Page 25 of Tiger Lilies and Tight Ends

“I am,” I tell him.

Like most fans, I’ve followed the Tarpons for years, but since I’ve been staying with Tyler, I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of some of his teammates and his friends that he frequently talks about. I’ve looked at their social media pages, stats, and foundations for those who have them.

Everyone in the industry heard about the passing of Jonah’s brother and sister-in-law. The coverage was played repeatedly on news outlets and the whole world mourned, as he became a single guardian. It was tragic, sad, and even Dean contributed to a college fund for his niece, Vivi, but never in a million years did I think I would be coming over to his house. A house in which he shares with his girlfriend and Vivi.

Other players that he said would be here tonight are Bryan with his wife, Lexi, who I've met before. Reid, along with his wife, Camille, and their new baby. Titan, another tight end for the team, and Chase Sullivan. Chase is a defensive tackle who lives just down the road, and although he’s part of the defensive team, he spends a lot of time with them.

Together, Tyler and I walk up the sidewalk to the house. I made a large shrimp ceviche and Tyler is carrying the largest package of steaks I’ve ever seen.

“Are you ready?” I stop and ask him just before we reach the door.

“What do you mean?” he asks, as he turns to look at me.

“While I don’t get the impression that you usually bring people around, although you might⁠—"

“I don’t,” he says, cutting me off, his gaze scanning over the features of my face.

“I just don’t want this to be awkward for you.”

He gives me a lopsided smile. “It won’t be. While I’m certain we’ll be asked questions and stared at like we’re a zoo exhibit, they mean well. I can take it. Can you?”

“Yes. I guess I just got worried about you. You’re so private about things.”

“Lil, I’m not hiding you. You’re welcome to go anywhere with me, and I’m fine. I promise.”

“Okay, just checking.”

He stares a me for a beat longer and then nods once before making his way up the front steps.

“Honey, I’m home!” Tyler shouts, as he swings the door open into one of the most beautiful homes and it’s quickly followed by a dog barking.

“Uncle Tyler! Come and see what I taught Molly to do,” says a small voice, which I’m assuming is Jonah’s niece, Vivi.

It’s then I register that she called him uncle. My heart pinches at how much love he must have shown her, them, in order for her to call him that. I don’t even think Lance’s kids call him uncle, but then again I’m not around them enough at the same time to know.

Tyler closes the door and answers by saying, “Okay, but only if you come and greet my friend first.”

With this one line, it’s like a record scratching for all of the adults that are standing in and near the kitchen, as everything went silent, and all eyes shoot to us. Vivi and the dog too. Tyler’s hand falls to my back and I’m certain that it’s noticed. It doesn’t mean anything, but I feel the heat burning through my dress.

“I thought you said only a handful of people,” I whisper to him, feeling a blush climb up my chest and over my face. I’m used to being the center of attention, but this feels completely different.

“It is. Maybe five of the guys or so and then whomever they brought. Plus Vivi, can’t forget her.”

“Yeah, I guess it just feels like so much more.”

Turning to look at me, Tyler lowers his voice as he says, “If at any point you want to leave, we will. But I promise you, they’re good people and you have nothing to worry about here.”

I nod my head, and his fingers curl in and out on my back in a soothing way. I had asked him what I should wear, and he told me something comfortable and summer. I opted for a light turquoise sundress and wedged sandals. Tyler, on the other hand, is wearing a white collared shirt, like a golf polo that fits tight across his chest and his arms, navy-blue joggers, and another pair of white sneakers. It’s like he has an addiction to very clean shoes. Not that I’m complaining, it’s just noticeable that he cares about his appearance, and I don’t hate it. Dean was more of a jeans guy, and well, the drawstring pants that Tyler wears, they do it for me.

“Come on in,” a blond woman says, as she wipes her hands on a towel and then heads our way with the biggest smile on her face. “You must be Lily. Lord, you have the most gorgeous hair,” she says, as she wraps me in a hug and then smiles up at Tyler with a familiarity that has me longing for this too. None of the wives or girlfriends who surrounded me at the Destroyers ever looked at me like she’s looking at him. He is loved here.

“Thank you. Although, some days, I wish it was brown and I was like most everyone else.”

“No way. In the words of Dr. Seuss, ‘Why blend in when obviously you were born to stand out.’ I’m Sophie, Jonah’s girlfriend, and I’m so glad you both decided to come over tonight.” She rubs Tyler’s arm.

“Are you kidding? If Jonah is grilling, then you know I’m there,” Tyler says, smirking over her shoulder at his friend.

Next to Tyler, Vivi scooches in, and he picks her up. “Squirt, this is my friend Ms. Lily. Can you say hello?”