14. Theo
CHAPTER 14
Theo
December
“Nolan,” a reporter called out. I turned, recognizing him as Sam Wright, one of the top sports journalists who often covered our games. Spencer sat next to me, and I could feel his attention on me as he waited for the question.
We already knew that most of these questions would be directed at me, as they had been for several weeks now. The guys took it well, not giving me too much shit for my dating life taking precedence over our game. Thankfully they liked her a lot and understood that this attention came with being associated with her.
“Good to see you, Sam,” I said. It was press day before our Christmas away game, and I was pumped. We were ready to clinch this game and move on to the playoffs. I had a feeling about this one. That, and Mallie was coming. One month without seeing her was torture at this point. Sure, we spent an ungodly amount of time on the phone and video chat, but I needed to touch her and love her. It was the way our lives would more than likely always go, so I had to get used to it, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. Would I rather this than having never met her? Yes. One million percent. I couldn’t fathom my life without her at this point.
“You’ve gotten a lot of press in the last month,” he started, and I smiled. I had my own PR team, of course, led by Jamie, but we’d spent a lot of time with Zoey and Mallie’s team in the last month, discussing what information to give out and how to talk about us without releasing a lot of information. Mallie was familiar with this, but I definitely wasn’t used to the shift in attention. No one had asked me during a game press conference about my dating life after the debacle of Beth had died down. Now, though, our names were front-page news and in just about every post on social media from major news outlets.
While Mallie was quiet on her social media for obvious reasons, she was okay with me giving out tidbits about us, saying she trusted me. No pressure there. Every clip where they asked me about her had been shared and commented on all over every single social media site and news outlet. I read comments at first and laughed at the way my facial features, tone of voice, and even the “sparkle in my eye” were analyzed. But then, when people started getting sick of seeing it blasted everywhere, I stopped reading because it got ugly sometimes and I wasn’t about having that negative energy around me.
“I sure have,” I said, “but I’m here to win this game and not worry about the rest.”
Sam nodded. I liked him and knew he wouldn’t be disrespectful like some, so I was glad he was the first to talk today. Some of the questions over the last month have been interesting, to say the least. “What’s it like to be thrust into a much bigger spotlight now that you are dating Allie Witt?”
Dating Allie Witt. God, I loved those words. I wasn’t just dating Allie; I loved her. She loved me. But none of that needed to be shared. I grinned, unable to help my natural reaction anytime her name was brought up. The press ate that up, too, reporting on my facial expressions and slight blush anytime I was asked about her since she showed up to the Thanksgiving game. I was used to these questions now, but I still loved hearing her name with mine. And I didn’t care what they said about my face. I didn’t try to hide my feelings.
“It’s nice to see new fans of the Blaze,” I said, referring to but not naming the Allie-Cats, who had taken a vested interest in watching games since she showed up to my Thanksgiving game. In the three games we’d had since, the viewership increased significantly, even though they knew she wouldn’t be there since she was back on tour. The documentary I was on with Spencer had also been number one for the last several weeks.
“Allie has a lot of people that care about her, and for good reason. She’s an amazing person and performer with a sold-out international show. The additional spotlight doesn’t bother me. The more fans to watch us win it all, the better.” The press laughed, as did my teammates on the panel.
“Rumor has it that Allie will make an appearance this weekend at the game,” Sam continued. They knew she was on a break for Christmas, so it was assumed she would come.
“I’m not sure what her plans are yet,” I said, which was a lie. Of course I knew she was coming. The plans for that had been in the works since she came to the first game. But the frenzy around her and what she may wear and who she may be seen with would have to stay just that until she showed up. “She’s extremely busy right now on tour, but of course I love her support.”
“Will you be supporting her at a concert once your season is over?”
“Right now, all I can focus on is the game in front of me and getting to the playoffs. I would love to be able to go with her on tour, but that hasn’t been determined yet.” Another lie. The plans for my trip with her to London were already in progress. If we made the playoffs, we had a break that week, and if we didn’t, I’d be done for the season. There wasn’t much that could keep me from going with her that week, and it seemed several of the guys and their girls were going, too.
“What do you say to the people that say she’s going to distract you from the game?” Another reporter piped up, and I fought to school my face. I hated this narrative going around on social media right now. This girl pumped me up. A distraction ? It annoyed the shit out of me.
“I say that I’m not the one up here asking you questions about who you’re dating instead of the football game, so I’d say the media is the one making it like this is a distraction. Allie and I both have busy lives, and we both support each other in our careers. She has done nothing but add to my life.” My answer may have been a little too curt, and I knew it would be everywhere, but I kind of hoped it shut them up.
“You guys here ready to talk about the game?” Spencer interrupted, right on schedule.
The group laughed and the focus switched to him. I listened as the questions shifted to the game and the preparation for the playoffs if we won, but my mind was on Mallie. I knew she’d arrive tomorrow just a few hours before the game with Lacey, Brittanie, and Sydney in tow.
I also knew she was bringing her mom. I wouldn’t be able to see her prior to the game starting, but I’d know she was there. Afterward, I could have a little bit of time with her before we had to get back on the plane to head home, but it wasn’t enough. Then again, it never was. After this, I wasn’t sure if I’d see her until London, and that made me sad. But this was the reality of both of our lives, and I’d take a little of her over not having her at all.
Thankfully, the press conference was over not long after that, and we filed out together to go to practice.
“Thanks for the deflection,” I said to Spencer.
He shook his head. “They’re ruthless, but you handle them like a pro. You think they’d be done asking you about it at this point, but Allie’s name is big business. Did you see the sales of our merch since she came to the game and outed you both?”
“I did. It’s pretty wild but awesome, too. I don’t think they’re going to stop anytime soon. As long as there’s a chance she shows up, and when she does show up, it just fuels them to keep talking about it. Just imagine that what they say to me is just a fraction of what they’d ask Allie if she’d allow it. I got designated the official media person. I’m fine with it. I don’t mind at all talking about us. I’m just happy there is an us.”
“She’s good for you, man. You two are great together. Lacey is so excited to get to spend time with her this weekend,” Spencer said. “Despite how busy Allie is, she has kept in touch with Lacey quite a bit.”
“Brittanie, too,” Isaiah piped up, joining us. “I think she may be more in love with Allie than you are.”
I laughed. “Not possible, but she is loving the friendship with the girls. She says, and I quote, that they make her ‘feel normal.’”
“I don’t think Sydney has shut up about her for the last month,” Xavier said. “Thanks for dating a woman that the girls actually like this time.”
I shoved him as we walked into the locker room, and we all laughed. To say they tolerated Beth was an understatement. “Glad I can make you all happy with my choice of a woman.”
“Just don’t fuck it up,” Isaiah said.
“Trying really hard not to,” I answered.
“Hey, good job up there,” Briggs said, walking up to us. “They just love to ask you about Allie.”
I shrugged. “It comes with the territory. As long as they stay respectful, I don’t mind one bit talking about her. I’d shout from the rooftops how I feel about her.”
Briggs studied me. I knew he showed an interest in Bailey, and they’d spoken briefly at my house during the Thanksgiving meal, but he had been uncharacteristically quiet about it since then. For a moment, we had a silent conversation as the other guys walked away to get ready for practice.
“You good?” I didn’t want to push him, but I wanted him to know I was there if he needed me. Briggs wasn’t usually a quiet guy, so it was unlike him to not tell me if things were progressing with Bailey or if he had shot his shot and she denied him.
“You handle it so well,” he said. “I’m not sure I could do it.”
I contemplated my answer. “When it’s worth it, you will handle whatever you need to handle. You’ve been quiet, and I haven’t pushed, but you’re acting kinda like you want me to push you right now, so I’m going to ask. Have you been talking to Bailey?”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “She’s kind of brushing me off.”
“What do you mean?”
“I thought we hit it off pretty well that night at your house. Enough that she gave me her number. We talked several other times since then, and it felt like maybe there was something there. But she’s kind of ghosted me.”
“Is she busy, Briggs?”
He shrugged. “I mean, probably. But seeing how much you talk to Allie, and she’s coming to see your second game while she’s in the middle of touring, it just showed me that maybe Bailey isn’t actually into me.”
“If she gave you her number, and she’s talked to you, I wouldn’t assume that, but you have to talk to her. The best thing I did with Allie was be honest with her from the beginning. Was it scary? Sure. But it also kept us from wasting each other’s time by playing games. If you want this with her, you have to put it out there.”
Briggs nodded. “I wish she was coming with Allie.”
“How do you know she’s not?” Allie hadn’t said that she was, but that didn’t mean Bailey wouldn’t show up.
“I guess I don’t, but I thought maybe she’d tell me if she was.”
“Briggs. Text her or call her and ask if she can. Maybe she doesn’t know if you want her here. You have to put yourself out there, man.”
“Thanks, Theo.” Briggs walked back to his locker and picked up his phone. I shook my head. I guessed this was what life experience and age did for you—I didn’t want a question in my mind—or Allie’s—of how we felt about each other.
I’m here. Two little words in a simple text that made my heart skip a beat. I grinned at my phone screen, the chaos of the locker room around me not even registering.
It wasn’t that I didn’t know she was on her way—it just made me happy to confirm she’d made it safely and was inside the stadium. Today was a huge game—and I would put every bit of my focus on it—but I gave myself a few minutes to focus on the happiness that I got to see her today after a month.
I’m so glad you’re here. I miss you so much. I can’t wait to hold you and kiss you.
The bubble popped up, indicating her response. Baby, you and me both. It’s taking everything I have to not run through this building and find you so I can do just that.
Baby was new. I liked it.
Don’t tempt me , I wrote . I love you, angel. I will see you right after we kick some ass and make it to the playoffs.
I love you. Seeing those words would never get old. I still couldn’t believe it, even though we said it freely and often.
“Nolan!” Coach screamed, and I shoved the phone into my bag.
“Coming!” I said, striding across the room.
“You ready?” Spencer said, slapping my back.
“Beyond ready,” I answered. “It’s time to put this thing away.”
“Is she here?” Spencer asked.
I nodded. “Just arrived.”
“Good,” Spencer said. “That means all the girls are here safely. Now we can focus on getting this job done. Let’s go over some plays before we head out for warm-ups.”
“You’re going to the playoffs!” Allie jumped into my arms the second I walked into the suite to get her after the game. I breathed her in, my face buried in her neck. I wrapped my arms around her and she held my face, pressing her lips against mine.
I thought briefly about the cameras probably directed right at us, but I didn’t care. The rest of the suite was also in chaos, the other girls greeting the guys and mayhem happening.
It was a hard-fought game, and I was exhausted and sore. My elbow bled, and I tweaked my knee. But nothing felt better than having Allie in my arms. The pain from the game and the stress of it being closer than we wanted it to be melted away the moment I saw her.
“Mallie,” I whispered into her ear. She tilted her head and I felt her grin. She loved when I whispered into her ear and my beard tickled her. Just like she loved when I kissed from her ear, along her neck, and down her naked body. God, I couldn’t wait to do that. “I missed you, angel. You look so fucking beautiful.”
She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in my life, and it didn’t matter if she was wearing nothing in my bed—my preferred version—or glammed up on the stage; she made me weak in the knees. Tonight, she wore a pair of black leather pants, black boots, and an off-the-shoulder Blaze vintage T-shirt. Her hair was in a cute ponytail, and her makeup accentuated that gorgeous face. She wore a necklace with the Blaze logo I’d sent her from a local shop, then some others that were hers.
She cupped her hand over her mouth and leaned up to my ear. “I had a lot of fun watching you tonight, but you look so fine that I cannot wait to be alone. I need to fuck you like yesterday.” She leaned back and looked me in the eyes, and the lust I saw there had me wishing I had a damn helicopter in the parking lot.
“You’re fucking killing me,” I whispered. I put my lips back on her ear. “I’m going to start the night off by fucking you so hard you see stars because I need you like I need my next breath, and these pants are fucking torturing me. But after that, I’m going to take it slow and give you so many orgasms you’ll be screaming my name, angel.”
I felt and heard her sharp intake of breath. She ran her hands up and down my back. “I love you, baby,” she said.
My heart skipped a beat. “I love you, too, sweet girl. I am so glad you’re here.”
“Hey,” Spencer interrupted, Lacey standing with him. “Good to see you again, Allie. Did you enjoy the game?”
“I did,” she said. “They make it a lot of fun.” She indicated the girls standing around the suite.
“You guys ready?” Allie asked. Was I ready? No, not really, because that meant saying goodbye to her for a few more hours. Since we weren’t at home, we had to travel with the team to Florida. She was flying herself and the girls back and we planned to meet at my house. She would stay two days and then fly out to her next stop, and then I wouldn’t see her again until London. Now that we made the playoffs, it would be tight, but I’d make it. If we got to the championships at the end, she could be there, but that remained to be seen if we made it that far. It would be a busy few months.
I reached out for her hand, and she indicated to her security that we were on the move. She had a team of five with her tonight, a few that were hired for the stadium only, and then Juan and Rico as usual. I nodded to them in greeting. My parents were not able to make the game tonight, which I understood since it was Christmas and an away game. I’d catch up with them after Mallie left. The next two days were solely for her. I had some gifts for her, and I wanted to be with her alone. My family and friends understood.
The second the door to the suite opened, the volume increased significantly. People shrieked Allie’s name, and her grip tightened on my hand as we stepped into the hallway. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye and saw her face frozen into what I could only describe as the celebrity face—eyes wide, smile fixed, her head held high and her shoulders back.
She knew she would be videotaped and pictures would be everywhere of the two of us. She made eye contact and smiled as we continued to walk, security indicating for people to step back or move. A few times, she waved at fans, and the volume increased significantly when they realized she had acknowledged them.
I heard my name a few times, but I followed Allie’s lead and just continued to smile and walk. When we reached the elevator, a worker from the stadium held it open for our approaching group. A young girl, probably no more than ten years old, held a sign up over her head. She stood with what must be her parents. She yelled Allie’s name while jumping up and down in excitement. Allie turned her head and stopped as she saw the sign, and the rest of us halted with her.
The sign read I’m Your #1 Allie-Cat with pictures of her at several of Allie’s concerts, from the time she was a toddler until recently. When the girl noticed that Allie saw her, she stopped jumping and stared, her mouth open. Allie had a silent conversation with Juan and Rico, and she stepped closer to the little girl. I followed, and that was when I noticed she was decked out head to toe in all of Allie’s Lovestruck merch. She even wore the Allie-Cat symbol on a necklace.
“Hi!” Allie said to her, and I couldn’t help but smile at the expression on the girl’s face. She looked like she might pass out at any moment. “I love your sign! What’s your name?”
The little girl blinked and looked over at me and then back to Allie. A woman I assumed was her mom reached over and put her hands on the girl’s shoulders, and she kind of snapped out of it. “I’m Eliza.” She put her hand over her mouth, and tears filled her eyes. “I can’t believe you stopped to say hi to me. I have loved you since I was so little I didn’t even know what music was. I want to be a singer someday, just like you.”
“It’s true,” the woman interjected. “I’ve been a fan of yours since your first album, and I played the music constantly for her when I was pregnant. Ever since Eliza was a baby, she calmed down only to your music. She was only two when I took her to her first concert. She wore headphones and soaked in every single second of it.”
Allie indicated Juan, who handed her a pen without a word. This must be a normal thing. She crouched and signed her name to the sign and then stood up. “Do you want to take a picture?”
Eliza nodded, the tears still falling from her eyes. “I love you so much, Allie.”
“I love you too, sweetie! I hope you always work for your dreams. If you want to be a singer like me, then do everything you can to make that happen. It’s the best job ever because of fans like you.” Eliza’s mom took a few pictures and then got in the photo with her while her husband took another.
“Can Theo be in a picture too?” she asked. “He’s my favorite player. You guys are so cute together. I can’t believe you’re really a couple. It’s like a dream come true.”
Allie turned her head and looked at me. I read slight panic in her expression, wondering whether I wanted this attention or not. But what she didn’t realize was I would do anything and everything with her and for her. I nodded and stepped into the frame.
“Hey, I’m her dad! I want in on this one,” Eliza’s dad said, and we all laughed.
I shook his hand and noticed he wore one of my jerseys. Lacey took their phone and snapped a few pictures, and I signed his jersey.
“Nice to meet you guys,” Allie said. She hugged Eliza and whispered something to her, then hugged her mom as well. She waved as we walked away, and I put my arm around her shoulders and pulled her to me. The elevator doors closed, and she leaned back against me.
“That was the best thing I’ve ever seen,” I whispered into her hair, kissing the side of her head. “You just made that girl’s entire life. You’re the best human being I’ve ever known.” She tilted her face and looked up at me and I kissed her lips. “I love you, Mallie. So damn much.”