1st Time Love (Dirty Down South)

by Sapphire Knight

  It has little to do with the number on my shirt

  or the roar of the crowd. But everything to do with the

  dream in my heart and the desire to give everything I have.

  - Quick Quotes

  November passes us in a flurry, the leaves turning to beautiful colors around campus as Alabama gears up for December. Two weeks until classes are out for winter break and two games left for Tyler to play until the end of college football season. It’s bitter sweet, knowing that another semester has nearly come to an end and another season for him is almost over.

  My father visited again for Thanksgiving, and we spent it at the ranch. It was a little nerve-racking at first introducing him to Ty’s brothers, but he ended up hitting it off well with Clyde. I think they’re both just a touch rougher than Nate and Ty and it gave them some common ground. Plus his brothers sort of freaked out when they found out that my father is ‘Chaos’ the football player. I never thought men would go all ‘fangirl’ mode, but it’s possible when it comes to sports figures.

  In a house full of men that at one time were all athletes, it was a bit overwhelming watching the game after turkey dinner too. If we were in an apartment, the cops would’ve been called; they were so dang loud. I’ve never understood why people yell at the TV when games are on. Do they think the team can hear them? Well, with those four, I’d almost believe that the Patriots could’ve heard them cheering, even all the way from Alabama.

  In the evening, I got to meet Ty’s cousin, Dallas, for the first time. He was funny and fit right in with the three brothers. He brought over a deck of cards, saying it was a Thanksgiving tradition in their family to gamble away pennies and pretzels while playing poker every Thanksgiving evening.

  I don’t know how they were able to keep so active all day. With the turkey and pie that Clyde prepared, I might add, I felt like a giant couch potato. The food was amazing. He truly is a good cook, and at everything, it appears.

  For the first time in years, I felt like I was family like my father and I belonged somewhere. My dad has his club, and I have Brianne, but this was different.

  Another team just called to inform me that they’ve been looking into me. Is this normal? It was with the colleges, the scouts tried to get me to attend schools all around the world, but the NFL now, too? I didn’t expect to hear from anyone this far out from the draft, but I just hung up with the third NFL representative.

  None from the team I want. Well, I want two different teams, so I’m hoping that if people are going to start calling, my team picks will end up being one of them.

  “Was that Green Bay just now?” JJ pulls his sweatpants on as we all get changed after practice.

  Nodding, I pull my hoodie over my head, still shaken from the unexpected call.

  “You should’ve told them that their team sucks.”

  “Right now, no team sucks as far as I’m concerned. I want that contract and playing time.”

  “They aren’t going to guarantee that you get time on the field, bro, no way.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Grumbling, I slide on my Nike slip-on sandals. “You know if Green Bay called you, that you’d sign.”

  “Nope, I’m holding out for Tennessee or Atlanta.”

  Rolling my eyes in disbelief, I zip my duffle bag closed as Chandler steps beside me.

  “Campus police left me a message while we were on the field.”

  “Oh yeah? What did they want?” It’s been radio silence from them over the past month.

  “They found Briggs. The police in Florida have him detained.”

  “Florida? No shit? About time they figured it out. I was worried he’d disappeared for good at this rate.”

  He nods. “They asked me to get ahold of Lila to see if she’ll press charges along with the college.”

  “Wow, I’d wondered where he scampered off to. Good thing it was a few states away. I can’t believe he didn’t get busted for doing it down there as well.”

  “Yeah, me either. What a piece of shit,” JJ agrees.

  “I’m just happy that he hasn’t been around here. It drove me crazy inside having him near Kadence. Do you think Lila will press charges since she’s had some time away from it all?”

  Chandler runs his hand over his face. “I’m not sure. The cops said they weren’t able to give me any other information about the case. Since the dean took care of it and we’re not involved with it, we’re not privy to any of the info they have. Fucking pisses me off. They should tell anyone who wants to know. Briggs is dangerous, especially to women and it’s like they want it to be one big secret.”

  “That blows, but they’re probably keeping it private until they have all their ducks in a row. If they want any chance of getting him in trouble, they need time to build a case against him.”

  “They’ve had plenty of time; he’s been on the damn run. There’s no telling if he hurt anyone else during his vacation in Florida and who’s fault would that be then? We reported it and yet they didn’t take it as seriously as they should have. It’s ridiculous. We should’ve done something to him at the ranch when we had a chance to, months ago.”

  “Shhh, man, I know you’re livid; hell, we all are, but don’t let anyone hear you talk like that. The dean should’ve let us all go on record; then they would’ve had more against him. I get that he was trying to protect us, but it probably would’ve helped.”

  “He could’ve been fired if they found out he did that shit too. Completely against the college code of conduct for faculty. I know because I checked it out.”

  I’m not surprised at all that Chan’s been doing his research on it all. I swear he was a damn lawyer or something in another life.

  “Have you spoken to Lila about any of it? She could really cement the case against him. So could Haley, they both need to talk and press charges against him.”

  He shakes his head, clearly upset at thinking about them.

  “You okay, man?”

  “I’ll be fine. I mean, Lila should be mad. I was the dumb one thinking that she and Haley wouldn’t find out about each other. They have every right to hate me.” He’s lucky neither one went crazy and chopped his dick off or anything.

  “Dude, you did it for a good reason, though. It’s not like you just go out and date a bunch of women all the time, and you’re one of the most decent guys I know when it comes to respecting women. People were getting hurt, and you were trying to help both of them, along with all the other women on campus. Who knows how many Briggs really threatened.”

  “I was so stupid to start falling for them both. I should’ve just broken it off when Briggs disappeared. Now they’re both hurt, and they hate me. Lila won’t even look at me, and Haley answers her phone just so she can hang up on me each time. I feel like such a damn loser, hurting them.”

  JJ smacks his back lightly “Give the chicks a little time and then talk to them both. Lay it all out on the table, and they’ll get it.”

  “And if they don’t?”

  “Then they don’t realize the type of dude they have right in front of them C, and you move on.” He shrugs.

  “I think he’s right. Definitely call them and let them know about Briggs. It’ll be a way to at least get them to speak to you, and maybe you can talk some commonsense into them. Then you just have to choose one.”

  “Hard to believe, but you’re probably right. The fucked up part is that I don’t know who to choose when it comes down to it.”

  Shaking my head, I lay my hand on his shoulder. Poor dude, he’s never been so torn. “Hey, why’s it hard to believe?”

  “Because a few months ago, I was the one telling you to be a one-woman man if you wanted to be with Kadence, I never thought we’d be trading spots.”

  “Me either. But I wouldn’t give her up for the world.”

  JJ butts in, trying to make the situation a bit lighter for Chandler, “And for the love of God, tell Owens that Green Bay sucks.”

  “Actually, they’r
e not doing that bad this year,” Chan replies and JJ groans in protest.

  This has been an ongoing argument for the better part of our friendship. We all like different teams and we all play football, so in the end, we all think we’re right, and the others are wrong. Get my brothers going about it, too, and the argument never ends.

  “Whatever, let’s get out of here.”

  Coach Stratton pops his head into the main locker room and shouts, “Owens! Office.”

  “Looks like I’m not leaving just yet.” Muttering, I shoulder my duffle bag.

  “No worries, bro, we’ll catch a ride with Kash or Niner.”

  “All right cool, see ya,” I reply and trek over to the coach’s office. His door’s open so I peek my head in through the doorway. “Coach? You wanted to see me?”

  “Yes, come in.”

  Sitting in the same chair as the last time that I visited his office, I stare across the intimidating desk at him. “Yes, sir?”

  “Do you have any plans for Christmas, Owens?”

  My tight muscles relax. That’s not at all what I was expecting him to call me into the office about. If anything, I’d figured the dean had called him to let him know Briggs had been found, but apparently not. As far as I know, Coach still has no idea that it was Chandler, JJ, and me who turned Briggs in to the dean and got the whole mess started. In a way, I’m glad he doesn’t know because we’d have gotten into deep shit from Coach for not telling him first. With how the dean and campus security screwed it all up, though, maybe telling Coach first would’ve been the best idea.

  Hell, even Chandler’s right. We should’ve messed Briggs up some more at the ranch. I’m not a vindictive guy, but there’s no telling who else he’s hurt since he’s been MIA. A broken knee or ankle would’ve taken him out of football and slowed him down enough for the cops to maybe have gotten to him easier.

  “Just the usual. I’ll be hanging out with Nate and Clyde and hopefully Kadence.”

  “I’m glad to hear things are working out with you two. She’s a nice young woman with a good head on her shoulders. Speaking of Kadence, her daddy likes to call me weekly to check up on you.”

  “Really?” This was the first I’d heard of it. I’m shocked; I honestly thought her father approved of me and even possibly liked me. Thanksgiving was a blast with him visiting, and my brothers thought he was a decent guy.

  “Yep, Chaos is convinced you’re going to go pro and keeps asking me if I have a clue where you’ll be headed. It seems he believes that daughter of his will be following you, wherever you end up going.”

  “No shit?” It slips out, and I backtrack, “I mean, sir.” I’m excited he thinks that she’ll come with me, but Chaos thinks I’ll go pro? I’m damn near giddy inside that those words left his mouth, that’s a huge compliment.

  “Do you have any ideas on who you’d like to be picked up by?”

  Yes, definitely, I always have since I was a kid. “Yes, Coach, the same teams as before—New England or New Orleans.”

  He nods as if he was expecting that answer. “I’ve been following them this year, and I think New England would be a better fit for you right now based on their roster and current records.”

  “I hope so; they’re my top pick.” Not to mention I’ve been a die-hard fan for most of my life.

  “New Orleans doesn’t have much in the bank right now, so I’d skip them. They won’t be able to pay you enough—what you’re worth.”

  “Sir, has anyone called you? Is that why you’re talking to me about this?”

  “No, and they damn sure better not call me. It’s too early for them to start harassing me. I’m telling you this because I’m not blind.” He points his finger at my chest, emphasizing his point. “You’re a damn good player, and above all, you’ve managed to stay humble somehow. You’ve got just enough confidence to shake off anyone that tries to put a dent in you, but not too much to make you lazy. Not many men can pull that mix off. You’re going to go places, twelve; that I’m sure of. You keep playing like you have been in these next two games and you’ll have first round picks chomping at the bit for you.”

  Nearly choking in surprise, my voice comes out rough, “First round picks?”

  Holy shit.

  “Yep, like I said, you’ve got it. So go home and think long and hard about what you want in your future. You’ll most likely be picked up before the draft even takes place, but if you wait, you may be offered a longer contract and more money. If that’s not as important to you and it’s more about the team, then you may want to choose before April rolls around, and you’re sitting beside that phone waiting to hear who’s just picked you up.”

  It’s like I’m ten years old again and have won the state tackle football championship for the first time. My nose clogs up, tears flood my eyes, and the only thing that runs through my mind is how incredibly grateful I am. How is this my life? I’ve been through trials and tribulations, and in the end, so much good has come into my life.

  Kadence and I have spoken about it, and in the next few months we’ll find out just how serious she is about us. I want her with me, every step of the way.

  “I need to go, Coach, I’m sorry.”

  “You all right?”

  “Yes, I just have a lot to think about is all.”

  “Give Clyde a call. He’ll be able to help bring you some peace inside about your decisions and then get a good night’s sleep. These next two games are yours, kid.”

  I know what that means. I’ll be playing most of the game, and I’ll be running the ball. Coach obviously wants me to go out with a bang, and I’ll be making him look good in the process. Teamwork’s not just about you and the man with the ball or the guy who needs to be blocked, it’s also about the relationship you have with the coach. He can make your career, just like the quarterback can.

  “I appreciate it. I’ll be here first thing for practice.”

  “I know you will.”

  “Bye, Coach.” He nods, dismissing me and I hurry out to my truck.

  He’s right; I should call my brother. He’d know what I should do. What if he tells me to go, though? It’d mean leaving him and Nate to take care of the ranch by themselves. However, with enough money, I could hire a hand to give them the help they need in my absence.

  Pulling up to the house, I head straight for my room. I’m starving, but I need to get this call out of the way before anything else.

  “’Sup O,” Niner greets as I pass through the kitchen. He’s busy making a triple layer sandwich and plate full of cut up, raw broccoli.

  “Hey, man,” I nod, not stopping.

  Once I’m finally able to lie back on my mattress, I dial Clyde.

  “Did you hit someone?” He answers sounding mildly amused with a bit of irritated mixed in.

  “What? No.”

  “You don’t usually call during the week.”

  “Oh.” Chuckling, I inhale a deep breath. “I didn’t think of that. Coach just stopped me. Thinks I’ll go pro.”

  “No shit.” He doesn’t sound too surprised.

  “You knew?”

  “Well, I had a suspicion. I mean, it’s what you’ve been working for the better part of your life. You haven’t failed at it yet, so I figured something good would come from it.”

  “That’s not all. He said I have a chance of being a first-round pick.”

  He whistles a long low whistle, now surprised.

  “Yeah. He said I might have a chance to be signed by others before, and possibly my top team.”

  “Damn, Ty, I’m really proud of you.”

  Jesus Christ, is he trying to get me choked up now as well?

  “Thanks. I didn’t tell Coach, but three teams have already called.”

  “Holy shit, and you haven’t told me?”

  “I wasn’t taking them that serious. I just thought it meant they’d keep me in mind for the draft in a few months.”

  “You idiot.”

  Annnd there’s my olde
r brother.

  “He made it sound like there’s a chance that New England could call me since they rarely get first-round picks.”

  “You have to do it, Ty. Follow your dream.”

  “If I move all the way up north then I can’t help you with the ranch.”

  “And if you don’t move, I’ll feed you to the cows.”

  “Be serious, Clyde. Think about what I’m saying.”

  “I am, and I’ve figured out how to keep things going thus far, haven’t I? Do you have any clue how proud our parents would be of you if they heard this? Tyler, sign the contract if they offer it. I’m so damn proud of you. We’ll always be here, and I’ll do whatever I have to with the ranch. It’ll always be there and always be home for you.”

  Stupid ass, he has me choked up with his words.

  “Ty, you there?”

  “Yep,” I say gruffly. “Thanks and I’ll be able to hire someone to help you and Nate out.”

  “Let’s not worry about that right now. Just take it one step at a time, okay?”

  “All right.”

  “Now save me a ticket, and I’ll come watch you play this weekend.”

  “Thanks, Clyde.”

  “It’s what I’m here for,” he replies and hangs up.

  That statement has never been truer. I may not have a mother or a father alive anymore, and so help me, do I miss them, but I have Clyde, and he’s shown me one hell of a good example of what a father and a brother should be.

  Do your job.

  - Bill Belichick

  Talking with Clyde left me a little choked up, but it had to be done. He gave me that small boost of confidence to go in the right direction. I needed him to tell me that he’s okay with whatever I decide on doing and hearing it come from him directly, made my anxiety over this huge decision dissipate.

  I know what I want, but only if Kadence is on board. If not, then we need to figure out an option we’d both be happy with. It’s only been a few months, but I feel like we’re meant to be together for the rest of our lives. Christmas is nearly here, and everything inside me wants to propose to her, but something tells me that she’d say no. Not because she doesn’t love me because I know she does. But because it’s the next step, and there’s nothing ‘normal’ about Kadence. She marches to her own beat—not anyone else’s—and that’s one of the many things I respect about her.