Heather smiled at the plate and gave the Tender a big tip. Then Ben and Lu-Ti came in and everyone exploded. Heather just clapped she really wasn't in the partying mood; her hip was sore. She promised the dragons she would be here for an interview, and she was here. Yes, she was happy they won but her injury was taking its toll on her, she would stay as long as it was required and then head home to a hot bath and Epsom salts.

 Heather said to Adam as he left," Thank you Adam if I need anything I will let you know and yeah we might have to do that, hip getting sore hope we can get this over with fast."

  He stopped  and  looked back,Ypou talked to a reporter... local news  folks got you coming in from the parking, You can leave when you need to...Coach is  at that table way across the way with his  wife, you can even talk to him about it...but he won't fault you for leaving.

 Heather's eyes looked wider, she replied, " Oh I thought they had a special interview planned, thank you for letting me know Adam." Heather actually felt better knowing she could leave at any time, she decided after readjusting her hip she would stay a little longer to be seen by more people supporting the team.

Ben went up front, leading Lu-Ti by the hand. Then the music started and he began to dance... somewhere back in his mind was the old line about it not being important how well the bear danced, the thing was that the bear actually did dance!

He stomped, then, perhaps with more enthusiasm than style, smiling and waving. As others joined he began to lead them around the room conga-style, timing things so that at the climax he was level with Heather's table. Drat! He should have brought a ball or something.

Never mind, he dropped to his three-point stance, then smiled up at Heather.

"This Stomp is for you."

 Heather watched and clapped she didnt stomp, when Ben came to her at the end she smiled and just said," Go Dragons" Heather smiled but everyone could tell that she was not enjoying herself.

 The party continued, after an hour or  so, Adam and a Dragonette who  were dancing  came over,,The dragonette  gave  heather a  comforting touch on the shoulder before  moving on to  see other people.

 So, How you Holding Up? You want to go?   You want someone to drive?

 Heather tried to enjoy herself and be there for her teammates.  Heather tried to smile when Adam came up to her later and she replied," I think it is time for me to go home and really rest this hip. Yes, Adam I think getting a ride would be best my hip is stiff and sore." Heather left a big tip for the bar keep and then slowly got up using Adam to carefully get off the stool and try to walk as good as she could.

   Adam saw  Kane, and Tossed him his car  keys....hey!, Big Guy, follow me   to heathers townhouse, and you can bring me back..

 Kane   apologized to some ladies   he was talking to, and told  them , he would return..

  as they  went out to heather's Car, Kane said..I think they may be into me!

 Adam   grinned,yeah? well, this  will be a good test. If they are into you, they will be here  , waiting  for you, when we get back..if they moved on, then you know they just wanted a Dragon...

 The Big Man frowned,..i don't know if  I want to find out!   The door man helped them get through the  crowd, and Into heather's  car, Kane  squeezed into  Adam's car...

 and they headed to   the Townhouses.

 Heather followed Kane and Adma, she smiled and waved to fans as she limped to her car, she gave Adam her keys. " Thank you, guys, for this." Heather got into her car and then headed to the condos with Adam driving.

\---->>>>> To Townhouses/condos.

<<<<<<<<<< from Townhouses

 As   Adam and Kane  walked in they signed some more   autographs and  took more selfies , when they went  down the Hall they checked out the New Pics on the  'wall of fame'

 Kane  said,Bronk, Dude? why don't you get a bigger car, man?

 Tell you what?  we win the superbowl, I'll get a bigger   car..  he grins.

........

 The party was at its  peak, there might be  an Hour left before players  had to head back for  curfew. That was another  benefit  to living in the gated  Team community.. it wasn't hard for 'bed check'

Ben asked Lu-Ti if she would like to dance, knowing the likely answer...

  Cindy's car pulled up, she had a  Dragon green Blouse on and  jeans with white sneakers.  As they  got out they sw two lines  of people on either  side of the  Red Carpet..  Two Amota Security  guards  Flanked  a  fellow standing behind a lector.

  now remember? don't get  worried... Most of these guys  are rgeat guys, and you have  seen  some of them when you did my  sound checks...only difference is>  after  tonight you'll be  in front of the camera!

 they walked  down the   carpet,a  few people called out to  Cindy, she  signed  some    papers  and  let some guys get selfies..she  Introduced  Linsey..some folks waved at her,

  Entering the  Building , the thump  of   bass  and the sound of   vocals, drifted up  a Hall way..on the Brick walls of the hallway where Pictures  of  Dragos. well most of them..The  First  Picture  was a  #19  Letting a Pass Got, to a  #91 standing  2  feet inside the endzone, with  no one around him

 That's Yuto  and Adam  playing for  Melon State, beating  Coach Sims's Delaware team for the DIII  title.

 she rattled off  names like  Payne, making tackles...Emma , making a pick.. Worth  picking a Pass.. Smokey's first TD as a receiver,.. heather's  record 'freekick' FG Ben rising in the air to snag a ball as he was hit High and Low.

 They add a couple  pictures  each week

 pointing to  the door on the right she said,That's the eating area, one of the best places in town.... that Picture  of that Little Girl in the Dragon Suit... that's 'Lissy Dragon'.. the team sorta  adopted her and her Dad when we had the Halloween fundraiser  for AMota med Kid's  hospital... she  got better, and now she gets to be the little dragon at home game... she is also in charge of  running and  getting the kicking tee,

 Walking through the entrance of the club section, some players  waved, some of the players  checked out Lindsey..

 Here we are... you'll be back here  Thursday Night  for the  'pep rally'..the team flies to  Tennessee  Friday morning. That might be our  last 'away Game'... we have two home games, and so far, we are  in#1 spot  for homefield for the playoffs..and the Superbowl is  in Miami..so we won't have to go far..

 That's Ben and Lu-Ti dancing.... bronk is talkign to Mik at the Bar...Duke is with his wife  at  Coach Sims's  table with his wife... the rest of the Guys..you should know from runnign the  highlights  and  things..... Ben is    'The All American Boy'...Bronk... should  have been a commando or seal, he plays  football like he's one.. he takes care of his teammate... Payne is a  'brother  ' to him..two tough New York guys..  Duke will  talk to you about anyhting you want, except his family, that's off limits.

Lindsey kept pace with Cindy as they entered the building, smiling and waving at people even though she didn't know them. Cindy knew the team so well. Not just who the players were but also all the people around the team, including their personal stories. It was the kind of familiarity she would need to get, but she also knew there would be an adjustment period. Folks would have to get get used to her being around all the time and every where. And she intended full well to be around all the time and everywhere.

It was a good thing Cindy told her this was a casual party. She was all set with a party dress and heels. That would have been a minor disaster. Casual was more her style anyway. Snug faded jeans, pink sneakers and a pink floral lace-up blouse were much more comfortable. She almost wished she'd have thought to wear green, but she and Cindy didn't need to look like they were in uniform.

As they walked through, Lindsey made sure to remember everything Cindy was explaining about pictures and kept mental notes putting faces with names. It was a lot to take in, but this was her opportunity and her life for the foreseeable future. Lissy Dragon was way too cute. She would have to go back and see what articles were already written about here. That story would draw a lot of interest from wives and others in the orbit of diehard football fans but maybe not fans themselves.

When they entered the club, Lindsey waved back to those that waved and smiled at the players who eyed her. Having players attracted to her was a good thing, but sending the wrong signals or leading them on was not. There was a fine line between flirting and keeping that healthy boundary, and she walked right down it with style.

"So how does this work?" She turned to Cindy as Cindy pointed out who everyone was. "I recognize many of the faces and I know most of the names. Should I mingle and introduce myself or are we going to go around together? Personally I like the idea of being introduced. It's a better ice breaker."

 Cindy smiled  as  she Pointed to Yuto up on the stage,Tuto like to  be the M Cee....he like putting players on the spot too... Adam gets the brunt, since they are like brothers.... come, follow me..

 she Moved through the  Floor.. Smokey was standing there talking to   , two lady football fans...he had  a seashell necklace, and shades, and a  surfer  shirt, with  khaki shorts and sandals.. Cindy waved to Smokey.. he grinned back in his bashful way.

 Going  up the step to the Stage...  Cidny talked to   Yuto  who she then introduced to Lindsey..I am..Very sad, to see you go..but very happy, yoiu make big leap, yes?... And  Miss Lindsey..you...become part of  family as you learn and write about us... yes?

 Yuto gave Cindy the Mic, and the Music stopped.Hey, Guys... look... I know..'reporter'  right? there was laughter and Murmurs.

 ..I  am here to say... that I will be in jacksonvillie ESPN   studios, by this  time tomorrow.... it is a step up and pay and prestige ..but it  many steps  down, from being with you guys.....

laughter stopped  as people listened..

  My assistant , Lindsey and I were here from the start... we covered   The Amota's fight to get the franchise.. we celebrated with teh city when it was done, and we made , the most ofThe  jobs , businesses  and  help the Amotas have made to Jacksonville, making it  now..New Jacksonville....  she  shouted with her hand in the   air NEW JACK CITY!  and  people  cheered...

 I'll always be a part of this team in my heart.... i have seen players come into this team, that wouldn't have  gotten past the security gates, anywhere else..and i have seen some Big names shown the door...Keep Playiogn Dragon Ball..Keep Making Jackie   Fly!... and I hope i get invited to the superbowl party!

 lots of cheers.

  Then she motioned for Lindsey...Here is the new Beat  reporter  for the  Jacksonville  dragons..Lindsey Fawn Garrat.... Cindy gives her the mic.

Lindsey smiled and waved at the crowd, accepting the microphone. "Wow. Thank you Cindy." She turned to the crowd.
"I asked Cindy to help me break the ice. I was expecting to walk around the room for some introductions, but Cindy does everything big. That's probably why she has the opportunity ahead of her."

"I know you guys love Cindy. It's obvious, which is great. I am so so proud of her, and I am honored for the opportunity to take up the fabulous work she has done, and what still can be done for the New Jack City and for this amazing team with all you special and talented people."

"I've actually been around in the background for a little while, but you don't know me. I was in a room at the other end of a microphone. I'll be coming to meet each of you personally. And I really look forward to getting to know you the way Cindy did. I want to hear your stories, your thoughts, and - absolutely - your victory speeches. I want you to know I am honored to take this role and be part of this very special phenomenon that is the Jacksonville Dragons."

Thank you. Talk to you soon."

Lindsey stepped over to Yuto and offered him back the mic then turned back to Cindy, almost laughing.

"Okaay, well the ice is definitely broken. Thanks." She looked across the room. "I guess it's time to mingle. I should probably start with Yuto."

Lindsey turns back to Yuto. "Hi Yuto. I'm Lindsey Garret." She extended her hand. "A pleasure to meet you."

  Yuto  smiled  Boradly, bobbing his head  in a slight bow.Ahhh Yes...Miss  Garraet..I think you will fine  many things  to  write  or speak about? The  Franchise is  just a piece of my Father's  Empire...  we have  holding in  San Diego, seattle  and New York,  We own, many things in Japan... But now we are here. Improving things as best we are able, while, of course, making money... Father is  no concerned  of  'how much profit'..makign profit is good...helping   your people , is better.

....

 Cindy went off to say 'special good-byes' to some players and staff..

 Mik called  for Payne  to  sing..Payne  Grabbed    Adam  and  dragged him to the front of the stage, with alot of  folks laughing,

  Adam and Payne looked at the screen ..  The Two  started to sing...never mind they didn't have  great Voices,  they sang  from the    heart..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kxf2dHlDpQ

 Payne looked at the crowd.. Pointing to  Players  as he  sang," you can be the greatest, You can be the best...you can be king kong bangin' on your chest.." he hit his own chest a couple times.

 Adam Pointed to Duke " you can be the Master, don't wait for luck..."

 they Both sang "..deidicate yourself  and you find yourself , standin' in the hall of fame.."

 Payne sang..." you can be a hero  you can get the Gold" pointing at Smokey

Adam pointed  at Ben , that caused  LU-TI  to giggle and Hug Ben."..Breaking all the records they thought never could get broke.."

some of the  other players  Joined  in " do it for your People , do it for your pride..."

Emma  sang  louder " how are you gonna know, if you never even try.."

 the  song ended with  alot of people, even the fans   belting out  "  standing  in the Hall of  fame.."

at the end. People  screamed  and cheered.. Rayne   and  Adam  gave   yeah other a 'bro hug'  and  Payne 'dropped the mic" as they went   back  to the crowd // Payne  wife   hugged him as she was laughing and wiping her eyes.

Ben went bright pink as he was mentioned. He smiled down at Lu-Ti, his cheeks still flaming.

"I just... well, play," he said.

"The rest just sort of happens..."

"Your family sounds like a great story too" Lindsey replied. She paused as the players broke out in song, not wanting to try and talk while they were having that moment. Once they finished she turned back to Yuto. "I look forward to talking with yo about all this when it's not a party."

With a flash of a smile, she went out into the party. Coach Sims seemed like the next person she should go see. He was seated at a table across the room. Lindsey weaved through the other party goers towards him.

 Tucked  away in the corner  near the  far corner of the Bar, was a  Table  with  Coach Sims  and his wife, With Duke  and His wife.

 At Lindsey's approach, both Men stood.  Coach Sims  smiled, offered His  hand..I saw  Cindy's intro... I'm Bart Sims. This  is  my lovely  and Long suffering Wife,Mica... He Gives a Node to Duke.

 I'm Fred  Fillings, everyone calls me  Duke..This is My wife Holly

 a Dragonette and Santos were singing   an old  song  called  'wild wild  west' in the backround.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr.Sims," Lindsey leaned in to shake his hand. "And you Mrs.Sims."

She turned to Duke. "Duke, you must know I'm such a fan. And Holly, how did Duke get so lucky?"

"I'm very excited." her head danced a bit as she cast her eyes up. "Maybe even a little overwhelmed by all of it. I love football and I love the Dragons. I'm so looking forward to what's coming. But I have to warn you, I'm very curious, so expect me to be around a lot and with a lot of questions."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Fri 08 Apr 2022.

  The women smiled, Mica   waved to a chair, and  Sims  grab it to pull it over.do you want to sit? we're just having drinks now ?

 Duke  chuckled,I didn't know  i had many fans  , until  I came here.. Been  the  2nd or 3  QB, for , My whole career.. everytime i had a break to start, the  coach would get fired, and the New  guy would let me  finish out the  season, then I'd get trader or  cut

 Holly   smiles  and gives his arm a pat,the way  Coach  runs the  Dragons,  Duke plays  a little more the a Half, and already  was more touchdown this season , then he threw his whole career.. I won't even go into the yards!

 Duke   gave a   head shake to go with his grin,Not hard to  do  when you get  to throw almost every play, and you got the guys i have to throw to..heck..Steele throws  the   3rd  quarter, and Bronk  mops up the  4th as  the 'wildcat' QB...they  have more TD passes then some starters in the league

 Sims   gibes a  satisfied, thin lipped smile...He's right. to a point... But the guys  will follow   Duke  anywhere... we had a couple folks in here  at camp, and had a couple Lady QBs.. they didn't do badly. one got hurt, they other walked away, and i had to cut the last one... But...one this  team, everyone knows  that everyone plays, every game, so they have to be ready when its their   turn to step up.

 You Missed the Dragon  Stomp.... you'll see it   Thursday night , for the pep rally party.

Lindsey accepted his chair with a polite thank you.

"When you get on the field and you make plays over and over, you get fans. That's how it goes. People love the winners. They love underdogs too. The Dragons are both. Even though you're winning, fans see you as beleaguered. You're doing great, Duke. And Coach, there's a lot of buzz about you too. But you probably know that. There's always buzz about winning coaches."

Lindsey looked around. "Where are the drinks around here?"

Sims  raised his  hand, and  a waitress   hustled over. Get Ms Garrat whatever  she wants on  me...its her 'welcome  to the dragons ' party  as well..

 the waitress smiled, too the order  and Hustled off..

   Sims pointed  to the  bar, and the  people around, some fans Mingled  with Players, Most fans  were happy just to be part of the scene.This stuff..here?  Sure there are players   who pass up  these parties  and hit other places... but?  Yuto has a Fine  club, some of the best  Cooks...heck, he even bough recipes  from  down In  Bronk's neighborhood, when we were there for Thanksgiving.... some little  restraint that had  some Hungarian foods, and he  bought the  recipe  off  the   LAdy who owned the little place, and  is working making franchises, in which her  and her son  and partners, get  a cut..

 there's a lottery , of sorts.. those fans waiting to get in? some  don't ever  get in  some get in  and most of the players  are gone, but? this is  a close as most fans get to hang with thier players, without shellign out   100's of  dollars.. or being  VIPs... Yuto didn't want that, Mr Amota didn't want that.... The Jags fabs  sufferred for decades.... Payne and Worth, Miles and Sloan..they were here  for years, never complainhed, never asked to be traded..all of them should have been All Pro..but   1-15..or 0-16 doesn't land too many people  on  the all star teams...they are Hungry, they tasting  the blood in the water,  and not  only are they delivering for the Fans...but  they get the feelign  of success wash over them, for the first time in the Pro Careers...

 The Waitress came back with drinks  for the table, asked  if there was anything   else and would go..

  Duke took a sip of his beer... pointed at Sims and  said,what he said...

  Cindy came over  to  Adam...well, Mr Bronk... I guess i'l only get to talk to you   when   the Network set thigs up...

 yeah? well.. you did  good.. you had to hanlde tons of   questions  about   the Ladies  we brought in..and  scrubs like me... he  grins,  she grabs  two beers. from a passing try...

 Good Bye toast?

 he hands the Beer to a fan behand him and waves  for a soda, the waitress hustles  one over from the bar.

 Really?.. you can't have one  beer...

 Nope?I mean..I  drink some stuff sometimes..but   the more i limit it, the easier it is not to drink it...

 she  shrugged, Clicked Mugs,To a Dragon  holiday season!...

  he smiled,..to  'local girl makes good"  she giggled and they drank...

 well..I have rounds to make..Good Luck, Bomb... and she went off to talk to Mik and White.

Lindsey sipped her drink. "So Yuto actually owns this place? Nice. How often does the team congregate here? Is this a regular thing or is it just for these special occasions? Apparently I didn't get out of the booth enough."

She looked across at Sims wife. "So, Mrs.Sims. how did you two meet?"