Balancing Protective Love

Football season

As the football season was in full swing, Alex had invited the boys over to watch the game. The living room was already buzzing with excitement as the pre-game commentary played in the background. Linda, always eager to keep everyone fed and happy, had spent the last hour prepping a variety of snacks. On the counter, she had laid out an impressive spread: veggie sticks with dip, a plate full of fries, wings, nuggets, and all the fast food staples she loved, especially the chicken wings, which were her personal favorite.

She carried the tray of wings into the living room, where Alex, Harper, David, Eric, and Marco were all getting comfortable on the couches, beers in hand. "Alright, boys, snacks are ready," Linda said, placing the wings on the table. "Dig in."

Marco's eyes lit up at the sight of the wings. "Now, that's what I'm talking about. Linda, you're a legend."

She grinned and settled beside Alex on the couch, grabbing a wing for herself. "So, serious question—do you guys prefer the wing with the two bones or the one?"

Harper immediately jumped in, grabbing a wing as he spoke. "Two bones, hands down. More meat to work with."

David shook his head, taking a nugget instead. "Nah, the one bone is better. It's easier to eat, less work."

Eric, ever the quiet but thoughtful one, was next. "I agree with David. One bone, quick and easy."

Linda smirked as she took a bite of her wing. "You guys are missing out. Two bones are where the flavor's at. You've got to work for the good stuff."

Alex, sitting beside her, chuckled as he took a bite of a nugget. "I'm with you, sweetheart. Two bones are better. It's like a mini challenge. Plus, more flavor."

The group laughed, and Marco leaned forward, pointing at the wings. "Okay, but it also depends on the sauce. If it's too saucy, I want the one bone so I don't get too messy."

Harper rolled his eyes. "You're always thinking about avoiding a mess. Just get in there, man."

"I'm a clean eater," Marco replied with a grin, grabbing a napkin.

As they continued to debate the finer points of chicken wings, Linda popped another question. "Okay, sauces. What's your favorite? Buffalo, BBQ, something else?"

Alex spoke first. "Buffalo, all the way. You need that heat."

David raised his hand, playfully disagreeing. "Mild BBQ for me. I'm not a fan of too much spice. My stomach can't handle it."

Harper chimed in, reaching for the ranch dip. "I like a good garlic parmesan. You get flavor without burning your mouth."

Eric, who had been quietly enjoying his food, nodded. "Honey mustard is my go-to. Sweet, but with a bit of a kick."

Linda laughed, grabbing another wing. "You guys are so divided. Guess I'll just keep making all the flavors."

Marco, his mouth full of fries, raised his hand in mock celebration. "Long live the wing queen!"

The guys erupted in laughter as Linda playfully rolled her eyes. "Please, I'm just keeping you all fed so you don't get cranky during the game."

Alex leaned over, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "You're the best, babe."

The game kicked off, and soon enough, the living room was filled with shouts of excitement, groans of frustration, and plenty of back-and-forth banter. Linda, ever the multitasker, floated between the kitchen and the couch, making sure the snacks were constantly replenished and everyone had what they needed.

At one point, Harper turned to her, a mischievous grin on his face. "So, Linda, are you really into football, or are you just here for the snacks?"

She shot him a playful glare. "I can appreciate the game, but yeah, I'm mostly here for the wings."

The room erupted in laughter again, and Marco added, "Fair enough. You're allowed as long as you keep the wings coming."

As the game went on, Linda found herself settling into the energy of the room. She didn't mind football, but she loved seeing the boys having fun, especially Alex, who looked completely in his element. She was even starting to enjoy the game itself, caught up in the excitement of every near-touchdown and close call.

After a particularly intense play, where Alex nearly jumped off the couch in excitement, Linda shook her head with a smile. "You guys are so intense."

"That's the fun of it!" Alex said, still grinning ear to ear. "You get into it, and it's like nothing else matters."

David nodded in agreement. "Football is more than just a game. It's a way of life, Linda. You'll get there."

Linda laughed, resting her head on Alex's shoulder. "Yeah, we'll see about that. But as long as there are wings involved, I'm in."

As the game wound down and the snacks began to dwindle, Harper stretched his arms over his head, sighing contentedly. "This was great. We've got to do this every game day."

Eric nodded. "Agreed. Linda, you're officially in charge of game day snacks."

Linda raised an eyebrow. "Oh, am I now? What's in it for me?"

Marco leaned in with a grin. "Endless compliments on your cooking skills?"

"Deal," she replied with a laugh, knowing that this group was always full of love and support.

As the night drew to a close, everyone was full and content, the boys talking excitedly about future game days. Linda felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that she'd managed to make their night even better with her wings, and more importantly, that she was part of this tight-knit group.

And as Alex wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close on the couch, she couldn't help but feel like she was exactly where she belonged.