AidenThe story of Jordan’s childhood pops into my head at odd times. I think of my sisters and my mom, wondering if they’ve faced inequality. What if Candice wanted to play baseball and not softball? Steph chose a career that wasn’t as accepting of women. She never complained. Hell, Jordan never complains. She takes shit from the media, the players, and hell, other women.Mike Goodwyn came back at Jordan on his next show with a lineup of women, including a psychologist, who all agreed that Jordan shouldn’t be playing pro football. One of them even quoted the Bible. Something about women remaining silent. My eye roll was so exaggerated my eyes should have stuck to the back of my skull when that aired.Kelson Miller’s trade to another team was announced Tuesday. His locker was cleared by the time we came in from practice. I heard grumbling from some players but for the most part, Kelson won’t be missed. Fergus moved into the second-string quarterback position. He looked good in preseas

AidenMeeting Jordan’s father went better than expected. We began talking football when Jordan left for the ladies’ room and he came around quickly. Reg is another story. His mouth stayed in a firm line through most of dinner. The only person who had any luck lightening his demeanor was Laura. Now there’s a scary woman. She had no trouble batting her eyelashes in my direction and making me uncomfortable.I drove everyone to the hotel after dinner. The short kiss with Jordan wasn’t nearly enough but her father was watching. “Big game tomorrow, don’t stay up too late,” I whispered in her ear before shaking her dad’s hand. Reg and Laura are staying a few rooms down and will come over to Jordan’s room after they’re settled. I’m heading to my place for beauty sleep before the game. I’m affected by first game jitters as much as I was three years ago and I hope the feeling never leaves.I’m in my apartment ten minutes after leaving the hotel. I shoot off a text to Jordan as soon as I’m leani

AidenI’M BEAT UP but adrenaline is keeping me hyped. I give a single clap and we break huddle. We’ve done this next play a million times and it’s usually good for a few yards. I fake a handoff, drop back, and lift my arm. A Scorpion hits me from behind and the ball flies away. Luckily, a Pronghorn picks it up and scrambles for those few yards we needed so desperately. I pick myself up from the field and feel a twinge in my hip.No time to think about it.We make steady gain and I glance at the clock. Six minutes, forty-four seconds. We need a touchdown here or we don’t have a shot at winning this game. My teeth clench against my mouthpiece as we line up on the line of scrimmage. I need Randy Byer to catch this pass. He runs full tilt to the end zone and this time when my arm goes back, my offensive line does its job, and no one gets near me.Randy has two defensive players in the mix. His hands go up as do four others. One player tips the ball and Randy reaches back farther than shou

AidenThe weeks roll by and the wear and tear on my body makes me down ibuprofen in order to function. Two losses followed our win against the Scorpions. I had two interceptions in the last game, was sacked twice, and Jordan missed a field goal. I’ve been here before and it’s a shitty feeling. Our team should be better than this.Jordan practically lives at my place and I’m getting tired of sneaking her in and out. I’m sick of the whole thing as far as hiding our relationship. The only time we see each other is late at night when we’re both tired. Rick Dove has Jordan making special appearances and signing autographs around the city. He’s riding high representing football’s first female kicker even if we’ve lost two straight.Tomorrow is Saturday and we fly out in the morning for a game in Pittsburgh on Sunday. I’m resting on the couch with ice on my wrist, which was tweaked during one of the two sacks I suffered last week. Jordan walks in. She finally picked out a car to buy and had

AidenThe only reason I’m standing upright is adrenaline. Everything will hurt when it drops, but right now I’m riding the winning high that hasn’t stopped since the final game whistle blew. The mood on our midnight flight out of Pittsburgh is much different than our arrival.Winning cures all evil.We’re on a private chartered plane. I’ve decided if the entire team knows Jordan and I are a couple there’s no reason to hide it any longer. I grab her hand and pull her to the back with me.“What are you doing?” she hisses.“Having you sit by me. Come on.” I sit down and move over, tugging her down beside me. I don’t stop there and once she’s seated, I pull her into my arms and kiss her sweet pouty lips.“Aiden,” she whispers into my mouth.“They don’t care,” he says and deepens the kiss.“Hey, lovebirds,” Lane hollers so everyone hears. “Apparently your romantic spin on the sideline is a trending topic on social media. Twitter and Facebook are going crazy.”Aiden laughs. “Next thing you