by PJ Chase
But Maureen's life was lacking across the board. She loved her classes, had made a bunch of new friends, and she loved being at Texan U. The only thing Maureen was missing was a love life. But that didn't seem like it was going to get better anytime soon.
There were a lot of hot guys on campus. Unfortunately, they all seemed to know exactly how hot they were and carried around that swagger. An even bigger problem though was the fact that most of the guys Maureen met seemed to exist to binge drink and hook up. Promiscuity was always on the menu. But whereas one night stands were prevalent, long term relationships were not. Maureen didn't want to just hook up with a guy. She wanted to fall in love. But in the not too distant future at least, that didn't seem likely.
Maureen sure knew how to keep herself busy though. She poured herself into her school work. She soaked up campus life. She joined some extracurricular groups. Mostly, she did everything she could to get Tyler off of her mind. But the one problem with Juniper Flats was that the town was mad about college football. On Saturdays, the whole place shut down. And watching football just reminded Maureen of Tyler all the more.
It didn't help Maureen's heart any that the Armadillos were having another down year while Tyler while leading the LAU Bearcats to all new heights. On her lonelier nights, Maureen wondered if Tyler even thought about her at all anymore.
***
Meanwhile in LA, Tyler Webster was living the kind of life he'd only ever dreamed about. Los Angeles was a town built on stars. Movie stars, sports stars, music stars. And in one game, Tyler's star had risen to all new heights. The LAU Bearcats had a storied history. In the seventies, eighties, and nineties, they had won over six national championships. But recently the football program had fallen on hard times. With Tyler behind center though, all that seemed like it was about to change.
In Tyler's first game at quarterback, he played like a highlight reel unto himself. The man was an absolute superstar. He played like a seasoned veteran instead of a true freshman quarterback. And he singlehandedly led his team to an upset victory over the number eight team in the country.
That kind of star turning performance did not go unnoticed in a city like LA. After the game, Tyler got his first taste of what it meant to be a star in LA. When he and some of his teammates went to a club on the Sunset Strip, Tyler was the one that turned heads. If Tyler could have any woman in Juniper Flats growing up, he now had the entire city of LA in the palm of his hands. Tyler suddenly had underwear models and actresses as groupies. And Tyler decided to soak up all the benefits his new fame allowed.
Chapter Six
Meanwhile back in Texas, Maureen's parents meanwhile offered what comfort they could at the weekly family dinner at home.
"I hate to see you like this," Isabel said.
"Trust me, it sucks for me too," Maureen said, moving food around her plate without any appetite.
"I know it's hard to believe, but there is a reason for this," Isabel assured with all her motherly ability.
"Yeah? Well I can't imagine what it is. What reason could there possibly be for this happening?" Maureen asked.
"Maybe Tyler only seemed like the right man for you," Isabel answered.
"If he was the wrong man, I don't know what's right. I gave a year of my life to him. He's the only guy I've ever loved," Maureen replied.
Brett then chimed in. "I know. But a man with a restless heart is in no shape to take care of yours. You need a man that will love you, honor you, and cherish you--not just football."
Maureen looked at her father like he had two heads. "Are you serious dad?"
"Hey, just because I'm a football coach doesn't mean I don't know how to take care of your mother's heart. Your mother means more to me than anything, and you need to find a man that will do the same for you," Brett explained.
"You're right. I just thought that man would be Tyler," Maureen replied.
"Honey, the first man you dream about isn't necessarily the one you're meant to spend of your life with," Isabel remarked.
"Mom, with all due respect, you and dad have been together for thirty-four years--" Maureen argued.
"True, but your dad wasn't my first love," Isabel admitted.
Maureen looked at her father, but he put up no argument. It was a sobering truth, but maybe just what Maureen needed to hear.
"There was a boy long ago I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with," Isabel continued. "So when he proposed to another girl at school, it crushed me. I was inconsolable. I thought I'd never be happy.
"Wow," Maureen said, clearly hearing that for the first time.
"And then I met your father," Isabel continued.
Brett grabbed Isabel's hand and smiled at her like it was the first time he'd laid eyes on her. It was heartwarming. A nice pick me up. And a reminder that maybe everything would be ok after all. Maybe. But that was their love story. Maureen's was a completely different matter.
"Mom, you know I value your advice. But just because your story ended well doesn't mean mine will," Maureen said.
But Isabel wouldn't back down. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that the God doesn't make mistakes."
Chapter Seven
Four Months Later
It had ended up being an up and down year for the Armadillos. And despite having their veteran senior quarterback Garrett Jones behind center, Texan U only managed to muster a seven and five record. The Armadillos sure could have used the likes of Tyler Webster on their squad. Maureen's father spend a good many nights tossing and turning in bed wishing Tyler Webster was his quarterback instead of Garrett Jones. But what was done was done.
Meanwhile in LA, Tyler Webster had the kind of season a true freshman could only dream about. He led the Bearcats back to prominence with a nine and three record and the conference championship. But even more impressive than what had happened on the field was what had happened off the field. Over the course of four months, Tyler had sex with three lingerie models, a pop star, and countless groupies. But the real catch was his current girlfriend, actress Natasha Simmons. Tyler couldn't believe his luck. It all seemed so surreal. Tyler Webster, a small town kid from West Texas was dating a world famous movie actress. It was a dream come true. And one that made him feel like he was on top of the world.
Chapter Eight
Maureen knew college would change her, but she never realized just how much until she saw Brian King. Brian and Maureen met in chemistry class. But it was only after they were put together as lab partners that they realized what great chemistry they had together. It wasn't until about halfway through the semester that Maureen found out Brian was a football player.
Initially Maureen tried to keep things nothing more than platonic. The last thing Maureen wanted was to date another football player after what had happened with Tyler. But the universe apparently had other plans for her. Every day in class together Maureen grew to like Brian more and more.
Brian was more than just a football player though. He also happened to be the backup quarterback--holding the clipboard on the sidelines--just like Tyler didn't want to do. And it turned out that Brian was only recruited for the team because Tyler turned down the scholarship to jump ship for California. It was the wildest twist of fate.
As the semester went on, Maureen let her walls come down. If the universe went to all that trouble to get Brian and her together as lab partners, who was she to deny the sparks from flying? Of course it didn't hurt that Brian was built like a Greek God. Even by the standards of college athletes Brian had an unforgettable body. One time during an experiment, she happened to bump into him, and for that brief moment she could feel how tight his abs were. As taut and muscular as his body was though, he was as sweet as could be too. It was his tender side mixed with the ultra-manly exterior that Maureen couldn't get enough of. A man could never be versatile enough in Maureen's eyes, and Brian was no disappointment. One moment he could make her laugh, then another a profound statement would come out of his mouth. Brian managed t
o have brains and brawn--it was truly the perfect combination.
All that being said though, Maureen didn't know exactly how Brian felt about her. Sure he was flirty in class and as kind as could be, but he hadn't asked her out yet. So Maureen suddenly started to wonder if maybe she'd let her imagination get a little overactive.
After all, the semester was almost over. If Brian was going to make a move, it would have to be soon. Especially since Maureen and Brian didn't have any other classes together, and the odds were that they wouldn't have a class together in the following semester. It was quickly becoming a now or never situation. Knowing that, Maureen decided to throw on some extra flirt to entice Brian.
"Can you believe this is it?" Maureen asked.
"Well, there's still the final," Brian replied.
"I know, but we can't really talk during the final," Maureen said.
"Well, not unless we want to fail," Brian joked.
"Yeah, otherwise we'd end up right back here next semester," Maureen said.
"And I'd probably end up with a lousy lab partner," Brian replied.
"Worse than me even? Come on, isn't that a little far-fetched?" Maureen joked.
"Come on, haven't I told you that you're the best lab partner I've ever had?" Brian asked.
"Oh, so I'm just a lab partner to you then huh?" Maureen replied, playfully.
"For now," Brian said.
"Is something going on later that I don't know about?" Maureen asked.
"I was thinking maybe we should take our chemistry out of the classroom," Brian suggested.
"Oh yeah? How far out of the classroom?" Maureen wondered.
"I was thinking to a nice restaurant," Brian said.
"You know, lab experiments could get pretty dangerous if done in the middle of a crowded restaurant," Maureen joked.
"How about we just have dinner then?" Brian suggested.
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Maureen said.
"That depends. Are you saying yes?" Brian replied.
"Are you kidding?" Maureen said. "How could I possibly say no to you?"
Chapter Nine
It was amazing to think about how excited Maureen was. It felt so good to be noticed by a man again. To be the center of someone's attention. And it didn't hurt that Brian was hunky beyond belief. Still, it was odd having feelings for anyone but Tyler. Maureen's heart had always belonged to her childhood crush and was having a hard time extinguishing such an old flame.
But although her heart was conflicted, Maureen's mind raced with possibilities. Tyler was gone. Maureen had no idea what he was doing or who he was doing it with. Part of Maureen wanted to believe that Tyler had his chance. That Maureen couldn't be expected to wait around forever. That despite her obvious affection, she had been passed up for the great unknown.
Besides, Brian seemed to be plucked straight from paradise. It wasn't often a man just showed up just when your heart needed it the most. But like a great little surprise, there Brian was, refusing to leave Maureen's thoughts.
***
"You know, I was worried that you weren't going to ask me out," Maureen admitted.
"So was I," Brian said.
"Oh really? How so?' Maureen wondered.
"I wasn't sure I'd be able to work up the nerve to be able to do," Brian said.
"Come on. You don't expect me to believe that, do you?" Maureen asked.
"Maureen, you're a beautiful woman. That's a really intimidating thing to deal with," Brian admitted.
"Wait a minute, you think I'm beautiful?" Maureen replied.
"Yeah, you're totally stunning," Brian said.
Maureen then started to blush. "Wow, you sure know how to come on strong."
"Well, I'm not sure I'll get another chance at this," Brian admitted.
"If you keep talking like that you sure will," Maureen said.
"I guess I'll just have to keep talking like that then," Brian replied.
"This should make for a fun date," Maureen said.
"That's what I'm hoping for," Brian replied.
"Still, I find it hard to believe that the quarterback of a football team could feel intimidated asking me out," Maureen said.
"Hey, football has nothing to do with asking a girl out," Brian reasoned.
"So you're really trying to tell me that you have no problem staring down a three hundred pound defensive lineman, but asking me out gave you pause?" Maureen asked.
"I don't know why you're so focused on this," Brian said.
"Because it's so unbelievably sweet," Maureen revealed.
"To be fair though, when I'm behind center, I have a three hundred pound of my own blocking for me. But when I asked you out, it was just my heart out there on the line. But look, I did it, and I'm just glad you said yes," Brian said.
Maureen smiled. "So am I."
***
"So, how does it feel to be a quarterback?" Maureen asked.
"I'm actually more interested in hearing about you," Brian said.
"I'm sorry. Are you avoiding the question?" Maureen wondered.
"No. I just didn't think you really wanted to talk about football. I figure you've probably heard enough about football for a whole lifetime," Brian said.
"Oh come on. My dad's not the kind of guy to bring his work home," Maureen joked. "When he gets home, all he talks about is gardening and baking cookies."
"That sure doesn't sound like the same man I know," Brian replied, playfully.
"To be fair though, you probably see a whole different side of my father than I see," Maureen pointed out.
"He's a damn good coach though," Brian said.
"Yeah. He casts quite a big shadow," Maureen replied.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find your way out of it," Brian said.
"I'm not so sure about that. But I'm also not so sure that's a bad thing. I like where I am. I'm not looking to outdo my dad. I'm just looking to find happiness," Maureen explained.
"And what's happiness to you?" Brian wondered.
"Falling in love. Working for the foundation to help those less fortunate, starting a family. You know, the simple things," Maureen said.
"I've found that the simple things are quite often the most enjoyable," Brian replied.
"Let's hope so," Maureen said. "So, how about you? What are your big plans for the future?"
"Well, I was planning on being a backup quarterback my whole life," Brian joked.
"Lofty expectations, don't you think?" Maureen said, playfully.
"You're right. Your dad could demote me to the practice squad at any time," Brian replied.
"But seriously, how do you see your future playing out?" Maureen wondered.
"Obviously I'd love to get into the pros. But if that doesn't work out, I'd be happy with a career in broadcasting," Brian revealed.
"Don't you have to have a colorful personality to do color commentary?" Maureen teased.
"Ouch, that's a low blow," Brian said, playfully.
"You're right. They have rules against going in low on a quarterback," Maureen remarked.
"Yeah, they really coddle us quarterbacks," Brian said, sarcastically.
"I might just have to toughen you up then," Maureen replied.
"I thought women like men that are in touch with their sensitive side," Brian suggested.
"Why would we want that when we could be with an emotional distant jerk?" Maureen joked.
"No wonder I've been having such trouble with women," Brian said, playfully.
"Well, I might just be going out on a limb here, but I think your problems with women might finally be over," Maureen replied, with a smile.
"Don't make promises you can't keep," Brian insisted.
"Trust me, after what I've been through, the last thing I want is problems," Maureen explained.
"Good. Because you won't find any with me," Brian said.
Maureen then gazed into Brian's eyes. "I like the sound of that."
***
"Y
ou know it's strange. I feel this weird connection to you already," Maureen explained.
"Well, we have had chemistry for an entire semester," Brian pointed out.
"You're right. Who knew class could make for such good foreplay?" Maureen asked.
"But still, I know what you mean. I'm normally so shy. So protective of my feelings and what could happen to them in the wrong hands. But with you--"
"Everything is different," Maureen remarked, staring into Brian's deep eyes. "I feel like a whole new woman around you. Confident. Adventurous. And yet completely assured that everything will work out."
"Plus, you're just dead sexy," Brian said.
Maureen then gazed into Brian's eyes and he leaned in and gave Maureen a deep kiss. Brian tasted so sweet. Like a delicious dessert. With just one kiss, Brian made Maureen feel a wild rush of emotions reverberate throughout her body. It was sensational. Maureen didn't want the kissing to stop, but they had to come up for air.
"Wow, this date suddenly got a lot more interesting," Brian replied.
"Are you kidding? My whole life just got a lot more interesting," Maureen said.
Chapter Ten
Five Months Later
Tyler Webster never thought Los Angeles would lose its luster. After all, he was dating a famous Hollywood actress. But surprisingly enough it turned out that being with Natasha Simmons had its shortcomings as well. At first Tyler had been too star struck to notice the problems in their relationship. Over time though, the flaws became glaring. Natasha had expensive tastes. The kind that could make a man bankrupt. She also had raging insecurities for someone that had been named one of the sexiest women in the world.
The worst part for Tyler though was how fake things were in Hollywood. It wasn't just the fact that actors played make believe for a living or how every movie location was faked in a studio. What got to Tyler the most was how everyone in Hollywood including Natasha pretended to like one another and blew air kisses at each other because they didn't want to insult someone that could help their career. Even so, Tyler could get over all that.