Change of Hart(26)

I had tried reaching her a few times, but she never responded to my texts. So I had Adam email her all the details and instructions.

She responded to him.

I was looking for Jaxon in the stands as people started streaming into the bleachers when the coach blew the whistle for us to huddle up. I jogged over to the group, taking one last glance at the seats I had reserved. They were empty.

I felt a twinge of disappointment in my gut. But I brushed it off. I had a job to do now and it was time to concentrate.

“Ok boys,” Coach Ramiro said, “I know we have the home-field advantage today, but I don’t wanna see any showboating out there for the fans. Injuries happen, but you know how I feel about dumb-ass injuries.” I chuckled and slapped Deuce upside the head. He’d had a dumb-ass injury a couple years ago when he tried showing off for the fans. It was all over the news that night. From a coaching standpoint it was ridiculous. From a teammate/best friend/person-most-likely-to-make-fun-of-you standpoint, it meant hours of fun for me. “La Russo!” Coach yelled, “Get these guys warmed up!”

We all spread out and started our stretching regimen. I looked over in the stands again, mentally preparing to see the seats still empty. Instead, I saw Jaxon’s smiling face. Only Addison wasn’t with him. Mick was.

I smiled and sent a quick wave in their direction. I swear Jaxon’s whole body waved back in response, making me chuckle under my breath.

“Is that him?” Deuce asked me quietly through his legs.

“Yep.”

“Man, he’s got energy,” Deuce remarked.

I snorted. “You have no idea.”

For the next three hours, I thought about nothing but the game. Washington was looking really good this year and at one point it looked like they might be able to win. But they didn’t. We ended up edging them out by one touchdown for a final score of 21 - 14.

We didn’t usually stick around to talk to the fans, but with it being so close to the beginning of the season, and having just won, most of us took the time to sign some autographs and take some pictures. Even the coaches stuck around a little bit to interact with people, which I appreciated.

I made my way around the stadium, talking to people, before finally getting to Jaxon.

“Hey, dude,” I said with smile on my face, ruffling the top of his head as he hung over the security bar. “I’m glad you made it.” I reached up to Mick to shake his hand. “Nice to see you again, Mick. Did you guys have fun?”

“It was awesome!” Jaxon said, bouncing around again. “I got to watch an actual game! You tackled a lot of people!” he said wide-eyed.

I laughed. “Well that’s my job.”

“Thanks for the jerseys and hats and, well hell, all this crap, Jason,” Mick said, waving his hand in the direction of the bag. It looked pretty full. I’d have to thank Adam later. “I’ve got Addison’s jersey right here to take home to her.”

“I’m just glad they found you one, too, Mick,” I said with a smile. I was hoping he couldn’t pick up on my disappointment. I was looking forward to having Addison wearing my number. I’m not sure what it was about her wearing my jersey that got me so excited. The concept seemed a little primal and possessive. But I’m a guy. Sometimes I can’t help it.

“Can I wear it to school, Jason?” Jaxon asked. “I wanna show Mrs. Teske and Mrs. Miller. And that stupid Vincent Parker. He says we’re not friends. I wanna show him the jersey you got me!”

“I think you’re gonna have to ask your mom about that one, bud,” I said, flattered that it meant so much to him. “She’s the one that does laundry at your house.”

“So this is the famous Jaxon,” Deuce said as he walked up to join us.

“Deuce Johnson!” Jaxon yelled. “You’re my favorite tight end! Do you remember that time . . .”

I tuned Jaxon out when he started telling Deuce all the plays he remembered seeing on TV. Instead, I turned to talk to Mick.

“I got us a reservation at the restaurant right here in the building,” I said to him. “In about a half hour from now, is that ok?”

“Aw, Jason,” he argued, “you don’t have to take us to eat. Why don’t you save your reservation for another day?”

I plastered a smile on my face, hoping he didn’t notice that I was kind of shocked he knew I was disappointed. “Nah. I’m starving and getting out of this parking lot is a nightmare after a game so I’d rather just eat here anyway.”

“Well, if you’re sure. I’m sure Jaxon would love to spend more time with you. He talks about you all the time.”