Page 66 of The Linebacker

She pressed a kiss to his nose and climbed off his lap. “I have to get back to work anyway.” She paused, studied his features. “You going to be okay in here alone?”

He nodded and pointed at the nearest speaker. “It sounds like we’re making a comeback.”

She smiled and gave him one more lingering kiss.

And then she returned to the stadium, tending to her PR tasks while keeping an eye on the score.

Jalen caught three passes. Had zero fumbles.

Scored two touchdowns.

The defense kept the 49ers from scoring again.

And the Mountain Lions won.

Diana didn’t see Amil after the game. But she did see Jalen. And while it was not the right place or time, she stopped him anyway. Took a deep breath.

“Amil and I are seeing each other,” she said. “It’s…pretty serious.”

“I know,” he responded. He didn’t sound angry or even disappointed. She nearly heaved a sigh of relief.

“How did you figure it out?”

“Well, it was pretty obvious by the googly eyes you both are constantly giving each other. And then you showed up that morning together and both looked like you’d won the lottery. But mostly, it was seeing you crying last night. I’m pretty sure no man has ever made you cry.”

Her cheeks grew hot. “This is true. Well, it was true.”

“If you’re crying, it means you care.” He touched her sleeve. “I’m glad you finally found someone to care about.”

Wow. “Thanks, Jalen. What about you and Amil?”

He rolled his eyes. “Your boy needs to quit hiding shit from me if he wants to be my bro.”

She laughed again. “Oh, trust me, I think you are about to get your wish. I think he has a whole lot to say. He’s been bottling it up for a very long time.”

Jalen blew out a breath. “Listen, I’m sorry for, you know…”

“What?” She knew, but she also knew he needed to say it.

“For not letting it go after you explained your one-and-one rule. There’s no excuse for my behavior. I’m sorry I’ve subjected you to it for so long.”

She touched his sleeve. “I’m sorry that I’m not the one for you, Jalen.”

He shook his head. “To tell you the truth, I’ve known that for a long time. I just…I don’t know. I saw something in you that resonated with me, and I wanted to hold onto that feeling. But after Amil joined the team and I witnessed how you were around him, I realized what I thought I saw wasn’t there at all.”

“I’m—”

“Don’t apologize. This is not on you at all. This is totally my issue. And I’m good. Really. So long as you are.”

She smiled. “I’m good.”

He thrust out his hand. She grabbed it and pulled him into a hug. He laughed, gave her a squeeze, and then released her so he could head to the locker room.

She pulled out her phone. Sent a text to Amil.

It was a cat gif.

And a promise.