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The commentators roared and started peppering her with questions.
Sylvia Gonzales:“Jake’s secret is safe with me.”
She knew nothing but she wanted to send a message to Jake that he could trust her just in case he was inclined to do an interview in the future or, more likely, she could talk him into it. She’d have loved to be the first one out with the story of Jake Skyler’s cheerleader and what led up to the new cover model forSports Illuminatedcheering for Jake in the San Antonio Lone Stars’ owner’s box.
Rakell wore a long, red wig, sunglasses, and a baseball hat pulled low over her forehead, the Condors shirt Jake had sent, and herlucky white jacket. Lana bought a white jacket too, thinking it would make Rakell stand out less. When the Uber driver brought them to the stadium, they filtered into the crowd, and to Rakell’s shock, she saw hundreds, maybe thousands of women wearing white jackets. “Oh my God…what is this?” Rakell whispered to Lana.
“Well, I told you it was trending,” Lana said with a laugh.
“Yeah, but all these women are showing up with white jackets that look almost identical to mine. Odd…why would they do that?” Rakell said in a low voice as they moved with the crowd entering the stadium.
“Well, you may not like this, but the jacket is trending on social media because they are hoping to get on the Jumbotron and get a little Skyler attention, like that crazy girl in the San Antonio owner’s box.”
“That’s what they are saying about me? Great.”
“Yes, but don’t take it personally. It’s just a…actually, you’re going to have to get a thick skin if you are going to date him.”
Rakell huffed, her eyes darting around the crowd, lowering her voice. “Lana, I’m not sure what will happen with Jake. I’ve decided I need to open up to him, but…”
“You’re going to tell him?” she asked, concern ringing in her voice.
“I think I need to if we are going to be anything. Matt is really encouraging me to be as honest as I can with Jake. I mean, I am not going to go into details, and I will filter what I share, but I just feel like it would be disingenuous if I didn’t tell him something.”
Lana looped her arm through Rakell’s. “If he doesn’t respond correctly, he’s not worth your time. I mean, I know how much Levi likes him and says he’s a good guy, he has a strong family, and he’s a good friend, but if he judges you, I won’t be okay with that.”
Rakell tapped the side of her head to Lana’s shoulder. “Thank you,” she said with a light tone, but she couldn’t ignore Jake’s response when she asked if he’d ever paid for it, the disgust ringing through his voice. How could she mold the information in a way that would let her be semi-honest without eliciting the reaction she feared from Jake?
“Stop,” Lana said, interrupting Rakell’s spiraling thoughts. “The worry is all over your face. Let’s just enjoy this. You managed to bang one of the most beautiful football players to ever carry pigskin, and now here we are, going to the Super Bowl. If you had told me when we were in London that someday we would both be going to a big football game together, I would have laughed until you shut up.”
“And not just a football game, the Super Bowl. But how about if I had said we’d both be living in Texas…”
They laughed.
Lana scanned the swarms of people inhabiting the massive stadium. “You know I don’t know anything about football, right? I’m here for the halftime show. Selena Gomez is one of my all-time favorite singers. And you…I’m here for you.”
“I know, thank you. But if you have any questions, ask me.” She almost added,my dad made me learnbut shoved that into the back of her mind.
Rakell couldn’t believe the sea of white as she looked around the visiting team stands. Once she moved on from the surprise, she giggled, thinking about Jake seeing this for the first time.
Helicopters buzzed in the air as parachuters jumped from the sky, waving the flag representing each of the branches of the military as they glided to the ground. Then countless people marched onto the green space, hands above their heads, holding up their small piece of a giant US flag that spread sideline to sideline, endzone to endzone. Rakell and Lana both let out a gasp, watching the show. Mascots, cheerleaders, and bandsplayed and cheered. The first team to take the gridiron was the Sacramento Condors. Rakell jumped up, cheering as Jake, Rodger beside him and Dwayne behind him, pumped his fist, encouraging the crowd. She couldn’t help but laugh again as she saw Jake stare up into the stands, nudging Dwayne and pointing, no doubt struck by the sea of white. The cameras were pinned on his face before trying to follow his eyes into the stands…they were looking for her.
She sat, pulling Lana’s arm. “They are going to try to find me. They know I’m here,” she whispered.
“Don’t worry, the sea of white jackets and blondes will make it really tough to pinpoint the one lone crazy girl from the playoff game. Since they’ll be looking for a crazy blonde, they may overlook the crazy redhead.” Lana nudged Rakell’s shoulder.
“Gee, thanks, Lana!”
“Looks like you got a fan base, Pretty Boy,” Dwayne said with a low chuckle. “Damn, like if, if Rakell were here…not asking if she is,” he said gruffly, hitting Jake’s back. “But with all the ladies sportin’ white jackets, no way could the media find her.”
Jake winked at Dwayne. “Yeah, and good luck to them looking for blond hair. I’m thinking I’d like to snack on a redhead after the win. Let’s do this!” he blurted out, hitting Dwayne on the back.
“Just answered my burning question. Careful, my man, careful…we can chat after you make sure I leave with a big goddamn ring today. So don’t get squirrely until you make that happen.”
“I’m all in, Dwayne, and my lucky white jacket is too. I’m still not sure if she and I…never mind, let’s get after these Stallions…What an arrogant name!”
They both laughed nervously as they scanned the field before turning toward the other players.
Quarter 1
