Page 33 of Between the Paragraphs

We get ready, and are starting to feel excited as the SUV pulls up to the curb in front of my place. We rush out to the vehicle and are instantly excited when we see drinks and snacks inside. Nikki’s mood instantly brightens. She looks around as she sits back while I pour us drinks, and she munches on a bagel dipped in salmon pate. She sighs.

“Okay, I can certainly get used to this,” she says as she holds up her glass for a toast as soon as I hand it over. This really is the only way to travel to a game. Mason’s ruining me already. I’m not complaining about this at all. I might when it’s over between us, but I’m not going to think about that because right now I can’t imagine it ever being over.

“We can’t get used to this,” I warn her.

“When in the moment, enjoy it,” she says.

“You’ve always been good at that, and I need to be better about it,” I admit. I’m not allowing myself any negative thoughts right now.

The ride begins, filled with laughter and growing excitement. “Going in style is definitely the way to do this,” Nikki declares.

Our vehicle is shown through a special gate, and then we’re escorted to a back entrance where we’re taken up in an elevator to the VIP section. We’re taken to a crowded suite that’s decked out with food and drinks and a whole lot of happy people. The atmosphere is electric, and it isn’t long before we’re swept up in the excitement as the fans in the stadium cheer, laugh, and shout as pre-game shows are put on for them. I’ve been to a couple of games, but have never done anything like this before.

“Oh, yes,” Nikki says as she moves to the buffet table, instantly grabbing a plate and loading it up. “If all football was like this, I’d definitely become a fan.”

We pile our plates high with sliders, chicken wings, nachos, and more, not embarrassed at all about the huge amount of food we’re about to scarf down. We like food and aren’t ashamed of it. Free food’s even better. Once we’re loaded down we mingle with the other guests who all seem to be friendly and welcoming. We seem to have more food than anyone else though. Good. That means there will be plenty for more grazing later. I don’t mind sharing a buffet with light eaters.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maria,” a woman to the right says. “My name’s Claire. Mason’s mentioned you quite a bit these past few weeks.” My cheeks glow at her words.

“I hope it’s all good,” I tell her. This is so strange to be in a relationship where the man is so proud to be with me. I love it a lot more than I should. I’ve always considered myself strong, but with Mason, I’m feeling a bit too dependent on what he thinks.

“Oh, it’s all good. That man seems to be smitten. I’ve known him for years and have never seen him like this before.”

I don’t know what to say about this. I can’t say I hate it, though. As a matter of fact, it’s pretty close to perfect. Each person in this room knows I’m Mason’s girlfriend. It isn’t like he officially asked me out or anything. We’re too old for that, but it’s clear that he’s made it known I’m his. I like it.

The game begins, and the energy in the suite ramps up. People begin cheering, laughing, and shouting at the field below. Nikki and I get swept up in it all and join in with them. We know little about the technicalities of football, but there’s no doubt we’re having a great time and it’s always a fun time admiring attractive men doing what they’re good at.

“Come on defense!” someone shouts as the opposing team approaches the end zone.

“Let’s go, guys!” I find myself shouting, surprised at how much I’m getting into the game. Nikki laughs as she nudges me.

“Look at you, a regular football girlfriend now,” she says, shaking her head.

I laugh. “I guess it’s contagious. You can’t be in here and not get into it.”

We continue eating, drinking, and visiting with the fans as we shout at the team down below as if they can hear us, let alone care about our easy chair quarterbacking.

“Got to admit, I’m having a blast,” Nikki admits as halftime begins.

“With the VIP treatment we’d be fools not to be having a blast,” I tell her.

We mingle some more. “What do you do, Maria?” a man asks.

“I’m the senior editor at Seattle Skyline Publishing,” I tell him. “In a few words, I help authors bring their stories to life.”

“That’s admirable. I love it. I’ve probably read some of your authors.”

“I bet you have. It’s a great world to work in.”

“Mason’s brother’s an author. Have you ever worked with him?” he asks.

I give him a big smile. “You never know what might happen,” I say, purposely keeping it vague. He smiles.

“I hope something works out,” he says.

As the game resumes, the excitement continues to grow. Every play has us on the edge of our seats. When our team scores a touchdown the entire suite erupts in cheers. Nikki and I have shared so many high-fives our hands are sore. The time passes entirely too quickly, and the game ends before we’re ready for it to.

But then a staff member enters the suite and tells Nikki and I that our presence is being requested. This makes a few people in the room look at us with envy. We’re led away from the suite feeling high on life.

---