December 29th
Sealing the deal.
Ainsley
Yesterday, we traveled to Dallas in Jennifer’s gorgeous jet. It had that new-car smell, and the interior had been custom-designed for her needs. I felt completely spoiled, being able to travel that way. I don’t know who planned this whole trip, but I’m so grateful.
We landed, got picked up on the tarmac by vans that took us to our hotel, and were all shown to villas that overlooked the golf course. The cool thing is that the villas are all next to each other, which will make it fun for hanging out.
We checked out the resort and got to see the gorgeous pool.
If I could drink, I would have sipped on rosé all day—okay, maybe not since it’s, like, only fifty degrees out.
Warmer than KC, but not exactly laying-out-in-the-sun-and-getting-a-tan worthy.
Instead, we were treated to spa treatments and a lovely private dinner in their premier restaurant.
Damon arrived, and the team got settled in their hotel as well.
Today is Media Day, and I know Damon will be there for most of the morning.
When our group meets up for brunch, Jennifer is already discussing this with Damon’s dad.
“So, is their Media Day like when I do a movie? Where the main actors sit in chairs, and the reporters take turns, coming in with their cameras and interviewing before moving on so the next group can come in?”
I’m listening closely because I do want to know what Damon will be experiencing.
“Sort of,” Damon’s dad says. “In this case, players primarily serve as ambassadors for their teams, engaging in a very structured media blitz to build excitement for the upcoming game. I’m not sure if it’s the same as back when I was in college, but we were seated at individual tables, like you said, but by ourselves.
We would spend a couple of hours answering questions from a rotating group of reporters.
Nowadays, I’m sure it’s not only reporters, but bloggers and broadcasters.
Because I was the quarterback, I also usually got to participate in breakout sessions with a large group of reporters. ”
“That does sound a lot like the movies,” Jennifer says.
“The other cool thing we did was shoot short video clips that they often used during the game on the video displays. We also had to take candid and posed photos to use in the game-day programs and other promotional material.”
“That sounds like a lot of pictures!” I say, but then again, I’ve never been one to want to be in the spotlight.
“What about, like, those interviews that always make you cry, like someone lost their grandma and is playing for them?” Jennifer asks.
“Oh, sure. We do those even for the pro games that I analyze. Everyone loves human interest stories about the players. And by the way, I did get a few media passes for today, if anyone wants to join me.” He looks at me and goes, “Ainsley, Dani also has an extra pass, if you’d like to go with her.”
“I would love that!”
Dani and I travel the short distance to the media hotel with Damon’s mom and dad as well as Chase’s parents. What we find is controlled chaos.
There are players and reporters everywhere.
And to be honest, throughout this pregnancy, I really haven’t craved alcohol, but this place makes me want to have a drink. Actually, what I’d really like to do is find a quiet spot to sit and just people-watch. Watch the players and media come and go.
But instead, I’m dragged into room after room until Dani finds Chase and Damon. Not surprisingly, they are sitting just like they were when they made the announcement together that they were going to Nebraska.
And it warms my heart. I’m so glad that Chase called me and told me how he had been mad at Damon. How he understands. And I know they will always be best friends. At least, I truly hope they will be.
When they are finished with their interview, Chase gets up, rushes to his wife, and gives her a big kiss. Damon looks at me tentatively, then looks down at my clearly visible and getting-larger-by-the-day baby bump.
And I know what he’s thinking. That he hasn’t told anyone about me being pregnant. That even his teammates don’t know. And now is not the time to announce it.
I take a few steps back, not wanting any of the reporters to notice me. I’ll just wait until Dani is done talking to Chase—well, kissing on Chase—and then we can go. I’ll pretend I’m just her friend.
But just as I start to turn my back to the stage, Damon is at my side, pulling me into his arms.
“I’m not sure we should be doing this. Here,” I tell him.
“Yeah, I thought about it for a few minutes and decided I don’t care what anyone thinks. Our family and closest friends know, and I couldn’t care less what the rest of the world thinks. I love you.”
I plant a big kiss on his lips. “I’m not sure I agree one hundred percent, but I’m going with it.”
“Good,” he says, pushing me back and taking in my Nebraska jersey and red high-tops. “You look good in red.”
“I’ve always looked good in red.”
“Okay, you look especially good wearing my number. My jersey.”
“You know, Treyvon told me that I could wear his jersey. Said that people would love it if they thought I was his baby mama.”
“He did not!” Damon says.
“He did so,” I say, “but he was teasing. So, do you have a lot more interviews?”
“No, I’m actually done. There are some hospitality rooms with all sorts of food.
There is a media room, a lounge packed with video games, and even a three-hole mini golf course.
A lot of players are staying, but Chase and I are going back to the hotel with you for some free time, until we have to be back for our team dinner and walk-through practice. ”
“I love that we get to spend a little time together. What do you want to do? Our hotel is so nice.”
“I think you know exactly how I want to spend our time,” he says, sealing the deal with a steamy kiss.