Page 74 of Learning to Love

Toby holds the sharp edge of the tongs out in front of him. "I needed help thirty minutes ago. Thanks, by the way."

I smile sheepishly at him. "I was having a meltdown. Dating an athlete is nerve-racking."

He takes pity on me. "Will you pass out the drinks, please?"

"Will do!" I head towards the cooler and start taking drink orders. I hide the fact that there are beers in there.

"Granny, what do you want?"

She looks me dead in the eye. "One of those beers you put underneath the Cokes a minute ago." Toby holds his head down and shrinks himself as best as his 6'5 self can.

I laugh. "Toby, you'll never be able to get one over on this old lady. I don't know why y'all even try. Karen, how old are you?"

"Twenty."

"Alright. Well, you kids leave the beers here for us. I hope you have enough other drinks, Toby."

"Yes, ma'am!" We say in unison.

My Mama laughs at the look on all of our faces. "Get 'em, Mama."

Toby gives Granny his best smile as he hands her a plate first. She pinches his cheek. "I'm so proud of you, baby. Going after your dream again. I believe this time you'll make it."

He kisses her forehead. "Thanks, Granny."

"You're welcome, baby." She swats his butt as he walks by, causing him to squeal. Everybody laughs and Toby is embarrassed, but he laughs it off like any granny's boy would. We have a great time and people come from every direction to chat and talk about the game. We eat and clean up quickly. We load everything back onto Toby's tailgate now that it's getting closer to game time!

I ask a stranger to take our picture in front of the stadium. I send it to all Fearless members, letting them know we're rooting for them. I send a selfie to Jake and explain everything that'll happen if they get the win. I laugh when his response returns instantaneously.

Jake: Do you know how painful it is to get a hard-on in your jockstrap?

Me: Lol. Do you want me to kiss it better?

Jake: Yes. Please!

Me: I like a man who can say please.

Jake: I love you, baby.

Me: I love you. You've worked your whole life for this! Kick some ass!

Jake: ❤️

We meet up with Jake's family and we all take our seats. I'm happily sandwiched between the Mamas. The whole stadium erupts in cheers as the boys of fall are on their way out onto the field. I jump up and down, and so does everyone else. I scream even louder when I see my man at the start of the line. He turns around and searches for us, giving us a wave when he sees us. I blow him a kiss. He's so freaking hot. They do the coin toss and we win with heads. Jake decides they will start the second half.

Jake

Night games are my favorite. The crowd is better and the electricity in the atmosphere is better. The butterflies are always in my stomach during the first part of a game. I love the adrenaline rush and the fact that my girl is here makes it all worth it.

Oregon is an okay team, but their defense is not as good as our offense. We've watched tapes all week. We're past the point of being prepared. This game is just a steppingstone to getting back to the Championship and proving we're not a joke. Our defense does what they do best and holds them off. Our opponents weren't even close to Field Goal range.

We get in the huddle. "Jaxon, go long for this one. Let's give this crowd a touchdown first thing. Dallas, Hector, block the shit out of Whitmyer. Axel, you know what to do!"

Axel's job is always to create chaos. He's good at it. Let's say he's earned his nickname, which is Rabies. Quarterman hikes the ball perfectly and I throw the ball to Jaxon with minimal pressure. The play goes on without any hitches. Whitmyer is pissed! Jaxon brings it in for our first touchdown of the night. I look up at my girl and she's going crazy. I could get used to this!

Dani

The Longhorns defeat the Ducks 28-0. I am beyond ecstatic. We say goodbye to our parental and head back to prepare for the victory party. The guys have to stay behind and field questions from the media so they’ll meet us there. I look at Sasha and she’s elated. Dallas had a perfect game. They all did. The butterflies hit my stomach like they always do and I'm ready to give my man the spoils of his victory.