I’m screaming my heart out when Ben gets the ball, flies over a defender, jukes this way and that to lose another guy, and then hurtles down the field where he gets a touchdown.
“Hell yeah!” Maggie screams.
We jump up and down in each other’s arms.
“I suppose that was pretty good,” my dad says on the other side of me where he and my brothers are enjoying the game.
I smack my dad in the shoulder. “Pretty good? Please. That was awesome!”
“What do the kids like to say today?” Tío Julio turns to ask me from the row in front of us where he’s sitting with Teresa. “That kicked so much ass.”
We all laugh.
I’m happy to say that since that horrid weekend in Dallas when I met Ben’s family, my relationship with Julio and Teresa has improved by leaps and bounds. I suppose it helps that Janelle wanted to stay with Ernest, and since Ernest didn’t want to raise another man’s kid, Janelle was happy to sign over custody to Ben.
It sucks for Lily, but she’s the center of our lives. Ben’s aunt and uncle visit every few weeks, and between the four of us, I hope she knows how loved and wanted she is.
I moved back into my old house with Ben shortly after Derek’s attack. With all of the demands on Ben’s schedule, it was the simplest way to spend time together. His aunt eventually stopped griping about how we were “living in sin.” Last week, she gave me her top-secret family recipe for enchiladas, so I’m taking that as a good sign. Plus, she’s taught me a ton of Spanish.
And my father won’t admit it, but he loves Ben. They’re both giant eggheads and love to sit around and talk about coding. Which means Ben and my brothers get along too.
I never knew it mattered, but having all the men in my life enjoy one another’s company is actually really cool.
My father hasn’t told anyone because he knows I like to keep a low profile around here, but he helped the school get the funding it needed to complete the renovations. I have a feeling it’s all because he’s pretty fond of my guy down there on the field.
Interestingly, the class Ben needs second semester is being offered after all, which means he’ll graduate with a double degree. I have a sneaking suspicion my dad might be responsible for that as well.
And now that my yoga app is well under way, my father has finally dropped the discussion of grad school and moving back to California. He told me that all he ever wanted was for me to have some focus and be passionate about whatever I was doing. When he says it like that, I get what he was trying to say all those years we argued. Who knew a few words could make such a huge difference in a relationship?
Maggie and I are holding hands as the clock winds down.
My dad leans toward me. “You know, today wasn’t so bad. No one asked me for my autograph.”
I snort. “Dad, no one cares how much money you have here.”
Of course, he is wearing a beanie and sweatshirt and looks like all the other parents in the stands.
But that idea gives me pause. There are no paparazzi in Charming. Not like how he’s hounded whenever he’s in Cali or New York. No one harasses him when he visits, which he’s been making a point to do whenever he has to stop in Austin. Now, if he played football, that might be a different story, because the players get stopped often by fans, but those interactions are usually pretty positive.
“Hey, Dad, when did you say that next meeting for the foundation was being held?” He’s hoping to support several local charities over the next few years, so the committee will be meeting more regularly in Austin.
He munches on some popcorn. “Next week. Why?”
“What would you say if I joined you?” I hold up my hand before he gets too excited. “Maybe I could help on a regional level?”
“I’d be damn proud to have you represent us, honey.” He pulls me in for a hug. “Are we still meeting at the Crazy Horse Saloon afterward? I need to let Penelope know.”
“Yup. Tell her she shouldn’t dress up because the ribs are messy.” She’s too pregnant to join us at the stadium, but she wants to come to dinner.
Nodding, he texts his now-wife, and I smile.
Because I’m realizing that no matter my differences with Penelope, she makes him happy. Now that I’m with Ben, I think I understand that better. Penelope and I will never be besties, but I can appreciate that I’ve never seen my dad smile more than when he’s with her. And it’s helped that he and I have been able to spend more time together, just the two of us, and have had a chance to talk through some of our issues.
Everyone cheers for the win, and fans flood the field.
My dad gives me a little nudge. “What are you waiting for?”
I run over to the ledge, and my brothers help me down to the field where Ben is waiting. He dips me dramatically for a kiss. When he sets me upright, I’m out of breath, and there are no longer eighty thousand fans, media, or football players.
It feels like it’s just the two of us. Like it’s always been just the two of us. Two souls, somehow connected.
“That was—” I touch my lips. “Wow.”
He has the most intense look in his eyes.
“What?” I ask as I wrap my arms around his neck.
“Just thinking how much I love you.”
“Love you too,” I mumble against his mouth. Once I regain my senses, I tell him he played a great game.
He chuckles. “Does this mean I get a little note later?”
After a big win, I leave him love notes, especially if the team had to travel. Like, Great game! Sorry I couldn’t stay awake. There’s pizza in the fridge. Wake me if you wanna bang! xo
I laugh and run my hands through his sweaty hair. “Definitely.” Since we’re grabbing dinner together this evening, I’m guessing food isn’t what interests him.
“Rodriguez,” one of the players calls out. “Coach wants us.”
Reluctantly, we part.
“So I’ll see you later at the restaurant?” he asks. “I need to stay for the press conference, so it might take a bit.”
“No rush. I’ll see you when you’re done.”
After a kiss to my forehead, he’s off. I sigh as I watch my boyfriend meet up with his teammates. They’re so happy. They deserve every moment of this celebration after the challenges they’ve had this season.
Two hours later, my family is hanging out in the back room at the Crazy Horse Saloon, waiting for Ben to show up. Everyone has a beer in hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I swear I see Johnny. I call out his name, but the guy ducks down the hallway.
Weird. Maybe that wasn’t him.
My dad nudges me. “Did you know they do karaoke here sometimes?”
“Why? Are you thinking of taking it up as a hobby?” I laugh into my beer.
He motions behind me where the football team comes streaming out from the back. They’re in suits and looking dapper.
“I didn’t know they were all joining us. Should I talk to the manager? Get... more... tables...”
The guys line up in a few rows as music starts playing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
They’re swaying side to side, grinning at me like lunatics. Johnny and Olly part to make way for Ben.
“Hey, y’all,” he says into the mic. “Maybe you can help me sing to my girl, Sienna. I have an important question I need to ask her, but first I need to tell her how much I love her.”