First and Ten

Chapter 23

                                                              Blair

We all settled in at the hotel while Jax and JB went straight to practice and press, and it felt like we took up a whole floor. Bri and JB had a suite between her parents and his while Jax and I had a one between my parents and his. Bri and I didn't have to be anywhere until dinner, so we hung out with all the kids and parents in Bri and JB's suite. Little did Jax know that I had a big surprise for him thanks to some help from his mom.

"Blair, when is Daddy gonna be here?"

"He'll be back after dinner time, and we will both come tuck you in."

"I'm glad I get to be here for his big game."

"We are all happy you are here with us. It wouldn't be as much fun without you."

Leena smiled and went back to play with the other kids. I had talked with Jax's mom a week ago, and we worked it out for Leena to get to come and make this a true family experience for Jax. I was beyond excited for him to find out that his baby girl was here knowing it would make him incredibly overjoyed, especially if he decided that he really was going to retire after this season.

As it got late into the afternoon, Bri and I went over to Jax's and my suite to get ready for the team dinner we were supposed to be at while the rest of our families went to eat at a nearby restaurant.

"Jax is going flip when he sees Leena. How did y'all pull that off?" Bri asked while freshening her make-up.

"Ann talked to Leena's mom, and as it turned out, she had a photo shoot come up and needed someone to keep her anyway. Jax is going to be so surprised!"

"He was just telling JB the other day how much he wished she could be here."

"How is JB feeling about the game?"

"Confident. He is in his zone and hates all this extra stuff we have to do," she laughed.

"What should I expect at this dinner tonight?" I inquired as I added some curls to my hair.

"Everything we do over these next few days is all for publicity purposes. It's fun but exhausting having to get ready for so many events each day. Tonight is pretty relaxed compared to other events, aside from the red carpet and star studded guest list. You are expected to stay by Jax's side, look pretty, and be the supportive football wife."

"You mean football girlfriend."

"You know what I meant," she responded quickly brushing it off. "JB said the whole team feels great going into the game."

"Jax said that too. I guess we'll see what happens. You ready?"

"Let's go."

Bri looked fantastic in SPANX Perfect Black flared pants and an orange satin chemise with coordinating orange strappy stiletto heels. I had chosen SPANX Perfect Black skinny pants with a black satin spaghetti strap bodysuit trimmed in lace and Steve Madden black braided strap heels.

We entered the lobby and found Jax and JB, who had just returned from a press conference at the stadium, already dressed in suit pants and crisp button downs waiting with open arms.

We got to the trendy restaurant that was hosting the dinner and walked the red carpet as all the cameras flashed like strobe lights while fans called out from behind the velvet ropes. I was trying to ignore the plethora of women trying desperately to get Jax's attention while simultaneously not looking too starstruck by all the celebrities that were in attendance. This was the first event that I had been to that brought out the beautiful people of Hollywood in addition to the ones from the sports world. I guess Jax could tell I was nervous being surrounded by all the fame, so he kept a tight hold on my hand while whispering in my ear every so often how pretty I looked and how much he loved me. I hated that he thought I needed the reassurance but appreciated him being sweet.