Page 91 of Second Down Darling

Fans scream, welcoming the hometown team to the stadium as Guns N’ Roses blasts from the sound system. Someone unfurls a huge banner that says “Paradise City” and is decorated with bucking broncos. It took me a while to figure out why we use that song, but I get it now. How Charming is obsessed with football. It’s such a great little town that really supports theuniversity.

I don’t spot Jake until he’s on the line of scrimmage for the first possession, which we have. Behind me, some girl screams, “JAKE RAMIREZ! I FUCKING LOVE YOU! I WANNA HAVE YOURBABIES!”

That would be cute, funny even, if he hadn’t knocked up my sister. I resist the urge to turn around and shoot that person a dirty look. Not that she would notice me down on thefield.

But my mood does a one-eighty when my cell buzzes with a text. I pull it out of my back pocket to see a message from the athletic director.Please make sure I get those photos this evening before you leave. Several media outlets are requesting ourimages.

He meansmyimages, but I don’t let that upsetme.

Inside, I’m squealing. I’ve never had an opportunity like this before. AD Armstrong said there’s a chance my pics could get picked up by a wire service, which would mean my photos might land in nationalpublications.

Because the Broncos are undefeated and we’re almost at the end of the regular season, the press wants full access to my images. I’d get credited, of course, if any of them are printed in newspapers or sports magazines. But nailing great shots for the next two games is reallyimportant.

The best part, aside from the stipend I’m getting at the end of the season, is that the AD told me this morning I could travel with the team for their last game next weekend. And if we make it to the playoffs, I’ll get full press credentials to attend! It’s such an incredible opportunity, I almost fell over when he toldme.

For the tenth time, I double-check my two cameras and lenses. I might sleep all of tomorrow after lugging around this equipment so long. I have to be careful with the neck straps because they can cut off circulation. I almost passed out at the last game because the lenses are so heavy, and when they’re hanging off your neck, you don’t realize you’re light-headed until you stand up from a crouchedposition.

We win the coin flip and takepossession.

I’m kneeling on the ground near the fifty-yard line when the ball snaps. I focus on Ezra, my shutter whirring as I take shot after shot. He might be a dick to Roxy, but he’s a great quarterback. I can’t just ignore him, as much as I’d liketo.

He doesn’t make much headway until the third down when he finds Jake along the forty-yardline.

The throw is a little high, but Jake leaps up for the catch before he tucks it against his body and heads for Broncoterritory.

Everyone’s screaming as he strongarms his way out of the hold of one of the defenders, but two more guys are on his heels. I’m so caught up in the action, I almost forget toshoot.

Jake jukes one way, then the other, leaps over some dude lunging for his legs, and books it downfield. Another defender leaps at him andmisses.

He’s at the thirty-yardline.

Twenty.

Ten.

Touchdown! The jumbotron lights up as Jake holds up the ball incelebration.

Tossing out all professional decorum, I scream in delight, “Go Broncos!” The stadium goeswild.

By halftime, we’re up twenty-one to seven. Jake’s having an incredible game, having scored two of our three touchdowns, and we’ve sacked Troy twice, thattroll.

I find myself by the tunnel as the guys head for the locker room. I’ve just tucked away my cameras so I can grab some water when Jake and I make eye contact as he trots by. I’m so caught up in the excitement of the game, I run up to him and leap up into his arms to kisshim.

“Great game! You’re killingit.”

“Thanks, cupcake.” He laughs, kisses me again, before he pats my ass and rejoins theteam.

I touch my lips, which pull up in a hugesmile.

Life has never felt so good. Coming to Lone Star was the best decision I ever made. I’m busy thanking my lucky stars for Jake and our new school and all of the blessings we’ve had when Ipause.

Did someone just call myname?

There it is again. It came from thestands.

I grab my camera bag and look up, stillsmiling.

Splash.

---