Second Chance: A Military Football Romance

All those times Ron and I used to talk about going to see the ocean together swelled up in my memory. Miami was right on the water. It was also thousands of miles away. I knew that I would have to deal with some distance, but how far was too far? Miami felt too far, and if that was how I felt, how would Ron feel.

Was I going to tell her? I had to, didn't I? I didn't want to hide things from her, the last time I had, it had been a disaster.

How the hell would I break it to her, though? We're finally doing good and then this happens? I have to go to Miami? The boarding call for my flight interrupted my thoughts.

This was about to be a long flight.

"I'm gonna have to start charging you for these rides," Tiffany said as I walked up to her. "Normal people get cabs."

"Good to see you, too, Tiff," I said, smirking.

"How'd it go?" she asked. I threw my bag in the back and got in the passenger side.

"You know. Fine," I said shrugging. She started the car and pulled out of the parking spot.

"Just fine?" she asked. I shrugged again.

"It was football, I've been playing for almost as long as I've been able to catch a ball."

"You know what I mean, Roman."

"It was good."

"Hm." She made the sound the way our mother used to. I think it was a woman thing, being able to tell someone they were ticking you off without even opening your mouth.

"What?"

"It's fine if it didn't work out, Roman. What matters is you did it, and you're going after what you want." I looked at her, frowning.

"What are you talking about, Tiff?"

"I mean, it doesn't matter what happened this week."

"What do you think happened? I said it was good."

"I remember you telling me that you could join a minor league team and work your way up-"

"Tiff," I cut her off, "none of that happened. It was good."

"So, you're joining a team?"

"Not exactly. It's not as simple as just showing up. A scout told me that his team is interested in maybe signing me, but I have to wait a while before they get back to me."

"That's great," she said. "That's what you wanted."

"It was. It's just this team... It's not really close by."

"Yeah? How far are we talking?"

"Miami. How far is that?"

"It'll be a trip, but worth it. I mean, this is your way in. You wanted to get in the league, and if this works out, you will."

"I know. I keep telling myself that. It's just timing, you know?"

"I think I might, but I want you to say it," she said. I looked out the window.

"I'm finally getting somewhere with Ron."