Between The Tackles: A Bad Boy Sports Romance (Pass To Win Book 3)
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18
Nick
I finally got back to the apartment. Mitch and Cindy were already asleep. I couldn’t stop thinking about that terrific meal and the amazing sex I had with April. I wished that we could spend more time together, but she had exams to study for and I had to get enough sleep so that I would be in tip-top shape on the field. I immediately went to sleep and hoped that things would go well for the next few days.
While I was busy studying; a habit that I clearly adopted from my girlfriend, my phone began to ring. It was the call that I had been waiting on. I was asked to come in for additional tryouts and this time, it was for the Giants! Although there was a lot of competition for places on the team, they chose me because they saw great potential in me and they wanted me to sign a contract.
I was so happy! Mitch and Cindy wanted to know what was going on and when I told them, they were happy for me.
“Congrats bro!” Mitch hollered.
“Yeah, congrats Nick!” Cindy offered sincerely.
I couldn’t believe that this was happening! Not only did they ask me to try out for the team, but they were willing to pay for all of the expenses.
“Yeah, they are also paying for everything while I’m out there. So, it’s like a free vacation,” I exulted.
“Nice!” said Mitch who was quite impressed.
“Yeah, they’re going to fly me out tomorrow. If I do well at tryouts I get to sign the contract and become part of the team!”
“I’m sure you will do well,” Mitch encouraged.
“Yeah Mitch, you know how hard I have been working to get a big break like this.”
“Yeah, anyways I hope it goes well. Me and the Missus are about to go on a date. We’ll be back soon.”
“Okay, cool.”
I was so happy. There was only one person I truly wanted to share the good news with. I immediately called April and told her everything.
“I am so happy and so proud of you, Nick!” she exclaimed.
“Thank you!”
“Aww. So you’re going to be gone for a few days?” she asked.
“Yeah, flying out tomorrow,” I confirmed.
“Oh, it would have been nice to have celebrated before you left,” she mused.
I was really eager to know what type of celebration April had in mind.
“What did you have in mind?” I questioned.
“It can wait until you get back,” she hedged.
“You sure it can wait?”
“Nick, you are only going for a few days. It can wait,” she said teasingly.
“So I can’t tempt you to do anything before I leave?”
She replied firmly, “I wish, but I do have exams to study for. So, it will have to be when you get back.”
I was still thinking of ways to change her mind, but I realized it wouldn’t be of any use. Plus, when she finally got that internship, we could spend a lot more time together. I will just pass by her stand after practice. I decided to get in some last minute practice and some pointers from coach.
I told my coach the good news and he said he was proud of me. He did seem a bit sad that he was losing his best player and I couldn’t blame him. I had worked my butt off on and off the field every day for five years and now I was seeing the returns. I practiced with him and he gave me some pointers as to what to improve. Once I felt confident that I was prepared for tryouts tomorrow, I left the field. I needed to see April and to get some sleep.
I took off towards the stand where April worked, but when I got there the stand was closed. I decided to stop by her house. I sent her a message saying that I was outside and she came downstairs immediately.
“Hey how did it go?”
“It was good. I think I’m prepared for the meeting tomorrow,” I told her.
“Good. Wow I can’t believe I’m dating a professional football player. That was not on my to-do list.”
“Hmmm…. What’s on that list? Am I on it?” I wanted to know.
April said nothing but smiled.
“I’m going to miss you, Nick. I really do wish we had more time to celebrate.”
I leaned in and kissed her.
“So do I, but I have to attend orientation and a basic practice. I have to go if I really want to seem like a professional. Also there’s a party where I will meet the other members of the team. So I have to go tomorrow if I don’t want to miss anything. Don’t worry though. I’ll be back soon enough.”
I then hugged her and went back to the apartment. The flight was tomorrow and I still had to pack. As soon as I got into the apartment, I dumped some items into the suitcase and zipped it up. I asked Mitch if he could drop me at the airport and he agreed to do so. I went to bed and then the next morning, I got up, got dressed, ate breakfast and made my way to the airport.
As soon as I boarded the flight, I felt the excitement. I still couldn’t believe that my favorite team wanted me! I got some sleep on the flight and when I woke up, I was in the Big Apple. I couldn’t believe it! I had always wanted to visit, but was always busy with practice.
There was a driver holding up my name on a sign. I walked up to him and we made our way to the car. He opened the door of the limousine for me. I got in and it was well-stocked. I wonder if life for the players was always so fancy. I grabbed some of the nuts from the mini-bar.
“Oh, the car also has Wi-Fi. The password is Giants1234.” the driver informed me.
I immediately signed in and messaged April. I told her that I was on my way to the hotel where I would be staying for the next few days. When I had arrived at the hotel, I couldn’t believe what I saw. It was a beautiful old-looking building. I stepped out of the car and entered the building. Not even when I was on vacation with my dad, did I ever go to somewhere so fancy.
I walked up to the front desk and gave the lady my name.
“I should be staying here for a few days…”
“Oh!” She interrupted me, “You’re with the Giants?”
“Unofficially, yes,” I replied.
She then picked up the phone and asked the person on the other line about room 89. She nodded a few times and then ended the call.
“So your room is ready,” she said.
She handed me a key and pointed out the elevator.
“It’s on the fifth floor. Just turn right and then left,” she continued.
“Okay, thank you.”
I got into the elevator and then made my way to the floor. I got into my room and locked the door. I could see a beautiful view of the city through the glass doors leading to the balcony. The city looked like it was packed with excitement. I wished I could see what happens during the day in the city, but I had to go meet with the team’s coach in less than an hour.
I decided to watch a little television before getting ready. I carried some gear and headed downstairs. The lady at the front desk told me there was a man waiting outside for me. I thanked her and saw the driver outside asking if I was Nick Barrett since I matched the description given to him.
“Yup, the one and only,” I responded.
I got into the car and we arrived at the stadium. It was bigger than anything else I had ever seen. It was intimidating just being there. But it felt like the right place. Seeing and smelling the freshly mowed grass and looking up at the stands just filled me with excitement. I still couldn’t believe that I had finally made it. I headed inside and met the coach for the Giants. I was trying to keep my calm, but this was the guy who had coached my heroes.
“Hey coach,” I greeted him.
“Hey, so you’re the Nick Barrett I have been hearing so much about,” he responded.
“Yeah, that’s me.”
“Well, I heard you are an amazing running back and that you play with heart. We wouldn’t mind having someone like you on the team.”
Not even in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine him saying something like that to me.
“Wow, thank you,” I said, somewhat overcome at his words.
“Okay.”
We proceeded upstairs until we reached a conference room. New members of the team were also there. I was really looking forward to meeting James Jones who just happened to be the brother of my hero; Mark Jones. I still couldn’t believe that I was on the same team as James. This just seemed like a dream come true.
They handed us some forms which explained the rules and regulations we needed to follow as members of the team. They also welcomed us and told us that they were glad to have us as new team members. They went on about other perks of being members of the team such as health insurance and discounts around the city.
“Also, there is a party tonight. You will meet the other players there. You will also meet some of the cheerleaders.”
Some of the guys began talking amongst themselves. I didn’t really care that much. I knew April was the woman for me.
“But remember that this is a professional meet and greet, so please try to conduct yourselves with decorum.”
Then they dismissed us. I met a few of the new guys. They seemed interesting, but the only person I could think about was April. I wished she was here to share this moment with me.
We did general introductions with everyone and then they dismissed us. We still had tryouts and to meet up with the coach for practice the next day, but the only thing on anyone’s mind was that party later tonight. Some of the guys began talking about how hot the girls will be and how much fun they will have at their own after-parties. I hated how they spoke about the women, but didn’t want to get my future teammates upset on the first day. I kept my comments to myself as I headed outside the stadium.
I sat there in the car and thought about how my life could change so quickly. Once I finished school and I moved out here, I would be done with the life I once knew. I could be someone. I still wished that my dad and I were at least speaking to one another. It hurt me that he didn’t accept April, who had been so supportive while he wasn’t. Although I was an adult, it would still be nice to know that my father was proud of me and still supported me. The sting of him kicking me out of the house still bothered me and was beginning to affecting my mood once again.
I decided to put it out of my mind as I finally arrived back at the hotel. I went to my room and saw fresh towels on the bed. I lay there and took some time to think about my future. This was going to be my new life. I’d get to travel, meet new people and make money doing what I love. It couldn’t get any better. I decided to call April. I couldn’t believe how much I missed her already. I was completely whipped. They would think I was way too into April and that I needed to let that go. But I didn’t care. The phone was ringing and then she answered and I was overjoyed to hear her voice.
“Hey, so how did it go?” she asked excitedly.
“It was great. Just meet some of the other teammates,” I told her.
“Really? Did you get to meet Eli?” she continued.
“No, just the new teammates but I should be meeting the rest of the team later tonight,” I said.
“Wow, sounds so exciting.”
“Yeah, I wish you were here. You could have been my date. I could have shown you off to the rest of the team.”
“Yeah, it’s probably best that you didn’t. Some guy would have probably started talking to me and found some way to steal me from you,” she teased
“Hey! That’s not funny,” I retorted.
I knew she was teasing, but I didn’t like that joke. I didn’t even want to think about losing her.
She laughed in the background. God! How I missed that laugh!
“I was joking. Don’t be a big baby. They don’t like big babies where you are,” she said, trying to mollify me.
“Yeah, yeah. I know.”
April then went silent on me.
“Are you there?”
“Yeah, I am. Just looking through my textbook. You know, trying to distract myself from the surprise I have for you when you get back.”
I still wanted to know the surprise. It was driving me crazy.
“Are you going to at least give me a little hint?” I wasn't backing down.
She then went silent again.
“No.”
Why wouldn’t she just tell me?
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise now would it?” she stated.
“But you could at least give me a hint?” I pleaded.
She then got cheeky with me.
“Don’t you have a party to go to?” she asked.
“Ha-ha! Nice try. I’m going to punish you later for this,” I promised threateningly.
“I’d like to see you try,” she replied saucily.
I loved a woman with wit! I just wanted to kiss her right now. I missed those lips of hers.
“Oh, I will and you will wish you didn’t tease me so much.”
“Hmmm….”
I wanted her to fall into the trap and ask me how I would punish her. Then I wouldn’t say anything. I hoped curiosity would get the better of her. Instead, she just told me that she had to study and that I should have to have fun at the party. Dang it!
“Okay, have fun studying,” I answered in frustration.
“I’ll try,” she said dryly.
The call then ended. I checked the time and realized that the party was going to take place within an hour. I went to get ready. A couple of the guys on the team told me that the parties can get pretty wild. There were many stories of several drunken players; some of which were extremely controversial.
I almost couldn’t believe them! I put on a dress shirt and some jeans and sprayed some cologne. I wanted to make a good first impression. Although they were primarily interested in sports, this was also the beginning of my career. I didn’t want to look like a slob.
As soon as I was finished brushing my hair, I looked at myself in the mirror. Although I thought I was still a little too big for the clothes that I was wearing, I still looked good! I really wished I had April with me. Then again, I don’t know how she would be treated in a room like that. Guys would probably hit on her and they might really try to take her away. I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to have to start my football career with a fight and lawsuit. Although, she could represent me in court wearing her little, tight skirt and blouse….
I took a deep breath. She wasn’t here. I would have to control myself. I couldn’t go to that party being riled up. I would be mercilessly heckled. I tried to calm myself down and distract myself. I reminded myself how important this meeting was. I needed to stay focused.
I then left the hotel and made my way to the party. From outside, I could hear the loud music and chattering. I stepped in and it was the most extravagant party I had ever been to. The turn-out was amazing. There was an ice sculpture of a large football and several, no, dozens of food trays. There were three well-stocked bars with professional looking bartenders and there were servers walking around with plates of food. Everyone seemed to be interacting with someone. I went in and stuck my hands in my pockets. I walked around the room and as I looked around I was quite taken aback.
There were numerous professional players here! I even think I saw James Jones in the distance. I had to keep calm. I didn’t want to seem like a nervous fan. I put my shoulders back and looked confident. I didn’t want to show myself to be as nervous as I felt. I walked around the room and saw some of my new teammates interacting with each other. They then spotted me from a distance.
“Hey! Nick! Get over here,” one of them called out to me.
I immediately headed over there and began to talk to them. We mainly spoke about sports and stats and what we had to go through to get to where we were. Suddenly, one of the cheerleaders passed by us and they immediately switched the topic.
“Wow, check out the body on her.” One of them said.
“I’d sure like to see her pom-p
oms after a game,” said another.
I watched them look at her like she was a piece of meat. I felt sorry for her. Being a jock meant sometimes seeing women getting degraded behind their backs. Although, I was a guy who was into sports, it didn’t mean that I approved of the behavior.
I remained quiet as the other guys kept talking about the cheerleader who passed. One of the guys looked at me and was disturbed by my silence.
“Why haven’t you said anything?” he asked.
“Yeah, you not into girls Nick?” another piped up.
“No, it’s not that.”
“No, ‘cus we don’t judge. If you prefer a dude over a chick, we understand,” said the first guy.
“Nah, it’s not that. It’s that I have a girl back home,” I explained.
“OH…. okay.”
Normally, I wouldn’t care about their opinions. But the way they dismissed the fact that I had someone in my life bothered me.
“Oh, I do,” I said more firmly.
I showed them a picture of April. One of the guys did a low whistle and said, “She’s pretty cute man.”
“Yeah, I know,” I agreed with a smile.
I was glad when they didn’t talk about my girlfriend like the others.
“She’s supposed to be finishing up law school pretty soon then she’s going to do her internship,” I told them.
“Where is she going to do it?”
“Here, in New York.”
The group of guys mocked me by saying “Aww.”
They then laughed.
“So, we are happy for the both of you. But I don’t know if it’s a good idea to go pro and have someone like that around.” a third guy offered.
“Wait…why?”
“Like I said, these parties can get very crazy.”
“Yeah, we have heard of some of the players cheating on their wives with some of these women who come to the party.”
“Yeah, I know. But she’s different.”