Lion Eyes

by Casey Peeler

  “Highly unlikely. I mean, I might have made the top college football hotties of 2016, but I’m not all that,” I say, trying to reassure her.

  “I know,” she says flatly.

  “You know? Oh that hurt,” I say and she begins to laugh.

  “No really, Tyke. Have fun with the guys, you deserve it. Be careful though. There are always crazies out there, that’s all I mean. I love you.”

  “I love you more,” I say as we disconnect and I get ready for a night out with the guys.

  As we all meet up outside the dorm, we decide to take Boomer’s SUV. He tosses me the key and gives me shit about putting a scratch on it.

  Once we are on the interstate, we plug Buffalo Wild Wings into the GPS and crank up the music as John does his terrible karaoke in the backseat.

  Walking into the restaurant, we grab a few high tops near the bar and it doesn’t take long for the guys to start getting rowdy, especially when a group of girls walks in. They start putting the moves on them and buying them drinks. As the hour rolls into the next, they are all getting pretty drunk, along with the girls.

  Of course, by the third round they are using their muscles to try and get into the girls’ pants, and as we pay to leave, the girls follow us to the Blind Horse.

  Arriving at the Blind Horse, our IDs are checked and I can’t help but smile knowing it’s an actual license instead of that stupid provisional one. Country music blasts us as we walk in and they all walk straight to the bar and order beer. Me, I take a water.

  The night is pretty uneventful except for my free entertainment from the guys and that group of girls. They drag me onto the dance floor but it doesn’t feel right without Rilla in my arms. I try to go back to the table but one of the girls refuses to let me. I’m trying to be nice when she won’t take no for an answer.

  “I’ve got a girlfriend,” I tell her, but she just tries harder.

  “It doesn’t matter,” she says. “Come on. It’s one dance.”

  “Nah, I’m good,” I say as I excuse myself and find a seat at the bar.

  As the bartender gets me another water, I see a group of girls in the corner and one catches my attention, only because she’s way past drunk. Keep to yourself, I tell myself over and over. I notice a guy headed toward her. I sit and watch until I can’t take it anymore. He is clearly trying to take advantage of the fact that she is wasted. I stand and head to the corner.

  “She said she was good,” I say sternly.

  “Who are you?” he asks.

  “Doesn’t matter. The lady said she didn’t want to dance with you. I suggest you go on and find someone else to hit on.” He gives her a look and turns to leave.

  “Oh thank you so much,” the girl slurs.

  “No problem,” I say as I start to walk off when her friend recognizes me.

  “Oh my goodness, you’re TD aren’t you?” she questions.

  “Guilty,” I say, trying to bow out.

  “Can we have a picture with you?” she asks.

  “Sure,” I say as I stand between them. Right when the camera snaps, the drunk girl I rescued grabs my face and kisses my lips. What the heck? I pull away but it’s too late. The damage is done.

  “Can you erase that?” I ask.

  “Sure thing,” the girl says and I watch as she deletes the photo. “One more, and Camden, behave this time,” she says.

  “Y’all are no fun,” she says and this time I’m prepared for what could happen. Luckily that girl did as I asked.

  About an hour or so later, the guys are finally ready to call it a night, or at least most of them are. We have to be on the bus and ready to go by nine tomorrow morning. Scanning the room, I spy John macking on one of the girls from earlier.

  Approaching him, I see the drunk girl from earlier in the corner. She’s passed out in a booth and none of her friends are around. Some friends they are, I start to think, but as I scan the room I notice they haven’t gone very far. One of her friends, spots me.

  “Oh, thank goodness. Is there any way you can help us get her to the car? She’s like dead weight. She drank a shit ton tonight.”

  “Sure. Give me a second.” I walk toward the guys and tell them I’ll meet them outside in fifteen minutes. Anyone not in the SUV is S.O.L.

  Going to the booth, I try my best to scoop her up in my arms. She’s like a pound of lead, but looks light as a feather. Amazing what booze will do to you when you let it take control.

  I carry her outside and to their car. As I slide her into the car, she wakes and then she starts to puke. Thankfully, I’m quick on my feet and avoid it.

  “Y’all sure she’s okay and doesn’t need a doctor?” I question.

  “No, I’m sure she’ll be fine. Thanks so much for helping us,” the girl says as she opens the driver’s side door and slides in. She starts the car and waves bye as they drive out of the parking lot and continue until I see nothing but taillights in the distance.

  I walk toward the SUV, unlock it, and wait on the guys. As my patience starts to wear thin, I see them coming out of the bar. I start the vehicle and we make our way back up the interstate to campus.

  Rilla

  Waking up the next morning, I miss having Tyke beside me but I’m excited to see what is ahead of me. I know it sounds crazy, since I hated the thought of this a month ago, but it’s almost as if this piece of my future was handpicked for me.

  While I’m showering, I hear my phone ring and quickly hurry to get out. I’m sure that it’s Tyke checking in before they head out. I don’t want to miss it. I hop out with soap in my hair, and smile when I see his name on the screen.

  “Hey, hubby,” I say, trying not to get my phone wet.

  “Hey, babe. What are you doing?”

  I start to laugh. “You really want to know?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Standing here dripping wet.”

  “Uhhhhh,” he utters.

  “Hold your horses, Romeo. I’ve also got a head full of soap and I’m freezing. I couldn’t miss your call though.”

  “Yeah, that didn’t help. I wanted to hear your voice before we left and wish you good luck today.”

  “Awe thanks. Same goes for you. Y’all be careful. How was last night?”

  “It was good. Entertaining, to say the least, with a bunch of drunks.”

  “Um huh. How many girls hit on you?” I say with a laugh.

  “Ah, you know I had to beat them off with a stick.” I giggle, knowing I’m sure he got some looks, but I trust him completely.

  “Yeah, I had to put my two cents in with this guy. He wouldn’t leave a drunk girl alone.”

  “Please tell me you didn’t throw a punch like the last time.”

  “Nah. It wasn’t my girl he was messing with, but he did need to leave her alone. She passed out on a bench. Her poor friends couldn’t even get her to the car.”

  “You helped them, didn’t you?”

  “Sure did and she almost puked on me.”

  “Gross,” I say. Tyke is one of the most caring individuals I know. “I love you. Did you know that?”

  “Well, I’d sure hope so, wifey,” he says and it makes my heart feel all warm and gooey inside.

  We talk a few more minutes and then disconnect. The next few days are going to be long without him, but I can’t wait to fly into Charlotte and see him on that field.

  Getting ready, I decide it’s best to take a taxi to the Tiffany’s Tiaras office since I’m absolutely clueless in this city.

  As I exit the taxi, I take in my surroundings. There is nothing but big, tall buildings as far as I can see. The concrete is below me and the buildings reach the sky. It’s strange to stand in this spot. I prefer being in the country and having all that land stretched out before me. I wonder if you can even see the stars at night here?

  Walking to the glass door, it’s opened by a worker. I thank him and he nods as I walk inside the building. It is elegant with chandelier lights, modern furniture, and there are models
with crowns everywhere I turn.

  Greeting the receptionist, I don’t even speak before she welcomes me by name and motions toward the elevator, telling me to take it to the twenty-fifth floor.

  As the elevator dings, I step out and take in my surroundings. White walls, silver fixtures, and bling everywhere. Straight in front of me is a picture of my mom and the Tiffany’s Tiaras logo. I walk to the next receptionist, who greets me with a smile.

  “Ms. James, so nice to see you. Right this way,” she says as she stands and walks me down the hallway filled with glass walls and into a boardroom. I guess it’s safe to say that everyone knows your business around here.

  As we enter the boardroom, the mixture of men and women stand to greet me and introduce themselves. My eyes land on a woman that looks strangely familiar and I try my best to place her.

  “Hey RJ, I’m Mattie. It’s been a long time since we’ve crossed paths,” she says, and it clicks. Mattie is Tiffany’s sister.

  “I remember,” I say as we all take a seat and get down to business.

  By the time we break for lunch it’s already mid-afternoon. We order out and by five o’clock my head is swimming. I’ve learned so much about Tiffany’s Tiaras today that I hope I can retain it all. When we finish for the day, Mattie approaches me.

  “I’m so sorry about your mom. She was a great lady.” I wince at that statement because I’m sure she was, but for me, she wasn’t there.

  “Thanks,” I say, because I don’t even know how to reply.

  “You want to go grab a bite to eat? I can show you around a little too. This place can be overwhelming for country girls like ourselves.”

  I start to smile. “That would be great. Can I make a quick call first?” I say as I go to call Daddy. I fill him in on the day and let him know I’ll call him back when I’m locked safe in my hotel room. Then I give Tyke a call, but when it goes to voicemail, I leave a quick message and shoot him a text. I’m sure he’s at practice or doing something with the team at this point.

  Mattie is waiting for me by the elevator. We walk out of the building and down the street to a quiet little pub off of a side street. Our conversation almost feels forced when we arrive, but after a beer or two, I’ve lost my nerves and started enjoying her company. She tells me about the company, the people that work there and how Mom did specific things. When we finish, we walk down the street and she points out several locations. It is so overwhelming for me to be here alone but it’s time that I grow up and become the woman I was destined to become.

  Chapter 31

  Tyke

  Since we arrived in Charlotte, it’s been football twenty-four hours a day. Not that I would have wanted it to be any other way. Mom, Dad, Rilla and Mr. James are all arriving today. Kickoff is at three, and it’s New Year’s Eve. I can’t wait for this game to be in the books so that I can celebrate with my wife. It also hits me that once this game is over, it will be time to make my declaration. No one has said a word to me about it, but I know that Coach Porter knows it’s coming. He knows that was always my plan.

  As I’m going over the events of the day, I wonder where the closest McDonald’s is and as I pull up my maps app, my phone rings.

  “Hey, babe. You on your way?” I question.

  “Yeah, my flight leaves in an hour. Daddy is supposed to pick me up. I still can’t believe that Laney and Jacob aren’t coming. I can’t believe they’d miss this.”

  “I know, but their world doesn’t revolve around this game like ours does.”

  “True. Has Porter said if y’all have to ride back with the team?” she questions and I’m sure he’s not letting us out of his sight. We come together and go back together.

  “You already know that answer, but I can promise, you better be waiting for me when we arrive. I want my lips on yours at midnight.”

  “Sounds like a perfect plan to me.” We talk a few more minutes and then disconnect so she can get ready to head out.

  With the closest McDonald’s location plugged into my phone, I tell John it’s time to go. It’s less than a block away. We get our order to go and head back to the hotel.

  We eat in the lobby with the other guys and of course they are pissed they are eating the hotel’s continental breakfast.

  “It’s like tradition. I can’t not eat my pancakes,” I say as I tear each pancake apart, ignoring them as I enjoy every bite.

  Once we finish, we all get ready, gather our bags, and meet at the bus. The ride is a short one and upon arrival, I pause to take in the stadium in front of us. In less than four months, I could be calling one of these pro stadiums home. It could be where I work day in and day out and play for the fans of whatever town chooses me for their team.

  “Hey, TD, quit daydreaming and let’s go,” Coach says as he walks through the gate and toward the locker room.

  After we’ve all put our equipment in our lockers, Coach calls for us to come out on the field. He tosses us a ball and tells us to have fun.

  We all line up and I call the plays as we enjoy a fun, backyard style game of football on the field of the Charlotte Lions.

  As we start to cut up a little too much, Coach tells us to knock it off. He can’t afford to have his players getting hurt. We call the game and get ready for one of the biggest games of our lives.

  After our team meeting, we dress out and take the field. It’s now or never.

  As the official tosses the coin in the air, I call it and we win it. We opt to receive, and the offense takes the field.

  I look down my offensive line, call the play, and wait for the snap. As the ball lands in my hands, I look downfield and throw the ball through the air to my receiver. First down. Let’s do it again. Making the same play, the ball lands in his hands and this time he’s wide open as he makes it downfield and across the goal line. Touchdown! Letting out a deep breath, the worst is over. We’re on the board.

  The entire first half has been back and forth. The opponents are tough, but it’s all or nothing today. None of us are holding back and when the halftime buzzer sounds, we’re up by fourteen.

  I remove my helmet and look into the stands to see the most beautiful girl in the world looking at me. I’m one lucky guy to call her mine. I wink at her as I hustle toward the locker room.

  Coach gives us his spiel. By the time halftime is over, we know where we need to focus to ensure a victory and our defense knows the other quarterback’s weaknesses. Coach tells us to get out there and win the damn game.

  As we prep to take the field for the final half, there’s an interruption. We all pause when we see several police officers walk in. Coach excuses himself and walks into the small office to the side.

  “What the heck is going on?” I ask.

  “I have no idea,” John says.

  “One of y’all didn’t do something stupid last night, did ya?” I say and look around as Coach opens the door. The officers leave and you could hear a pin drop as he speaks.

  “TD, can you come here a minute?”

  “Yes, sir,” I say as I set my helmet down and walk into the room. My heart begins to beat rapidly in my chest.

  “Have a seat. I need you to be completely honest with me. Do you understand?” he questions and I get a sick feeling in my gut. “Do you know this young lady?” he questions as he flashes the picture that was supposed to be deleted the other night.

  “I met her this week at the Blind Horse with the guys. She was pretty wasted and this guy wouldn’t leave her alone. So I stepped in and told him to back off. One of the girls that were with her recognized me and asked for a picture.”

  “Anything else?” he asks, and I can see that he thinks there is more to tell.

  “No, sir. I did carry her to the car and they drove away by themselves if that’s what you’re asking. I was the DD that night. You can ask the team,” I say, motioning toward the guys in the locker room.

  “She’s claiming something did happen. She ended up in the ER that night with alcohol poisoni
ng and when she was questioned about things, your name came up. She said you were the reason she was in that state.”

  “No, sir. I swear to it. I had nothing to do with it. I drank water all night and didn’t buy anyone a drink.”

  “So you mean to tell me a guy like yourself didn’t buy one lady a drink all night. I know you’re with RJ, but I know how it is when all the guys go out.”

  “No, sir. My wife would kill me,” I say, knowing that’s going to throw him for a loop. “Rilla James and I got married almost two weeks ago. I went out with the guys, but that picture was not what it looks like. That girl was wasted and she grabbed my face and kissed me. I had them delete it and even took another one without a kiss. I didn’t do anything to hinder her ability to think or make decisions. I swear, Coach.”

  “I believe you and I’m willing to leave you in this half. I’m not sure why this couldn’t wait until the game was over. Those guys are out of their jurisdiction anyway. I’m sure that when we get back to school you’re going to be questioned by the officials. Do you think you’re going to be okay out there? I mean, is your head clear?” he questions.

  “Yes, sir,” I say as I stand and we both hurry out of the office. John and the guys are asking questions and I’m doing my best to stay quiet.

  As we take the field, I’m glad that I have a few minutes to gather my thoughts because quite frankly, I’m praying that I can hold it together. There is so much riding on this game right now.

  Taking the field I push what could happen to the back of my mind and call the plays. This quarter is a mess. I try my best to get the ball out of my hands but I get sacked and my body is killing me. After this last drive, I walk over to Coach and tell him to take me out. I’m done. I might as well go ahead and get this over with.

  “TD, it’s not over and if you didn’t do anything wrong, don’t worry about it.”

  “Coach, it doesn’t matter what I did or didn’t do. This is going to ruin me for sure,” I say as I walk off the field.