Page 5 of Unexpected Pass

Knowing he invited me because he needed a date made me feel better about my motives for coming. At least we were using each other.

“Name?” one of the bouncers asked as we approached the entrance. Carson nodded at the bouncers before flashing his ID.

“Carson Thomson plus one.”

The bouncers scanned the list in front of them before removing the rope and escorting us inside. We walked along a dimly lit hallway before arriving at a large black door.

“Have you been to one of these before?” I questioned.

My heart was in my stomach. Attending the Super Bowl was one thing but attending the afterparty was another. The players would be here, maybe even some celebrities. This was a huge deal for a little, small-time barber like me.

“Yeah. We’re lucky this one is a celebration. The losing ones aren’t very enjoyable,” he replied, pushing the door open and ushering me inside.

My eyeballs grew in size when we stepped into the building. A sea of lime green, blue, and white flooded my eyes. Beautifully decorated, oversized banners hung from the chandeliered ceilings. My eyes roamed the crowd. Everyone was buzzing withexcitement and joy. Laughter erupted from every direction as I sauntered behind Carson.

“This is nice,” I whispered as we walked through the crowd.

Carson dapped up a few people he knew along the way, promising to meet up with them later before we settled into a small booth. Carson sat on one side, and I sat on the other.

“Our Super Bowl champions will be making an appearance in thirty minutes!” the DJ announced, making the crowd erupt in screams and cheers.

I don’t know why a rush of adrenaline shot through me. I didn’t watch football. If it wasn’t for the jersey I had on, I couldn’t name one player from the Warhawks. Still, I was excited to see the team. Tonight was all about enjoying the experience.

“I’ll get us some drinks. What do you want?” Carson asked as he stood from the booth.

“Um... just a water for now, please,” I said.

Carson looked at me funny before nodding and walking off toward the bar. I quickly placed my phone on the table and shot Lo a text.

Me:

At the official team after party.

Lo:

How is he? Is he cool?

Me:

He’s okay. I’m having fun.

Lo:

Did you see your bitch ass baby daddy.

Me:

No, thank God!

He blocked my number

Lo:

Hollywood Tea Room!

I rolled my eyes at Lo’s response as Carson returned with our drinks.

“So, you cut hair?” Carson asked as he took his seat.

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