Chapter 20
The rest of the week went pretty quickly. It was finally Friday and time for the big game tonight against Madison Prep. Ms. V and Robert were coming to watch me play tonight. After my last class I stopped by Mr. Thompson’s office.
“Hi Jason, come on in.”
“Hi, sir.”
“You ready for the big game tonight?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay, your progress has been exactly what I was expecting. You have exceeded my expectations. Have you been taking all your supplements as scheduled?” he asked.
“Yes, sir.”
“How have you been feeling?”
“Great, sir.”
“I know you and Natalia are dating. Am I right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well I just want to make sure you stay focused on your goals. Girls are a distraction. Your leadership and focus is what I am counting on to make this new elite team a success. Natalia was recruited for this program because there are some missions where you two will have to go undercover as a couple. How much have you told her about the program?”
“I haven’t told anyone anything like we agreed. I am laser focused, sir. Natalia and I have developed a friendship that will be very valuable to the team. She is my equal in every way. With her by my side I will not fail you, sir.”
“When the time is right I will tell the rest of the team more details about the D.S.A.T program,” Mr. Thompson said.
“Yes, I understand that completely, sir. I will not disappoint you.”
“I’m sure you won’t Jason. Your country is counting on you and your team being successful. Okay now go ahead, don’t you have a game to prepare for?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
As I walked out of Mr. Thompson’s office I was more confused than ever. For years Ryan was the only person I worried about protecting besides myself. But now Natalia was an unexpected entry into my life. I didn’t want to lie to her or hide things from her either. What was I going to do? The one thing I did know was that I would never let anyone or anything harm her. There will come a time that I will have to tell her everything.
I ran over to the stadium to get ready for the game. I looked up in the bleachers and Natalia, Maurice, Nick,Vince, Robert, Ms. V and Ryan were all there. I was glad they all came to support me. Chase and all the guys were in the locker room getting dressed. All the coaches were in the office having a meeting. I sat down in front of my locker and started to get dressed. After we were all dressed, Coach James came out to talk to us all before the game.
“Okay team. This is the first game of the season and winning tonight will show the division why we are the reigning champions. We have to show no weakness. We have a new quarterback and co-captain this year, Jason Armell. Protect him out there so he can make the plays he needs to. Chase as captain of the defense make sure you shut down any play so they don’t score any points. Okay boys, let’s get out there and give them HELL!”
The whole team ran out on the field except me. I stayed behind for a minute to collect my thoughts. I didn’t know why I was so nervous. Chase came back into the locker room.
“Hey Jason, you okay dude?”
“I’m okay I just need a minute to gather my thoughts.”
“It’s okay, no pressure man. Let’s just do it like we practiced,” Chase said.
Chase and I ran out on the field and the crowd applauded. I looked up in the crowd and I just focused on Natalia’s beautiful smile. Suddenly all my stress over the game went away. The guys and I played nearly a perfect game. I threw three touchdowns and I couldn’t wait to celebrate with Natalia and the guys. I ran back to the locker room with the team. I showered and got dressed. Chase and I walked out to everyone applauding us. Natalia was waiting for me in the parking lot next to my Range Rover with a big smile on her face. Everyone watched as Natalia walked up to me and wrapped her arms around me and gave me a kiss on the lips. I was slightly embarrassed because everyone was watching.
Ms. V, Robert, and Ryan walked over to us.
“Congrats Jason, I’m so proud of you,” Ms. V said.
“Awesome touchdowns son,” Robert said
“Hey butthead, you did pretty good I guess,” Ryan joked.
“Thanks everyone,” I said.
“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Armell, I’m Natalia.” Natalia said.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Ms. V and Robert this is Natalia.”
“Yes, Jason we know she just said that.” Ms. V laughed.
“Nice to meet you Natalia. I have to say Jason hasn’t told us much about you,” Ms. V said
“Well Jason and I met this summer at training camp,” Natalia said.
“Training camp really? That’s interesting. Natalia you’re the young lady that was at my house the other night, right?” Robert said.
“Yes, sir. Jason and I were studying calculus.”
Ryan giggled at her response.
“Shut up,” I said.
“Well we are gonna head home. You two have fun. Come on Ryan. Don’t stay out too late Jason. In by 1 okay?” Ms. V said.
“Yes ma’am” I replied.
Chase came over to us.
“Hey Jason, a bunch of us are going up to Sweetwater Lake. You guys wanna come?” Chase asked.
“Do you wanna go Natalia?” I asked.
“Yeah, sure let’s go.”
I opened the door to my SUV and Natalia jumped inside.
I was so turned on by her. She wore a yellow dress with cowgirl boots. She had on the necklace I gave her and it sparkled in the moonlight. Natalia held my hand as we drove to the lake.