Page 41 of Zone
I put my hand in, and they all pile on, doing a dip as we say our usualMarch in!
We’re in Miami, which means the fans aren’t behind us like in the Dome. Jogging out onto the field, I miss that lift, the cheers of encouragement, the excitement of the home crowd, the music.
It’s an extra surge of adrenaline, but we don’t need it. Our defense is solid. I’ve made the mental adjustments, taken the lessons, practiced my ass off. We’re winning this.
You’re the next generation of your family’s legends.Her words are burned into my mind, echoing in my ears.Get out of your way and own it.
It’s a feeling pressing against my sternum, driving my heart. I want to believe her. So I do.
She still doesn’t text me before the games, but she’s watching. Hesitating before I take the field, I rub my fingers over the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes so I can see her face. She’s holding out her hands to me and telling me I can do it.
* * *
The Dolphins play hard,and it’s clear their new quarterback is finding his feet. He isn’t green any more than I am, and he makes several discussion-worthy plays.
Fortunately, our D-line is on point. Nothing’s getting through our guys, which leaves it on me to make the touchdown plays.
Their defense is equally determined. I’m forced to throw the ball more than once, and I can feel the fans chantingTake the Checkdownas sure as if I’m on social media reading it.
My chest is tight, and they’re putting more pressure after the snap than I like. Falling back, I scan from Kyler to Baker to Gill to Fonz. The only thing I see is the Dolphins linebacker heading straight up the middle to sack me.Where the fuck is my coverage?
Taking a chance, I toss it… right into the arms of a waiting cornerback. Gill should’ve fucking been there. The Dolphins get the easy score, and we have to grind to hold them through the fourth quarter.
We don’t score another touchdown, but we do win the game. My jaw is tight as I shake hands on the field and meet up with Chet, who’s wearing a smug grin.
I don’t like this guy. I never thought about him much before, but I’ve been thinking about him ever since Melody said she knew him. I want to punch him in the nose.
“Tough game tonight, KB.” He gives that game-show-host grin, and puts his hand on my shoulder. “What’s your response to the Quarterback Princess?”
My lips tighten, and I’m sure she had things to say about this game. Of course, she did. It’s her job, but will her notes be as biting now, after our night of really hot sex?
“You’ll have to fill me in, Chet.” I force a smile, force my tone to be playful.
In reality, I’m pissed this game was as tight as it was. I know we’re all pros. We’re all at the top of our game, but I’m ready to be sweeping.
“Here’s one.” Chet turns his phone so I can see it. “Posted after that toss interception.”
That wasn’t a read. That was a donation.
A wince forces its way to my eyes, but I fight to hold my smile in place. “It’s hard to argue a mistake, Chet. The Dolphins played a good game. I had to make some last minute decisions that didn’t always work.”
“I’ll say.” His teeth are too white, his fucking smile too giddy. "What’s your strategy going up against Texas?”
I don’t like the light in his eyes.
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” I pat his shoulder and jog to the locker room.
Leaning back in my seat on the bus, freshly washed and wearing my dark jeans, a maroon tee, and a gray blazer, I don’t check my phone. I’m not ready to see what she said. The quote Chet showed me was irritating enough.
“The guys are going out tonight.” Fonz grips my arm, pulling my gaze from the window back to him. “You should come with us, get your mind off things.”
I have a lot of thoughts aboutthings, some specifically related to my coverage, but I’ll save them for practice. I’m restless and hyped, and the direct flight only takes two hours. Not long enough to come down.
It’s only ten when our plane touches down, and the car service takes me directly to my apartment on Nicholls Street.
“Meet me at Lafitte’s in twenty.” Fonz catches my arm as I grab my bag.
I look up at my empty place, the sky overhead littered with stars, and nod. “I’ll be there.”
