Hello Quarterback (Hello #8)

33. Mia

33

MIA

I was sitting in a nearby coffee shop, Halfway Café, to get some work done, when my phone started blowing up.

Farrah: Saw the news! You look hot in the pics!

Tallie: You didn’t tell me you were going to California!

She sent a screenshot of a picture clearly taken from a bush outside the hotel. The headline was PREGAME RENDEZVOUS. I was riding a bike while Ford jogged down the sidewalk. He might have been low-key in a hat and sunglasses, but it was hard to mistake his strong jaw and muscular build.

I smiled at the picture. We looked pretty cute and sporty together.

Tallie: So was this trip for work or pleasure?

Grinning salaciously at the phone, I replied to Tallie.

Mia: Both.

Then I switched to a text thread for Farrah.

Mia: Thank you for the encouragement. Hooking up on a weight bench was worth the trip. ;)

I chuckled, setting my phone on focus mode so I could get some work done. I needed to review this presentation once more, sign off on a new marketing campaign for one of the company’s hotels, and start prepping notes for a meeting with the governor. The legislature was working on a new bill to encourage more businesses to headquarter in the state, and he wanted my input.

Sometimes, my to-do list was overwhelming, sure, but I liked having so many plates spinning at once. It made me feel important, accomplished, like I was squeezing every drop out of this life I was given.

And doing it here in California? Hooking up with Ford Madigan? That was just the cherry on top.

I let the happiness settle in my heart and got some focused work in before checking my phone.

Farrah: So did Ford admit his feelings?

I bit my bottom lip, not sure how to reply. Because Ford had shown that he cared for me. He’d shared so much with me the night before about his view on life, football, family. But never expressed aloud his desire for what we had to be real.

Instead of replying to Farrah’s text, I switched to a text thread with Ford.

Mia: Hey, in case we don’t get a chance to say goodbye after the game, I wanted to say thanks for this. And good luck tonight.

I didn't fully expect him to reply, because I knew he had things going on today, but within a couple minutes, a text came through.

Ford: I got you a front-row seat so I can find you after. You can't leave town without saying goodbye.

Smiling to myself, I switched back to the message with Farrah.

Mia: We're not there yet... but getting close.

At least, I hoped.

I was back in Dallas, getting ready for bed, when Ford broke our unspoken rule and sent me a text message.

Ford: Did you make it home safely?

I held my phone to my chest, smiling. It was thoughtful in an old-fashioned kind of way, a guy wanting to know that you made it home okay.

Mia: I did. And you?

Ford: We fly out in the morning. I’m tucked into the hotel bed, wishing you were still in it.

My heart swelled as I nestled further underneath my covers. His words were making me just as warm as any blanket could.

Ford: What did you think of the game? No networking to distract you today.

I chuckled at his message and then tapped out my response.

Mia: I don’t think I’ll ever get over people making the vagina shape with their hands when Dallas scores.

Ford: They’re supposed to be diamonds!

Mia: Also, you touched Milo’s butt an awful lot.

Three dots appeared.

Ford: Jealous?

I laughed out loud.

Mia: Maybe a little bit.

Ford: Anything else?

Mia: I have a whole new appreciation for the uniform, if you know what I mean. ;)

I could just picture him laughing at the response. I smiled to myself, waiting for his reply.

Ford: You dirty dog.

I let out a chuckle. Even when we weren’t in the same room, I was still enjoying my time with him. I hoped he felt the same way about me. But I knew better than to push him when he was just opening up to the idea of something more than a fake relationship with me.

Mia: The next couple weeks are going to be pretty busy. Especially if you still want me to come to your family farm. It's OK if you don't.

Ford: I can't wait to take you—and give you a new appreciation for Wranglers.

Mia: Looking forward to it. ;)