Page 4 of Scoring Truth
Layla was my high school girlfriend until she couldn’t take the pressure of being away from me while I was playing football. And that was only college games. I said if I made it to the NFL, I’d take her with me. Anywhere I went, she could come, but she wasn’t ready. Layla didn’t want to share me with anyone. Looking back, I now see the red flags waving right in front of me, but we were definitely puppy love. It was high school love. That first love you won’t forget but need to grow from. Learn from.
I want real love.
I haven’t dated since. My team tries to set me up. The cheerleaders fall all over me, but no one has made me feel alive.
The problem is that my family won’t leave me alone about it. Everywhere I turn, someone is in love. And I’m happy for them. But I can’t be around it constantly. It reminds me I’m alone.
Even my close teammates are findingtheir forever love.
And now that we’re in the NFL, I have to be even more careful. You never know who wants to date you for you or for your status.
It’s just another obstacle to maneuver.
And with the league looking to marry me off, I’m surrounded by a matchmaking service at every turn.
I entered the training facility, walking by the cheerleaders practicing for this upcoming weekend’s game. They coo, smile, and wave as I walk by. They have a strict no-fraternization policy, so I keep my distance. I know a few guys who push their luck, and the girls who follow.
I won’t jeopardize my career, though.
Getting closer to the locker room, I hear ruckus and banging around on the lockers. I slow for a moment, listening to their banter, but also because I need to prepare myself. I know they’ll be on my case the moment I walk through the locker room doors.
“Oh, Winters! Right on time!”
Nodding my head, I say, “What’s up, guys?”
I head to my locker, and my best friend, Connor, comes to greet me. He was my wide receiver in high school. When I left for North Pole University in Candy Cane Key, he stayed home and went to Texas U. It proved to be a good move for him, and as fast as I entered the draft, he followed. Coach Gage got him a tryout here with the Warriors, and it’s been history ever since.
I’m grateful for it. He’s been my rock through all this.
“You heading to the big Candy Cane Key Christmas Ball, J-Dub?”
I groan at both the question and the nickname. “They call you, too?”
He chuckles. “Coach Karol actually reached out.”
“Eh, I don’t know. It’s such a show down there.”
“Yes, but it’s your show. You’re a big shot now that you made it. Coach Karol will want you to give them all a pep talk.”
“Yeah! Small-town boy makes it big!” My running back, Darius, comes up next to us and claps me on the back. The guys all love to tease me about my small-town home life. I don’t mind it. It’s who I am.
“I know you guys all got tickets,” I tease right back. “You can go for me.”
“No way! We want to see you all decked out and stealing the spotlight with a hot chick on your arm.”
“No hot chicks for me.”
“Jameson. Bro. Come on. You’re holding the golden ticket! You can have anyone you want!” Darius deadpans and speaks like he’s tired of saying it.
I don’t wantanyone. I want someone real.
Sitting down on the bench, I lace up my cleats.
“I’ve got the perfect thing for you. We just found this new dating site—” I cut him off, but he sits right down next to me. “Just listen before you say no. It’s only to hire a date for the night.”
“That sounds like prostitution.”
Laughing. “No, it’s meant for events. Lonely fuckers like you who need a date for a special occasion. No strings. Just a few hours and you’re done.”
