September 4th
Leave them no choice.
Ainsley
I’ve just arrived in Lincoln and gotten inside the condo building when Dani rushes over and says, “Oh my gosh, you’re never going to believe it.”
“Believe what?” I ask her.
“One of the starting receivers got suspended for tomorrow’s game.
The papers are all over it. It’s a huge scandal.
First, the police were called to the apartment he shared with his girlfriend yesterday afternoon because they had been fighting.
I guess a neighbor had called, but the police didn’t see any evidence of abuse, and the couple told the police it was just an argument.
And they were sorry if they were loud. But then, last night, he got pulled over for reckless driving. ”
“Oh, that’s not good.”
“It’s not. But it should be good for Damon. He will definitely be playing in the game. And you know what that means?”
“He’ll be happy?” I ask.
“He and Chase will connect. Like they always do. You’re in for a good show.”
“That’s exciting. He really wants to be a starter. It’s killing him not to be.”
“I know. I hear about it a lot. But he’ll get there. Maybe sooner than we thought.”
“Do you think it will affect the team morale or anything?”
“Of course, stuff like this is always a distraction. Something coaches hate. Everyone is just finding out the news. Chase called me about fifteen minutes ago. Damon a few minutes later. I’d barely hung up when both my parents called and wanted to know what I’d heard.
Auntie Jay called and asked how Chase was handling it.
So, you know it’s going around like wildfire.
And you know our opponent is looking for ways to turn it into an opportunity on the field. ”
“When Damon first got here, he told me that their coach said they had to be really careful. That he didn’t want any trouble before the season started. No scandals, arrests, or headlines.”
“Probably would have been better if this had happened before the season started, but here we are.”
“It’s really too bad he went off on his own like that. That he didn’t call a teammate if he was upset.”
“He should have. Even one of his coaches.”
“Will he get kicked off the team?”
“Right now, it’s a one-game suspension. I assume they need to get more information before they make any further decisions.
” She pauses, then goes, “Oh, and Chase and Damon should be coming home between practice and when they have to report to the hotel.” She rolls her eyes.
“Although I suppose that might change. Let’s hang out here and have a movie night, if that sounds good to you.
I’m in the mood for popcorn and junk food.
I try not to eat it around the boys since they’re so strict with their diet, but since they won’t be here,” she says with a smile on her face, “we can be bad.”
“That sounds fun. It’s been a long week. How was your first week of school? Do you like your classes?”
“I think they’ll be fine. Mostly, I love my schedule. All my classes are on Tuesday and Thursday. And without sorority, I have so much free time compared to last year. I’m loving it. How are yours?”
“They’re good. It helps that Sammy and I have our classes together. And I love that I don’t have class on Fridays. But the first day, they told us about all the projects we’d be doing, and it’s going to be a lot of work. Fun because I enjoy it. But graded, you know.”
“If only we could just learn and not have to get grades, college would be so much more fun,” she says with a laugh.
“Will your family not be here tonight?” I ask.
“No, they’ll all fly up together first thing in the morning. Chase’s little brother Ryder made varsity football and has a game tonight. That’s why we’re having a quiet night because tomorrow will be chaos. And it will be even more than usual with Chase’s birthday celebration.”
“When is his birthday?” I ask her.
“On Monday, the seventh, but the family won’t be here for that, thankfully.” She holds up her hands. “That sounded bad. I just mean that it will be nice for Chase to have a quiet birthday.”
The boys do get to stop by before they have to go to the hotel. And I’m pretty sure it’s not to get their stuff, but because they are looking for a quick roll in the hay. Chase leads Dani into their condo the second he arrives, and Damon kisses me intensely before leading me back to his.
“I don’t have a lot of time,” he says.
“We never have enough time,” I tease. “But we can probably make do.”
Clothes are removed, bodies pressed together, and our love is consummated.
I’m kissing up the side of his neck, feeling happy and fulfilled.
In love.
“Did Dani tell you the news?”
“That I’m going to get to see you play?” I ask in between kisses.
“Yeah. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too. Sounds like everyone else will be here,” I tease.
“Oh, tomorrow, before and after the game, this place will be hopping. They usually fly in and out for morning games, but I know they are planning a party for Chase’s birthday, and I don’t know if they will spend the night or not. If they do, the following morning will be a little crazy too.”
“Either way, I’m sure it will be fun. Also, I think we’ll be celebrating something besides a birthday.”
“Like what?” he says, glancing at his watch.
“Hmm. Time to go?” I ask him.
“Yeah, unfortunately.”
“It’s okay. I’m just glad we got to spend a little time together.”
He kisses me, then gets out of bed.
I get up and get dressed too.
When we walk to the door, I block it and pull him close. “What we’ll be celebrating is your phenomenal game. The kind that will leave them no choice but to make you a starter.”
He gets a big grin. “I like that.”
“Do it for me?” I flirt.
He gives me a salute. “Yes, ma’am, Champ, ma’am.”
“You’re silly,” I tell him.
“And you are perfect.”