Playing Off the Playoffs

I hate parting ways with Eden. It feels so wrong. We can’t stop kissing and touching each other, meaning I can’t bring myself to get out of her car.

But I must. Paul’s knocking on the steamed-up window.

And dawn has, well, dawned.

“Hey, you guys, knock it off,” Paul calls out. “Open the door. Or at least let me in. It’s fucking freezing out here.”

Eden and I break apart and lean back in our respective seats, like nothing’s going on.

Yeah. Right. We’re not fooling anyone.

As soon as Eden hits unlock, Paul opens the door and hops in the back.

Grinning up at us, he says, “Looks like you two had a good night.”

Eden mumbles, “Smartass.”

Me, I just laugh.

We talk for a few minutes, but soon realize time is passing and we should part. The Comets may have given my surveillance team a day off for Christmas, but I can’t see it lasting into today.

So, reluctantly, I give Eden a kiss good-bye and bump fists with Paul.

As I’m walking the short distance to my house, I realize Eden and Paul are like my family here in Ohio. Obviously I love Eden, but I care a lot about Paul too. I see him as sort of a little brother of my own.

It’s then that I know I want them both in my life for the long-term. That means I’m going to ask Eden to move back in with me once this stupid stay-away-from-each-other crap is over and done.

By the time I reach the house, though I’m sad that I’m all alone again, I feel much better. My time with Eden has rejuvenated me.

Shit, good thing too.

I just remembered I have a freaking game in a few hours.

It’s all good, though.

Despite being tired as hell, it doesn’t really matter. This is the last regular game of the season, and since we’re already in the playoffs, I won’t be seeing much time on the field.

A few hours later, it plays out exactly like that—me warming the bench while the backup QB gets in all the reps.

But my break doesn’t last for long.

January rolls around, which means it’s playoff time and I’m busier than ever.

That’s fine. It keeps my mind off how much I’m missing Eden. Plus, it turns out loneliness is a phenomenal motivator. I am fully “on” and engaged at practices, and find myself kicking ass the first playoff game.

Caleb, the tight end, is my main man. He catches a bunch of short lob passes I throw and runs for great yardage each play.

He and I are tearing up the field, scoring touchdown after touchdown.

We end up winning the first playoff game with a score of 41-21.

The fans go nuts!

And we move on to week two…

Preparation for this playoff game is much more intense. It’s against those pesky Dover Sharks, and our strategy of chewing up the field with short yardage plays may not work as well against them.

The Sharks have done well this season and, like us, have a solid record to show for it. It makes the matchup all the more interesting, apparently to everyone.

The game is in Columbus since we secured home field advantage with our slightly better record. The city is swarmed with media in the days leading up to the big game.

Despite the many distractions, my thoughts are on Eden.

I wonder how she’s doing.

I hate that I can’t talk to her.

I guess Paul’s getting ready to go back to school.

Shit, that’s going to suck for her once he’s gone. She’ll be back to living in that shitty little apartment all alone.

And it’s the dead of winter.

Damn, I should be there to warm her up.

Hmmm, warming up Eden…

Oh hell, I better think about something else. Last thing I need is a head full of sexy thoughts when we have an important game ahead.

Speaking of sexy, the Comets are still pushing me as a sex symbol, though not nearly as much. Not because Jock ever said anything, it’s just not going over as well as before. People are finally just appreciated me for being a good quarterback.

Thank Christ!

Maybe they team will completely ditch that angle.

I hope so.

It’ll make it much more palatable to them when I let them know Eden and I are getting back together—for good and for real this time.