Joe Football

Chapter 1

Favor

I hate parties. No, scratch that. I hate football. Ugh, correction, I hate parties for football. If you grew up in the type of family I did, then you would hate it also. My friends Jana and Cal, however, don’t share my skewed opinion on the subject matter.

Come on, Favor. This will be the most epic party of the year, my overly enthusiastic cheerleader friend, Jana, begs me.

This is a conversation we revisit weekly. I exhale loudly while covering my eyes with my forearm. "Isn’t that what you said about last week’s party?"

Doll, last week’s party was epic. This week’s party will be epic-er, Cal pipes up.

Epic-er? Is that even a word? I sit up on my bed, rolling my eyes at Cal.

Well if it isn’t, then someone needs to contact Miriam-Webster, he jokes, as he flips through pages of Jana’s copy of Vogue while sprawled across her bed.

Guys, you know how I feel about football parties, I explain, yet again.

Jana places her nail polish bottle on her desk, and walks over to me while waving her hands in the air to dry her freshly painted pink nails. Her lips part slightly as she stands in front of me, and her eyes soften. Favor, I know how much you dislike the reminders, but you really are missing out on so much. She opens her mouth again to speak, but closes it and bites her bottom lip.

A swelling of emotions forms in my throat closing my passageway. Cal places the magazine on the bed and strides over to us. His large brown eyes are teary. Bending slightly, he pulls me into a hug and squeezes gently, the simple action speaking volumes. I choke up some more.

I love you guys so much, I manage to croak out as I lean deeper into Cal’s hug.

We love you too, Cal mumbles into my hair. He inhales deeply and relaxes his hold. Damn girl, your hair smells really good. He pulls away and stares at me with a wide grin on his face, before pulling me in to sniff my hair again.

I push him gently and laugh at his antics. Cal is known for breaking a mood when it gets too serious. Like Jana, he hates to see me upset.

Mindful of her nails, Jana carefully loops her arm around my waist. You really should come with us. No one knows who your family is. Your secret is always safe.

Since I use my mother’s maiden name, no one at this school, other than my friends, knows about my family’s football dynasty. I often joke with Cal and Jana, calling my parents Mr. and Mrs. Joe Football. My father is Kyne Hollister, the former star quarterback for the National Football League’s team, the Charleston Blockers. America’s favorite team, known for their over-the-top-pay for their players. Their stadium, right here in South Carolina, has the latest technology for player advancement.

My father is kidded to be the unofficial governor of the state, with his movie star good looks and larger-than-life personality. America wept when he retired from football, while my brother and I celebrated. Finally, we foolishly thought, we get to have our father to ourselves.

The day he was inducted into the NFL’s Hall of Fame, I took it as a personal slight. While the rest of the country celebrated his passing yards and touchdowns, I only saw him being rewarded for missing countless birthday parties, and dance performances. Ha. How dare they, I thought, and decided to do a protest of my own, wearing a Football Sucks t-shirt, complete with the graphic art of a middle finger. When my mother saw me come down the steps as we were getting ready to leave for the ceremony, she quickly told me to go to my room and stay there. I did so happily, flipping them both the bird, further fueling the drama flame. My brother just stood off to the side and laughed, finding the entire exchange hysterical.

Even though he was retired, my father was frequently brought in by the Blockers as an advisor, until he eventually went on to become a sports analyst for the NFL network. The time my brother and I thought we would get with him became a distant memory. My brother did get to spend more time with our father than I did, only because Dad was training him to be a star quarterback like himself.

Honestly, I don’t understand why you don’t like going. They have some really hot guys on the team, and even hotter ones that go to those parties. I, for one, am a living testament to that, since I’m hot and I go, Cal says matter-of-factly, as if everyone knows this.

Yeah. None of whom are interested in you, I joke.

He places his hands over his heart. You wound me, Cal mock pouts.

I blow him an air kiss, which he catches and places on his cheek with a smile and a bat of his eyelashes.

Favor, I swear you’re missing out on the whole college experience. You need to come out tonight. If you don’t like it, we’ll leave. Jana pleads her case once again, hoping to change my mind.

Guys, seriously. I would prefer just to do some stuff around campus by myself. I’ll catch the next party with you.

They both look at me, knowing I’m full of it. Cal crosses his arms over his chest. No. You’re coming with us tonight.

Realizing that my two closest friends will not give in, I throw my hands up in the air in defeat. Fine.

Jana and Cal jump up and down, high fiving each other, like they just won the lottery. Finally. Miss Thang is coming out to PAR-TAY. Cal announces.

I roll my eyes heavenward, hoping this night goes by quickly.

****

We arrive at the bonfire for the team, where the air is electric with excitement, and everyone is in a partying mood. Everyone except me. As soon as the three of us get out of my car, Jana is swarmed by members of her cheerleading squad, who immediately drag her towards the kegs. Jana, of course, pulls Cal and me along; no man left behind and all that.

Cal is pumping beer from a keg, when a huge guy in a Cougars t-shirt pukes by his feet. Cal jumps back just in time, and the player just laughs, murmuring an apology as he stumbles off with a couple of girls draped around him.

"Wow that was epic," I say dryly to Cal.

He smiles and winks at me. It’s all a part of the experience. Lighten up.

Yeah, whatever, I call out, as I turn and head towards the coolers on the other side of the bonfire.

Where ya going?

Grabbing a bottled water. I’m the designated, remember. I wave him off and continue my trek towards the coolers.

Images of my mother in tears after receiving the devastating news that my brother, Trevor, had been killed in a car wreck flood my thoughts. It’s been three years. He and his best friend were juniors at this very college when he was suddenly taken from us that night. Because of Wayne’s drunk driving, I lost my only ally in this world.

That crash took two lives that day. Wayne was arrested for DUI. He did a stint in jail and got out early on probation. He lost his football scholarship, and as a result, his life spiraled out of control. I hear that he is back on campus to finish his degree, and I pray I’ll never see him again.

I grab a bottled water from the cooler, glancing at the drunken college students. God, what am I doing here? I stomp away from the party goers to get some peace and quiet. Finding a log near the lake, I sit down to drink my water and watch the party from afar.

Needed a break, huh? a deep voice says from behind me. I turn my head to see who’s talking, and closely-cropped hair and brown eyes stare back at me.

Yeah, I did. Is that your excuse too?

Looks like it, he replies, as he stretches his long muscular legs out from his sitting position on a nearby log.

I look away from him, twisting my bracelet as the sound of different insects hum around us. The weather is humid, and I wipe at the beads of sweat forming on my upper lip. Days like this, my brother and I would run down to the lake and take a dip to cool off. A heavy weight hits my heart, and I swallow down the tennis ball-sized lump in my throat.

I always see you around campus, but never at the parties.

My head whips around. Really? Do I know--

"Favor. I cringe at the sound of Jameson’s nasally voice. Favor, where are you?" My question is instantly forgotten as I look around for a place to hide.

Umm, isn’t that you he’s calling for? the deep voice asks, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Yeah, seems to be, I whisper as I crouch lower to the ground.

Not interested in being found? He fights a chuckle.

Not really. Well, not by him. I say the last part under my breath.

Effortlessly hoisting himself off the log, he walks over to me and offers his hand. Looking at it, I weigh my options. My mother always said you can tell a lot about a man by his hands.

Well-manicured and no callouses means he is not used to hard work. A man who gets others to do the job, someone who keeps secrets. Calloused and rough means he doesn’t mind rolling up his sleeves to get a job done, a man to trust. Decision made, I place my hand in his outstretched one and instantly feel the scratch of the callouses against my skin.

Helping me stand, he places his finger over his mouth. I follow him towards the wooded area near the pond.

He won’t be able to find you here, he says conspiratorially.

My muscles relax as I sigh. Thanks.

Why were you hiding from Jameson?

I shrug. No reason.

He arches an eyebrow at me. Word around campus is the two of you are an item.

I look away briefly. Jameson is considered football royalty on campus. He, like his father, came to this college as a backup quarterback. His father transferred to another college after a year to become a starter. Similarly, Jameson took over the starting position after the Cougars’ starter had a career-ending injury last season. But Jameson lost the top spot to a newcomer who transferred from Penn State.

Jameson, as hard as he tries, will never really have the talent to be a starter, and his dad hasn’t forgiven him. My father, since the loss of my brother, has taken him under his wing.

Even though we are not, and never will be, an item, the rumors persist. There isn’t enough room in a relationship for three people. In this case, me, Jameson, and his oversized ego. We are as different as night and day. He loves to flaunt his parents’ wealth. I try not to think or talk about mine. He rides off his father’s name as being the son of a former NFL quarterback. I enrolled under my mother’s maiden name, Fontaine, for the anonymity.

Hairy legs and thighs appear in my peripheral vision. Umm, what do you think you’re doing?

I’m going to take a dip in the lake. You can join me if you want, he says as he straightens the band of his boxer briefs.

Decorum dictates that I should look away but before I do, I steal one last longing look at his perfection.

He is tall, lean, and muscular. Most would call it an athletic build. I, however, would say he’s built like a god. The moon's rays shine on areas of his chiseled, sweat-glistened body. As if in a trance, my eyes linger on his form longingly.

Lithe for his build, he runs into the lake and starts swimming. I want to strip down and join him, but I’m also hesitant to get too close.

He pops out of the water and calls out to me. Are you coming or what? he has a wicked twinkle in his eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.

Against my better judgment for the second time today, I strip out of my clothes, down to just my bra and panties, and step into the lake, swimming up to him. The cool lake water is a nice reprieve from the warm, humid weather. He gives me the brightest smile. Glad you joined me. His voice becomes slightly husky.

Well, you left me hanging over there. I try not to get caught up in his penetrating gaze but fail miserably. Feeling my cheeks warm, I look for a distraction. So why did you walk away from the party?

Ehh. I don’t know. These parties are starting to bore me. He looks past me, in the direction of the bonfire before bringing his eyes back to mine again. They all seem to be the same. One drunk fest after another. Sometimes I just need a break from it all. You know what I mean? His eyes search mine as I take in his words.

I do. I understand exactly what he means. I guess so.

Hey guys, looks like the party has moved to the lake, a girl, who is most definitely three sheets to the wind, yells out. We both let out a groan.

Ahh, guess the gig is up.

Guess so, I whisper, anxious to find an escape plan and perhaps a few more minutes alone with him.

Favor, there you are. I’ve been looking for you, Jameson yells from the edge of the lake, while stripping out of his clothes. In just his boxers, he swims over to me and the sex god on a stick. The lake is starting to get more and more crowded with partygoers at this point.

Hey, I see my friends over there…see you around. He swims off before I can respond. My eyes follow the ripples of water behind him as he swims further away.

What were you doing out here with him? Jameson lectures as he reaches me.

The hairs on the back of my neck rise, and I don’t bother turning to face him. None of your business.

I can only imagine what his facial expression looks like right now. Stay away from him.

At his words, I turn to look at a glaring Jameson. Oh? Why? I bite out.

Because...

Because is not an answer. I lift my finger and jab it into his chest. Let me remind you one more time. I’m not your girlfriend. It’s none of your business what I do or who I do it with.

Your father--

I cut him off again. My father is none of your business either.

My heart beats faster against my chest as I feel my temples throb. I turn around, looking for Jana and Cal. I’m so ready to leave. I spot them and begin swimming in their direction without another word to Jameson. Jana and Cal are with Regan, the muscular god, and a guy with tattoos. The one with the tattoos I recognize as a minor campus celebrity. He’s the frontman of a rock band that has a pretty loyal following in this state. State of Mind, I think.

Trying not to once again stare at him, I turn my head slightly towards Jana and Cal. Guys, I’m leaving. But I just can’t help myself, and I peek at him from the corner of my eye. Are you ready?

Already? I feel like we just got here. Cal pushes his bottom lip out playfully.

You’re always such a killjoy, Favor, Regan, the campus wannabe, adds. In our freshman year Regan, Jana, Cal and I were close. Regan and Jana both tried out for the cheerleading squad. Jana got in and Regan did not. Crushed that she didn’t make the team, Regan spread some ugly rumors about Jana around campus. Jana chose to give Regan a second chance; I on the other hand have not.

Jana looks at me with unsure eyes. Uh… She looks at the two guys, as if she’s trying to make the most important decision of her life.

Let her stay, Regan protests, wrapping her arms around the tattooed guy and tipping her chin at me. You should stay too.

I think if she wants to go, everyone needs to respect that, the stranger says with authority while looking at me. His words have an absolute finality to them, leaving no room for anyone to question him.

Regan looks visibly upset by this and turns her attention back to the tattooed guy. He grabs her by the waist and pulls her closer to him as she squeals in delight.

Come on, Jana, Cal. Let’s go. Please.

Cal looks like he wants to argue, but decides against it. The three of us swim back to shore. I dry myself off with my shirt, and my breath catches when I look up, seeing the stranger still watching me with almost a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Chapter 2

Brice

I stare at her and her friends as she swims back to shore. As the starting quarterback for the team, I always get attention from girls. Favor, on the other hand, is the exception to the rule. A rule I hope to break soon. My freshman year, I tried to ask her out on a date, but she cut me off quicker than a hangnail. So, I always look at her from afar. I’ve labeled her my golden unicorn. My mythical creature that’s so far out of reach.

Hey, man. Let’s grab some chicks and go, my best friend Egon says, with a girl already in his arms.

Heeey. I think her name is Regan whines.

Sorry babe. I meant he should grab a chick and let’s go. He smiles down at her. She leaps up and wraps her long legs around his waist, kissing him.

My best friend Egon is the frontman for an up-and-coming band called State of Mind. The group is mostly locally known, but they are gaining some traction with their fan base. They have also been slated to play a few halftime shows at our home football games. I wouldn’t be surprised if he and his band get a record deal before we graduate college in two more years. When we were kids, Egon always dreamed of being in a band, and now his dream is finally here.

He has a certain celebrity status around campus, which makes him an instant chick magnet. Also, girls dig the ink on his body. I can’t tell you how many times he’s gotten laid because of it. At one time, I considered getting tatted up simply for that reason alone. But I can’t complain. I get my fair share of the ladies, most of which are one-night stands. Now and then, I might go for a second, but never a third. Girls get caught up with emotions and shit. Can’t have that. Favor Fontaine, on the other hand, is a woman I could get into a relationship with. She’s beautiful, smart, doesn’t do the party thing, and she seems to be about her business.

Hey. You think the rumors are true? I ask Egon.

Huh? What rumors? he replies, with Regan dangling from his arm.

Is Favor dating Jameson? I try not to look like a creeper as I watch her dry off.

He places Regan back on her feet and looks in the direction that I’m staring. Man, you still chasing that?

I’m one of her closest friends you know, Regan chimes in.

I cross my arms over my chest. Is that so? I play along.

Yeah. And she’s with Jameson, for sure, she slurs slightly.

Is that so? I say again, wishing she would disappear.

Yep. She giggles as Egon picks her up and kisses her.

Bro, come on. Let’s eighty-six this party. Find yourself a bedwarmer and let’s go.

Nah. I’m not in the mood. But you’re right, let’s get out of here, I say as I watch Favor and her friends drive off in the distance.

You sure you don’t want to pick out a sweet piece of ass? Egon goads.

I’m good, bro. Seriously. Girls make it too easy for me. There isn’t any more chase now that I’m the starting quarterback for the team. I’m, for lack of a better word…bored.

Mind if I bring this one back to our room? Egon tips his head towards Regan.

I look at her and shrug. What do I care? I don’t know why he would want to hook up with this girl at all. She’s known around campus as a bottom feeder.

If you want, I’ll do you both. The smile that, a second ago was all for Egon, is now aimed in my direction.

Oh hell NO. She thinks I’m dipping in after my best friend? Egon and I have always considered ourselves to be brothers, but that’s toeing a line. Ehh, nah. I’m good, I say, giving my best friend a ‘what the fuck’ look.

She tips her chin down and frowns. Egon looks at her with disgust, but I know him; he doesn’t feel like throwing this fish back into the ocean to find another. This is an easy piece of ass, most likely a one and done for him.

Brice and I don’t exactly like to share, if you know what I mean.

Oh. Her chin touches her chest bone. I was just joking anyway.

Riiiight, I turn around and swim to shore, the two of them following behind me.

After drying off, I drive us back to our dorm.

Once inside of our room, the two of them waste no time in getting it on. After an hour, I’m ready to tape her mouth shut. I hate chicks who put on the theatrics in bed like they are in a goddamn porno. I know I’m good in bed, but damn, baby…really? They go at