I get out of bed and change into some workout clothes. It's still dark outside when I go for a jog around the neighborhood. The sun is rising as I return.
I work out for a little bit at the gym that's located in my apartment building, being careful not to overdo it. I have a game scheduled for later this afternoon. Our first one of the season.
I arrive at the arena freshly showered and with a new attitude. It’s time to focus on the game. Coach joins us in the locker room for a pep talk and to review everything.
"You're a great team. The best of what this sport has to offer. I’m so proud of us— the Mighty Mighty Leviathans! I know we can do this, so go out there and win!"
Everyone cheers. Coach glances in my direction.
"Don't blow it," he mutters.
"I'm determined not to," I assure him.
I feel stupid that I’ve let a woman distract me to the extent that it’s affected my performance at practice. I’m not about to let it make me fuck up an actual game!
Later, we take the field in full gear. As the crowd cheers us on, I have to admit I'm pumped up and excited.
The game starts and I'm actually too focused on it to think about Bella. It seems like it’s going to be an intense session, and I’m glad. That’s exactly what I need right about now, to forget about Bella for good.
If such a thing is even possible.
Before I know it, the game is over, and we’ve won. We're chest-bumping each other and high fiving our way off the field.
"See, way to go," Coach says encouragingly. “I knew you’d be great if you could just get your your head on straight, Steve.”
He's right. Thanks to my concentration, I was able to have an okay game. Good enough to win, and that’s all I can ask for.
Trixie the cheerleader waits in the corridor for me. She has her hands on her hips and a pouty look on her face.
"I waited for you, and you never showed up. You didn't even call. I'm so hurt that you stood me up," she says.
"I'm sorry. It was a family emergency. I had to leave right away," I lie.
"In that case, I guess I could give you a second chance, if you wanted to go out tonight?" she offers.
I know I should take her up on this, but I can't bring myself to. I guess I’m still not over Bella despite my attempts to become so.
"I'm sorry, not tonight. I'll let you know," I say, hoping to let her down gently.
She pouts as I turn and walk away and head towards the locker room. I still feel so into Bella that I don't even want to date anyone else.
After I shower and change, I walk back to the parking lot, thinking about everything. In a strange way, I feel like progress has been made.
Today proves that I'm still a good player on the field.
I need to keep that up.
Besides, I don't really have Bella anymore, since she’d clearly changed her number.
I'm not dating tons of women like I used to; I might not be living up to my player reputation off the field, but that's okay.
Maybe this needs to happen.
I should focus on football, since that's my career and it’s the whole reason I’m here.
I shouldn't think about women, especially not Bella.
Yeah, right, though!