Page 33 of Lavender and Linebackers

I can’t think about that now.

Today is our season home opener.

Today is the day I make my NFL debut.

The day all my professional statistics and games will be recorded in the official league history.

This is the moment that every hard minute over the past twenty years has led up to, and I’m ready.

All morning, my adrenaline has been firing, and aside from knowing Alice and I will be on the field together, I am pumped to get out there and show the Tarpons fans what I can do. Being on the field, surrounded by cheering fans, facing opponents who want to win as bad as I do, I love it. I love every second of it.

But then again, that’s the competitor in me.

I’ve always had this inner drive to compete. Challenges and goals organically ignite a fire in me that sends me into a hyper-focused mode. Seeing others is how I measure progress, improve, and eventually outperform. Don’t mistake me. I don’t compare. Comparison is the thief of joy. Instead, I evaluate, sharpen my skills, and ultimately surpass those around me. I never settle, which is how I’ve gotten to where I am today.

Yeah, today is definitely the day.

So during the warm-ups, when I hear my name being called and I look over to see Danica standing with Alice and King Silver, that fire that’s been racing through my veins comes to a screeching halt and feels doused with mud. I’m staring at my past, while thoroughly embracing this moment and my future.

We had one home preseason game, and the other two were away. While I was able to ignore her once, it was a relief to know she wouldn’t be at the others. But here she is, standing in front of me, all dolled up for the game today, holding a pair of silver pom-poms, and looking absolutely beautiful.

I would never in a million years admit this to her, but damn, she takes my breath away.

Begrudgingly, I know what I have to do. I pull off my helmet as I make my way over to them. My hair is soaked, and I fling my head back to throw the wet hair away from my face. I grab the towel on my waist to wipe away any sweat.

All three of them are staring at me as I approach.

“Are you ready for today?” Danica asks.

“I am. I was born ready for this.”

I glance at Alice, but she doesn’t say anything. She just stares at me.

“Well, let’s go meet some fans, take some pictures, and I’ll get you back to your team.”

I glance over my shoulder at them, and a few are watching me walk away. It’s then that I take in the stadium as it’s filling with fans. Even though it feels like we’re parked next to the sun, the place is a three-sixty bowl of happiness and laughter. There’s a sea of teal. Tarpon flags are posted at the top of the stadium and flying proudly, and there’s an enthusiastic energy that is palpable for what the season can bring.

It’s such an incredible vibe, right here at this moment. Even this little marketing assignment isn’t going to get me down.

We start walking toward the sideline fan section when Sully comes running over.

“Um, Rookie, you mind telling me where you’re going?” He’s mad, and his tone makes him sound like a giant dick. “Did you forget that we have a game we’re about to play?”

I level him with a look that would make others take a step back, and he returns that look in a challenge.

“I have to go over there and do a meet and greet with some fans.” I wave toward the end zone.

He steps closer to me. “What you have to do is get your ass back over there and do your job?”

At this, Danica rounds on him and breaks into his view. Sully’s face blanches, and he takes a step back.

“So you think players spending a few minutes with the fans isn’t part of their job?” She props her hands on her hips and glares at him. If this scene wasn’t so shocking, it would be funny. No one glares at Sully. He is a captain, an all-American. He’s been selected for the Pro Bowl five times, and, well, given his size, he’s kind of scary.

He leans down to get more on her level. “Not today, it’s not. Today his job is to be there”—he points behind him—“for his team and to get his head in the game that’s about to take place.”

She studies him for a moment, and it’s in those few seconds his facial expression softens a bit. It’s weird.

“Sorry. Not sorry. This was scheduled. You’ll have to take it up with Gretchen.”