Page 21 of The Lockdown Mann

OnTheBeach27: I’m glad. Between the separation from my wife and my mother-in-law being sick, things have been rough, but talking to you helps.

In one of our talks, he told me how his mother-in-law is like a mom to him, how his own mom isn’t in the picture, and how she stepped in to fill the role. He also shared that she’s been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, talking about how worried and scared he is, but how he tries to be strong for his ex and their child.

Me: I’m glad. Talking with you helps too.

OnTheBeach27: Good. Listen, I gotta go, but I’ll be around later if you need to talk. I want you to report back on Monday, though, and let me know how your first day goes.

We’re playing at home Monday, so there’s no traveling for our first preseason game. We share an arena with the Pulse, so when we’re home, they travel, and the other way around.

I frown when I realize what I just did: that I thought of Oakley again in a situation that has absolutely nothing to do with him. We haven’t spoken since the cookout at Hunter’s place, but then, why would we have a reason to talk?

I did stalk his Instagram—even followed him for good measure, but he hasn’t followed me back.

I bring myself back to the moment, back to talking with OnTheBeach27, someone who doesn’t try to make himself hate me.

Me: I will for sure. I can’t wait to tell you how good I am.

OnTheBeach27: See? That’s the GameOn057 I know.

Me: I mean, don’t think that means you don’t have to talk to me all weekend while waiting to hear how my first day goes.

Because it would be weird not to talk to him. He’s already eased his way into my life somehow, and I like the place he has in it.

OnTheBeach27: I won’t. I like talking to you too much, but for real, I gotta go. Talk soon.

Me: Talk soon.

It takes me a moment to realize I’m smiling.

*

Hunter: Good luck. You got this.

I’m not surprised my best friend texted. Not only does he always want me to succeed, but of course he’s going to want me to beat Kansas City. If I didn’t want the Inferno to win for myself, I’d want it for Hunter.

They beat us when we played last year. I didn’t mind losing to Hunter and the Pulse. It was their way of sending a big fuck-you to Coach Blake, letting him know he can’t always win, and that Hunter is who he is without him.

“You ready for this?” Juju asks while we’re in the locker room standing by our cubbies. We’re all dressed and ready for the game, Coach Henderson having just finished his pregame speech and pep talk. I have to say it came with a whole lot more support and positivity than Coach Blake’s speeches did.

“Fuck yeah,” I answer, and it’s true. The nerves are still there, but my desire to win, to prove myself, is even stronger. I’ve been studying the Inferno offensive plays since training camp, learning their hand gestures and codes, their cadences.

“That’s what I want to hear.” Juju holds his hand out for a fist bump, so I hit mine together with his. “I’m always around if you have questions about anything. I gave you my cell number at training camp, yeah?”

“Yeah, you did.” Juju’s welcome is another reason why I know I made the right decision coming to the Inferno. Every guy on the team has been just like him. The Inferno don’t have as good a record as the Pulse do—or even as good as Kansas City does—but I damn sure plan to change that.

“Bet,” Juju replies, then the two of us join the others, heading out of the locker room and toward the field.

I force myself not to look toward my old teammates, not to risk seeing Coach Blake. I don’t want to let that motherfucker into my head until after I wipe the floor with their asses in this game.

They win the coin toss and choose for us to receive, which is no surprise. That way, they get the ball at the start of the third.

I tug my helmet on and head out to the field with the offense. Kansas City kicks the ball, and we let it hit the ground for the first down. Juju calls us into a quick huddle. My heart is beating fast—too fast, but in the best way. One that makes me feel invincible, like I’m exactly where I belong, out here doing what I’ve always loved and ready to prove myself on the field.

The first play is set up for Bradshaw, our running back, trying to help us work our way slowly down the field.

As soon as Juju calls the cadence and Carrano, our center, hikes the ball, everyone is moving—the defense trying to get to Juju, and our offense either blocking or trying to get open.

Juju manages the handoff to Bradshaw, who is able to fight his way through a line of defenders, getting ten yards before he’s taken down.