Kallie leaned back in her chair. “Walk me through the plan.”
Dylan sat forward, more focused now. “Right after the season ends, I want to spend the full off-season in Georgia. At least until camp opens back up in July. Honeyshore’s got enough space for me to train, lift, throw. I’ve got film access. I can drive to Savannah or even Jacksonville if I need to link up with other guys.”
“You’re thinking full-time from March to July?” she clarified.
“Yep. I’ll come back to Orlando when I need to, but otherwise, I’m posted up there.”
“And you’ll still do your workouts? Diet? Promo obligations?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “We can frontload media stuff in March and keep everything else virtual or on weekend trips.”
Kallie paused. “You do know this’ll stir up some whispers, right? Everyone’s gonna think she’s the reason.”
“Sheispart of the reason,” Dylan said without flinching. “But I’m not going rogue. I’m planning ahead. I’ve given this more thought than anything in years.”
A small smile tugged at her lips. “You love her.”
He didn’t even hesitate. “Yeah. And I’m not hiding it anymore.”
Kallie exhaled slowly, then nodded. “Okay. We’ll build it in. I’ll send over a rough schedule and run logistics by media and ops.”
“Thanks, Kay,” he said, the weight of months—maybe years—finally starting to lift.
She pointed a finger at the camera. “But if I catch you skipping workouts to float around Tybee on a paddleboard with your girlfriend, we’re gonna fight.”
Dylan chuckled. “Fair.”
“Now go outside and kiss the girl already,” she said, closing the Zoom with a wink.
He shut the laptop, heart steady, and stood.
This wasn’t temporary anymore.
This was the beginning of something permanent.
The Man
Ali
She hadn’t stepped foot in a football stadium since 2015.
Not since the bowl game that ended everything. The night that split her open and swallowed her whole.
But now…she was here.
Not in the same stadium. Not the same team. Not the same girl.
The Tritons’ arena was a different beast entirely—modern, towering, built like a monument to speed and spectacle. The buzz of energy was palpable even in the early part of the day, with fans already lining up at vendor carts and tailgating in the lots. Navy and teal flags snapped in the breeze, the team logo shining from giant LED screens. And the moment she stepped through the VIP entrance, her breath caught in her throat.
It hit her all at once.
The green of the field. The roar of distant cheers. The towering walls of the stadium seats that felt like they could swallow her if she let them.
Her fingers clenched a little tighter around her clear Stoney Clover crossbody bag, knuckles pale.
Ashley bumped her gently with her hip. “You okay?”
Ali nodded before she spoke. “Yeah. Just...it’s been a long time.”
