He takes a knee, getting right at the kid’s level, looking him in the eye when he speaks, and palms his shoulder before he walks away, back to where the net is.
The boy launches the ball again, and this time it lands perfectly in the center net. Liam’s arms both fly in the air as he yells and runs toward the kid.
“Yeah!” he shouts. “That was a great throw, Brody!”
My smile reluctantly widens as I watch him interact with the kids and families. He doesn’t have to be out here for this. It’s not like he has kids of his own out here running around, he could easily be taking a break like a lot of the other guys—cooling off under the mist tents. But he seems so in his element hanging out and teaching these kids.
Glancing at my phone, I only have about twenty minutes until I have another quick interview. Today is filled with a handful of small chats with the guys. Days where fans are inattendance for practices seem to be more for fun than anything else, even though they still give it their all—you can easily tell the team just loves playing for an audience. Even if it’s their wives, neighbors, or seven-month-old babies. Having someone on the sidelines is an extra rush of adrenaline for them.
I notice Mia Campbell, Nate’s wife, on the sideline gently pushing a stroller back and forth as her two toddlers seem to be playing tag with one another on the field. When she spots me, she gives me a smile and a wave.
I mimic the greeting and walk over to her.
“Is he sleeping?” I whisper as I approach the stroller before peeking in.
She nods. “Finally. He was getting a little restless, so I’m glad he fell asleep. I’ll rock this stroller for as long as I need to if it helps keep him comfortable.”
“They’re beautiful,” I say, gesturing to the three little boys who all look exactly like Nate.
“Thank you.” She smiles, looking at the two older boys in front of her.
Nate and Liam stride up to where the two of us are talking. Liam’s hair is caked in sweat, but he runs a hand through it nonetheless. The guys are in full pads today under their uniforms, making them look even bigger than they already are.
I’m sweating everywhere in this heat today. It’s stagnant and uncomfortable for someone dressed for it, I can’t even imagine how they feel. I wore an athletic skirt with an NFL tank top today thinking that would help, and while it does help with the heat I suppose, it doesn’t stop the sweat from dripping between my thighs as I stand here.
When Nate approaches, he pulls Mia by the waist and kisses her as if she’s going to put the air back into his tired lungs. When they finally break apart, he turns to acknowledge me with a hello.
“I did that,” Liam says, smirking as he points to the two of them.
“You did not,” Nate retorts, leaning into the stroller to peek at the baby.
“I did,” Liam whispers to me, swiping his tongue between his lips with a teasing smile.
I shake my head back and forth, looking away from him as I do.
“How are you today?” Liam directs his attention to me.
“Good,” I say as I watch the boys run around. “A little tired from packing.”
“When’s move-in day?” He grins.
Pulling my shoulders back, I open my mouth slightly, taking a look at Nate and Mia beside us before answering.
“Tomorrow,” I finally say with a smile.
Liam’s hand forms a fist by his side and he pulls it back the slightest bit. A subtle fist-pump.
“Well, as I’ve mentioned, I love unpacking, so just come knock if you need help.” He smirks.
“Where was this enthusiasm when we moved into our house?” Nate teases, looking at Liam.
“Stop,” Mia says to him, reaching to pinch his side, but Nate catches her hand first, and they smile at each other. Jesus, they’re cute.
“I’m going to get back to the tent,” I say, turning to walk away.
“I’ll walk with you,” Liam says.
“That really isn’t necessary,” I say, but he’s already by my side.
