Page 123 of Best Year Ever
This party is also more my speed than last year. Johnson invited the whole team and their significant others, as well as other family and friends, like Grace. His house is extensively decorated with small lights and gold trim, but it feels inviting and warm. And there are no sponsors to woo, thank goodness.
I did dress more comfortably too, though my crimson-colored strappy dress is still showing off all my curves. Landon had growled when he saw me walk out of the bedroom earlier. “Like I’m going to be able to keep my hands off you tonight looking like that,” he said huskily.
Now at the party, it’s time to make our entrance. Landongrabs my hand as we cross from the hallway into the big open-concept living room, packed with people. Several turn to us and smile with words of greeting.
“Babe, let’s make the rounds in a second. I’m going to grab us some sparkling water,” Landon says as he pats my ass and heads to the kitchen.
Yes, that’s right. I’m back on my water-only routine as the Australian Open now approaches again. And Landon’s still keeping with his no-alcohol policy given where the Waves stand in his current season. For about the thousandth time, I’m grateful that we so effortlessly understand the demands of each other’s careers. Another twenty-something guy could easily give me a hard time or be resentful.
Not that we haven’t had plenty of fun over the last few months. My season wound down after a couple of October tournaments, and I’ve been able to make most of Landon’s games. I love that I’ve been able to support him in the same way that he did at my matches. My dad, Julie, and Maggie have joined me for some of the games. Maggie and Peter are going strong, so Peter even came for one.
I won’t sugarcoat it. The public attention is intense, especially at his games. I try to stay focused on the field, and being in a box helps. I don’t mind giving autographs or taking pictures when I’m there in small bursts, of course. The Orlando Waves PR team has actually been incredible in organizing dedicated times for me to interact with kids and super fans at the game, without letting me get overrun for hours by everyone.
One of the hardest parts, believe it or not, has been deciding what to wear. Right before my first Waves game, Maggie warned me that my “fit” was going to be heavily scrutinized. “We need to make sure your look is impeccable,” she said.
I briefly debated hiring a stylist, but that didn’t feel like me. Triumph stepped in and offered to design me a special #55 jacket, which I rotate over a simple top with jeans or a cute skirt. Thepress seems to have embraced my “look,” and it’s much less hassle, so it feels like a win-win.
It’s definitely a win for Landon, who looks at me hungrily when I meet him after every game wearing his number.
“Your water, beautiful,” Landon says, as he comes back from the kitchen.
In more ways than one, Landon continues to show his caretaker side. This man loves his acts of service. For my twenty-first birthday in the fall, he planned an entire surprise trip for us and a few of my friends to a private house on a Caribbean island, even though he was in the middle of his season. He booked it during his bye week when they are allowed to travel for vacations, spending his only downtime for the season focused on me.
Here at the party, I see several of the players keep looking at Landon with respect in their eyes, even though some have a decade or more on him.
“There are a whole lot of people here who probably want to talk to you,” I say to him with a smile. Landon has really stepped up into leadership this season. So much so that he was named a playoff captain this morning. His guys love him, even the ones who are years older.
“Yes, let’s circulate,” he says. “I think there are some really cool wives and girlfriends here that you haven’t met yet too.”
We make the rounds, and indeed, I do get in great conversations with many of the women here, as well as the players themselves. None of the stereotypes about diva “WAGs” fit these women. By the time we’ve circulated with everyone, I’ve grabbed a few phone numbers from the ladies that I seem to click with the most. It feels really nice to connect with people who are in Landon’s world.
As it’s getting closer to midnight, Landon and I settle in a corner of the room together. He grabs one of my hands in his own, rubbing the back of it with calm strokes, before kissing my forehead.
“How you doing, babe? You good?” he asks.
“Yes, this has been so much fun. Not like the party last year, right?” I say, leaning my body into his a little.
In reaction to my weight against him, he wraps his free arm around my waist. “Definitely a different kind of party, but we still had fun last year too, if I recall,” he whispers in my ear.
My blood heats up at his hint to our first night together. “Hmmm,” I say, smiling. Turning my head, I cannot resist giving him a kiss on his cheek. In response to my gesture, he wraps his other arm around me and holds me close.
I feel every inch of his strong body now that we’re tightly entwined. I cannot believe how safe I feel in this man’s arms. Far from the distraction I thought it would be, our relationship gives us a stronger foundation to fight for our individual dreams with confidence and security.
“I’ve got a feeling this is going to be the best year yet, Landon,” I say quietly into his chest, where my head now sits.
“Absolutely it is. First, I’m going to win the Super Bowl, and then you’re going to be #1 in the world,” he responds with determination coloring his tone.
His words make me smile, though my face is still hidden in my Landon cocoon, underneath his embrace.
“You know it, superstar,” I respond.
Around us, the countdown is starting. “10-9-8…”
He shifts to give me more space, and he brings one hand to my face, lifting up my chin. “Thank you for being you, beautiful. I’m so glad we had last New Year’s, and that we found each other.”
“7-6-…”
He keeps going, ignoring the voices chanting down the seconds. “This next year is going to be incredible. It’s so special to me that we get to start it together again.”
