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“There he is,” Jasmine says, pointing to a group of five reporters standing in front of Wayne, all with their microphones pointing in his direction.
As we get closer, I hear a female reporter probing, “Was that your girlfriend you blew a kiss at before halftime? Was one of the ladies sitting with your mother your significant other?”
Wayne’s thick chestnut brows rise. He still sounds a bit winded from the game as he speaks. “One of the ladies sitting with my mother is—”
He looks up as if sensing my approach. His eyes land on mine, and I can feel my body overheat, starting with my heart. He reaches out a hand and beckons me to him. Different than other times when he has been asked about his relationship status, he doesn’t look like he wants to hurt someone or tell the reporters to mind their business. Instead, he looks like a man ready to profess his love to anyone who will listen as his gaze bestows me with warmth and love.
He turns to the reporter and says, “The lady you speak of isn’t my girlfriend. She’s my future wife. We’re getting married soon.”
The reporter’s eyes widen, and she looks taken aback by the news. “Wow, congratulations! That’s impressive. You’re at the height of your football career and poised to go to the Super Bowl. And you have a beautiful fiancée. That has to be exciting!”
He pulls me closer to him. “I prayed for someone like Leslie to come into my life. Someone I could trust and someone I can give my loyalty to. These are the things I prayed for when I entered the NFL, and I’m ready for it all, Sam. I will do my best to make the franchise, my teammates, fans, my mother, brother and the rest of my family, but especially this woman right here….” For an unwavering moment, it feels like Wayne, and I are the only two people on the field. He looks at me like I’m responsible for lighting up the night, and I gaze up at him like he’s my guide in the darkness. When Wayne returns his attention to the reporter, he finishes his statement. “I will do everything possible to make those who matter happy.”
“From the looks on your family and fiancée's face, you’ve made everyone happy. Thanks for giving us the time for an interview here at ABT Sports News. We wish your family the best and good luck on next week’s game.” Sam nods and walks off to find the next player to interview.
“Hey, Mom, Marjorie.” Wayne lets go of my waist long enough to hug his mother and Marjorie. He and Jasmine give the other a side hug. “Hey, little sister. Thank you all for coming tonight.”
“You know we weren’t going to miss this game,” Louise says.
“Not one minute of it,” Marjorie chimes in.
Louise practically glows as she speaks to her son. “You were kicking butt out there tonight. A few more games, and you’re going to get your ring. I can’t believe my baby is going to the Superbowl. Your father would have been so proud of you. God rest his soul.” Her voice cracks as she speaks of his father.
Wayne lets go of me and pulls his mother into his arms. “Don’t you dare get sad. Dad wouldn’t want that.”
Louise pulls back from the hug, “You’re right. He wouldn’t.”
“And when it comes to the bowl, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have to get through the playoff games first.” Wayne chuckles.
“There isn’t a team that can come close to beating my boy,” his mother says proudly.
Wayne gives his mother a knowing smile and a thumbs up. He doesn't like to brag about his talent, but he knows he can't stop his mother from doing it. "Come on. Walk with me to get my bag," Wayne says, including us all in his gaze.
"No, you guys go ahead," Louise declines, graciously allowing Wayne some space.
Wayne urges his mother to wait. “I just have to grab my bag, and then I’ll be ready to go.”
Louise rubs her hands down her arms. “I weather every game for you, but when it’s over, I have to get home and warm up. We’re going to go ahead and head home,” she presses. “Besides, you two lovebirds can do some catching up without your mother around.” She gives him a suggestive look.
“Yeah, we’re about to light up the fireplace and have a stiff drink,” Marjorie agrees. “You young people, go ahead and have fun.”
“Eddie’s probably made it through that terrible traffic out there. Why don’t you call him and ask him to drop by your place and get the fireplace started,” Louise suggests to Marjorie.
“Nah, I’ll just turn it on when I get there,” Marjorie says. “Speaking of Eddie, Wayne, you know he didn’t use the tickets you bought tonight. He sat in his old seat.”
Wayne shrugs. “I figured he would. That’s fine as long as he’s here.” He hugs Marjorie and his mother, thanking them once again for coming.
“You’re welcome, and you know he would have come onto the field, but he doesn’t like the media part,” Louise somewhat apologizes for her eldest son.
“Mama, I know Eddie like the back of my hand. He’s not a fan of any part of the media and stands on his principles of keeping them out of our personal lives. I respect him for his thoughts on it. I don’t want anyone to do anything they’re uncomfortable doing,” Wayne acknowledges. “I just want you all to respect my decisions too.”
“We do, and Eddie will come around,” Louise assures before she and Marjorie hug Wayne, and they say their goodbyes.
Wayne, Jasmine and I walk toward the stadium. Jasmine and I stand out in the hall and wait for him to come out. When he does, Jeremiah Taylor is with him.
Jeremiah speaks to me with a friendly hello, but when his eyes land on Jasmine, there is immediate interest in them.
“Hi Jeremiah,” Jasmine says with a huskiness in her voice that I have never heard come out of her mouth before.
