December 31st #2
“The Event Level is a secure entry point beneath the stadium that is essentially the backbone of the whole operation,” Tripp says.
“From a team standpoint, the players and staff enter and exit there, have access to the locker rooms and fields, and can bring in equipment. The team buses pull directly into the loading area, and players unload into restricted corridors. It’s also where all the broadcast media operates from.
” He pauses for a second and points toward the basket of pastries on the table.
“All catering and back-of-the-house operations run through it, along with security, staff, performers. Really, everything that makes the place run goes through it. We’ll be escorted through specific corridors to take us to our suite. ”
“That makes sense,” I say. “Now I can sort of picture it.”
They go get food while I continue reading.
5:20: Observe access for future hotel
5:30: Suite arrival
5:45: Players early warm-ups, on-field access
6:30: Full-team warmups
7:10: Pregame ceremony
7:30: Kickoff
Postgame celebration
Transfer back to hotel
New Year’s Eve toast
I set the schedule down. “I love the postgame celebration at the end,” I say with a smile. “Although I was hoping I could give Damon a kiss at midnight.”
“I think the only way that could happen is if we go to overtime. And hopefully, we don’t.”
“True,” I say. “Thanks for doing all of this.”
“It was a team effort. Tripp acquired our tickets, Jennifer took care of the transportation, and I set up our accommodations.”
“We all appreciate it,” Sammy says.
Eventually, everyone in our party trickles in, and we have a spirited conversation about today’s game. I notice Haley isn’t really saying much or eating much.
“Everything okay?” I ask her.
She shrugs, and I get the feeling whatever it is, she doesn’t want to talk about it.
When we’re going back to our rooms to change before going to the spa, she pulls me aside.
“Daine and me … I don’t know anymore. I just don’t know.”
“Did something happen last night?” I wonder.
“I told him that he should date other people.”
“I thought he already could. That you both could? That you were just going to be friends?”
“That is what we agreed to, but neither one of us has dated anyone since the concert in Lincoln. We talk every night. It’s just not fair.”
“Because you want to date someone?”
Her eyes get big. “Oh gosh, no. I’m totally in love with him, but I can’t be with him, and I won’t be able to be with him for a very long time.
I just don’t see a way for us to work. And I told him so.
Honestly, it just hurts too much. Like, when I talk to him, I’m so happy to hear his voice, but afterward, I feel sad.
Every time. And I just can’t do it anymore. ”
“So, you’re not going to be friends?”
She shakes her head. “No.”
I pull her into a hug. “I’m sorry.”
“I know. Me too.”
“Will he be at the game?”
“I gave him a ticket when we first got them. Had no idea that they would get asked to play here, but it’s my understanding that he was leaving with the band first thing this morning.”
“How did he take the news?”
“Not well. In fact, he cried. Said that he doesn’t know what he’s going to do without me in his life. And to be honest, I don’t know what I’m going to do either.”
“It’s important that you protect your emotional well-being. And if it’s making you sad, then I understand.”
“He doesn’t. I feel bad. But it is what it is. And while I appreciate your concern and I want you and Damon to know, I don’t really want to talk about it further.”
“Okay,” I say, my heart breaking for her.
I have a nice time at the spa. I get a manicure and pedicure, then follow it up with a blowout. And before I know it, it’s time to go back to the room and get ready for the game.
I put on the outfit that Damon’s mom got for me to wear.
The swingy T-shirt with his number on the back and maternity jeans that feature appliqués with his name, number, team mascot, along with stars and fireworks.
I look in the mirror, delighted by how cute it is.
The shirt style is flattering, and if you didn’t know I was pregnant, you might not be able to tell.
But when I turn to the side, I see that I’m quite incorrect about that.
But for just a second, I felt like I didn’t look so big.
I grab the coat made out of the Diamond football jersey and add it. I won’t need it in the stadium, but it’s chilly outside.
“What do you think?” Sammy says, showing off his own shirt.
“I love it! You guys all ready?” I ask him, glancing at my watch. “It’s time for us to get going.”
Once we arrive at the stadium, Tripp says, “I’m excited to see what you all think,” to me, Apollo, and Jadyn.
“Well, so far, it’s been easy. Frictionless.
It’s really nice, not having to deal with traffic—well, in this case, we did have other helicopters,” Jadyn says, “but I don’t think that really counts.
We won’t have that at the hotel though, Tripp.
We’ll just need to figure out an easy way for us to get our guests to the stadium, regardless of where their tickets are.
And while I’m thrilled to have easy, direct access for this game, we’re going to have to file away this experience until we have actionable specifics. ”
“Good point,” Tripp says as we’re greeted by a suite concierge, who leads us over to waiting golf carts to be whisked down a concrete corridor. While the corridor is simply functional, it does feature pretty polished floors and is spotless.
He stops in front of a secure door. We get out of the golf carts and enter a small private elevator lobby, featuring textured wall panels, warm colors, and high-end stone finishes. It’s got a five-star hotel lobby vibe, and we’re taken up an elevator to the suite floor.
When we get to our suite, Tripp says, “What we just walked through is called the Owner’s Lounge. Boys,” he says to Ryder and Madden, “the food out there is all you can eat and drink for free.”
The boys’ faces light up. “Can we go check it out?” Madden asks.
“Of course, just bring your food back here to eat,” their dad tells them.
Tripp says, “We’re starting off in here with seafood—crab legs and shrimp—along with a few other snacks. Closer to game time, they’ll bring in our meal—a Texas barbecue spread. Menus should be at each seat, but feel free to come and go between here and the lounge.”
Dani grabs my hand and leads me to where the seats are for watching the game. “I have to sit in the front row, just like at school,” she says. “You know how these things go. People all get together and talk through half the game. We need to watch.”
“Agreed,” I tell her, dropping my coat onto one of the seats.
“Should we go check out the lounge?” she asks.
“Yeah, that would be fun. I typically love crab, but for some reason, it doesn’t sound good to me right now.”
Sammy, Apollo, and Haley go with us.
The excitement is palpable in the lounge, and it’s fun to see fans from both teams mingling together.
I end up finding some queso dip and chips.
“Yum,” is all Sammy says.
I add some chicken tenders and thick potato wedges to my plate.
“Should we eat out here?” Sammy asks us. “I’ve already seen three celebrities. We can people watch.”
Haley and Apollo agree and are joined by Ryder and Madden, who tell us they are on their second plates.
Dani says, “I want to go back in the suite so we can see when the boys come out for warm-ups.”
“And that’s when we’ll go on the field, right?”
“Yeah.”
As we’re walking back into the suite, her mom goes, “Oh my gosh! There you are, Ainsley! Your mom is on the phone!”
She holds up her phone, and I can see Mom and Hayes standing on a balcony that overlooks the Eiffel Tower, which is all lit up.
“Hey, Mom,” I say. “What a gorgeous view you have! I guess it’s already the new year there, so Happy New Year!”
“It’s going to be a very happy year,” she practically squeals as she holds up her left hand. One that has a shiny new diamond on it. “We’re engaged! He proposed right here, with this beautiful view, as the fireworks were going on. It was incredible.”
“Oh, Mom! I’m so happy for you! Congratulations to you both!”
And I am truly happy for her. For both of them.
But as there are choruses of congrats from everyone in the suite, I can’t help but think about my dad, wondering if he really actually bet on our team losing tonight. Or if he said it just so he would get some kind of reaction from me, so I would give him some kind of information.
Once they end the call, we make our way to our seats and dig in.
I’ve only gotten down one chicken tender when Dani’s phone dings, and she says, “Chase just texted me. They’re coming out for early warm-ups now, so we’ll want to work our way down there soon.”
I drag a chip through queso and take a bite and then take one of my chicken tenders and eat it on the way out of the suite.
When we get down to the field level, we’re directed to a roped-off area on the sideline.
Chase is tossing Damon and other receivers passes. They aren’t running hard or anything. It’s just like they are playing catch with each other.
About five minutes later, Damon leaves the rotation and struts over to me. He’s wearing athletic shorts under a long-sleeved compression shirt. One that clings to his muscular form.
But it’s his huge grin that really makes me smile. And I love it even more when the second we’re close enough, he pulls me in for a sweet kiss.
“Love the outfit.”
“I suppose you do since it has your name all over it,” I tease.
“How do you think we look so far?” he asks.
I run my finger down the sleeve of his shirt. “You look hot in this.”
He chuckles. “I was referring to my receiving.”
“I know. To be honest, it looked like you could have been playing catch in your backyard.”
“We kind of are. I need to get back there.” He puts his hand on my belly and says, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
He starts to run off, but then comes back. “Where is your suite?” he asks.