Page 35 of Lavender and Linebackers

Damn.

Unblock her. Right. While I have on social media, I haven’t yet on my phone. Given the campaign I should have, and I hate that I feel a little ashamed.

Also, did she try to reach out?

She must have.

Of course she would have.

But when? Recently or just in the past?

Obviously in the past. I left her high and dry without a word. Regardless of how I felt about her, I know she cared for me.

For the first time since that day four years ago, regret burrows its way under my skin.

And she would know that I blocked her because we both have iPhones and a blocked text never says delivered, or if she called, it only rings once and then disconnects.

“Right.”

Sadness blends with the mask, and she looks at the ground. Then it’s as if she remembers where she is and who might be watching. She lifts her head and smiles at me.

“Good luck today. I know you’re going to do great.”

My heart cracks.

Flashbacks to sitting in the back of my truck and us talking about our futures flip through. All the times Alice told me that no matter what, if she was cheering on the sidelines or sitting in the stands, that she would be here for my NFL debut. And here she is.

Even though we’re not in a good place, I do love that she’s here.

“You too.”

Team Chat

Sully: What’s a tarpon’s favorite movie genre?

Logan: Oh God. Here we go again with the dad jokes.

Sully: Action films - they do all their own stunts.

Miles: Not again. Someone, please put me out of my misery.

Reid: Does he do this often?

Logan: Every day!

J.J.: Not every day. Stop throwing shade on your captain.

Logan: It’s a defense thing. He comes to practice and starts us off with some terrible joke.

J.J.: Which is why it’s not every day.

Reid: What was today?

Rico: Groans.

Miles: How do you know when it’s a dad joke? When it becomes apparent.

Titan: