Page 54 of Brick Wall
It’s the second game of the season, but it’s their first home game. I’m happy he asked, and Sunday is my only day off this week. “Yes,” I say with a smile.
“Great, I’ll get you two tickets if that works,” Sebastian states.
“That sounds great. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too,” Sebastian agrees.
We’ve now arrived in front of my building, and once again, Sebastian is double-parked, but the street is quiet.
“I had a great time tonight, thank you,” I softly say to Sebastian.
“Me too.”
I’m not sure who leans in first; maybe we both do simultaneously, but our lips meet in a quick but sweet kiss.
“Good night,” Sebastian says, pulling back with a smile on his face. “I’ll send you the details for Sunday soon.”
We say good night again with another quick kiss, and a smile appears on my face. It remains on my face well after I’m back in my place and climbing into bed for the night.
I lied earlier. This has been the best first date I’ve ever been on.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sebastian
There’s an extra layer of excitement when you play at home. The players are more excited and well-rested, the locker room is comfortable, and the crowd is loud and rowdy.
I love playing at home; nothing beats it.
I also love that I often have familiar faces in the stands, more so than at away games.
My sister, Scarlett, tries to attend most of the home games, especially since she’s local. My mom still lives in my home state of California, and my sister, Olivia, is out of state attending graduate school. Both my mom and baby sister only attend a few games a year, and neither could make our home opener.
However, I have an extra special person in attendance for this four o’clock game: Annie. I gave Annie two tickets for the game and the tickets are actually right next to Scarlett and a friend of hers from the foundation. Annie and Scarlett metbriefly at the gala, so they know each other a bit.
I texted Scarlett earlier to give her a heads-up and asked her to bring Annie down after the game. I want to see her.
I haven’t seen her since our first date, and I am eager for more. I wish I asked her out the night I met her and didn’t react so poorly. Maybe we would have been dating for months at this point. Instead, I feel like we are fighting against time to spend with each other. Oh well, I can’t change the past. All I can do is concentrate on the future.
For a home opener, this is great. The crowd is packed and full of energy. It doesn’t hurt that our offense is on fire. We are up by a touchdown, with only a few minutes left in the game. Our defense is on the field to secure the win, and the crowd is loving every second, confident in our team.
I chug a bottle of water and look downfield to the play at hand. Their rookie quarterback threw the ball deep toward the end zone, but our safety is right on him. Our safety tips the ball and can’t come up with the catch, but our cornerback is right there and makes the catch before the ball hits the ground. The receiver can’t contact him in time before he gets up and makes a run for it. He’s running down the field, and the more he runs, the more excited the players and fans get. Ten yards left. Now five. Now one. Touchdown!
That pick-six secures our win, and we take over with a minute left in the game. We spike the ball until the clock runs out and secure our first win at home and a second total win for the season. Fuck yes.
The locker room is packed with excitement and people. The media is in the locker room now, asking questions as players finish up to go home. The perks of being an offensive lineman are that I don’t have to engage with reporters too often. I grabmy bag, pat Calvin on the back to say goodbye, and then head down the hallway to the family room, where I can find my people.
The family room is packed, especially because I’m one of the first players out.
I find Scarlett first.
“You’re usually one of the last players,” Scarlett comments with a knowing smile.
Yes, I usually move slowly, and yes, I was motivated to be finished extra early today.
I glance around for Annie, but according to Scarlett, she ran to the bathroom and will be back soon.
At that, my eyes travel toward the doorway right when Annie steps through. She’s wearing the team colors and has a big smile on her face.
