29. Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Tripp

There's nothing like your first home game of the season. We've been preparing and having a fucking blast. The team is on fire.

Today was one of those practices where every pass felt a little more dialed in, each catch secured, and every route damn near perfect.

I need to be feeling it. Willow drives a mean bargain. We won our last game, but I did not score two touchdowns, leaving her new music unheard. She said, "Let me know when you get two."

That's the goal for this week.

Zack and I are walking back to the locker room after getting some treatment—most of the guys have left.

"Is your girl coming to the game?"

My girl. I love the way that sounds.

"Umm, we haven't really talked about it. As in, we haven't really talked about public outings yet."

"Wait a second. You forgot about bringing your mega-hot, superstar girlfriend to the first game in a brand-new stadium? It's going to be epic!" Zack's enthusiasm is contagious.

"It's not that I forgot about her. I don't want to pressure her."

"Maybe tomorrow is the time? Didn't you get a suite for the season? That seems low pressure. Well, in the sense that she won't be out with just standard fans."

The general manager of the Cosmos included a suite when I got traded. Didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't have a ton of friends and family to fill it with. This is the first time in my career I've had one. I've opened it up to a few of the guys so their girlfriends and parents can watch the game from there.

I do have extra tickets.

"I can see your wheels turning. Plus, your mom will be there. Isn't that a fun first meeting?"

He's way too excited about this but I do love where he's going. Willow and I haven't seen each other since our night in the hot tub. I had some PR events get added to my calendar this week and she's been in writing mode.

I'm itching to see her and not through a phone screen.

Going public means I can also have her at my place. I told her I'd keep driving out to her as much as I can, but it would be nice to stay in the city. I think that also opens up the possibility for her to stay over. And fuck do I want that.

"Okay, I'm going to do it."

"Don't forget to chat with security," Zack says while collecting his things and heading for the door.

Once I'm in my car, I call my assistant because I need a favor.

I'm finishing up cooking dinner when my phone rings. Willow.

"What's up, pretty girl?"

"Seth just brought me an urgent flower arrangement."

"Is that so?" Like I don't know he got them to her. Instead of just asking her over text, or on the phone, I thought of sending her flowers with a note and the tickets. Well, they're not real tickets. Our stadium is mobile-ticket entry only, but I wanted "real ones". Luckily, my assistant has a ton of connections and had someone photoshop some very realistic looking tickets for the gesture.

"I'd love to come to the game!" Her voice is enthusiastic and eager. It makes me do a fist pump in the safety of my own home, that no one can see. Thank God.

"You would?"

"Yes! I wouldn't miss watching you play in person!"

"This means being public." I take a deep breath. Why am I nervous? "It's your call and I don't want you to feel like you have to do anything—"

"Tripp. I want to. A resounding yes. Let's do it."

"You've made my night." My cheeks cramp from smiling.

"Seth is already making the calls and arrangements for Sunday."

"Perfect. Also, you'll be in a suite. My mom will be there, plus some other players' wives and family. Is it cool if I give them a heads up? I want everyone to be on their best behavior."

"I can't wait to meet your mom!" she practically screams into the phone. "And yes, you can tell whoever. It'll be easier if the press doesn't know until I'm there but if it gets out, there's nothing we can do."

"How do you feel about packing a bag? Staying at my place? The Cosmos General Manager booked out an entire restaurant for players and families to celebrate the first home game. Figured we could make an appearance and then you could stay over."

"You don't even have to ask. I'm there."

I'm there. My heart races. This feels significant, me and her being seen together, but there's no hesitation on her end, or at least what I'm hearing.

"You're amazing," I tell her.

"Thank you for inviting me. I'm really looking forward to it. But especially looking forward to our sleepover."

"Fuck. Me too."

And I don't think she knows how much.