“Being able to make adjustments is part of prime time football, or didn’t they teach you that at your rinky-dink university?”
Dayumm.
A couple other players on our offense come over and try to squash the beef, but it only makes the sidelines look like we are having a major quarrel. Television cameras love that shit and turn the focus of their cameras in our direction.
Something overcomes me when a lens points in my face. I guess because it’s Thanksgiving, everyone’s going home to their families after this game, and I haven’t talked to Adrienne in so long that it hurts.
I miss the fuck out of her, but I finally realized that I needed to respect her wishes and give her the space that she asked for. That, and of course for her to actually miss me.
I’m addictive like that.
Eventually she’s going to come around, and when she does, I’ll be here.
I ain’t going no fucking where.
Just in case she’s watching, I face the camera and mouth words that are only for her.
I miss you, beautiful.
The second quarter of the game doesn’t go too much better than the first. Our defense is doing their job, but our offense isn’t putting any points on the board. Rivera hasn’t found a groove and isn’t connecting with any of our wide receivers. Gibson blames Rivera and maybe when you’re in the middle of a game it feels that way, but now that I’m on the sidelines, I can see things a little differently. Gibson isn’t running his routes like he’s supposed to, and Rivera is off. I think his back hurts and he isn’t telling anyone. His throws are just a little short and not as accurate as they’ve been in the past. During halftime, I tell the team what I see from my vantage point.
“I think we run the ball instead of going for the big touchdown pass every play. We do that, I think we can win this game. Rivera, just continue to hand off the ball to whoever is open like Taylor and Kennedy, and we might just win this thing one down at a time.”
The coaches pat me on the back and tell me they appreciate my contribution. The plan for the second half of the game is to go in that direction and run the ball instead of always trying to throw it deep for the quick win.
I hang back for a moment when the team returns on the field. After I use the bathroom, something tells me to check my phone. It’s in my locker. Electronics aren’t allowed on the playing field during the game.
My instincts were right.
It’s her.
It’s not much.
Adrienne: Happy Thanksgiving
But I’ll take it.
It’s the opening I’ve been waiting for and wanting for months.
Me: Mac and Cheese or Yams?
Adrienne: Ham
Me: Still on your meat kick?
Adrienne: I’m like a carnivore now.
Fuck me.
Does she realize how sexy she is without even trying?
Me: I miss you, beautiful.
Adrienne: LOL, you said that already.
She was watching.
Thirty-Five
