Page 5 of A Match Made In Fall

As a kid, I used to stand in crowded arenas wearing someone else’s number on my back, hoping for the smallest interaction. Those players seemed larger than life to me then, and now it’s all come full circle. Now, people wait outside hoping to meet me. I made it, accomplishing the goals I spent years chasing. Everything I once dreamed about is now my reality. Even after all this time, I’m not sure this feeling will ever completely sink in.

I finally head toward the tunnel where fans usually gather after games. Almost immediately I hear the excited voices, echoing off the walls.

“Hey, Austin. Great game tonight.”

“Number twenty. There he is--best defenseman in the league.”

“Can we get a picture?” someone calls.

“Sure,” I say. I hold my hand out to give a high five to a kid. “What’s up, man?”

I begin signing autographs and answering questions about the game.

“More games like tonight and the Bears will go all the way,” a man says.

“That’s the plan,” I tell him. “Thanks for being here.”

As I move down the line of fans, I catch up to Nick who is talking to his fiancée, Abby, and a few other people. Just past them, I notice a gorgeous brunette woman leaning on a pair of crutches. She's talking, and I can't help but notice how radiant she is. It's more than her appearance--it's the energy she’s giving off.

Admittedly I stare at her for a few seconds. It’s difficult not to.

“Hey, Austin,” Abby calls.

“Hello to the future Mrs. Ellis.”

She beams. “Great game.”

“Thanks. We showed up tonight,” I say. “Even this guy didn’t do too bad.”

I pat Nick on the shoulder as he rolls his eyes.

“Although he still needs some work on his attitude,” I tell her. My eyes subtly move back over to the brunette on crutches.

She’s still chatting away. I’m guessing she isn’t much of a hockey fan, being that she hasn’t acknowledged any of my teammates. I’ve learned how to spot them over the years. There are people who make it their mission to meet and interact with the players. This woman is oblivious, and that’s even more intriguing.

“Nick, Austin—meet the Martin family. They are new to our great city, and this is their first Bears game.”

I smile warmly at the group.

“This is Michelle, William, Sammy, Dane, and Isabella.” Ah, Isabella is the brunette I can’t seem to pull my eyes away from.

We all exchange greetings and handshakes. Of course I’m mostly eager to talk to Isabella.

“Crutches, huh?” I ask, making a face. “My condolences. I’ve been there before.”

“These things are for the birds,” she says boldly. “It’s been weeks, and I still can’t find a rhythm.”

I grin, nodding. “The worst. How much longer do you have?”

She lets out a sigh. “Hopefully a week at most.”

“What happened?” I ask, eager to continue talking to her.

“I fell out of a lift, snapped my Achilles. And the rest is history.”

“A lift?”

“Yes, I’m a ballroom dancer. It was a rookie mistake for sure.”