Page 18 of Player
"Dixie! Dixie!"
The man who called out to me is behind me. I glance over my shoulder to see who called my name and spot Emery.
The big football player quickly catches up to me, surprising for his sheer bulk.
"What's up?" he asks me.
"Good, and you?"
"Heading to the cafeteria?" he questions without directly answering me.
I furrow my brow, and Emery nods toward a building. I follow his gesture and realize we're very close to thefood courtwhere OMU’s located a plethora of food options for hungry students.
"Not really, and I didn't bring any money..."
I don't tell him I want to be alone. My body and mind seem out of sync because my stomach chooses that exact moment to growl.
Emery smiles, and pats his pocket. "Come on, my treat."
I don't have the heart to refuse. After all, we share the same dorm and are bound to run into each other often, so it doesn't seem like a bad idea to get to know each other better. Not to mention that Emery is really nice.
"What are you in the mood for?" he asks when we enter the vast hall.
The aroma hits me, and I realize I haven't eaten since breakfast. I'm used to skipping lunch, but I have to admit I'm starving right now.
"What are you going to get?" I ask in response.
Emery's attention moves from option to option, his eyes peering intently. "Honestly, I could eat an entire cow! Coach doesn't mess around when it comes to practice, and I have a huge calorie deficit to make up for."
It's common knowledge that the Jaguars players follow an intense physical training regimen in addition to practice.
"That's why the team is at the top of the conference every year," I remark.
Emery's gaze settles on me, and I can see the spark of surprise in his eyes. "You're interested in football?"
I shrug and answer vaguely. "Not particularly, but I’m from Alabama, you know. And people talk about the Jaguars a lot on campus."
Which is true. I still avoid telling him that I had a good reason to keep up with what happens in the football world.
We approach a grill station, and Emery declares,
"I think I'll get a burger. Want one? The bacon cheeseburger is to die for."
The look of greediness that appears on his face makes me smile.
"Burger it is, then!" I concede. “But no cheese.”
Emery places the order, and then we settle at a table. For some reason I can't explain, I feel comfortable in his presence. He has that relaxed attitude that popular people have. Emery is at ease in all circumstances, and somehow that's reassuring.
His tray is overflowing with the enormous quantity of meat and french fries he ordered. He stuffs several fries into his mouth, and I follow suit, savoring this food that's not very healthy, but is a college staple. Besides, it's not like I need to watch my weight anymore.
I bite into my burger eagerly.
"It's nice to see a girl who actually eats," my table companion remarks.
"If you had known me a few years ago..."
I bite my lip before saying too much. Fortunately, Emery doesn't dwell on this point. "Sorry about Player's attitude."
