Page 86 of Red Zone Realizations
They descend upon us like vultures. I barely put the dishon the table before hands were everywhere. The cheese plate Chrissy has takes a similar beating. That’s why they BBQ so much. It takes an unimaginable amount of sheer protein to fill these guys up.
I crack a beer and take a seat on the swinging bench. I watch Noah stand next to Colin as they man the grill, and I laugh a little on the inside about how stereotypical this all is.
When did I get so comfortable with these people? I remember showing up that first day. I had been planning to sit by myself and be as quiet as possible, but Chrissy pulled me in with her dazzling smile. Once she decided we were friends, there was no going back. I was in. All in with the team, then Noah. Now I consider them family, too.
That must be why leaving hurts so bad I can barely breathe.
Later that night, I pull back the covers and slide into bed as Noah is saying, “I told Jaden that’s crazy. You can’t freeze beer into ice cubes and make it a slushy.”
I shoot him a sarcastic glance. “I’m glad someone is the voice of wisdom.”
Noah’s head hits the pillow. “It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.” He’s quiet for a second and I can feel the sadness in it. “Who will do it when I’m gone?”
“I don’t know… Probably Colin. Seems like he’s the next man up.” Noah rolls to his side to turn the light off and I watch the way his muscles stretch. He’s got nothing on but boxers, and as much as I enjoy the view, I’m not feeling very sexy tonight. Honestly, the vibe is more lulled and diffused. The camaraderie in the air at Colin and Chrissy’s dissipated on our drive home when we realized the next thing we’d be doing is flying into O’Hare to check out what could be our new city—if they offer him a position on the team.
I’m not sure if it’s the cover of darkness or the comfort of the king bed, maybe a combination of the two, but my throat tightens and tears threaten my eyes.
Finally, the heartbreak of saying goodbye to the only city I’ve ever known hits me. I’m leavingeverything. Nicole and I will only get to watchSurvivoron FaceTime. I’m leaving my blood family and chosen family. No more Rice Box – my favorite Chinese takeout – on nights I’m feeling sorry for myself. No more Big Power Yoga. My breath comes unnaturally, and I try to be quieter so I don’t disturb Noah.
Tears stream across my cheeks, past my ears, and wets my hair. I take a shuddering breath.
“Hey,” Noah says quietly like he’s shushing a fussing baby. “What’s wrong?” He moves toward me, wrapping his arms around me. We lay, spooning. His words whisper over my ear. “Why are you crying?”
“I’m scared.”
“Of flying?”
“Of leaving Houston.” My words come out in a whisper. It feels wrong to speak at regular volume with the only other sound in the room the ceiling fan spinning on high.
His arms tighten around me. “It’s okay to be sad. This is a big change.” He pauses. “You can change your mind. You don’t have to go with me.”
I sit up so I can turn over and see his face. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m going with you. I can be excited to go and sad that I can’t stay.”
“If it’s any consolation, my contract will probably only be a year or two, so if we don’t like it there, it won’t last that long.”
“Then we would go somewhere else?”
“That’s the way the NFL operates. At least next time we might be able to choose where I go together. If there are options.” He rubs calming circles on the back of my hand with his thumb. “Promise me you want to go.”
“I promise I’ll go anywhere with you.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
NOAH
I’m used to flying, living out of a suitcase, sleeping in a hotel, and eating out for every meal. I’m not used to walking up to a training facility I’m unfamiliar with. I’m also not used to this cold. February in Chicago is gray and freezing.
I welcome the warmth of the building and greet the young woman waiting for me at the door. “Welcome to Chicago, Noah!”
I smile at her, but I’m not sure it meets my eyes. “Good morning. It’s nice to be here.”
“My name is Amanda and I’m going to take you on a quick tour of the grounds, then we’ll head up to the coach’s office.”
“That sounds great.”
I follow Amanda through the indoor field facility (nice since it’s fucking freezing), the weight room, and the meeting rooms. I can’t help but look closer at the wall of trophies. When they were good, they were really good. I wonder what it was like to play on this team during the glory days. I wonder if this is my chance to be a part of something like that.
“These facilities were rebuilt in early 2000. The designerwanted everything laid out north to south. That’s also the year heating was installed under the field so the snow could be melted away.”
