’s Hospital, their corporate officers and Board of Directors. They are absolutely thrilled at the idea and want to speak with you immediately. In addition, Cindy can handle drawing up the necessary legal papers to handle the funds, a good attorney can handle the rest.” she ended.

“Sounds good, where do we start?” I asked.

“You have a meeting with the Board of Directors at Children’s Hospital on Friday at two in the afternoon. I will go with you as your agent to make sure we have no contractual problems.” she answered.

“That sounds fine.” I told her.

She thanked me, got up and left walking down the breezeway to her unit. I closed the door and went back inside, sitting back down on the sofa. I was glad Alexis had stopped by, working on the foundation was just what I needed to occupy time.

We arrived at the hospital at the designated time on Friday, and right on schedule we were ushered into a large conference room, there were at least a dozen men and women present. We sat at the opposite end of the table, Alexis opened her brief case, pulling out several stacks of paperwork. Introductions were made all around, everyone thanking me for considering helping the hospital in any capacity. The CEO of the board took control of the meeting, asking me directly what I had in mind.

“Well sir, I visited a young patient here several times, his name was Bryan Butler.” I started.

“Yes, in fact you made quite an impression on everyone around here Mr. Stevens, especially little Bryan, from what I’m told.” he replied.

“Thank you sir, he’s quite a little man. I spoke to his parents and they mentioned some of the financial difficulties that families incur, even if they have medical insurance. Anything from transportation, to temporary housing in the area, to loss of income from missing so much work.” I stated.

“That’s true, I have seen families suffer extreme hardships fighting these terrible illnesses.” he answered.

“What I was thinking, is that perhaps, I could start some sort of foundation that could assist these families in their struggle. After meeting with little Bryan, I would love working with the children on the fourth floor.” I replied.

“We would be extremely excited to have you become part of our health care family Mr. Stevens, I can’t speak for the board, but you have my approval to move forward. Do we actually have to take this to a vote?” he asked, looking at the other members seated around him.

One by one, they shook their heads no, authorizing him to ok the arrangement at once.

“Great, then what I need from you Mr. Stevens, is your foundation papers set up, and the list of criteria a family has to meet to apply for financial assistance. You get those documents to me, the board will review them, then issue a final approval.” he stated.

Alexis and I left the hospital with a great feeling, I was going to be part of something positive, something that could maybe change a family’s life. After several weeks of running around like a mad man, filling documents, speaking with attorneys, financial advisors and everyone in between, the foundation was finally ready to be signed off on. The only hurdle left to clear was notifying the team of my intentions, making sure they had no objections, I doubt they would.

I set up a meeting with Wayne Hiller, the General Manager of our team to discuss the situation. I laid everything out for him, what I had in mind, how I would constantly work to raise funds for the foundation and how I planned to distribute them. After listening to my presentation, he assured me he didn’t see a problem with any of it, but he would run it by the team owner, for final approval.

Three days later, I received that approval, along with a promise of fifty thousand dollars from the team immediately upon the activation of the foundation. I called Alexis to give her the good news, then arranged a meeting with the attorney to legally start the foundation. He agreed to meet with me the following Monday morning at ten o’clock in the morning, asking me to give some thought as to what I wanted to name the foundation. Most athletes used their name as part of the foundation, but he added it was not necessary to do so. I had the entire weekend to work with a name that would seem appropriate for what I was attempting to do.

I was laying around the condo Friday night, when I got a call from Alexis.

“What are you doing tomorrow morning?” she asked.

“Nothing that I know of.” I replied, “Why?”

“I’m playing in a huge volleyball tournament tomorrow at the beach. This is the kind of event you could organize and make money for your foundation. I just thought you might like to go with me, try to make some contacts for the future.” she asked.

“I guess so, I don’t have anything else to do.” I answered.

“Good, be ready for seven o’clock, and make sure you dress for the beach.” she added.

“Ok, thanks.” I replied, hanging up.

I showered and went to bed early, having to be up that early in the morning. I got up about six, put on some Under Armour dry fit compression shirt and shorts, then pulled a pair of team shorts over them. I grabbed a pair of sneakers with no socks, a baseball cap just in case the sun was bad. I was locking the door of my condo, when Alexis opened her door.

“Right on time, I like that.” she said to me.

As I walked toward her, she looked me up and down and giggled. I figured something was wrong.

“What, I’m not dressed right?” I asked.

“Oh no, you’re fine, and I mean fine. With that spandex showing those muscles, you’re gonna be a hit with all the ladies, trust me.” she laughed.

“Should I change?” I responded.

“Oh hell no, make em drool.” she smiled.

We got down to the parking lot, I asked if she wanted me to follow her or should we take one car.

“You drive, you have more room in your car.” she answered.

I hit the key ring unlocking the doors, then walked over and opened her door for her. She smiled as she slid in the passenger seat, I gently closed the door behind her. I walked around the vehicle and got into the driver’s seat, fastening my seat belt. I looked over at Alexis, she was wearing an all white nylon jogging suit, her hair was pulled back tight behind her head.

We pulled out of the parking lot, she directed me to the freeway, within about forty five minutes we pulled up to a large beach area, that was set up as a pure outdoor volleyball complex. As we got out, I noticed there were eight courts, four pavilions and two concession areas. The courts were already full of players warming up for the day’s events. I followed Alexis to Court # 4, where two members of her team were already there stretching. She introduced to me to both men, each over six feet in height, each of them shaking my hand.

“Damn Alex, where did you find him. With his size at the net, no way we lose.” he laughed.

“Sorry Jerry, he’s can’t play, he is here on business.” she replied.

“Why can’t he play?” he asked, disappointed.

“Because his contract specifically prohibits him from any type of organized sporting competition unless it’s sanctioned by the team.” she answered.

One of the guys tilted his head for a second like he was thinking, then it hit him like a brick.

“You’re Stevens, the tight end.” he exclaimed.

“Yes, that’s me.” I responded.

“Man it’s so nice to meet you, I have seen you play a few times, I just never put it together.” he admitted.

Alexis told me they would be playing on Court # 4 for a while, only moving if they finished first in their division. She pointed out a white canopy tent that was set up about fifteen yards away. It had a small table, a few ice chests and at least a half dozen folding chairs.

“That’s our tent there, help yourself, get comfortable.” she told me.

I walked over to the tent, bending down slightly to get under the front, grabbing a chair and sitting down. Alexis followed quickly, carrying her large bag, setting it on the table. She sat down in the chair next to me taking off her shoes and socks. She then stood up, unzipped her jacket and removed it, then stepping out of her long matching pants. I was awestruck, to say the least. She was wearing a pair of skin tight black spandex shorts with a white compression top.

As I watched her run out to the court, I was almost in a hypnotic state. I had never in all my years, seen a woman with a more incredible body. Add the fact she was right at six foot one inch, made her all the more desirable. One look told you, she was an athlete, who spent long hours in the gym to keep the tone and muscle she had. For the first time in my life, I knew a female who spent as much time training as I did.

Within maybe twenty minutes the rest of her team showed up, it was comprised of three men and three women. Two of the men brought their girlfriends with them, both of whom joined me under the tent. We exchanged hello’s, but that was it. As the first match started, I couldn’t help but notice how well everyone played. I was guessing just about everyone on the court had played this game at a competitive level in the past. It was also apparent that there was no quarter given between the men and women, they attacked each other with a vengeance. It was clear early that in the first game, Alexis’ team was considerably more talented. But what surprised me more than anything was the height Alexis could achieve as she went up to spike the ball. The net seemed to be somewhere at the eight foot level, she was able to get most of her forearm over the net when she swung down on the ball. She also blocked two shots at the net during the first match. It was clear she was the best female on this team.

After winning the first match, they sat out for two games with everyone relaxing under the tent, cutting up as old friends do. I sat quietly, feeling a little awkward, but pretending to enjoy the company. Finally Alexis brought up the foundation I was forming, that being the reason I was joining her today. She told her team that she would like them to help me host a tournament here on the beach, all proceeds to go to the foundation. They all thought it would be a great idea, all of them agreeing to do what they could to help me. It finally dawned on one of the women who I had been sitting next to for over an hour, that I was an athlete. Everyone under the tent laughed at her, she was extremely embarrassed. I assured it her it was no big deal, in fact it was refreshing not to be noticed.

By the time the second game started, the beach was overflowing with players and spectators. It was also apparent that word had spread quickly that a member of the home town football team was on the beach. The area around our court was packed, mostly people’s curiosity getting the best of them, I guess. One thing for sure, the beach was filled with gorgeous women, most of them in bathing suits.

I finally got up and headed toward the concession stand to get something to drink. I got in line, bought a large soda, then turned to head back to the tent. I almost ran head long into two young blonde women, both in very skimpy bathing suits.

“Hey Brian, we both love you, will you give us your autograph?” one of them said, handing me a permanent marker.

I took the marker from her, set my drink down on a table next to me, then looked back up.

“Uh, what do you want me to sign?” I asked, noticing no other objects in their hand.

“Right here.” the taller one said, pointing to her right breast, just above her top.

I guess she noticed my embarrassment right away, I hesitated with the marker, not quite sure of the proper etiquette for signing a woman’s breast. She giggled out loud, grabbing my hand and pulling it firmly to her chest.

“It’s ok, you won’t be touching anything that’s not been handled before.” she laughed.

With my best effort to touch as little of her as possible, I signed my name and number. The second woman stepped up, pulling her suit top down to expose even more of her breast. I just shook my head and signed again, this was a first for me. They each took a picture with me, while the other snapped the photo. They took off down the beach, both giggling to each other.

By the time I had arrived back at the tent, the second game had finished. Obviously the antics at the concession stand had everyone in an uproar. They were still laughing as I walked back under the tent.

“You know you are a celebrity when they ask you to sign their tits, sweetheart.” Alexis laughed.

Throughout the rest of the day, I must have signed several hundred autograph’s, I had touched more breasts in a few hours, than I had in my entire life. Alexis’ team lost in the quarter finals by one, everyone began picking up their things. Alexis dressed under the tent, then we made our way back to the parking lot. It was close to four o’clock in the afternoon, we finally pulled out of the parking lot heading home. It took about forty five minutes to get home, traffic was a little heavy. As I locked the vehicle and followed Alexis up the stairs, I was eager to take a shower and clean the beach off of me. As we arrived at her door, she turned to me while fumbling with her keys.

“Hey, I owe you dinner for today, do you want to go out after we clean up?” she asked.

“It’s ok Alexis, you have to be exhausted, I know you had a long day.” I answered.

“I’ll be fine after a nice long bath, I’ll call you when I’m ready.” she replied, opening her door and walking into her unit.

I went on to my unit, got undressed and took a very long, very hot shower. I have to admit, I felt really refreshed when I got out, I put on some boxers and a tee shirt. About thirty minutes later the phone rang, it was Alexis.

“Hey look, you’re right I am a bit tired, how about we just order pizza, stay in and relax?” she asked.

“That sounds good to me, I don’t feel like going out either.” I replied.

“Good, then come down when you’re ready, we’ll order then.” she told me, hanging up.

I went to my bedroom found some comfortable shorts and a tank top, I threw on a pair of sandals. I grabbed my keys and cell phone, locked the door and walked two doors down to Alexis’ condo. She had the door partially open, I pushed it and stuck my head in.

“Alexis.” I said in a loud voice.

“Come on in Brian, I’m in the kitchen.” she answered.

I walked in and closed the door behind me gently, then walked into the main room. She was in the kitchen opening a bottle of wine, her back to me. She was wearing a large tee shirt, a very tight pair of shorts, with no shoes. Her hair was still soaking wet from the shower. This was as casual as I had ever seen her.

“You want a glass of wine?” she asked, “It’s Merlot, very good.”

“I don’t think so ... you know ... I...” began stuttering, before she cut me off.

“You’re two doors from home, you’re off for five months, it won’t kill you.” she said, pouring a second glass.

She walked over and handed me a glass, then invited me to sit down with her on the sofa. She opened her cell phone, then scanned the directory quickly.

“What type of pizza do you like?” she asked.

“It doesn’t matter to me, you pick.” I replied.

She ordered a large pizza with everything, they told her it would be about forty minutes. I took a couple of small sips of the wine, I had to admit it was very good. But for some reason, I just felt like I was doing something wrong. I knew it was foolish, but my father’s logic and reasoning had never failed me, not once in my life.

We talked about what I hoped to accomplish with the creation of the foundation, what were my immediate goals. I told her the first thing was to come up with a name, something that would fit well with the type of work we were trying to do. We threw some things back and forth, but nothing seemed to fit just right.

Several minutes later, the door bell rang, the delivery man was there with the pizza. Even though I insisted on paying, Alexis would hear none of it. As she walked back to the sofa, placing the pizza on the table in front of us, she giggled at me.

“Brian, you have to flash forward to now. You’re the sweetest, kindest man I have ever met. You’re manners are impeccable, but you have to let strong willed women be themselves. Quit treating us like we are going to break.” she stated, walking to the kitchen.

She came back a minute later with two small plates, two forks and a handful of napkins. She sat down opened the box, we each took a large piece of the pizza out. We went back to discussing the foundation but I couldn’t get her last comment out of my head. Finally it got the better of me, I had to ask.

“Alexis, do you think I really make women feel uncomfortable?” I asked.

She turned to me quickly, a rather odd look on her face. She took a sip of wine, obviously trying to collect her thoughts.

“Brian, I think you misunderstood me. It’s not that you make anyone feel uncomfortable, I think it’s just that no one treats a woman like that anymore. Between women wanting to be considered equal to a man and guys being such jerks today, it’s just unusual to see a young man with sincere respect for a woman.” she replied.

“I guess it’s very different out here then it was in my small hometown. I really feel out of place here as well, I know I don’t fit in.” I answered.

“Brian, don’t say that, it’s not true by any means. Don’t you even think about changing one bit, just every now and then when a woman seems like she wants to take charge, let her.” she responded.

“I’ll try and remember that.” I told her.

We continued talking and eating, we finished up, she clean off the table and came back with the half full bottle of wine. She poured me my second glass, which was now officially the most alcohol I had ever consumed in my life. She sat down quite close to me on the sofa, her fragrance was very understated, but intoxicating. She had a powder fresh scent and even though it was very subtle, I couldn’t help but be drawn to her. The more you gazed at Alexis, the more her facial features hypnotized you. The jet black straight hair, the light green eyes, the high cheek bones all gave her a gorgeous, but unusual look.

I could tell the wine had loosened Alexis up a bit, in fact after almost finishing my second glass, I had a slight warm, relaxed feeling.

As we were sitting there talking she raised her left arm up on the back of the sofa, her hand coming to rest behind my head. I pretended not to notice, truthfully though my heart was beating a mile a minute. Then without warning, I felt her fingers grazing the back of my neck, ever so lightly.

“Brian, can I ask you a question?” she whispered softly.

“Sure, I guess so.” I answered.

She took another sip of her wine, her eyes never leaving mine.

“Do you find me attractive at all?” she asked.

“Uh ... you’re kidding right? Alexis, you’re gorgeous, but you don’t need me to tell you that.” I responded.

She looked down into her wine glass for a second, a slight smile crossing her face, then back into my eyes.

“Then why haven’t you made a pass at me yet?” she asked, her fingers still stroking my neck lightly.

“Well first you’re my agent, I’m not sure that’s even something that’s acceptable. Then, after Courtney, I just don’t know if I could take falling for someone again, then lose them for some reason or another.” I answered.

“As far as me being you’re agent, that in no way conflicts with a personal relationship between us. But I have never lost anyone I cared for that deeply, so I wouldn’t understand those feelings. I like you Brian, I find you extremely attractive. I absolutely adore your personality, you’re so kind and giving. I don’t trust men Brian, not at all, but somehow you transcend that. I really feel you would never honestly hurt me.” she responded.

“Thank you Alexis, I really don’t know what to say to that right now.” I replied.

“It’s ok, maybe you need some time, I can respect that.” she stated, pulling her arm back from around me.

“Maybe, I better go now. It’s been a long day.” I told her.

“Thanks for a nice evening Brian.” she whispered, hugging me gently.

She let me out, locking the door behind me. As I walked down to my own unit I was wondering, did I just make a mistake? I did think highly of Alexis, she was extremely smart, elegant, very sexy, why did I just walk away? I didn’t sleep well that night, I tossed and turned for hours. I spent most of the day Sunday working on the foundation papers I had, I was due back at the attorney’s the following week, to draw up the legal papers. I was still stuck on a name, I didn’t want it to be just The Brian Stevens Foundation, it just had an arrogant self serving sound to it. I had finished all of the papers, filed them away, and was watching TV later that afternoon. The night before with Alexis kept running through my mind, did I make the right decision?

The following week moved along quickly, I formally founded the foundation on Wednesday, only to learn I needed to form a board that would overlook both the donations and monies the fund would receive, but the disbursement of those funds as well. It was recommended that I have at least four other persons as well as myself included on the board, then eventually hire a full time director to manage the foundation once it became a full fledged entity. I immediately thought of asking Alexis, but I knew with her work load it might be a bit much. Josh already gave much of his time to his own charity, as well as his vast public appearances. I was beginning to think I may have gotten in over my head, perhaps I should have just chose an existing program, donating my time and efforts to that. I decided to take a ride to Children’s Hospital and speak to the administrator, perhaps he could help me with some of the details.

As I arrived at the hospital, I was told he was out to lunch, but would be back in less than an hour. Since I was already there, I decided to wait for him to return. Since I had a few minutes, I decided to return to the fourth floor, perhaps just take another look around. As I exited the elevator, I headed down to the nurse’s station to make sure they were ok with me being there. I saw no one there, so I sat down for a minute waiting on someone to return.

Several minutes one of the nurses I had met on one of my visits with Bryan came strolling up to the circular desk area. She looked up from her clip board, apparently recognizing me as well.

“Mr. Stevens, isn’t it?” she asked.

“Yes mam. I don’t mean to be a bother, I am waiting for the hospital administrator, I thought I would just come up here and look around, if that’s ok.” I replied.

“Of course it’s ok. I heard you are starting a foundation for the kids on our floor, I think that’s an absolutely incredible thing for you to do. You have a gift with children, Bryan never stopped talking about you.” she responded.

“How is he doing?’, I asked.

“Very well, he’s back in school, in complete remission. In fact, I have him scheduled for a vist tomorrow at ten o’clock in the morning.” she answered.

“That’s wonderful.” I replied, “You’re Jenny right?”

“Why yes I am, I am surprised you remembered.” she stated.

It was never hard remembering a pretty girl’s name, although I wouldn’t admit that. On top of that, Jenny appeared to be exceptional at her job, she was also wonderful with the kids, that was easy to see.

“Uh, Bryan kinda told me you were his girlfriend.” I laughed.

“Ooh that stinker, wait till I see him.” she giggled.

She walked back behind the desk, she was soon joined by two other nurses, they apparently had been making rounds. She introduced me to both of the nurses, they seem very nice as well. Jenny walked back from around the desk, to where I was sitting.

“I’m on my break, you want to go get a cup of coffee downstairs?” she asked.

“Sure.” I answered, getting up and walking with her down the hall to the elevator.

We rode down the elevators, and made our way into the hospital cafeteria. She ordered a cup of coffee, I got a large orange juice. I paid the cashier, we went to a small table for two and sat down. She seemed to know just about everyone she came into contact with, we drew a lot of stares. We talked about the foundation, the troubles I was encountering getting it off the ground. Without any hesitation Jenny quickly offered to do anything she could to help out. I told her I would defiantly take her up on her offer when it was time to delegate responsibilities. With her break about over, I offered to walk her back up to her station on the fourth floor. As we were waiting for the elevator, Jenny turned to me, a serious look on her face.

“Why did you choose the children’s oncology unit here for your foundation?” she asked.

“Well, first off, I fell in love with Bryan, I so admired his courage. And I lost my girlfriend and best friend, to cancer less than a year ago.” I replied.

“Oh, I am so sorry, I had no idea.” she said, softly touching my arm.

The elevator doors opened, we stepped inside, she press the button for the fourth floor. As the doors closed, Jenny turned to me again.

“What was her name? You’re girlfriend?” she asked.

“Courtney”, I replied, “Courtney Timmons.”

The doors opened and we walked toward her station, neither of us knowing what to say. As we reached the station, she turned to me and thanked me for the coffee, that she had enjoyed the break. As I turned to go to the administrator’s office, she called out after me.

“Hey maybe you could use Courtney’s name as part of the foundation.” she said, loudly.

I arrived back in the administrator’s office, he had just gotten back. I met with him for about an hour, he helped me clear up a lot of small details which greatly relieved me. He told me he would appoint someone from the hospital management staff to serve on the board with me. With his help, we were off and running, I thanked him and headed home. I just now had to simply come up with a foundation name, register it, then open bank accounts under that name. On the drive home my mind kept going back to what Jenny had said, maybe tie Court’s name into the title. I stopped on the way to get something to eat, then headed home. I arrived home shortly after four o’clock, I was glad to see Alexis’ car was not in her spot, I still felt awkward about our encounter the other night.

I was laying on the sofa watching TV that night, really just flipping through the channels trying to find something interesting. I started watching a reality show that was just about over, when out of the blue, an idea popped into my head. I reached over and grabbed my cell phone, found the number and pressed send. It was answered on the third ring.

“Mrs. Timmons, this is Brian, I need to talk to you.” I told her.

“Of course Brian, what can I do for you?” she asked.

I went on to tell her about my idea, how it had developed, the foundation, meeting Bryan, everything to this point. I asked her what I had in mind, asking if both her and Mr. Timmons would allow me to do what I was thinking of doing. By the time I finished she was in tears, which is not what I meant to do.

“I’m sorry Mrs. Timmons, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just didn’t want to proceed with both of your blessings.” I said.

“No Brian, please it’s not that, I am overwhelmed that you thought to include her in this project. Of course you have our blessings, please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.” she offered.

I thanked her and hung up, I now had a complete plan, I was ready to go.

For the next two month’s I worked non-stop on getting the foundation off the ground. A board of directors was founded, which consisted of myself, one of the hospital CEO’s, Cindy Taylor from PSA and Jenny Harris, the nurse from the Children’s Oncology Unit. We would meet once every six months to discuss any problems we may have, or any new tasks we wanted to undertake. At the first meeting I laid out my initial plans, along with what I proposed for the dedication of the foundation. Since I had not yet hired a full time employee to handle requests for assistance, I decided to see exactly what we could do to help the Childrens Unit become a more friendly, upbeat environment for the children to be in. They had no choice but to spend countless days, sometimes months here, the least we could do was make that time a bit more bearable. Jenny volunteered to help me with the initial undertaking and dedication, which I was definitely grateful. If anyone knew what was needed, it was Jenny.