Touchdown Hero

by Rachel Maldonado

  Charlie laughed again. “No, because I didn't wear my glass slippers today. What on Earth would I have left behind in order for you to track me down?”

  “You could have left your cute, white and pink Converse shoe behind.”

  Charlie laughed so hard that her stomach hurt. She crossed her arms in front of her and held her sides as she laughed. “And limped all the way to my car and into my apartment and not noticed I left it behind?”

  Holly laughed, took one last drink of her root beer, then set it down on the coffee table. She stood and walked towards the door with Charlie following close behind. She turned back around and grinned, “Well, luckily you didn't have to leave your sneaker behind because I already got your number.”

  Charlie drove Holly back to the dentist office to retrieve her vehicle. “Where did you park?” questioned Charlie, seeing very few cars still in the parking lot.

  “That's me over there,” said Holly as she pointed to an old 1980s model pastel-blue Chevrolet pick-up truck.

  Charlie drove over and pulled along side of it. “A pick-up, huh? I never would have guessed.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  Charlie couldn't help but laugh. “I dunno. I guess I figured ya more for a sports car kind of girl.”

  “Nah, not me. It's too showy for me. I'm more of a laid back, sit in the bed of the truck out in the country and stare up at the stars kind of girl.”

  “Sounds heavenly. Is that our next date?” asked Charlie playfully.

  Holly giggled. “I guess it could be. Are you trying to avoid going to karaoke with me?”

  Charlie felt her cheeks become warm as she blushed. “No. We can still go. How about star gazing afterward?”

  “Are you sure? It can get cold out in the hill country at night this time of year.”

  “I'll bring the hot cocoa if you bring the blankets,” said Charlie with a playful grin.

  “Deal,” said Holly. She hopped out of the car and shut the door softly. She waved goodbye as she walked to her truck, and Charlie drove home with a smile on her face the entire duration.

  ****

  “Where the hell you been?” asked Kathy as Charlie walked in the door. “And what's with that goofy smile?”

  “I got my cavities filled,” answered Charlie as she headed off to her bedroom.

  “All night? It's nearly nine already. The game just ended. You missed the whole thing,” stated Kathy loudly as she was still trying to talk to Charlie who was in the other room.

  Charlie reemerged from her bedroom in her paw print pajama pants and a tank top with a cartoon dachshund on the front. “I sort of met someone.”

  “What!? I thought you weren't going to meet anyone?”

  Charlie sat down on the sofa beside her longtime friend. Kathy turned off the television set and gave her one-hundred percent of her attention. “I'm all ears. She must've been something else for you to miss practice! You're not going to miss the game tomorrow are you?”

  “She certainly was something else...and no, I'm not going to miss the game tomorrow. You know I never miss a game.”

  Kathy crossed her arms. “Yeah, I also know you never miss practice and you missed out today, didn't you?”

  Charlie grinned. “That's different. I had a dentist appointment.”

  “Is that how you met her? Is she a new hot dentist?”

  “No, come to think of it, I didn't even ask her what she does for a living. We had a coffee date, then we watched part of the game at her place and had pizza. It really wasn't anything fancy, but she's sweet and smart. She loves football, too, so you know that's always been a plus for me.”

  Kathy crossed her legs. “Did you tell her you play football?”

  Charlie frowned and shook her head.

  Kathy reached for a pizza box and pulled out a cold slice of pizza and took a bite. “Maybe you should have told her upfront. You always meet the girls that get freaked out about it.”

  “Yeah, don't I know it.”

  Kathy was still chomping on her pizza. “You wouldn't think they would. Heck, I would be thrilled if one of the girls on the team was into me. I tried to talk to the cute blonde that usually rides the bench, but she's got a husband and two kids.”

  Charlie laughed. “You always like the married women, and I always attract the women that don't like sports.”

  “Uh huh,” replied Kathy, taking another bite of cold pizza. “Figures. Too bad we were never into each other, huh?”

  “We've known each other since we were ten going on eleven. We're more like sisters than anything else. Besides, if I was married and had three kids you'd totally be into me. Admit it,” laughed Charlie.

  Kathy got up from her seat and walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a beer. “Oh, I know, right? I'm just saying. I know we're not into each other. It's just that we've always had the same interests.” She walked back over to the sofa and pulled off the twist top, taking a sip as she sat down. “When do I get to meet her?”

  “Give me some time to get to know her better first. I don't want you spilling the beans about being on a team.”

  Kathy took another sip. “Who me? Spilling beans? I don't know what you're talking about.”

  Charlie rose from the sofa. “Once I figure out how to tell her, I'll bring her over. Don't worry. You'll meet her. Be patient.” She sauntered over to her bedroom door. “I think I'm going to turn in. It's been a long day. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight,” said Kathy, grinning.

  Chapter Three

  “Why is it that I feel like these Corpus Christi Sharks are kicking our butts?” asked Kathy as she sat down beside Charlie. She took off her helmet and drank some Gatorade from a squeeze bottle. Her long hair was sweaty and the parts that were too short to tie back in her pony tail were sticking to her forehead. She drank thirstily.

  “They play a tough game. They have us running all over the place. We're only down by six points. It just seems like we're losing badly because of the rain and mud, and they have a real strong defensive line.”

  “How's that shoulder?” asked Kathy, pointing to Charlie's shoulder with her Gatorade bottle in hand.

  Charlie rubbed her left shoulder. “It's throbbing. I'm lucky it isn't broken.”

  Kathy shook her head. “I can't believe that Bulldog didn't block for you.”

  Charlie took off her helmet and Kathy passed her the Gatorade bottle. She took a drink, then sighed. “She tried. When I saw that six-foot Amazon running towards me, I knew Bulldog wasn't going to be able to stop her. She knocked her right over before sacking me. If it weren't for that, we'd still be winning.”

  Kathy looked around for the coach. She could see her in her office getting ready to come out to talk to everyone. The Austin Gunslinger Band was performing their award-winning half time show and the brass line and drums could be heard blaring throughout the building. “We have to win this game and the next two in order to play in the Red, White, and Blue Championship Bowl.”

  Charlie handed the bottle back to Kathy. “Don't worry so much. We're going to win.”

  Kathy took another drink before setting the empty bottle down by the bench. “How can you be so sure?”

  Charlie looked over at Deb Davis, A.K.A. Bulldog, and waved. Deb grinned and waved back. “Because I just talked to Bulldog right before you sat down. She might be short and stout, but her center of gravity is low. I gave her a bit of advice on what to do. That ought to stop the Amazon, or at least slow her down.”

  “If you say so,” replied Kathy. She looked around to make sure no one else was listening before whispering, “I have to tell you something.”

  “What is it?” asked Charlie concerned.

  “I overheard the coach talking and she said there may be a few scouts at the next couple of games watching us. They are looking to scout some players for other teams.”

  “Scouts? Since when do they have scouts for women's football?” asked Charlie. The half-time show was coming to an end, a
nd she was eager to get back in the game. She put her helmet back on and stood up anxiously. She expected a locker room huddle or something to boost morale, but coach had looked at her with disappointment as they ran off the field and she knew she was angry. She had dropped her clipboard and walked off the field. That was unlike her. Now she was in the office talking to the assistant coach.

  “It's really an open try out, but they are going around to some games encouraging some of us to try out since we've already been playing the game for some time.”

  “Another town? I can't imagine playing for another team,” remarked Charlie. Just then, Coach Hawkins and Assistant Coach Wiggins came out to give a brief announcement.

  “Listen up everyone!” shouted Coach Hawkins. “I know it's been a rough game, but I know we're going to get back in there and win this thing! We're looking great out there!”

  “Is it true there could be scouts out there?” blurted Kathy.

  The team let out a collective gasp, then some talking and whispering ensued.

  “Settle down. Settle down,” commanded Coach Wiggins. The team became silent and listened intently.

  “It's true,” said Coach Hawkins. “We might have some coaches from other teams coming out to see us.”

  The women were clearly excited. They had smiles on their faces and their eyes were bright and wide-eyed. Some of the women drove a good distance to get to practice and the games and if they were to find a team that was closer to home they would be much happier and save on gas money.

  “Let's not pay attention to who's watching us ladies. We need to go out there and do our very best to win this game! Now let's go out there and kick some Corpus Christi butt!” shouted Coach Wiggins.

  The women shouted excitedly and put their helmets on. They left their Gatorade cups and bottles near the benches, then huddled up in a circle and all put their hands together. “Gunslingers on three!” shouted Charlie. “One, two, three!”

  “Gunslingers!” shouted the team in unison. Charlie could feel the blood pumping through her veins. She could feel the nervous anticipation. She had felt it all season. Every single time she felt the overwhelming sensation of togetherness, camaraderie and team spirit envelop her, she knew that they would somehow find a way to come out on top and win the game.

  As soon as the band marched off the field, the announcer could be heard over the loud speaker. “Now everyone welcome back to the field your favorite winning team, the Austin Gunslingers!”

  The team ran out onto the field with the crowd cheering and applauding. It was a rush like none other she had ever felt in her life. She looked up into the bleachers to take in everything. The fans had pennants and giant foam fingers that said #1 and had the index finger pointing upwards to signify the number one. Some of the people in the audience wore giant orange ten gallon foam hats or white, orange, and black jerseys with some of the girls numbers displayed. Charlie could see a few of her college classmates that showed up to show their support. They had sat near the locker rooms and had their faces painted with the team colors. It still humbled her every single time she saw a fan wearing her jersey. She had always worn the same number, ever since high school. It had always been number eighty-five. For a brief moment, she wondered if a scout was out there, but then she focused her train of thought back to the task at hand, winning the game. She took the field with her team for the kick-off.

  Chapter Four

  When Saturday night finally arrived, Holly offered to pick up Charlie at her apartment. Charlie wouldn't hear of it. She sat on the sofa watching Kathy eat a bowl of cereal as Kathy sat in her stinky socks watching a marathon of Spongebob Squarepants on Cartoon Network.

  “I know you want to be old-fashioned and come to my door, Holly. I'm just not ready for you to come over yet,” remarked Charlie into her phone.

  “Is it your roommate? Does she not want to meet me?” inquired Holly.

  “I just think it would be best if we met at the Twin Steins for karaoke night,” said Charlie. It wasn't that she was ashamed of Kathy, she just hoped that when they actually met it would be under different circumstances. Maybe meeting for a sit down dinner at a fancy restaurant would be nice and not in pajama bottoms and dirty socks.

  “How about you come over to my place then? We can take the truck from my apartment,” offered Holly.

  Charlie was pleased. “I like that idea better. I'd prefer if you drive anyway.”

  “Come on over. We can get something to eat at the Twin Steins before the karaoke begins.”

  Charlie looked over at Kathy again as she took another spoonful of Captain Crunch and laughed at Spongebob as he was making crabby patties and Plankton was trying to watch so he could steal the recipe. “Okay. But just so you know, I don't sing. I wasn't planning on doing anything except for watching and listening.”

  “I know. I know. But don't laugh if I sing, okay?”

  “Okay, deal. See you in a few,” replied Charlie. She and Holly disconnected the call and right as she hung up the phone and placed it on the couch beside her, the cartoons went to commercial. Kathy set down her bowl on the coffee table. She had eaten all the cereal but there was still some milk in the bowl.

  “Why can't she come over?” asked Kathy grinning. “You still scared I'm going to tell her we play football?”

  “Of course you're going to tell her. You can't keep a secret to save your life! Not only that, but you're in your PJs and stinky socks. Can you please wash them already? I think they are starting to grow legs.”

  Kathy laughed. “If they're starting to grow legs then maybe they will take themselves to the washer.”

  Charlie rolled her eyes. “You're so hopeless,” laughed Charlie. “It's strange that we're such opposites, but yet, we are such good friends.”

  “True. You're a neat freak.”

  “Why's that? Because I wear clean socks every day? That doesn't make me a neat freak. It makes me human. And wipe that milk mustache off your face,” said Charlie flustered.

  “I don't have a napkin. Here, I'll use my sleeve,” said Kathy wiping her face with her right sleeve.

  Charlie rolled her eyes again. “What am I going to do with you? I feel like I'm taking care of a child.”

  Kathy laughed. “Aw, you know you love me. Besides, I'm good practice for when you have kids of your own with Ms. Wonderful.”

  “Don't get ahead of yourself. I'll be back later. Don't wait up,” responded Charlie. She grabbed her keys and her leather jacket and headed towards the door.

  “Okay. Have a great night.”

  “I will. Thanks,” replied Charlie as she walked out into the crisp, cool starry night.

  ****

  When she arrived at Holly's apartment, Holly was already waiting for her at the door and walked out as soon as Charlie pulled into a parking space. She walked up to her passenger side door of her truck and unlocked it for Charlie. Charlie smiled as she hopped in.

  “Do you always open doors for ladies?” asked Charlie.

  “Yes ma'am. Always.” She shut the door gently, then ran over to the driver side and entered the truck. The truck roared as she turned on the ignition. “You ever been to Twin Steins before?”

  “Nope,” replied Charlie.

  Holly was stunned. “Never? Not even to eat the hot wings or grab a beer?”

  “I never have. I swear to God.”

  “Well, you're gonna love it,” said Holly. She didn't live to far away from a Twin Steins, and it only took about fifteen minutes to get there.

  Charlie peered up at the giant neon sign that was two beer steins with beer splashing out as if two people had just made a toast. She could hear the loud music blaring from the parking lot.

  “Do I look okay?” asked Charlie as she straightened out her blouse and leather jacket.

  Holly grabbed Charlie's hand and led her inside the restaurant. “You look great. You'll fit right in. Don't worry so much.”

  The place was a cozy bar and grill and when the two women a
rrived, the place was already bustling with people. Holly held Charlie's hand tightly and made her way through the crowd and towards a small table by the back wall. A waitress was soon upon them. “What can I get ya?” asked the waitress. She was wearing a ruffled white blouse and a blue jean skirt and matching white boots. All the waitresses were wearing the same outfit.

  “I'll have a beer on tap,” said Holly.

  “And for the lady?” asked the waitress looking at Charlie.

  “I'll have the same.”

  “Very well. Two cold ones coming right up,” said the waitress. She was gone just as quickly as she had shown up and returned almost immediately with two clear glass frosted steins of beer.

  “I thought this was going to be a German or British pub for some reason,” said Charlie looking around at all the decorations. The place was loaded with lassos, cowboy hats, cowboy boots, and paintings of horses. The person with all the karaoke equipment had just arrived and began to set up some of her things and turned on the music. “Test, test. Test one, two, three,” she said into the microphone as the music played.

  “I think it used to be a place that served bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potatoes, and German beer, but the place went under. Now it's owned by someone else. I guess they kept the name. I would've, too. I dig the giant neon sign,” remarked Holly loudly over the music.

  “Okay, I'm passing around the list for anyone that wants to sign up for karaoke tonight. Please print legibly and be respectful of anyone performing. Above all else, everyone have fun!” shouted the woman on stage. Then she walked over to a nearby table and handed the two young couples that were seated there the sign-up sheet. Holly got up and walked on over to where they were seated and wrote her name on the list, then handed the list to the next table.

  “What did you do?” asked Charlie curiously.

  “I signed us up,” answered Holly.

  “Us? You mean you signed up. Just you, right?”