Sidelined

I raised my hands overhead, smiling at the fans, and took my next position behind the Warriors.

They were pissed. The Wranglers had scored within the first six minutes of the game. They were cursing like sailors behind me. I focused on the crowd and tried to pick out someone that might appreciate a smile. I saw a young mother with a baby strapped to her chest, a Warriors’ hat on its little head. I targeted her and kept my eyes straight ahead.

What was I going to do? My mind raced. My heart beat rapidly. I was going crazy. Sam was on the other side of the field. We had royally fucked this up. I tried to keep calm, but it was nearly impossible. It wasn’t as if I had slept with one of the Warriors players. But maybe this was worse. Everyone on my side of the field hated the Wranglers. I’d never heard of a rivalry like this until I became a Goddess.

I was sure I had broken some type of Goddess code. I had probably violated an employee rule. There could be consequences. They could throw me off the dance squad.

“What is wrong with you?” Presley asked from the corner of her mouth.

I waved at the baby again. “Nothing.” I grinned.

“You look like you’re in pain and you’re smiling all weird.”

I took a deep breath and kicked my good leg high in the air. “See? Fine.” I laughed, but if Presley could see it on my face, then I was terrible at hiding it.

“This is the most important game of our lives, Natalia. Get it together.”

“I’m fine,” I replied. “Let’s dance like we’re supposed to.”

I slung my arm around her as our line snaked together so we could kick across each other. Maybe if I focused on the routines I’d forget Sam was behind me. I’d forget last night. I’d forget that I was falling apart.

It wasn’t working. I felt off balance. I was smiling, but I was shaking. I lost the mom and the sweet baby in the crowd. There was a slimy guy staring at me and I cringed.

What had I done?

“Ow,” Presley whined.

“Sorry. Sorry.” I had pinched her shoulder. I wasn’t paying attention to anything but the fact that on the other side of this field was the most amazing one-night stand I’d ever experienced. I couldn’t get him out of my head.

“What is going on with you?” Presley growled through clenched teeth.

“I said I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to grab you. My boots slipped a little.”

“You’re going to hurt someone.”

I took a deep breath. I didn’t want a lecture from her. She had no idea what I was going through.

“I won’t. I’ve got this.” I kicked in the opposite direction, trying to relax my face into a genuine smile.

I felt bad for thinking it, but thank God the Warriors didn’t score on their possession. Our team line stayed in the same part of the stadium for another punt return. If the game ended now, with the Wranglers ahead by seven, I’d be happy. I wouldn’t have to rotate one quarter closer to Sam. I could escape without the awkward after-game exchange.

Although, what would that be? Could we even speak to each other? Would he want to? Would he realize I was a dance squad girl and not want anything to do with me?

This was a nightmare.

Eleven

Sam

I paced behind the bench. As soon as the special teams returned to the sideline, I’d have to take the field again. I couldn’t see Natalia from our side. I scanned the dozens of dancers on the perimeter, but there were too many players in the way. I didn’t know where she was or if it was even possible to land at her feet again.

The Warriors called a time out and everyone groaned. One of the assistants ran over to me with a printed handout of the defense’s lineup.

“Thanks.” I grabbed the sheet to study it. But I couldn’t concentrate. All I could think about was looking up from the end zone and seeing Natalia.

Her long legs were decked out with gold boots and she was wearing a skimpy top. It was as if she was a mirage and I had imagined her, but I was positive it was her. The look on her face said everything.

“Looks like they’re changing their blocks.” Wes walked up behind me.