September 19th
This moment.
Ainsley
Since Sammy grilled up a bunch of steaks last night, we start the day with steak, eggs, and fried potatoes. It’s darn good. And since the game doesn’t start until two-thirty today, we have some time to kill.
And we do so by sitting up on the rooftop deck, watching all the people who are already tailgating. It’s awesome up here because I feel like I’m part of the festivities while being out of the crowd.
Daine and the band join us, as they’ll be in the suite with us today. As do Amber and Garrett.
We listen to the sounds below and play cards. It’s a fun way to kill some time. Garrett and Sammy hit it off at the concert and are now best friends.
And seem to be teaming up on me, trying to steal my stacks of money in the game. Thankfully, it doesn’t work, and while I don’t win any of the games, neither do they. Haley seems to have the hot hand today.
About three hours before the game, the group from Kansas City arrives—Chase’s dad, Damon’s mom and Uncle Van, Uncle Tripp, and Damon’s dad.
Apparently, Jennifer left yesterday to fly to Milan for some Fashion Week events.
It’s crazy to think the young girl I idolized in a movie married a football player from Kansas City and lives a very normal life—like when she’s not jetting off to Milan.
And I guess Chase’s mom didn’t get to come today because of a big soccer tournament that Madden is playing in.
And I heard something about the grandparents taking care of the little girls.
Once they’ve all gotten cocktails, Damon’s dad says to Dani, “Come on. It’s homecoming! We’ve got to go see all the decor, don’t we?”
Dani shrugs. “I suppose. Eddie told us to stop by his frat house. I guess their decor is cool. They re-created a cornfield or something. I don’t know.”
“And I’m an alum, so we have to stop by my house,” Chase’s dad says. “Well, technically, it’s not where I lived. They knocked that place down years ago and built a new one. But still. Some of my frat brothers said in a group text that they’d be here. It’d be good to see them.”
“Why don’t you boys go explore?” Dani’s mom offers. “We’ll meet you at the game.”
I can tell the idea of wandering around on campus doesn’t thrill her. Of course, I wouldn’t want to walk anywhere in the high heels she’s wearing.
I’m sitting in my usual spot next to Dani when in the beginning of the third quarter, Damon scores his first touchdown of the game. I’m not sure why, but the game has been kind of slow. Like they’ve have been playing just hard enough not to lose, rather than to win.
And when I stand up to cheer and everyone in the box is calling out Damon’s name, I feel it. A flutter in my belly. A kick?
I touch my belly as I look around at all the people in the suite and the boy down on the field and wish I could share this moment with them.
With him.