Chapter 26 Tyrell
TYRELL
Since Dani and I have officially started dating, it’s been a flurry of text messages and phone calls as we try to squeeze in every second of time we can between her job, my classes, homework, football training, and gym workouts.
Thankfully, football isn’t too intense. The coaches are just keeping the team fit and steady until the season begins and training intensifies.
I won’t even be playing, but I’m still turning up to every practice and giving it my all.
I can’t wait for today’s to be over, because Dani is waiting for me. She’s not working tonight, so we’ll be going on our first official date. Well, not our first date. We’ve done a bunch of doubles, but this will be the first one just the two of us.
Exam prep can wait. Everything can wait.
All that matters tonight is my girl.
Wow, feels weird saying that, but that’s what she is, right?
My girl.
This sensation I’m still getting used to whistles through my chest. I scratch between my pecs, not entirely sure how to manage it. This thing with her is different from anything I’ve felt before.
I’ve booked us into an Italian place on the outskirts of town. I want to take her somewhere away from campus, so there’s less chance of prying eyes and nosy neighbors near our table.
“Jackson! Let’s go!” Coach yells, and I throw myself into the drill, making sure the freshman practice squad I’m working with is getting the most benefit out of our session.
We work on blocking, and then Coach pulls a few of us aside to focus on his “snap-punch” move.
I demonstrate the technique I’ve been using all season, and the guys follow me easily.
They’re gonna be good. These young ones are fast and aren’t afraid of the defensive line.
Hopefully they’ll move up to second-string over the next year and get some field time.
I work with each of them, perfecting their ability to snap the ball, then quickly be ready to block.
“Nice.” I nod. “Now, next time, bring your foot forward and really punch out with your hand. It’s a springing movement, not a swipe.” I show them what I mean, and one by one they settle into position, snapping the ball, then punching out with their hands.
They all know this stuff. They’ve been playing ball for years. We’re just getting down to the finer details, working on their moves until they’re perfect. It only takes a second to make or break a game.
“Good work, good work.” Coach Jones claps as he walks past, checking in on each of the drills.
A sadness I don’t even understand sweeps through me when I realize that I’m not gonna be on this field for much longer. The coaches aren’t gonna be talking to me, yelling at me, encouraging me, berating sloppy play. There’ll be no team around me, no men to lead into battle.
Shit. My days of football are nearly over.
Standing tall, I rest my hands on my hips, grateful when Coach blows the whistle to bring us all in.
“Good work, gentlemen.” He stands on his usual box so he can see us all, and I stare up at him, not really listening as my mind wanders forward to the future.
Where will I be?
Probably Dallas. Mama’s really putting the pressure on to come home. She needs the support, and they’ve been missing me. We’re a tight family, and Cyrus in particular really needs me around.
It’s my duty to be there for him, right?
But what about Dani? The thought is like a punch to the stomach.
Am I seriously going to be leaving her in a few short weeks? We’re just getting started with this thing. Is that a good idea?
Maybe I should be making plans to stay in Nolan.
Isn’t that jumping the gun? You’re about to go on your first date, not propose freaking marriage.
Fuck. I close my eyes, praying that I don’t fall into my three-date trap like I always do.
I get so far, and then it comes to that moment where it could go one way or the other… and I’ve always bailed.
I don’t get why.
Shit, that better not happen with Dani.
Maybe I should be stepping back.
I don’t want to lead her on and hurt her.
You’ve never felt this way about anyone before. You are NOT bailing on this date.
“All right.” Coach Jones claps his hands together. “Have a good night.”
I glance up in dazed confusion, and Carson snickers at me before muttering, “He’s called off practice for tomorrow and Thursday. Wants us to focus on studying for finals. What is up with you, man?”
“He’s got his first date tonight,” Zander singsongs, then starts laughing.
“Although, it’s not really, right? You’ve been going out with this girl on doubles. Tonight shouldn’t be intimidating.” Grady throws the ball up, then catches it with one hand.
“It’s different,” I argue. “There’s a lot more pressure.”
“True, but you seem into this girl, and you were friends first, so it should be easy, right?” Carson slaps me on the shoulder. “Just chill, man.”
“Yeah, thanks,” I mutter, shaking my head and trailing them into the locker room.
As usual, conversation shifts to the future, which does nothing to ease my already frayed nerves.
Zander’s talking about packing boxes and moving companies.
The Chargers have a full relocation service that will help with all of this.
Sienna has been looking at listings with a real estate agent the team has connected her with.
She wants a little bungalow near the arena but has also been researching good schools and communities nearby.
I think they might be aiming for Torrance, which is just outside of Inglewood.
I don’t know. I’ve heard a few suburbs batted around as they quickly make plans for their future.
She’s also been looking into preschools and playgroups for Zoey.
Our little girl needs to socialize with kids her own age.
Damn, I’m gonna miss her.
I need to start planning a trip to Los Angeles.
And Arizona. Wily’s gonna be based in Glendale, I think.
I don’t even know where that is, but I’m gonna have to plan a road trip or start saving for flights, because I want to get to some of their games, that’s for sure.
Although, who knows when Wily will get any field time.
But he made an NFL team, and that’s his foot in the door.
He’ll be working his ass off to prove himself. I’m excited to see him do it.
But you won’t see it.
Damn, I’m gonna miss my boys.
Graduation is coming at me like a bullet train, and I’m not prepared.
Getting out of the shower, I towel myself off and notice my phone screen lighting up.
Dani Girl: I’m so sorry, but I have to work tonight. They’re in a bind and can’t find someone else to cover. Tobin’s sick and Jed’s looking after him, and there’s no one else. This sucks. I was really looking forward to tonight.
My insides deflate, but I force a smile and quickly reply.
Me: No stress. Why don’t I come hang out at the bar? I can talk to you in sound bites when you get a minute between pulling beers.
She sends back a laughing emoji, a thumbs-up, and then a heart.
I smile down at her message, making a mental note to cancel my reservation for tonight… and come up with a really awesome alternative first date for us… whenever it happens.
Maybe this cancellation is a sign from the universe that I should be coming up with something better than an Italian restaurant.
Shoving my things into my bag, I follow my crew out of the locker room, my mind churning with ideas of what Dani might like to do.
Shit, I’ve never put so much thought and effort into a date before.
Because she’s special. You know she is. Don’t waste this chance, man.