He spent months drunk, and just fucking whatever he could get his hands on. I wasn’t sure that I would ever get my best friend back. He still doesn’t trust anyone, nor has he opened his heart up to a woman. He has walls built to protect his heart and his sanity. The only woman who has broken through those walls is Nyx, and now we have this. He is out of control and doesn’t know how to handle it.
The punching bag in the gym has been replaced more than once, and I know he only sleeps when Nyx is home in his arms. I have had to stop and pick up new whiskey bottles almost every other day on my way home from the office. I also couldn’t tell you the last time he was in the office for work. He always calls in via Zoom when I have meetings in the office with clients.
I bought the group of us tickets for the Lions vs Jaguars today. Get us all out of the house, Callum and Kyra are also joining us. When I told Callum we were all going, his first question was about Kyra. I’m not sure what that means but I think someone has a crush.
We are all crammed in Demitri’s truck, Nyx, Kyra, and Callum in the back seat. Kyra’s cheeks have had a constant shade of pink since the moment Cal sat down next to her. He is trying his damn hardest to not touch her, but he’s bigger than me and he’s not exactly designed for the back seat.
We park at the Fox Theater parking garage, and we walk over to Ford Field. The wind sends chills through our bodies, autumn finally giving way to the winter chill. The three of us gaze longingly at Comerica Park, remembering that not but a month ago we were positioned on that roof. The job that broughtus together. Leading everyone over to the Barry Sanders statue outside of the stadium, we take some pictures together before we head to the doors to get in.
We head through security, and I catch the wonder on my girl's face. I love watching her eyes light up with joy.
“First time in Ford Field, Little Witch?” I lean down and whisper in her ear over the roar of fans filing into the arena. She looks up at me with amazement in her eyes and a quick nod of her head.
Everything is lit up and ready to go for a belt to ass Lion’s win against the Jags. There is the Honolulu Boom Drumline playing off in the distance, Eminem booming through the speakers, and just the thrill of the season feels alive. The air filled with electricity and excitement for the season. Last year was the first season in a long time that we have not only been in the playoffs but we actually won a playoff game.
The Lions are quickly becoming a huge powerhouse in the NFL this year, and it has made the whole city go crazy. I’m glad I got my hands on these tickets so we could experience this. Fans rushing through the crowd, some with pizza, some with popcorn or nachos. Beer and liquor are flowing. There are a few Jaguar fans walking around, but the stadium is full of Honolulu Blue! Some people are completely decked out in superfan gear.
Nyx just keeps whipping her head around trying to take the whole thing in. I make a mental note to make sure to bring her to more games so she can find every wonder that is Ford Field. Nyx and Kyra walk a few paces in front of us, arms linked, and the three of us walk behind them like massive bodyguards protecting the beautiful women. If they were young girls, they definitely would be skipping through the concourse.
“She is so damn adorable.” Dee says to us. He has a shit-eating grin on his face. It’s been a long time since I have seen this look on his face. A look of pure joy and love. His eyes only leaveher when he is glancing around us to ensure no one is going to cause any harm to the girls. The weight of Nyx’s stalker is not on his shoulders so much today.
“They both are,” Cal states. His eyes haven’t left Kyra’s form since the moment she linked arms with Nyx and they started walking ahead of us. There is something going on there. I feel it in my bones. “Thanks, bro.” He claps me on the shoulder, and I just smile back at him.
Nyx and Kyra have decided they want pizza for lunch. They take off for the Little Caesar’s stand to grab lunch for the group. We run and grab a few beers for everyone and meet back up at the seats. We are on the 50-yard line, first row, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is on the field signing autographs like always. Nyx is sitting with two boxes of pizza sitting on her lap watching the players on the field warming up.
“Here’s your beer, beautiful.” She smiles up at me. Kyra sitting the next seat down, allowing me and Demitri to be on each side of our girl.
“Can you fucking believe it, Nyx? We are here!” Kyra squeals, her excitement barely contained within her flesh. Her arm reaches across my body to grasp at Nyx. I see why Nyx calls her Sunflower. She radiates the joy she feels. I am excited to have her energy in our lives. I think all of us could use her sunshine.
“I know, right! This is insane! I could practically reach out and touch the players.” She reaches her hand down and gets a high five from Jameson Williams.
“How ‘bout we don’t let random guys touch you.” Dee growls, and I chuckle.
“Down, guard dog, she is just excited and the players aren’t going to hurt her with all these people around.” I reach behind Nyx to pat Dee on the shoulder. He is still a little anxious to be out in public. We settle in for the game and wait for everything to start.
It’s the start of the fourth quarter, and we are up forty-two to six. The Jaguars haven’t scored since the second quarter, and they have only scored field goals. The arena is loud, and the environment is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better game to bring the girls to.
“Yay, you’re back!” I hear Nyx say to Kyra. She had taken off for a bathroom break a while ago, and she just re-joined the group.There must have been a line at the lady’s room.
Cal also took off to grab a round of beers for everyone, but he left like a half-hour ago. Glancing up the stairs, I see him coming back, arms loaded with beer. I guess I should have gone with him. He has a light sheen of sweat on his forehead and a grin he is trying to hide. There will need to be a brotherly conversation later.
Both girls have had smiles on their faces so wide I’m surprised they haven’t cracked yet. Callum is also radiating joy, and I haven’t seen him so happy since his accident. To have both my girl and my brother so happy for one afternoon, makes these very expensive tickets so worth it.
“This is incredible, Graham! Thank you for everything!” Nyx’s voice is gravelly from screaming. I’m sure tomorrow she will sound like she smokes five packs a day, and it makes my chest warm at her joy.
The Lion’s take victory formation as they kneel the ball out to end the game. Fifty-two to six. I couldn’t have asked for a more electric game. I sat in these stands with my dad when we lost every single game in two thousand and eight, so this season means the world to the people of Michigan. I am so happy I could experience this with my family that I have chosen for myself.
The stands are full of fans cheering, and every single Lion’s chant that you can think of ricocheting around the stadium. The Jaguar fans file out with a glum look on their faces. We start to gather the merch bags that were tucked under our seats. Kyra and Nyx had a little mini-shopping spree at half time needing to get all the Lion’s gear they could grab. We head up the stairs, still high-fiving fellow Lion’s fans as we go.
The girls are still chanting Jared Goff with the rest of the stadium as we exit Ford Field and make our way back to the truck. Both girls shiver in their new sweatshirts. The temp outside has dropped since the sun started to set. Dee grabs our girl and tucks her into his side, while I watch Callum do the same with Kyra. I raise one eyebrow at him when he looks over her head at me. He just shrugs and pulls her in tighter.
“Let’s Go Lions!” Chants can be heard throughout the streets of Detroit.
“Anyone want some food?” Demitri asks as we all pile into the truck.
“Grants?” Is all I say as I look over at him. He gives me a swift nod before he fires up the truck and pulls out of the parking garage.
CHAPTER 35
