Jesus, I feel like a hormonal teenager who can’t control himself. I need to get ahold of this. I can’t be walking around her all the time, half-cocked and confused. And definitely not in front of our daughter.
After photos and more interviews, I head back to the locker room.
Most of the guys are in there already, changing or packing up.
I see Saint sitting at his station with an ice pack wrapped around his knee.
“You good?” I point at the ice.
“Oh, yeah. Doc just wants me to ice it after workouts. I had that surgery on my ACL at the end of last season.”
“That’s right. How’s the recovery going?”
“Right as rain.” He smiles.
“Glad to hear it. We need you out there healthy.”
“I’m primed and ready.”
Next to me, Brody texts with someone.
Then our veteran kicker, Caleb Brooks, walks in like he owns the place.
“You boys looked quite photogenic out there today,” Caleb says.
“Because wearephotogenic,” Aston replies.
Saint shakes his head. “One day, that ego of yours is gonna need its own locker.”
“Already does. The one next to you taken?” Aston jokes.
Brody looks between us. “He always like this?”
“Pretty much. But you should see his twin,” I say, laughing.
“Right. I forgot Ace Griffith was his twin.”
“Yep. The whole family is like that though.” I smile. “But I love ’em all.”
“You played with Archie, right?” Saint asks.
“I did. He’s my best friend.”
“Solid.” He nods and starts taking his ice off.
I glance around at my new team. This group … it feels like something that could be special. Makes me anxious to get the season started.
But for now, we prep.
I finish packing up the few things I brought in with me today and say my goodbyes.
As I walk through the building, I catch another glimpse of Alie, but no sign of Sera.
She’s laughing at something Presley said, seeming much more casual than she was earlier.
I notice Saint walk toward her, but he stops and talks to one of the trainers. I don’t miss his eyes flicking over to Presley.
Very interesting. Looks like Presley might have a little secret.
