Page 4 of One More Touchdown

One thing on my bucket list is to visit Santorini, Greece – the views there are breathtaking. How about you? Any dream destinations or experiences you’re yet to check off?

Josh:

Santorini sounds like a dream! I’d love to catch a game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The energy there must be incredible. What’s your favorite football memory, Sheri?

Sheri:

My favorite football memory has to be attending the Cowboys playoff game – the atmosphere was electric. How about you? Any standout moments from your football career?

Josh:

One standout moment for me was a game-winning touchdown in overtime during my college days. The rush of emotions and the roar of the crowd – unforgettable. Any particular football player you look up to, Sheri?

Sheri:

I’ve always admired Peyton Manning – his skill and leadership on the field are unmatched. How about you? Any football idols or inspirations?

Josh:

I’ve always looked up to Jerry Rice – his work ethic and dedication are truly inspiring. Sheri, it’s been great getting to know you. Looking forward to our continued conversation. Any plans for the evening?

Sheri:

Likewise! Just winding down for the night. Looking forward to chatting more with you, Josh.

Chapter Three

Sheri

The brisk winter air envelops me as I step into the electrifying atmosphere of the Cowboys playoff game. The stadium pulses with anticipation, and I can’t help but be swept away by the energy. As I navigate through the crowd, my phone buzzes in my pocket, a notification demanding my attention. Curiosity prompts me to check, and what unfolds is a digital plot twist that catches me off guard.

A new match on the dating app, and his profile picture exudes a confidence that piques my interest. Josh Marlowe, a charismatic semi-pro football player. The irony of matching during a football game, especially one as significant as this, doesn’t escape me. The universe, it seems, is orchestrating a storyline that I hadn’t anticipated.

His profile unveils a story of its own. He lives in Northeast Florida, likes football and is very handsome. He loves God and is looking for his queen. Something about his eyes makes me swipe right.

* * *

The next day I wake up to get ready to drive back home. I check my phone and I see a message for Josh saying ‘Good morning’. I message back that I am getting ready to drive back to Florida. It will be easier if we exchange numbers, and I can have Siri text as I drive. He agrees and we exchange numbers.

I get breakfast and get in my car. My phone beeps and we start texting. The conversation unfolding with ease but a lot of nervousness. The questions flow effortlessly, a dance of words that reveals shared passions and experiences. Football, a love that pulses through both our veins, becomes the focal point of our conversation. His enthusiasm for the sport mirrors my own, and it’s a connection that transcends the digital barrier.

As we delve deeper into our shared love for football, I learn that he lives approximately two hours away in Northeast Florida. The proximity, while not immediate, sparks a sense of possibility. The idea of a fellow football enthusiast, someone who understands the thrill of a well-executed play and the heartbreak of a missed opportunity, resonates with me in a way that goes beyond the digital realm.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Josh opens up about his recent move to Florida after the end of his marriage, fifteen months after his divorce. I find a strange comfort in the parallels, having traversed a similar path twelve years ago when I moved from North Carolina after my own divorce. It’s as if our stories share the same chapters, despite being written in different ink. The raw honesty in his words creates a moment of vulnerability. I can’t help but empathize with the complexities of starting anew after the echoes of heartbreak. It’s a reminder that behind the charismatic football player is a person with his own set of triumphs and tribulations.

Josh:

Sheri, I’ve got to be upfront with you. I moved to Florida about fifteen months ago after my divorce.

Sheri:

His words hit me unexpectedly, like a sudden gust of wind. Fifteen months – the same timeframe it took me to rebuild after my own divorce. There’s an odd comfort in the parallels, a strange connection through shared chapters despite different ink.

Josh:

It wasn’t an easy decision, but sometimes life throws unexpected changes at you. How about you, Sheri? Any major shifts in your life recently?

Sheri:

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