“Thank you,” I tell him, hoping he understands I don’t just mean for the food. As I sit, Keaton insisting he’s got it under control as he arranges everything on the table before taking his own seat. “How’d training go?” I ask after taking a bite. Fine, two disguised as one.
Watching me in amusement, Keaton chews his own, which was much bigger than mine so there, and swallows before answering, “Good. We focused on cardio today.”
“How many times a week do you work out?”
“Every day, some longer than others. As the season nears, that will change. My entire schedule will.”
“I feel like you’re preparing me for something.” When Keaton doesn’t instantly refute that, I know I’m right. “Walk me through it?”
First, like he feels the need to qualify he explains, “There is some, not much, leeway, as my life is pretty structured during those months to ensure I can fit everything in that I need to. I promise that I will always make time for you. It may not be as much as we’d like, but I will give you every second that I can.” I nod, appreciating the thoughtfulness in the gesture. Is it any wonder I’m so confused? Scratch that. I was. I don’t think I am any longer. Grasping my right with his left, leaving our respective dominant ones free to use the fork, he does goes intodetail about his waking hours. “Keep in mind that bye weeks will look different, okay?” I nod, knowing I’ll want him to share what that’s like, too. “I usually wake up around six,” he laughs when I grimace at that news, “and the next two hours consist of getting ready, eating, then heading to the facility for meetings. During those we’ll discusses strategy and analysis our upcoming opponent. From there, I immediately head into the next stage which lasts approximately four hours.”
**Keaton**
“What can you possibly do for that long?” I wink at her, loving when she blushes.
“On top of weight training and conditioning—”
“Speaking of a condition,” she mutters, looking a bit flustered.
Focus, Wayne. “Another meeting or three, these are more detailed, and we end with drills on the field, minus the all the pads we’d normally wear, as well as practice plays, and working on our timing.”
“Good gravy, Keaton. I’m tired just listening to half of your day.”
“That’s where all that conditioning comes in,” I remind her. “We break for lunch, take a beat to rest, then I work on throwing and review film.”
“Let me guess, and more meetings?” I laugh, but she’s right.
“These are regarding positions. Then we go to PT and receive a massage or ice bath, depending on what they think I need.”
Her expression changes and I wonder where her mind went. “These massages…”
“Colter and Quaid have been with the Mavericks since day one.” Her shoulders drop at that and I’m trying to… Oh. “Oneof our physicians is a woman, but the medical staff is always professional. Yes, we’re all on friendly terms, makes it easier with how much we can see the other during the season, but they only see us as patients.” The fact she’s invested enough that the thought of a woman touching me in such a way upsets her makes me happy. However, she never has any reason to be jealous. Not to mention, were the situations reversed, I would be just as bothered. I need to tell her my secret, that there’s never been, nor will there ever be, another woman for me, but I should finish this first. “The evenings consist of dinner, a pep talk meeting or finalizing strategy, another film session, and personal time.” I’m so used to the routine I don’t think much about it but seeing it through her eyes makes me aware in a way I haven’t been in a while how much my world revolves around football. “From nine on, the evening is ours to do what we wish. A snack, winding down, reading, and/or bed.”
“Wow.”
“A bye isn’t as structured, but there are a lot of similarities.”
“When is training camp?”
Sooner than I’d like. I’m not ready to leave her. Hell, it was hard enough meeting up with Gareth earlier. I wanted nothing more than to stay with her. Gareth teased me when he noticed I couldn’t wait to get home, but I could tell he was happy for me. And perhaps a little jealous. Not of Lily, but of the fact I found someone. “A couple weeks.” She seems as disappointed hearing that news as I am saying it.
“Is it weird that I’m going to miss you?”
“Then we’ll be weird together.”
Taking a chance, I walk around to her chair, lift her from it and sit on the cushion. With her still in my arms, she’s now on my lap and doesn’t hesitate to snuggle into me. “This is nice.” She sounds sleepy, which might have something to do with all the carbs we consumed, but I’d prefer to take credit for it.
“It’s perfect,” I agree, rubbing my nose into her hair and inhaling.
“I talked to my mom.” That was sort of random, though I don’t think it is. She’s relaxed and allowing her mind to settle, so thoughts are going to come out.
“About?”
“You. Us.” I haven’t been this nervous since my first training camp. Just like then, a lot is riding on the outcome.
“How do your parents feel about us?” She tenses, and I’m thinking they aren’t pleased with me dragging her into this. But her next words let me know that isn’t the case at all.
“I don’t talk to my father.” Father. Not Dad. I file that away because she’s not done and I don’t want to risk missing any piece of information when it comes to her.
