Page 25 of Love Blitz

ChapterTwelve

Angelo

Days away from training camp, the only thing that should have been on my mind was football. With each rep I lifted in the gym, my thoughts alternated. Between hurling the ball down the field and spreading Gigi’s legs on her bed. There once was a time when football invaded every minute of every hour of all my days. Now it was finding a hard time capturing a few brief moments throughout the morning.

I stacked two hundred pounds on each side of the barbell and slammed the bar on the rack for a set of squats. With music blasting in my ear, I completed a set of ten with ease. But as the rhythm changed to a faster beat, I missed the melody Gigi created during sex. The slow-paced hum of her throat was the motivation I needed in my ears.

Clearing my throat, I looked across the gym at a few other guys getting their workout in. I tried harder to focus on the weights. Squatting another two sets. Between those sets I imagined the offensive line. Plays started reeling in my mind. I could see the wide receiver breaking away to catch the ball I’d throw his way. A smile easing onto my face as another play set up after that. Until the greatest play of my college career replayed.

I moved from squats to a set of dumbbells for a set of lunges. I bent down and imagined a play to the running back. That’s one thing I couldn’t deny, Fury had a squad. If I was the starting QB, I could run the field. I had to run the field. Sitting on the sidelines wasn’t in my blood.

I stacked the dumbbell on the rack after my last set and felt the rumble of my stomach. During the season I’d need to be on a strict diet. I needed to wrap up the summer with something worthwhile. Something that would make my mouth water. Something to keep me satisfied enough to remember it when I had to slurp down a green smoothie.

Licking my lips, I had something satisfying in mind. I grabbed my phone and typed out a text. I went to the dentist for my regular appointments, but I had no idea what one did between appointments. Like, would Gigi be sitting around waiting for patients or was there something she’d be busy doing?

I didn’t expect a quick response but was happy when it came through my phone. I climbed in the car and tapped in the name she sent me.Fry Bread House.I pulled up the menu and my nose curled up. What is a fry bread? Since being in Phoenix I’d seen some different things. But it was my first time seeing anything called fry bread. I clicked the address and started the trek across town to the restaurant.

It wasn’t anything like the restaurant we visited over the weekend. It wasn’t even a place I could see her visiting. But the thought made me grin. Gigi was different in more ways than one. Most girls I met in college acted like their shit didn’t stink. Like going to the café for lunch was beneath them. Gigi ate chicken tenders and fries like it was nothing. Had that been one of the girls from Tennessee, I’d need to drop a couple hundred on a late-night snack to appease them.

As I pulled up to Fry Bread House, I stretched my eyes. Stepping out of the car, I walked in ready to order the menu to make sure I had what Gigi liked.

Over my shoulder I heard, “Angelo Isaac?”

A man with broad shoulders and a firm face stood from his table and walked over to me. “I can’t believe it.” He had on a Fury shirt, so I already knew what he was on.

“Like that shirt.” I pointed to it, and he looked down.

“Yeah, man. I’m glad we got you.” He widened his stance and asked, “But man, you were a beast in college. I’m thinking you should get that starting position.”

I looked around and noticed a few phones pointed toward me. Before responding, I looked for a hostess, a waitress, anybody who could grab my order. “What do you like here?” I asked, hoping the guy would ease up.

“Oh.” He narrowed his eyes. “The beef taco is legit.” But then he frowned. “So, you not coming to claim your spot?”

I grinned. “I’m coming to work.” I found a woman walking across the restaurant. “I’mma try that beef taco.” Outstretching my hand, I said, “Nice meeting you.”

He shook my hand and said, “Help us win that ‘ship.”

“I’ll do what I can.” I walked to the waitress and said, “Can I order to go?”

She smiled and nodded. “Of course. What can I get you?”

I rubbed my chin and said, “Let me get one of all the tacos. And the tamales.” The tamales reminded me of home. Had to throw those in there.

“Tacos and tamales. Good choice,” she said, “It’ll be a few minutes. You can take a seat.”

I found the furthest seat from the crowd and sat scrolling through my phone. The waitress brought a couple of bags in front of me, and after paying she said, “Hope you’ll come again.”

“Sure I will,” I assured her. If it was one of Gigi’s favorite places, it could easily be mine too.

I had to navigate to her dentist office from memory. After a few wrong turns, I ended up in front of Hayes Body Shop. I considered asking someone inside for directions but decided against that. Finally, after a few more blocks, I saw the dentist office and sighed.

It was a little after lunch when I pulled in front. I grabbed the bag and walked in. I looked at the receptionist and asked, “Is Dr. Hayes in?”

She looked up from her computer with a blank face until her eyes connected with mine. “Hold on,” she said into the phone. “Ugh. Dr. Hayes?” Her eyes blinked. “Yes, she’s here. Of course.” Then she shuffled papers on her desk and asked, “Do you have an appointment?”

I shook my head and said, “Not exactly.”

“Okay.” She looked at my hand, the bag dangling beside me. “Lunch?” Her smile grew a little wider. “She’ll be happy to see that.” She frowned. “But she ordered only a few minutes ago. That was quicker than usual.” She was going on and on and all I wanted her to do was get Gigi for me. “I can take it.” She reached her hand out toward me, but I shook my head.

---