Page 46 of Lavender and Linebackers

I’m still shocked at how generous the Tarpons have been this year. The max time an individual is a cheerleader for a professional organization is usually around five years. If I’m lucky enough to cheer for them that long, I hope after the success of this event and the one in the spring, they’ll see how we’re making a difference and continue to be on board as a sponsor. I’m so proud.

“Okay, when your team color is called, please rise and follow your coach. It’s time to get to work!”

Section by section, the kids break off with their color and their coaches, until only Kelli and I are left.

“You know, I know I’ve told you thank you before, but I need to say it again,” she says, looking at me with glossy eyes. “This experience enriches my life, and that’s because of you and your vision.”

I lean over and hug her. What she doesn’t realize is this vision doesn’t exist without her. She came into my life when I needed her desperately, and that’s what I want this program to be for others. If we can help just one or two not feel alone, then we’ve done our job.

“Thank you for being my friend and wanting to be a part of this. It’s just as much yours as it is mine. I thought up the idea, but we’ve executed it together.”

She pulls back. “Maybe, but I’m not the one being forced to spend time with my ex for some money. In a way, you’ve pimped yourself out good.”

I burst out laughing and wipe my eyes. “Oh my God. Would you stop?”

“Never.” She grins. “Okay, I’m going to go check on the catering for lunch. Make sure everything is all set to get here on time.”

Kelli skips off toward the door, and as I make my way to the registration table. I look around for Ryder and his friends and find them with the stunt team. That has to be Kelli’s doing.

Across the room, his eyes lock with mine and hold. I’ll never tell him that he was the catalyst for this. I’m not sure that it even matters anymore. What does matter is what Kelli and I built, and I hope it stays.

Chapter 16

Ryder

If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that the Alice I knew four years ago is not the Alice that she is today.

The Alice I knew was curious, an overthinker, avoided risk, and, well, she was kind of introverted. She loved being a part of a team because she didn’t want to stand out individually, and it kept her circle small, but she was deeply loyal. She was always very responsible, reliable, and committed, but the Alice I saw at her event was all those things and more. Gone is the introverted girl, and in its place is an extroverted woman. She was confident and playful, and everything was meticulously organized. She thought of everything, anticipated any problem that might occur, and did it all while fostering a large team bond. She was a force of nature with the kids, volunteers, and their parents, and not once did she look overwhelmed or nervous.

She’s changed, and it makes me wonder why.

Is this part of growing up and becoming an adult, becoming comfortable in her own skin, or does this have anything to do with the conversation I had with my mom at dinner? I’ve thought a lot about her mission statement and the core pillars of the Mighty Monarchs that she is teaching to these kids. What sparked this?

After the event, I did some research, and nonprofits really only form for one of three reasons: a societal gap, a community need, or a cause. There really isn’t a societal gap. There are tons of club cheerleading programs. Is there a community need? Maybe. It never hurts to have a bigger network or support system. Especially for those who can’t commit to a full season, this allows them to be a part of something. And as for the cause, I’m not sure. Why did she really feel the need to take this on? I can see there are a lot of moving pieces that go into it.

Currently, I’m in Seattle in my hotel room. It’s my first time in this city, and to be honest, the flight sucked. It took a long time to get here, and then when we did, it was raining. It’s still raining. Raining and surprisingly cold. The guys said it’s always like this, to get used to it, but after living in the South for my entire life, I think I’ll pass. Some of the team are going out to dinner tonight, but most are staying in and eating in the hotel. Kickoff is at one twenty-five tomorrow, and then once we’re done, we’ll fly home.

“So you decided to go out,” I say to Camden as he emerges from the bathroom. He’s dressed in typical Camden wear, which is more business attire than casual. There’s a reason his nickname is Superman.

“Yeah, there’s a coffee shop here I want to buy some beans from.”

Coffee? That’s interesting. I wonder if he goes out and gets things to take home from all the cities we travel to? It wouldn’t surprise me.

“Please tell me it’s not Starbucks,” I tease.

He looks at me with a blank face. Camden loves coffee. He’s a snob about things. The silver spoon he was born with in his mouth gave him a very refined palate, and that extends all the way down to coffee and tea.

“I’m not even going to answer that question.”

“What’s so special about this place?” I lean back against my headboard and cross one foot over the other.

“They only source their beans from East Africa and mostly from women-owned growers. They pan roast green coffee beans, which are then brewed in a clay pot known as a jebena. It’s one of the oldest techniques for brewing coffee, and the coffee tastes smoky, earthy, and caramelized."

“Sounds delicious, and I don’t even drink coffee very often.”

“It is. Too bad, I was going to grab you a bag,” he says, slipping on a pair of shoes.

“Actually, Alice likes coffee. Maybe we give her a bag.”