The NFL Players Girlfriend

Getting Closer

I spent my morning over at my parents house, apologizing for the way I handled everything.

"Honey, we're not mad." My mom assured me, placing a comforting hand on my knee.

"We've never been upset with you." My dad piped up. "We understand what you were trying to do, and all we wanted to do was support you however you needed. You know, with Joe, he had me to help with football. You didn't have anyone to help with dance."

"I feel like no matter what, I shouldn't have hid you guys away. That wasn't right. And it wasn't right to hide Joe either. I just needed you guys to know that I realize that now. I'm sorry I didn't figure that out sooner."

My parents got up to embrace me in a tight hug, letting me know that it was okay and that they were mad at me.

I was thankful to have the parents that I did.

I showed up to rehearsals early, to make sure everything was ready for the girls to arrive. My assistant coaches showed up not long after I did, which told me that this was just as important to them as it was to me.

They were a big help in making sure that everything was good to go, and I was so appreciative.

I honestly couldn't wait til it was all over though, because I knew that I would get to see Andrei after. That was what I was looking forward to.

As the girls filtered in, I greeted each of them personally. I wanted to be a friendly face for what I was sure was a nerve racking experience for most of them over the next two days.

When the last one finally showed up, it was time to get started.

Teaching this routine to the girls made me miss LA more than I already did. This felt just like being in class, teaching my students a new routine.

That's what I tried to picture, that I was at my studio in LA, teaching my students.

For the first hour, I taught the routine. For the second hour, I watched the girls practice and corrected them as needed.

For the last half hour, I sat down with the girls and discussed in more detail how the next two days would go since I could tell them about it in person.

I was sweating by the time we were finished.

I pulled my phone out and texted Andrei once I got to my car.

Me
Just finished up. Your place or mine?
Actually, we'll just do yours. Just send me the address.

I hurried to the hotel, desperate to get a shower before heading out to the address Andrei gave me. I felt like I was in a rush which was a little stressful, but I knew our time tonight was limited, and I wanted to take advantage of every minute possible.

It felt like I hadn't even been home more than twenty minutes before I was right back out the door. I stopped at the gas station to grab some snacks for whatever movie we watch.

When I pulled up at his apartment, I made my way to the door and knocked a few times. As the door opened up, I held the snacks up so that he could see.

"So, what should we watch?" I asked.

His smile grew wider than I have ever seen before as he invited me in.

"How did you know I liked flamin' hot Cheetos?" He questioned as he shut the door behind me.

"Instagram, duh." I laughed. "I did stalk you on social media, remember?"

"True." He shrugged, unbothered by it.

I kicked my shoes off at the door before he led me over to his coach, and I set the snacks down on the table.