When I exited the locker room, I saw Tom standing back behind a crowd of parents and well-wishers. I was shocked when they all stopped talking and clapped. We’d come very close to winning the game, but time ran out. I was still flying high after the thrill of scoring three touchdowns in ten minutes of play. I would replay the last play in my head for a very long time. I knew Bill was crushed he hadn’t made it into the end zone, but we were lucky to even be in the game, let alone have a chance to win it.
I worked my way through the crowd and found Tracy standing by her dad. I broke into a big smile as I took in her sexy cheerleading outfit. The JV cheer squad had been part of a special halftime routine. I dropped my duffle bag, and she rushed into my arms and gave me one of her patented mind-erasing kisses. I heard some girls giggling, and then Luke Herndon must have come out of the locker room.
“Dawson, get a room!”
The crowd laughed and I felt my cheeks start to glow. I grabbed my duffle and Tracy and I went hand-in-hand to meet her Dad.
“You guys ready?”
“Yes, Daddy, let’s go.”
As we worked our way to the parking lot, I was surprised to see so many fans had still hung around. They didn’t seem to want to leave. I was a little nervous about all the attention I’d gotten until I looked over and saw Tracy just beaming. This was what she lived for. She had the star football player on her arm as we walked out of the game, and all the fans had taken notice. When I saw her reaction, I relaxed and made it a point to introduce her to everyone that greeted me. If I hadn’t been going with her dad tonight, I would have been a very lucky boy. She quivered with excitement when we got to the car. Tom popped the trunk and I dumped in my bag.
Mary was in the front seat when Tracy and I slid into the back.
“Hey, David, you played a great game tonight. I had no idea you could play quarterback. How’s Mike?”
On the last play, one of his fingers on his throwing hand had been injured.
“I’m not sure how bad Magic’s injury is. From the looks of the training staff, it’s not good. I really hope he gets back soon. It’s a lot of pressure running the offense. I’d rather just run over a few people and contribute that way.”
Tracy smacked my arm. I think being the freshman starting at quarterback on the varsity fit her plans better.
“Don’t sell yourself short. You played great tonight.”
I gave her a kiss as a reward. We all chatted about the game on the way to the airport. There was a separate terminal for small and corporate aircraft. I’d never flown before, so I started to get excited about my first flight. The owner of the firm where Tom worked was a University of Florida alumnus. He had a block of eight tickets for every home and away game. He’d given Tom two tickets for tomorrow’s game at Kentucky.
Florida had a good team this year and I looked forward to seeing them play. This was also the first college game I’d ever been to. Tom said we might be able to meet some of the players before the game. His boss sometimes got field passes because of his booster level.
The only thing that put a damper on this weekend was that Tami was leaving on Sunday and I wouldn’t be getting back until late afternoon. There was a chance I might not see her until she came home for Thanksgiving. I didn’t even need to ask Tami if I should go on this trip. She would have just called me a ‘stupid boy’ and made me go anyways. I would call her tonight when we got settled into the hotel.
When we got to the airport, Tom pulled around the little terminal and drove onto the tarmac. There were three other cars there. It looked like we were the last to arrive. The trunk popped open and I went back and pulled out our bags. Tom’s bag was one with a telescoping handle and wheels. Tracy grabbed it and we followed to where Tom and Mary talked to the group making the trip. I was introduced to six other men who all worked with Tom at Rigby, Thompson and Associates. Their boss, Mr. Rigby, wasn’t able to make this trip. As they all talked, Tracy and I went to where the ground staff was loading the bags.
“I wish you were going with us,” I said.
She looked sexy as hell in her cheerleading outfit. That seemed to be the right thing to say, because she gave me a kiss that curled my toes.
“I wish I was too. If I was you would get so lucky tonight you don’t even know.”
We looked into each other’s eyes and my hands were on her hips. I pulled her closer so she could feel what I thought about getting lucky. I then let my hands slide around and I cupped her perfect ass. Her eyes got very big.
“You’re such a naughty boy. You realize my mom and dad are only ten feet away.”
I kneaded her bottom and grinned at her. I jumped when I heard someone clear their throat. When I turned around, I found her mom and dad with big smirks on their faces.
“Time to go, Romeo. Give my daughter a kiss and get your butt on the plane,” Tom said.
As I was frozen in stunned silence, I felt Tracy grab my butt, which made me jump.
“Paybacks are hell,” she said.
I gave her a menacing look, then broke into a smile, and gave her a kiss.
“Are you picking me up when I get back?”
“You bet. Now go have fun with my dad.”
We all got on the plane to leave.
THE AIRPLANE SEATED twelve, and all of Tom’s work-mates headed to the front. Tom indicated two seats towards the back where we would have privacy. The seats reminded me of home theater chairs. They were covered in nice leather with large armrests with cup holders. Once we were seated, the pilot came onto the intercom and told us the flight to Lexington would take an hour and a half. Tom and I settled in, and shortly we were airborne.
Tom seemed excited about something.
“I’ve been talking to Joe Phips about your running game. He’s the recruiting coordinator for Florida. When you threw your third touchdown tonight, I called him again. He’s setting up a workout for you tomorrow morning. If you’re everything I think you are, they’ll start recruiting you.”
I was in shock. I thought this weekend was just to get to know Tom better and see a football game. It now had a lot more meaning. To be honest, I really hadn’t thought a lot about college other than for an education. I figured I’d worry about it my junior year. When we got to the hotel in Lexington, I needed to call Tami and get her advice.
“Dang it, Tom, do you think there’s a little pressure on me now? Florida’s one of those dream destinations for football. I’d hate to mess this up after only playing less than a quarter of high school ball at quarterback.”
“Don’t worry about it. Joe’s job is to identify talent early. They’re not asking you to come in and play next week. They’ll want to see you develop over the next three-and-a-half years. At this point you’re just a prospect.”
“I’m a prospect who’s done nothing to this point.”
He gave me an appraising look.
“David, you’re going to have to grow a pair. You’re a damn good player and your confidence is going to have to grow if you ever plan on leading your team to the playoffs. Magic isn’t coming back in time to salvage the season. You’re it.
“Have you noticed all the recruiters who’ve been showing up to your games?” Tom asked.
“Aren’t they there to see Luke, Mike and Kevin?” I asked.
“In part. Even though they’re making offers to those three, they weren’t coming until you had your superhero game. Those three owe you big time. Tonight I saw you throw, off your front foot, a fifty-yard pass that hit Bill in stride. Your throwing mechanics suck. You’re doing everything just off your arm strength alone. If you ever get your technique down, you’ll be a high major prospect.
“Combine your potential at quarterback and your toughness running the ball and you’re the perfect college quarterback. Currently your only obvious problem is your height. Most major programs are looking for someone at least six-two,” Tom said.