16. Noah
noah
. . .
I t’s opening day and I’m standing in the middle of the field, watching as fans walk toward their seats with hotdogs, nachos, candy, beer, and of course their favorite noise maker. The thing that always gets me is the foam finger. I never know if the fan is telling me I’m number one or if they’re flipping me off. Last year, it was probably a little bit of both. But this year, the season is going to be different. Not only am I putting in every effort I can muster, but the team wants to win. No more subpar seasons for us. We want to make the playoffs, be a team that challenges every opponent. We want teams to have to earn their victory, and not come into our stadium thinking the game is a wash.
A few of my teammates are out on the field. Julius is running the snake as his warm-up. Right now, he’s doing high knees, and almost kicking himself in the face. He asked if I wanted to do it with him. I thought he was joking at first, but his expression turned to stone when I laughed and had to politely decline.
At the fifty-yard line section of the stadium, behind the team bench, I have half of the section reserved. I think every member of my family will be in attendance today. The last time this happened, I was a rookie. I wish I could say I’m the reason they’re here, but it’s not. It’s Peyton. She’s on the sideline, with her headset on and thumbing through a notebook. I’ve seen what’s in there, copiously detailed notes about every Pioneer player. Even the third string guys.
The best part about today – we’re playing the Rams. I have a strong desire to annihilate this team, not only for me but for Peyton as well – my girl spent hours studying game film on them and has shown us their weaknesses.
Actually, the best part about football right now is that the guys have really taken to Peyton. They listen to her, ask her questions when things aren’t going their way, and respect her knowledge of the game. A few of the guys have told me that I better “wife her up” before they put the moves on her. I guess having a wedding date isn’t good enough for them. I was never worried about the team accepting her. What scared me was whether or not she’d allow herself to fit in and express herself. She’s never had a problem telling me where my game is weak, but telling others is a different story.
After training camp started, Peyton and I made a rule – don’t bring work home. At the stadium or practice facility, she’s a part of the coaching staff. At home, I’m the boss. Not really, but it’s fun to say sometimes. We are equals. We’re two people madly in love with each other, who are trying to plan a wedding while working crazy hours.
I finally get why she was so hesitant to set a date – the planning. Over the summer, everything was easier because we had the time. Once football started, time became almost non-existent. Her days are much longer than mine. She’s spent hours watching game film, creating player profiles to her liking, and meeting with players and coaching staff. On top of this, she has to attend meetings, which she tells me is totally not her thing.
I’ve tried to help where I can. By help, I mean I called both moms and asked them to do the unthinkable and plan the rest of the wedding. I spent days photocopying the winter section of her wedding bible to send to our mothers. I’ve also made the guest list, inviting everyone we know. As for the wedding party, we decided to keep things small, which is surprising since Peyton was part of a sorority. I thought for sure we were going to have eight to ten people standing next to us, but she only wants our sisters. Telling Alex that he wasn’t going to be in the wedding was a bit daunting. He’s a big dude and could easily crush me if he wanted. Thankfully, he was cool and said he doesn’t really look good in brown and would be there happily if an invitation found its way into his mailbox. Honestly, we’re not expecting many people to come. Our families will be there for sure, but being as the wedding is Christmas night, we don’t want to take people away from their families.
Two security guards are now standing on each side of the section I reserved. In the past, there would be one with a second lingering. However, Quinn will be here today and with Sinful Distraction’s first album reaching number one on the charts, he’s developed a fan base, and at one of our preseason games in California, it was a nightmare for him. Not to mention Nola. She’s received a few death threats, which has Quinn on edge. He’s so laid back that when he saw them on social media, he had a massive panic attack and wanted to hire round the clock security for her. It took my mom, his mom and Jenna to explain that sadly, this is normal and until someone physically sends Nola something or accosts her on the streets, they should ignore what they read. Still, I’d probably do the same thing as Quinn if I were in his shoes.
After Quinn flew to South Carolina to win back Eleanora, they’ve been stronger than ever. They’re cute, according to Peyton, and she really likes having Nola around. Quinn and Nola are living together. It took a lot of prodding on everyone’s part, but he finally dug into his trust fund and bought a house. Of course, it’s on the beach, which shouldn’t surprise anyone, and is close to Elle and Ben’s house. Elle and Nola are cordial. Peyton is a bit more accepting of Nola. But I think in due time, everyone will put aside the small hiccup and things will be fine. I like Nola a lot. She makes my best friend happy and has brought him out of his shell a little bit. And I like her parents and brother Rhett, who will be at the game today as well.
I’m proud of Elle and everything’s she accomplished with Sinful Distraction. She had this vision, and the drive to make sure the group succeeded. They’re going to go on tour with 4225 West after the wedding. My dad, Harrison, and JD are very excited to be their opening act, which is unheard of. But they’re family, and there isn’t anything the band wouldn’t do to help others out.
Peyton looks out toward the field, almost as if she knows I’m thinking about her. I want nothing more than to go over to her right now and kiss her, but not while we’re at work. That’s another rule. It’s not one I want to follow but know I have to. My fantasy of having sex with her in the locker room can only play out in my mind. I get it, but it doesn’t mean I like it. If players see us together, it can create a disconnect between her and the others. Here, we’re player and coach. We try not to interact unless she’s pointing something out or has a question for me.
Glancing back toward the stands, my dad, mom, grandparents, and sister are making their way down to their seats. I start to head over so I can talk to them when I notice my grandma Bianca. She’s dressed head to toe in Pioneer gear, but that’s not what catches my eye. It’s the fact that her face is painted purple. She is, without a doubt, my biggest fan. I know she’s making up for lost time, and I appreciate it, but she doesn’t have to go to extremes like this. I’m sure the paint is uncomfortable.
As I pass by Peyton, our eyes meet. I wink, and she blushes. I may not be able to touch her right now, but I’m sure as hell going to flirt with her. We keep eye contact until I’m forced to look away.
Betty Paige is at the railing and starting to climb over by the time I get there. A stadium security guard yells something, but she ignores him. She jumps into my arms and clings as tightly as she can to my shoulders. There’s going to be a day when I’m no longer her number one guy. It’s a day that I’m not looking forward to.
“Everything okay?” I ask her. School has started for her, and Mack has a girlfriend. I knew that wasn’t going to sit well with her when it happened, but it’s for the best. When Nick called to tell me, my heart plummeted. Sometime over the summer, a girl a year or so older, took an interest in Mack, and I guess he really liked the attention. He effectively broke Paige’s heart, which in a roundabout way makes my dad very happy.
“I’m getting better.”
Teenage love. I don’t recommend it and know that someday I’ll be the dad nursing broken hearts. “He’s just a boy, Betty Paige. And as much as it kills me to say this, there are so many other guys out there. Plus, you’re way too young to settle down.”
“But I love him.”
Thankfully she can’t see me roll my eyes. I don’t discount that what she feels is love, but she’s going to love many people throughout her years. She just doesn’t understand that yet.
“If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. You have to be patient.”
“Like you and Peyton?”
“Yep. And Mom and Dad. We all had to wait.”
“Being a teen sucks.”
So does being an adult, but that’s life. I set her down so I can help her get back over the wall. My dad is there to make sure she doesn’t hurt herself.
“Is she nervous?” Dad asks, nodding toward Peyton. I look over my shoulder to find her head slightly bent toward her binder. No doubt, studying.
“I don’t think so. I know she wants to beat the Rams pretty badly though.”
“Can you blame her?”
“Not one bit. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it happens, and so are the guys. They’re pissed.”
Dad pats me on my shoulder pad. “I don’t blame them. It was shady what they did.”
Shady doesn’t begin to describe what the Rams did. Underhanded, deplorable. I feel as if they should’ve been fined by the league for their actions.
“Hey Grandma, looking good,” I yell up to her. She stands and takes a bow. On the outside, she looks like a frail old lady, but her mind is sharp. Years of alcohol abuse are starting to show, and her health is declining. My dad doesn’t say much about it, but I know he’s hurting. They’ve been trying to make up for lost time.
Quinn is walking down the steps, flanked by security. There’s a group of young girls following, yelling his name, and asking for his autograph. Nola’s with him, holding onto his hand. By the looks of things, he’s not going to get any peace being here. I look around for our marketing team members and call one of them over to me.
“Any way I can get two media passes for my friend?” I nod toward the stand where more security has shown up to try and get the girls back to their seats.
“Don’t you have a booth?” Bobbie asks.
“I do, but it’s the first game and they like to sit in the stands.”
She steps away and pulls out her walkie-talkie. I don’t want Quinn to leave but know he will if he doesn’t feel comfortable. Bobbie comes back and hands me her clipboard. “Put their names here and go ahead and bring them down. I’ll get their passes.”
“Thank you.” As soon as she walks away, I’m back at the railing. “Quinn!” I motion for him to follow me toward the gate.
“What’s up?”
Security opens the metal door for us. “Come with me.” They follow me back toward the bench, where they can stand for the game. “You’ll be able to enjoy the game from here.”
“Seriously?” Nola asks.
“Yeah, stay behind this line. There will be a waitress who will come around to see if you want anything to eat or drink. And Bobbie will be by with your passes, which allows you to stay on the field and have access to the clubhouse.”
“Thanks, man.” Quinn and I hug it out. I know he’ll be more comfortable down here.
“Westbury?”
Ah, the sweet sound of my girl calling my name. “Yes, Miss James,” I say when I get to her.
“What’s that all about?” she asks, tilting her head toward her brother.
“The fans are out in droves. I thought he’d be at ease down here where no one can get to him.”
Peyton eyes her brother and his girlfriend for a long minute. “You did that for him?”
“Yeah, why?”
“You’ve never done that for your dad.”
I shrug. “Dad’s had a much longer time to get used to the attention. This is all new to Quinn and I want him to enjoy the game.”
Peyton looks at me, she smiles so brightly that my knees go weak. “You’re really something, Noah Westbury.”
Fuck it. I don’t care who’s looking or where we are right now. When my girl gives me a compliment like that, I’m going to kiss the shit out of her. And I do, right there in front of everyone. People behind us, mostly our family, cheer loudly. When we part, she looks at me with hooded eyes.
“Noah…”
“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll finish when we get home.”
“Only if you win this game, Westbury.”
“Consider the victory in the bag.” I wink again and painstakingly walk away from her to join my team in warm-ups.