The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity.”

Lewis Grizzard


After climbing down from the attic, Ryan sat the box on the floor of her living room.

These are perfect! She said to Shane and Dana as they went through the box. She remembered that she had a box of her dad and brothers old football jerseys.

Well cut em up, make em fun and *****! Ryan said excitedly.

Dana, Shane, and Ryan showed up to the park to find Tina, Bette, Taylor, and Alice waiting at a picnic table under a tree.

Well, well, if it isnt the The Pimp Daddy and her working girls. Alice said pointing out Shane, Dana, and Ryan. Taylor, Tina, and Bette were bursting out with laughter as they looked at Shane, Dana, and Ryan making there way over to them.

Shane was dressed in a cutoff football jersey with the # 69 on it. She had a rainbow striped sweat band on her head with her messy hair sticking out underneath. To match she had rainbow sweat bands on her wrists. She had ripped up jeans and converse high tops on. In her mouth was a wad of bubble gum so big she could hardly chew it.

Shane walked slow and leisurely with both arms slung around the shoulders of Dana and Ryan. Dana and Ryan fit perfectly underneath Shanes arms.

Dana had her hair pulled back perfectly in a ponytail. She had matching Nike navy blue tennis shorts and sports bra on. Keeping up the reputation of being the ***** tennis pro she is.

Ryan had her long hair pulled back in a ponytail under her black FBI baseball hat. Revo sunglasses covered her eyes. She had on a black sports bra with red running shorts. On her feet she had her new Nike Shox running shoes on that she designed herself online.

Whoa Baby, you look hot! Alice said as Dana slid into her for a hug.

Still chomping on her gum and holding her hand up for a high five from Alice, Shane said, Yep. You owe me for that one Partner. I told them the only way Id play is if they would wear those sports bras without a shirt.

Thank youuuuuuuu! Alice said as she slapped Shanes hand.

Marina is teaching Jenny the finer points of being a coffee drinker, so they wont be joining us this afternoon. Alice snickered.

Dana and Ryan went back to the truck to get the football and the extra jerseys for everyone else.

This is gonna be so much fun! Dana said as she threw her arm Ryan as they walked to the truck.

Oh yeah! Ryan said agreeing with Dana patting her on the butt.

Alice and Shane stood watching their ***** girlfriends walk to the truck.

We are pretty lucky, arent we? Alice asked Shane hugging her from behind.

Yeah, we sure are. Shane said. She was thinking of how much she loved Ryan and how happy she was that she found her.

Shes amazing Shane. Alice said to Shane, who was still deep in thought, looking at Ryan.

I know. I know man. Shes amazing. Shane said quietly, as she reached back to pat Alices arm.

Dana and Ryan came back and passed out the jerseys. Ok. Huddle up Yall. Ryan said as she gathered everyone in a circle.

Alright, Dana and I are gonna go over some simple rules, so listen up.

Shane grinned and continued to chomp on her gum as she watched Ryan take charge.

#1. No tackling! This is touch football Ladies. Two hands below the waist. Grab *****. Im sure most of yall will have no problem with that. Ryan said laughing.

#2. Sorry ladies, you cant be on the same team as your Sweetie, no matter how much you beg.

#3. No spitting, kicking, hitting, and no pulling hair. Everything else is permissible.

Thats it. Does anyone have any questions? Ryan finished.

No one asked anything. They were ready to get started.

Alright, were good to go. Dana, go ahead and read the teams out Ryan instructed.

Ok. When I call your name break off with your team. Dana commanded.

First team is (SHE-ATE-ME) – Ryan, Alice, and Bette.

Second team is (URGE-TO-MERGE) Me, Shane, and Tina.

Taylor will play quarterback for both teams to make it fair. Ryan instructed.

Someone call heads or tails when I flip the coin. Ryan said.

Heads. Shane said.

Tails. Alice said.

Heads it is. Ryan picked up the coin.

We want the ball first. Shane said as she forcefully grabbed the ball from Ryans hands and scowled at her, trying to be aggressive.

The ladies huddled up with their teams after hugging and kissing each other good luck.

Shane. We are not losing this. Bette will never let me live it down. Tina said.

Right. I cant let Ryan win either. Shane agreed.

Taylor huddled up Shane, Dana, and Tina. Tina hike the ball to me on 34. Shane go short, fake left then go right. Dana go long. They wont expect it.

Down, Set, Blue32, Blue 33, 34 Hut.

Tina snapped the ball to Taylor. Taylor dropped back as Ryan rushed her. She dodged Ryan then looked downfield for Dana. She spotted her. Dana made a fake move then pushed off Alice and sprinted to the end zone. Taylor threw a tight spiral and hit Dana, never breaking stride all the way to the end zone.

URGE TO MERGE had a brief celebration dance in the end zone.

Six to nuthin. Tina said as she tossed the ball to Bette then strutted back to her team.

Ok. Losing is not an option for me Ryan. We are kickin their *****. Bette said.

Were not gonna lose! Ryan assured her.

Bette and Alice go long. Im gonna hand off to Ryan. And shell take it all the way.

Ryan got down in position and Taylor moved up behind her. You been workin on that ***** lately Ryan? Taylor said as she winked at Shane. Making Shane growl and glare at her.

Youre goin down man! Shane pointed at Taylor.

Taylor smiled and winked again then licked her fingers and set her hands under Ryan.

Red 29, Blue 42, Blue 43, Hut.

Bette took off down field as Tina was close behind. Alice and Dana fought all the way down field. There was no chance of Alice breaking away. Dana was too quick. Shane came after Taylor, who still had the ball. Taylor made a quick toss to Ryan. Ryan took off down field with Shane close behind.

You better run faster if you plan on catching me. Ryan yelled out to Shane who was gaining ground.

The comment irritated Shane and she ran faster after Ryan. Shane eventually caught up to Ryan and slapped both hands on her butt. The momentum carried them both to the ground where Shane landed on top of Ryan.

You are always falling on me. Ryan laughed and looked up into Shanes eyes.

I will be forever falling for you. Shane looked back down into Ryans eyes.
Shane then pulled Ryan into a sweet kiss.

Geez guys. Get a room! Alice yelled out at them from down field.

Shane then helped Ryan up and then whispered in her ear, Finish this later?

Yes. Please. Ryan whispered back to Shane then patted her on the butt and ran back to her team.

Weve got about ten yards to go. Lets take it in this time girls. Bette Im going to fake to you and Alice you just try to get free. You know what to do Ryan??

YEP!

Down, set, hut, hut.

Bette took the fake and Alice ran to the end zone fighting off Dana. Taylor dropped back to pass. She faked a throw to Bette then flipped the ball to Ryan. Ryan dodged Shane. Taylor took off to the end zone and Ryan made a quick pass and hit Taylor for the score.

SHE- ATE-ME did a brief chicken dance in the end zone for a celebration.

Six to six. Bette said as she tossed the ball to Tina then stuck her tongue out at her.

After playing another hour the final score was SHE ATE ME 18 and URGE TO MERGE 12.

Hey guys. If you arent to busy tonight, how bout yall coming over to my house for a cook out? Ryan asked.

Everyone agreed to meet at Ryans in a couple of hours after going home to shower and
change clothes.


************************************************************************


Ryan, Taylor, and Shane made a quick stop at the store before going home.

Its really cool Baby, having everyone over. Shane said to Ryan.

Its nice to have some new friends. Ryan answered back.

Well, Im glad I can share them with you. Shane said as she kissed Ryan on the cheek.

Me too, Baby. As Ryan leaned into Shane.

Ryan put on Pat Green on the stereo to help set the mood. She dumped the Shiner bock and Miller Lite into the ice chest and started to mix up the margaritas. Taylor began to marinade the hamburger meat and work on her famous salsa. Shane just sat on the barstool sipping her beer and watching Ryan and Taylor in awe as they prepared for the evening.

I love this song. Tay, lets show Shane how to two step. Ryan said.

How to what?? Shane asked curiously.

Just watch us. Ryan and Taylor began to two step to Pat Greens Whiskey.

And I don’t know why you had to leave me, All I really know is that you are gone, long gone, And everywhere I go I just feel lonely, You’re the only life I’ve ever known, And I guess you heard the highway calling, Because you packed up your things and headed for the coast, I had to fight the urge to follow, I guess some time away from me is all you’ve ever really needed most

And tonight you know this whole damn town is empty
And I don’t think I can take it anymore
So I’ll sit here with my whiskey
Drink it till I just can’t drink no more

Ryan and Taylor both sang as the danced around the kitchen and living room.

They finished the end of the song in unison, Yeah Ill put away my whiskey, guess I just dont need it anymore, yeah Ill put away my whiskey, guess I just dont need it anymore.

Whoa. You guys are good. I would need a lot of whiskey to dance like that. Shane laughed as she sat her beer down.

You wanna try it? Ryan asked.

No. I met my quota for learning new tricks by playing butt football today. Shane laughed as she kissed Ryan. Shane finished her beer and fixed herself a margarita.

Shane came up behind Ryan and hugged her. How about a slow dance later tonight? Just you and me? Shane whispered in her ear.

Ryan accepted her offer with a kiss to her hand.

Bette, Tina, Alice and Dana finally made it over. Ryan gave them a tour of her house.

You play guitar? Alice asked as she looked at Ryans Fender.

Sometimes. Ryan answered bashfully.

All the time. Shes been learning a new song. Taylor corrected.

Cool. I play too. Alice said.

You should play for us. Alice asked.

Oh. No, I dont think so. I just play usually for my dogs and no one else. Ryan said.

Come on. It will be fun. You should totally play. We wont make fun of you. Alice tried to make her feel comfortable.

Maybe sometime. Lets eat. Ryan said and changed the subject as she led everyone outside.

Ryan had the ambience going as she always did. She had the pit fire, tiki torches, candles, music, and fountain going. The weather was wonderful and the stars were out.

After dinner they sat around and visited, enjoying the margaritas and music.

Ok. Ryans going to play us a song. Alice informed everyone.

Alice, no, I cant. Dont make me. Ryan begged.

Please Baby. Do it for me? I played football, so you can play one song. Shane flashed a grin and made puppy dog eyes.

Oh…Ok. Ryan said reluctantly.

Ive been learning a new song. Ill play it. Ryan said as she grabbed her guitar.

Ryan began to sing and play True. Nobody recognized the song but Shane. She immediately knew it was “their song”. She stood back in silence as she watched Ryan play and sing.

Ive waited all my life to cross this line to the only thing thats true. So I will not hide, its time to try anything to be with you. All my life Ive waited this is true.

Everyone was feeling a bit romantic this evening. Bette stood up and pulled Tina next to her and they started to dance. Next, Alice pulled Dana up to dance. Ryan smiled as she looked at the happy couples. She was so glad they were enjoying her song.

Ryan looked at Shane standing off in a corner. Shane was lost looking back at her. Ryan thought she saw tears in Shanes eyes. She continued to play and not taking her eyes off Shane until she was done.

That was amazing. Everyone clapped and thanked her. It made Ryan feel good to know they appreciated it.

After everyone left, Shane helped Ryan clean up.

This was a lot of fun tonight. Shane said.

I think it went well. Ryan answered back.

How about that dance now? Shane said as she led Ryan to the living room.

Shane had already learned how to work all Ryan’s stereo equipment. She had the CD already set up. Shane pushed play then repeat and stuck the remote in her back pocket. “Their song”, True, started to play as they shared a slow dance in the candlelit room to end their day.