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the fact that his career may be over.”
    â€œThat’s got to be rough.”
    â€œIt is. I’ve talked to some of the other wives whose husbands have retired. Things can get tough. Some men get depressed and withdrawn, others have divorced their wives, left their families.”
    Hope swallowed her nervousness, forced herself to sound calm. “Are you worried that Tony will do that? Leave you and DJ?” She’d liked Tony Johnson from the moment she met him, and in hopes of helping Stacy move on from Darius, had encouraged her to date the strapping football star. Tony was a big, solid guy, over two hundred pounds of muscle and bone.
    â€œIf you’d asked me that six months ago, I would have said no way. But he’s changing, Hope, becoming more distant and moody, just like what some of the wives said would happen. It’s like nothing I say is the right thing. If I share my optimism that he’ll get picked up, he tells me I don’t know anything about the business of football. Which is right, I don’t. If I tell him that he has a great future postplaying, remind him how various stations have shown interest in him doing game analysis or even hosting his own show, he gets angry and quiet. Tony likes to live large, so I know he’s also concerned about our finances. I don’t mind it, but I don’t think my husband will want to change our lifestyle, a necessity once the big checks stop coming in. I want him to talk to Pastor Derrick, but I’m afraid it will make Tony too angry if it’s suggested he get counseling, that we get counseling. But I hate to see him in pain, Hope. I hate to see the man I married becoming someone else.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, Stacy. Tony is a good guy. I can’t help but think that y’all will get through this challenging time.” Hope was quiet, her mind racing with possible ways to help her dear friend. “Do you think it would be too obvious if Cy called him? If I talk to him, I think he’d be open to helping Tony break into real estate. He’s always looking for partners he can trust.”
    â€œThank you, Hope. I don’t think Tony is open right now, but that’s a possibility to keep in mind.”
    â€œWell, maybe Cy can put it on his mind.” Hope told Stacy about her convo with Vivian, the upcoming Sanctity of Sisterhood minisummit and her open invitation to their Fourth of July bash.
    â€œOh my God, girl, that would be perfect! It’s just what Tony needs to get his mind off the game, and what is or isn’t happening. Please thank Vivian for me and let her know that if at all possible, Tony and I will be there.”
    â€œI can send you guys plane tickets if it’ll help; tell Tony that it’s an early anniversary present.”
    â€œLet me talk to him. That man is so proud. If he smells anything close to charity, he’ll not only clam up, but he’ll know we’ve talked. So don’t say or do anything unless I say so.”
    â€œOkay. I’m praying for you, sistah.”
    â€œThanks, Hope. I need it.”
    â€œI’ve got you. If you and Tony come up the weekend before the fourth, we can hang out at Frieda’s and do some serious shopping.” Belatedly, Hope realized that suggesting they spend money might not be the best idea. “My treat.”
    â€œTony’s home, I’ll talk to you later.”
    â€œOkay, Stacy, keep me posted. You know I’ll worry about you. Take good care.”

11
    We’ll See What’s Up
    S tacy sat in the living room, listening to the sound of Tony’s footsteps as he entered the kitchen from the garage. She heard them stop, and knew that he’d opened the refrigerator and pulled out a beer. It was a daily ritual, popping a cold one as soon as he got home. He’d only have one beer a day, max. He was too aware of staying in shape to drink more than that. Cognac, however, was another story.