"You're right. This I shouldn't have said it like that. This is the most fun I've had in a a long time."

Lindsey waited for Adam to finish his call. She really hoped he wasn't going to get in trouble for being out so late. But he was a big boy, and she wasn't going to disrespect him by assuming he had no say in how things went.

"5AM?" She groaned and then followed it with a chuckle. "Why bother sleeping at this point? You keep driving; I'll just point the way. Head back towards the studio, but we'll be going south on Douglas. I'll point from there." She held Adam's hand, giving it a tender squeeze.

As they pulled out onto the main road, Lindsey turned up the music a little, singing along when she knew the words, just shoulder dancing when she didn't. After a few minutes, she turned it back down, gazing out the window at the shops they passed, some dark, some lit up brightly even though they were closed.

"I've lived here all my life, but tonight, I feel like I'm someplace completely new." She squeezed his hand again. "I'm very excited about the future." She looked over at him. "And I'm glad you're in it." She pointed ahead. "Turn left up there at the light."

 he followed the directions , smiled at the hand   squeeze..well?  Don't be too glad, just  yet... you're gonna have   reporters, phone calls and people on the street  asking you about us, getting off topic when  you try to take about the dragons.... The  Team guys  will vary, only a few Liked   Lana.... more of them Liked  linda, but still saw  her as 'the actor'... You'll win them over..Just   be you.

  Adam's  phone   played the  a bit of ' Beethoven's 5th'... Adams hand   reached out and tapped in..Hey  Coach Fry!...shouldn't you be sleeping!

 Dammit  Bomb!.. You checked in and still missed Bed Check!...where are you now!

 I'm driving   to  My  friends house and....

 Dammit.... dammit!... Look.. Steele Missed bed Check too!...and he didn't check in..now  where the  hell are you going, and Goddammit  don't lie to me!

 Coach?  You  hurt my feelings... OK  Look.. I'm Driving Lindsey home..and , I'm gonna sleep there, and drive straight to the complex...

 WTF!..she can't get a  cab...where the  hell where you that she needed....

 Coach Fry..look... Lindsey and  I are...hell?  what  do they call it?... Togehter.. a  Couple?.. going steady... I lost my Frat pin so  I can't  pin her?

 there was a  bit of   quiet, Adam Looked at the Phone, then to   Lindsey, then back to the road.he shrugged.

 Ok ok.. i'll see what i can do about this, make damn sure you'er not late and...

 Coach?.... Look... This isn't a mistake.. This was a great night.. you know  i'll be there, you know i'll put in the work...The night was just too short

 took me  10 minutes for Mike to tell me  you weren't coming home....

 yeah..I told him to report it..Look? Coach? nothing bad has  happened.. some stuff  is going to happen that  will be..um..less-then-Convienant ...,If this  happened Sunday Night, no one knows a damn thing.. Just  let the fire  Burn Coach, and it will burn itself out... you try to hush anything up...it will make it look worse...

 I Still can't find Steele.. I mean? he's  not in jail? we have people looking for that crap....but..dammit..he didn't  even check in...

 Any other time , Coach.. I'd  give him a call myself... he wouldn't answer, but i would... This  is  me and Lindsey's  night..er..Morning..whatever... we're almost at her place...

 ..You know Coach isn't gonna be happy about this....You missing   bed check...Steele?

 when you tell Coach?  Tell him, whatever he wants to do, I'm ok with it...  My record should speak for itself..and the best way to deal with it..is quick

 OK..'Coach Bronk'...Couldn't you have  just gone out  for icecream or Pizza?

 there was a chuckle,we  sorta did?

  Fry's  voice softened...Alright.. see you tomo..er... later....

  Adam  sheepishly  Grins...and it begins... where to now...

"See that second light way up there?" Lindsey indicated with her free hand. "The second right after that is us. It's a wide street with a turn lane but it comes up faster than..." She was cut short by Adam's phone. With literally everyone expecting him to be in bed, it probably wasn't a good sign. Adam put it on speaker.

Coach Fry. Uh-oh. Lindsey bit her lower lip, squeezing Adam's hand. They had a curfew, check in and a bed check? Wow. It made sense in a way when she considered that these men were getting paid a lot of money to always be ready and in peak condition. Still, it was a bit draconian. When Adam admitted where he was, she went from just and anxious lip bite to full on cat-ate-the-canary grin. It wasn't funny. Adam might be in real trouble, but she couldn't help but be amused by it.

Steele missed his bed check and had had no contact? Uh-oh. Lindsey quickly pulled her phone from her purse and send a text to Cindy.
'Steele missed bed chk. Fry looking for him. Where r u???'
Right after she hit send, her hands flew to cover her gasp, dropping her phone. Her eyes widened as she held her breath. Did he just say that. Yes, he said it five different ways. They were together. There was silence. Still holding her breath, she grabbed Adam's hand, interlacing her fingers with his. Bomb puns played in her head as Fry promised to help in some way. Adam went on, making the case for them being together. Even to her it sounded impulsive and reckless. It was impulsive. It was reckless. Beyond that, it was crazy, but it was so sweet and romantic, and it was quintessential Adam Bronk. In his mind it was right, so it was right and he wasn't going to shy away from it. AS much of a really bad idea this all was, he convinced her too, and she couldn't help but smile like a kid on Christmas morning.

The songs of delight played in Lindsey's mind for the rest of the conversation. Steele came up again. Adam accepted full responsibility. It was the kind of nobility that made every girl's heart melt, and the kind that never ended well on Game of Thrones. But whatever will come will come. At least the conversation ended on a light note.

Adam made the correct turn as he hung up the phone. When he looked over, she was beaming at him.

"You're nuts Mr. Bomb." She shook her head. "But you already told me that. First building on the left. You can take my spot, It's marked 201. We won't be here long enough for the security to catch it." She pointed up at the second landing. "We're going up there."

>>>>>>>>> To Lindsey's Apartment.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Wed 20 Apr 2022.

(( thursday, before   the  titan's Game...pep rally))

 Bob  made it to the  Risining Son,  he had  his shoulder bag with two  handheld cams, batteries, figuring it  would be more then enough for the party.

 the  fans were lined up, at least  20 Yards   from the main door, and 4 or  5  people deep. every 10 minutes or so the   fellow behind the lectern  would call out a Number  and  someone  would wave a hand , and be permitted into the   Club with one  guest.

 As  Bob entered  he loked at the 'wall of  fame'. two workers  were Putting  up a  Pic, abit higher on the wall  of  'Adam's Catch' it had been printed out, no doiubt to be replaced  by a  processed  Photo Later.. Bob smiled at the   Fick, the ball just on the  man's hands  as the was straight out... He took that  pic..his name  would be  under the pic as the photog...Then he went into the dinerr,  the Music  was  subled  as he was  about to stp into the eatign area.. some folks were dancing and drinking in the club part...

...............

 Outside  a car Pulled up, the driver got pout  and Opened the door  For Rock... people looked down the Green Carpet. Buzzing on  'who was that'..the few  folks who  thought then knew  him buzzed and others  began to  Buzz   as the driver    waved with an arm for him to proceed,,,Just call the Number on your Cell when you need picked up, Mr Woodson..

.............

 around the perimeter of the Club were spaces  for players to park...  Security  was very mindful of that, and chased n those away who tried to 'sneak a spot'

Rock nodded at the instructions before thanking the driver. ”Thank you, Benjamin, I’ll be in touch later. “

He turned to look at the green carpet, happy he’d chosen a matching shirt. The defensive back hadn’t been given much instruction on attire, but it didn’t seem like tux and bow tie were in order. Instead he’d chosen black slacks, a green button-down shirt that was a very close match for the carpet, and a black sport coat. Well-polished black shoes completed the ensemble. For the time being, he avoided flashy jewelry - that might come later. Rock straightened his cuffs and buttoned his sport coat before confidently striding down the carpet.

Rock flashed a bright smile to a few folks that seemed to be buzzing, though decided to keep some mystery intact by purposefully making his way to the door, giving his name, and then entering the grand edifice. He paused a bit to appreciate the decor as both the weapons and memorabilia were of interest to him. After taking stock of the interior, Rock looked around for people. He didn’t have any friends here, though he’d seen some guys from the other side of the LoS on a few occasions early in the CFL season. And there was also Coach Manning. Not that he wouldn’t recognize others, but he hadn’t spoken with anyone else.

   as  Rock walled  down the   Hall with the Pics  on the 'wall of  fame'  he would  not the dining area's  entrance on his  right, there was a Cartoon  'Jackie the Dragon holding up a knight , about to eat him, in her tummy were 13 other knights, with logos of  teams they defeated. another  10 yards down the hall was the opening to the Club.

  the   North wall  looked  odd to him, it might have  been the  Dim Lights in the   club, a bar was   to his left.. booths   lined the  perimeters, and a few 'stand up tables , just out from them, leaving a large area  for   the  people to Dance.

  A waitress saw  him and Scurried off. , Coach  Maning  , an older black fellow , who still looked in good shape followed  her back to Greet Rock.

 Hye..You Made it.... Come with me, Coach Is   at a Both with  His  wife  and  The  Fillings couple.. Yuto is in the office  he'll be out in a Moment

 Manning lad him over to the  Table.   Duke and Sims  Both stood  up to Shake his had  as  Manning introduced him.

 Duke said,Fred Fillings, they call me  Duke.... Nice to meet you....

Coach  smiles   smile  a bit, Bart Sims.. This is  my  wife Mica...This is  Duke's Wife, Holly.. Dule? Maybe Holly would Like a dance?

 Duke   Chuckled,Sure Coach...  Let's Go Holly.. see ya   in a bit...

 Mica   smiled,I will see if Coach Fry would like a dance...

 The waitress  appeared  with Yuto  who had   some papers he  handed to Sims...

Have a Seat Rock....  he  looked through theb papers.. manning   smiled  as  The coach looked through...the numbers and CFL stats.

 depending on when you started.. You would have played against Bronk once, and  Mik twice..they played  for the Ti_-cats  ..bronk go there late after   a season  on my Japan team...

 Cal is  my DC...he runs the show on defense, with  some input from me once  in a while..other then that, he makes the calls...He'll be here a bit later... Now. I will lay this out for you straight..right? I don't  lie to folks  i'm trying to recruit..i didn't do it  in college, I won't do it here..

 people have been watching our scouts... we have even send  scouts  to places we have no interest in, Just to  cause  my enemies  expense  and waste time tryig to figure out , want the 9 hells we are doing...

 BUT...sometimes they guess  right ...  The Chargers   and  the Vikings   have interest in you...if i don't miss my guess, they are  trying to track you down as we speak... If I'd lose you to the  Chargers, I would not be upset..they have  supported the Amota's entry into the NFL from Day one.... The Vikings are another  story..they  were traitors to the Old AFL, selling  out to the NFL.... some say, that's why they haven't won a superbowl, because of  karma....

 why am I telling you this?  Its because i want you to know your  options... Now..Yuto will give you the  crux of the contract...

 Yuto nodded   as he opened his  hands   and Looked at Rock...You have..much options... You may use , or retain at Agent..but, in truth, our   contracts do not need agents, which saves you much money.... Players  live in the gated  community, save for  some of the old Jags, who have  purchased  homes  through the years... this saves you money as you need only to pay Utilities and such..no rent....it is also easy to get from  home to practice, as it  is  across the parking lot from the complex.

 here is  deal of contracts.. You as rookie  are  signed at lowest level..all rookies, except  for Ben Hope, James Steele and  White, signed these..those three were drafted... this years draft choices will ahve to understand the  contracts, or..not play for us...It sounds  cheap..and it is...but that is were that ends...

 Sims  speaks up...all our players play, not  just speical tems ,  but plays from scrimmage.. it  keeps everyone sharp, gives you a reason to practice ahrd, and  Has you set up , in case the guy infront of you goes down. We  do play some folks more then others..that's the way it goes..but   you'll still get more time here, then almost, any other team...

 This is important, for you, because we have   individual  goals as well as team Goals.. they add Bonus to your base..Bonuses earned, do not count againt Cap.. Bonuses  are paid out, here..in Florida, so  the taxes are much smaller...and? My people will handle  any Tax   form issues, or even do your taxes.... he holds up  his hand,we do not  cheat anyone... we pay our share..but  we make sure  the share is correct.

 when free agent time comes, you  wish to go elsewhere..you are free, and we do not have 'dead money'..you wish to stay, you sign with the next level..2 year player  Three year player..and so on.

 Sims   Nods to the flor  as Payne and His  wife   just arrived and were already dancing...Payne, Worth, Miles and Sloan are all hold over Jags..we had some others  we traded or cut  during ther season... those  who did not want to rework thier  contracts, we  released...a one time deal the NFL gave us, so we wouldn't be strapped  with the mistakes of the last owners..

  Yuto  shrugged,,they got benefit, of being  thier years of service... it does not work that way, if  we trade with other teams... Right now, agents are calling us   about their players who  want to play  here..but are not happy with contracts... our  answer is ' accept our  idea of contracts, then call back'..

 so?  to simplify  this whole thing?   If  it sounds good to you, we'll sign you tomorrow at the Complex, in Yuto's office..you will get the   rookie base, and start earning   bonuses...though? with  3 regular season games  and the playoff, you may not  earn as much as folks who have been here  since  May?..BUT... each team success adds  to your pocket..for me  , as a former Player.. the PT is more important as a rookie then the cash...

 Manning speaks up..That's true.. I wasted  two years on the bench in Miami..made a Big splash in Green Bay as a  OLB.. had  8 good seasons there... who knows what i could have had, if i had PT  with the Fins?..Now? I'm here.. and i'm a lucky bastard!

  Sims says,if you have questions?  ask.... if you want on board, we shake hands now..paper work tomorrow, and  introduce you   at some point  during the party.... if you don't want in?  Stay and enjoy the party, and you can contact  the Chargers or  Vikes, Mr  Amota will see you get there...

Rock paused and spent some time appreciating each of the items in the 'wall of fame'. He thought he had the talent to be there someday. But just about everyone that played Sundays had a wealth of talent. It was a special and rare person who transcended all the other talented players to find themselves in this kind of rarified air.

When Manning came to greet him, Rock offered his hand. "Nice to see you again, Coach." Rock's voice was a deep bass, though it also had a bright quality to it, particularly when he was happy.

He shook hands with Duke and Sims and responded with a similar greeting. "Duke, Coach Sims, nice to meet you both." He looked over at the women and smiled as he was introduced to them. "A pleasure to meet you both, Missus Sims and Missus Fillings."

Rock stepped aside as Duke and his wife made their way to the dance floor, which he accurately presumed was to talk business. Coach Sims' wife likewise found an excuse to disappear, then Rock took a seat as instructed. At the comment about guys he might have lined up against, Rock nodded. "I remember Bronk and Mik. Tough matchups, both of 'em. Chasing Bronk around the cavernous fields north of the border is about as much fun as it sounds. Will be nice to only have to do so on the practice field."

He nodded at the commentary about the DC. He was looking forward to hearing a bit more about the defense. Rock was a fairly quick study, but the level of complexity rose from college to the pros. Modern SEC football used a lot of the same concepts, but it still wasn't the same. And Canada, well, defenses clearly were different with the various differences in rules.

"Well, I appreciate the honesty, coach, and I'll give you some in return. Minneapolis doesn't really interest me, though I grew up in SoCal so the Chargers would be a bit of a homecoming. Still, there's a reason I'm here first."

He considered the concept of individual bonuses. "How do you lay out individual bonuses for corners? If I get very good at my job, you won't see a lot of stats as teams are going to avoid throwing my way. Good day for me is my opposing number gets two catches for three yards and I maybe show up on the scoresheet with two tackles."

He tapped the table for a moment. "I do like that everyone gets a shot on special teams. You've seen me take some punts to the house. I could do kicks, too, but I think you already have a special kick returner. And I'm happy to join coverage teams. Hitting guys at full speed after a fifty yard sprint is a lot of fun."

He opened his palms. "And I like your philosophy about PT being the most important thing for a rookie. I agree. You won't be surprised to hear I've been spending the whole season proving myself up north. I relish the chance to do it down here as well. Bump and run is my favorite, but you knew that. And I'm aware you have a lot of zone schemes that are going to take a bit of learning and coaching. I'll happily cover slot and boundary. And I love to blitz out of the slot." He was aware that some of the zone blitz schemes this team used were right in his wheelhouse.

"I haven't retained an agent for negotiations, but I would like to send the details of the contract to my father. He's been advising me and has some experience in this field. I'll tell you that I'm ninety-percent plus in. If dad gives me the thumbs up, this seems like my best option. He's standing by for a text if it doesn't cause any issues with your legal department. Or I can get him on speaker." Rock waved his cell phone in the air for a moment, then put it down in the middle of the table.

  Sims nods  as Rock talks, Yuto is listening  as well. Manning   leans back as they talk.

  Put him on speaker? No matter  what? you're not signing the sheets tonight... if you agree>  well handshake and  intro dice  you some time during the night , so you and meet some of the other Players...So  even if you say   yes or no?..You're nit  signing Until tomorrow..

.but? I have to sign you tomorrow? or  we may as  well  wait until Monday. because i can't push through e paper work  fast enough other wsie for you to play this week...The Titans  won't think much of it...but a  Blitzing  Corner is hard to  come by in this league.

  He nods to the Phone.. lets see what he says? regardless, you'll have some fun at the party.

Rock nodded. "QB gets maybe two seconds when I come off the slot. That's it. And speaker it is - my handshake is my signature. I don't go back on my word, coach. And my father will be able to give me the thumbs up after hearing what you have to say. His name is Drake."

Rock activated his phone and hit the speed dial for his father. "Dad, I'm here with the Dragons' brain trust. Coach Sims and Mister Amota have been discussing details with me." Rock then went through the details as he understood them, and looked up to the Coach and General Manager to see if he'd repeated everything accurately.

The other end of the line was silent for a bit after hearing what it was that was on the table. "Only additional item I'm interested in hearing about is financial protection from injury. Is insurance provided by the team, or is the individual on the hook for it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:55, Sat 28 May 2022.

 Yuto spoke up...We have a   doctor  on our training Staff  from Amota  med.... She   evaluates  injuries, If  she and the training staff can handle them..we take care of it here...  If Eva  is unhappy with what she can do her, or our MRIs  show  something out of our Hands, they are  Sent to Amota  Med... The  Insurance is consider part of the  Contract.. as long as they  are 'our' people. the  Team picks up  the  costs..

  We  do the same for our  Factory workers   and such... There is no use having  Employees, if you do not care for them.-

...............

 Greetings  were geting handed out  as Mik and Kane  showed up, triling after   them was Santos  and  Tibbs.

The other end was silent for a bit, but then Rock's father spoke again. "I think that's about as much as we can ask for at this stage. My advice - shake the man's hand, son."

"Thanks dad, I'll call later." Rock killed the connection.

The younger Woodson grinned from ear-to-ear as he looked at the men in charge of the team. "You've got yourselves a Woodson, fellas. Whose hand do I shake?" He offered a large hand for one of two to grasp. Both, probably, in some order.

  Sims   said,All three of us.... Yuto's  the GM... I'm your new Coach, and Manning  handle your   workouts. He rejected two other guys this week.. They stood,  Sims  stood   back  for Yuto to shake first, Then he, and then Manning.

  Cal  and his wife  came In, she   stood  near him smiling, Cal looked tired..Sorry I'm Late... DC Cal Corum..Coach Cal..Cal..whatever.. i looked through you tapes  the last two nights...including the  ones  from the CFL?  You did  a good think going up there, to prove yourself..alot of  guys Bitch and complain about 'not getting a shot"..then won't got up north to prove it...You got guys like Gracia, Moon, Thieseman, Flutie..we have  Bronk and Mik..though..Mik..well..is Mik..

 I see you're shaking hands,  so i will too...

 Sims    smiled  as he went to go on the floor... Now...the bad part?...  depending on what side of the coin other folks are on? You're now part of the  Most hated, or most liked team in the league. We score  like  each touchdown is a game winner... we play D like the next touchdown could lose it for us... we don't 'Take knees'..and we  never let up...Moesy around, Introduce yourself, , The Party starts when  Lu-Ti  and Bronk gets here..

 I am in my office at 5:00 am tomorrow, i have to make sure our planes  are ready..You come Buy, we sign..and you can got to meeting..at lunch, we will get your uniform  picked out. we will be wearing white jerseys   with our green numbers , and Green socks..Helmets are always  green... Black pants this time..  he  shrugs other times, Green pants  with Black socks

Rock stood as the other men did and shook their hands. When the DC arrived, Rock shook his hand as well. "Nice to meet you, Coach Corum." He smirked. "CFL gave me a shot, and for that I'll be forever grateful. But I didn't want it to be my final stop. And now I get another shot with you guys. It feels...right."

His gaze went back to the head coach as he started to describe their style. Rock had done his homework, so it wasn't a surprise. "Sixty minutes of hell, eh boss? You want it, you got it. Just point me in the right direction and I'll bring hell."

He looked over to the GM and flashed a joyful grin at the instructions. "I'll be there early. Number twenty-six isn't currently on your roster, last I checked. Start getting it ready."

He looked around at the men and Cal's wife. He offered his hand to Cal's wife as well. "Missus Corum, I'm Rock Woodson, your husband's newest headache." He looked around at the remainder of the brain trust. "I'll leave you to reconnect with your better halves, gentlemen. Appreciate you taking some time out of the festivities to talk business. I'm clearly available to be introduced to the larger group any time you like."

  Sim  Rllss his  eyes  and jerks his head towards  Yuto, he and Bronk have  something Planned for the ladies, and there is always something  Bronk is   forced into doing,  we'll do it  a bit after that... you don't want to miss you first Dragon Stomp!

  the peoploe  were comign in now, convewrsation and laughter  were rising, the music  gettign a bit louder to be heard.

Rock nodded. "Dragon stomp sounds like something I'll enjoy."

As the music came up, Rock departed the table and made his way toward the larger throngs of people. There were definitely some faces that were recognizable from the games he'd watched. Rock didn't interrupt conversations that appeared to be private or significant, but he tried to introduce himself to other players as the situations allowed.

  Mik talked with one of the  Dragonette  , who wore their  uniforms  The   woman  walked  away  Giggling as   Mik  took a  drink of a beer, while  leaning on a stand up table.

  Payne's wife  and Worth's wife  went off to the dinner, leavign   the LB  and Saftey   talking by the  bar.

<<<<<<<<<<< Adam Lindsey from town house

 as they  Drove, so? You saw the ladies   close up..right?... what did you think?


.........

 entering the parking lot, people  called out and Pointed at the Car.. he  saw  Sam taking a pic of them  as he wheeled into a player's slot.

 Now...dealing with enemy  writers?.. Yuto lets Sam in , once a month...Sam thibks its a lottery..but..Yuto doesn't trust him..Now?  Misinformation is the greatest weapon against enemy writers , the trick is..you can't Lie..

 he got out, opened the door, took her hand  as the walked to the green Carpet.... a small cheer  started   ADAMMMMMMMM...BOMB!

 Adam  laughed  He raised  both hands  , including the one Holding Lindsey's  hand, Purposefully he signed  some  books  and Photos   by Sam.... a few people had  Pics of Lindsey, mostly from the papers, they tries to get her to  sign..

 Sam   grinned..You Dog  you!... you had her all the time!  he  smiled oddly at Lindsey.

   Adam smiled,I can neither  confirm or deny..but  I have her  now..or she has me?  i can't get that straight  yet...

 then he leaned  a bit  closer  and stage whispers   so Lindsey could hear..Hye? I owe you a drink...thanks for getting that out there before.. it helped me break it off with Linda...

Sam did a double take...wait?..You knew  i  sent  a  blurb out...?

 Adam looked at him with a   sheepish smile,Now  how  could a dumb old  ball player  like me know that....

 Sam's eyes furrowed in thought...You set...ME...up?

 Look, Sam  be  Real? you and  I talk to the same bunch of  folks...we just do it from different  directions... But man, I gotta  say, seeing Linda  and  Old Man Max  show up... all i could do was thinkj to   how could i thank you...

 But  who else..i mean...who did you tell...

 Comon, Sammy..you know  i can't tell you... I'm sure you'll figure it out..now , we  gotta go.. i need to go to be early tonight..

 Sam  could be heard swearing   as his   cell phone   could h de heard  beeping.. Adam leaned in and said to  Lindsey..and now?  all the sharks are gonna be biting each other..

 A Young woman with a Bronk jersey on yelled...Hey Bomb!.. Is this a real thing?

 Adam   looked around  at everyone  who was looking...Adam smiled  and   Kissed   Lindsey as  cameras flashed   and   people Cat called, hooted  and Cheered...

 And the pair went into the  Building..
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:46, Sun 29 May 2022.

Rock was interested in catching up with Mik, but Mik appeared busy, uh, working the crowd. Best not to wander over there just yet. If the crowd he was working didn't return, Rock would head over that way soon. Instead, Rock headed over toward the Payne and Worth.

"Hello, fellas. Rock Woodson. Looks like I'll be a new addition to the defensive backfield in the near future. How you guys doing this evening?"

In the short  drive to the Rising Son, Adam asked Lindsey what she thought of his Exes. She looked over at him with raised eyebrows, unsure of what exactly he meant. "What did I think of L&L, like in general? I think they were shallow harpies. Lana is an unapologetic god-digger with massive insecurity issues. Linda is a self-absorbed narcissist that can't understand anything that doesn't revolve around her own star shine.  I felt dirty being on the same stage as either of them and I hope I never see them again." She smiled, somehow pleased with her self-righteous and catty rant. "Oh, and I predict that Guy dumps Lana, and the Captain Lighting writers have Lita Star kidnapped by man-eating giant roaches." Her smile got brighter.

------------------------------

Maybe she shouldn't have been, but Lindsey was surprised at the fanfare outside the Rising Son. The green carpeted entrance-way was a buzz with camera flashes, some from fan phones and the rest from reporters. I was just so strange that a football team would get the kind of reception that Hollywood actors enjoyed on the red carpet. What was more weird about the circus was that she was part of the show.

When Adam helped Lindsey out of the car, the crow broke into a chanting cheer, calling out his name. The celebrity factor was dizzying, with fans rushing up for autographs, some even from her. Of course, she happily signed the cards and newspaper cutouts they presented. She even smiled for photos and few selfies. While the attention was gratifying, she couldn't help feeling like she would be glad once they got inside. Still, this was Adam's time in the spotlight and given the perception L&L tried desperately to peddle, Lindsey was happy to let him be in total control. She wanted the public to have the Bomb and she was happy to be his supporting lady.

Sam was there, just like he was four nights before, taking pictures. She remembered how she worried about the rumors that would come from their leaving together. Adam pointed out that Sam would be the one to leak the first of those innuendos. This time, Adam went straight to him and literally thanked him for doing just that. Lindsey didn't know how she felt when Adam revealed that he played Sam, knowing he would release exactly the information he needed to cut ties with Linda. The revelation was clear reminder of how smart and crafty Adam could be at manipulating his opponents, but it also made her realize that there was a side to Adam Bronk that was coldly calculating and it undermined her confidence that she knew him as well as she thought.

Before they made it through the doors, Adam kissed Lindsey to demonstrate to a fan how real their relationship was. Given the accusations from that morning, she was eager for the public display. She kissed him back with maybe a bit too much heat for PG-13, but it was a message to anyone that doubted the authenticity of their relationship. She felt that kiss might come back to bite her, but in her current mood, she didn't give a fuck.

Ben somehow reached the airport without attracting the attention of any cops and found Lu-Ti waiting for him. Without her bags, as she'd mentioned in her text.

"Hello, darling, you look as wonderful as ever. Straight to the Rising Son?"

He handed her into the truck, then drove just under the speed limit to the club where he pulled up in a player's space. As they got out, they could hear the fans making a fuss over Adam and Lindsey.

"Maybe we can sneak in whilst everyone is focussed on Adam and Lindsey," he grinned as they arrived at the end of the green carpet.

 As Adam and Lindsey    entered the  Building , Ben and LU-TI were noticed and fans   cheered  and wave   phones and  books and Picture..

 Where Adam  and Lindsey may have been the Hot item.. Lu-TI and Ben were royalty

 walking down the Corridor,  Adam allowed himself a  big smile..Right Now? Sam is  kicking himself, thinking i set him up..everyone he's calling  are thinking   others  did it instead...Man..i wish I that smart...but? now they have to rethink every thing   they do..and look over their shoudlers.....

 when they reached the  entrance of the  Club.. people Hollered, Adam Made a  Bow, then   shifted  both  arms to Lindsey...and More Peopled   Cheered..  he slipped an arm  around her to Give a Hung.

 Bob, by this time, was  circling the   Room, way to the far side, away  of the entrance.. Yuto   called into the Mike   For  ben in Lu-Ti , who were being Mobbed out front. He Pointed to  Adam     who Nudged, Lindsey..Time for your  first  'Dragon Stomp' as a  Dragon   Family Member...

The dragonettes  eagerly awaited  Ben and Lu-ti who would  lead the  Dragon Stomp 'conga line'

........

 Payne and  Worth  shook Rock's  hand.. Helllo..when did you get signed? I mean..I know they have FA  come in , Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays..but  haven't signed  anyone   for a while.

 Worth  nodded  after a Hand shake.I know they were looking  for  blitz corners...we have  fast guys, but they  lack that 'sack appeal' he laughed.

 Payne Pointed to Mik we was  watching the goings on.. and Adam who was  leading Lindsey up to  the  front of the stage.You chase  those two nutballs  around the field  during the week, the other  guys  seem to be in slow motion

As Lindsey waked with Adam through the gauntlet of cheering fans and ogling celebrity watchers, Lindsey was still processing the conversation between Adam and Sam. Though her mind was somewhat distracted, she managed to still smile and wave convincingly. She may have chosen to be a journalist, at heart she was still a practiced performer and knew how to appeal to a crowd. What did cause a brief stutter in her otherwise graceful poise was Adam's explanation of the interaction. Her wide toothy smile became a tight-lipped stretch of her mouth drawn up by her cheeks and her eyes almost rolled with his admission.

Adam punked Sam. He didn't manipulate him from the start like he implied, he just made Sam think he did. So, Adam was still crafty, just not scheming. It was a relief, but she was still outright annoyed. Some forewarning would have been nice. It was minor thing, though. As smart as he was, Adam could still be impulsive and was always competing, looking for that score. She would have to consider that in the future before reacting to the things he says and does. One things did still surprise her though. With a big public hug, he again played up their relationship. He did have a knack for presentation. Yuto pointed out that she was not Adam's possession - and he was right - but she was being shown off and she was just fine with that.

Once inside, Adam lead her towards the stage. As he said it would be her first Dragon Stomp as member of the family. She was really excited by that, and wondered if that was the big surprise he had teased earlier.

Smokey and heather and Nat entered.. More cheers...

 Ben  and   Lu-Ti   hustled  up to the  front of the Line... Yuto Points  to the 'screen wal'  and said...Here  Comes Jackie!!

 the Rhythmic  beats  of the  drums, groups of  6.. as  a teeny Tiny dragon was  off in the distance, coming  down a Tunnel towards them...  after  each   set of  beat , the  Crowd  would roar

 Dragonetes   filled in between   ben  and Lindey  while   ben hld   Lu-Ti's waist, and Adam held   Lindsey's..  Move  and More    people Joined the Line..

 the dragon getting  bigger..  and  now you  could hear a roar,  after   the sets of  drum beats...

  for a Minute  the  dragon grew  bigger  and Bigger, Until, the last   moment, Jackie   Jumped towards  them breathing Fire..

 People  laughed and chweered,,,  Adam   waved   Lu-Ti and Lindsey  in front of the   stage..he   waved   for  heater to be there.. and Pointed to Emma..who looked  surpised..  , they had the  woman stand there.. as  Yuto smiled...

 We have...special Guest tonight.. but we must do this now, because she has  school tomorrow!... people laughed.. Mr Wilkes  came  across the Stage   with  Lisst Dragon, she had on a  thinner  Dragon costume  on the  front it  said  'Lissy'  on the back it said 'Dragon'

  people  'awwwwed' at the Little Girl, maybe   around  6-7 years old..

 She    ran across the stage to Give Adam a hug..   Adam dropped down to a knee to accept it... he shouted into the Mic...LISSY DRAGON!!! people  jumped up and down  and cheered..

 Adam Looked  at Yuto.. Yuto Nodded , and Adam  waved  mr Wilkes  up closer.   Adam Kneeled    nest to   Lissy with her  Dad behind her,Hi Lissy ...

  she tilted her  head and   held her  arms in close    and smiled   a bit at she looked out at the People...Hi.....

  Yuto says  you have some good news  to tell us?

 there were exaggerated  head nods...

 he whispers into the Mic  for all to hear...Tell the People? they are all your firends ..they would Like to know..

 She   scrunched up shyly... the doctors  said  i am all better!

Adam  was  surprised,   Mr  Wilkes   was trying hard not to cry as he smiled..The crowd  went  whiled... Football players Jumped  in the air  and High fived... cries of  LISSY DRAGON.. Adam Stood and Shok  mr Wilkes   hand ,Wilkes turned  and  hugged Yuto..

  Mik shouted..Hey Lissy!... Do the Adma  cheer...!

  Adam  took a knee again,.. You wana  do the  Adam cheer?

 big nods  again..  Adam stepped  away. Lisy   curled up     and    the crowd  shouted ... ADAMMMMMMMMMMM.....

 BOMB!   and  Lissy Jumped in the air  with her     Arms  and Legs  spread-out like  a tiny explosions...

    Poeple clapped  and Liisy smiled   shyly... Adam     leaned over...who's your favorite Dragon...

  Lissy   made a  pose that showed her  flexing Muscles EMMIE DRAGON!   people  Cheered,,  Adam waved    Emma over  and  scoped up Lissy, handing her to  Enna,, who set lissy on her shoulders.

 Adam   Nodded to     Yuto as Mr  Wilkes   left the stage to be closer  to his  daughter.. Players  giving him  high fives and pats on the back...

   Adam Yield the stage, and moved of into the  dark areas.  The ladies  had   a light on them...as Yuto spoke.

 I...do not know , what other  teams do...more important,  I do not care....I know what Dragons do..yes?...On and off t he field... it is  for use, to beat other teams..it is   for us to beat those who would show us dishonor...it, is for  Us, to help our  community..and  Not just play for the franchise..but play for the city..for its people, who support Us

 This week  has  had many...many good thing, yes? and some bad things, that were turned good... But for the Ladies  here..who are part of the Dragon family..they have made..Big impact..in our   community,,and in our hearts..beating, many forms  of  enemies, in many ways... we cannot have a party like this, Until we   make certain, people understand....that we understand!

he had a card  and Tossed it..I do not need  a note  card to tell me these things....We have, Lissy dragon..defeating the  most Vile of   enemies...and she  is proud to be  A  dragon...

 People clapped , Yuto held up a  Hand... Emma  has  been named to  the Olympic team, in two power  lifting events... she will also  be  named  as  head of the women's  power lifting  Organization, to help bring, much needed attention and funding to the program!

 My Sister, LU-TI, she  completed many things this  week.. some for the team, of course..But, she has finalized  an Amota med  , Childrens center in  San diego.. Children will now get  good  treatment as we have hear..on the other  coast!

 Lu-Ti looked embarrassed,, But  smiled.

 Miss Lindsey took over   as beat reporter  and has  done more this week, then  her predecessors  did  in many years of  Jacksonville  football...and she  had to fight a different  kind of enemies in the  Public relations battles..and..she won!

 Ms Heather..  suffered  an cowardly attack... she    is fighting to take the field, this week... and has  shined a light on  some  of the darker side of Pro  fotball....

 he Nodded his hea d  as he  walked    back and forth looking down...the spoke when his head rose.Heather  and   Lindsey  turned  their own attack on  The  Colts.. their attacks were devastating..MR Stokes is  done   for the season..his  career will be decided
 at the owner's  meeting, before the draft.....  Coach McParland  and his DC  are suspended  for the rest of the  season..INCLUDING... playoffs...they will also be  reviewed
 at the owners  meeting.. there is some doubt , if  they will be permitted  to join in the prep for the   upcoming draft....we have a list of proposals  that  will be given..the Colts
 will ahve to  play dearly , to have thier  two coaches  take part in the draft...and?
 we....don't care..

  Yuto smiled, satisfactorily
,now? we  were goignto have some one   sing this....No!  Not Adam! people laughed

 But..please to watch the   wall screen..listen to the Music.... and when it is over.. we continue  Party... I ..Like this... Bob from New Jack work  with Noto..i think it is very good..Please..roll the   film...

 As the  Song played the woman stood  to watch the presentation...

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbxNtPiCBK8

 Pictures     flowed..Emma  and  Adam  standing  on the sidelines  watching    a kick return showing the   size difference... Emma  making some picks  and some hits..  pics of her  with Lissy, and Lissy smiling,  and  giggling....

 Pics of   LU-TI  talking with   some Suits in a very determined   manner, as well as her in her  Dragonette   suits    cheering  and   watching   , eyes  intent on the plays.

 Lissy   Dragon doing cheers  and  running out to get the kicking tee , a scene of her  sitting in between Adam and  Ben on the bench  drinking    powerade .. Emma   leading the Team out   on the field with  Lissy dragon held  high  in the air with the crowd  standing  as  one to cheer.

   heather Kicking in  deep snow  and sloppy rain. and catching a  XP pass..  a  shot of 'the hit'.. and shots of her kicking this week. footballs  going through the uprights    as   she smiled.

  Pics of  Adam and Lindsey leaving the   Rising Son.. and her  talking to   Adam and some others   as she reported..  shots of her  confronting Stokes in the studio, with  a determined look that did  not  show any sign of Humor.. and shots of her on the stage doing the EDY  and a pic over her with  the Stokes suspension announced   from a shot  from  ESPN.

  When it was Over...  Yuto dropped the Mic, and   motioned with  both  hands to the Ladies  as the people  cheered  an again.

Rock was happy for the warm welcome by the two he’d approached. They seemed professional and welcoming. He tipped his head back and forth about the signing question. ”Ink should hit the paper tomorrow morning and it will be completely official. And I am a corner that loves blitzing from the slot. Can do it from the boundary, of course, though that’s a little more rare. In fact, if you two don’t mind talking a tiny bit of shop, what’s the 2 minute scouting report on the backfield for Sunday? Any numbers particularly good or bad at blitz pickups? I know most NFL backs that can’t pass pro find themselves out of a job, but some are better than others.

He looked over at the two offensive players that were indicated. Rock chuckled. ”Chasing Mik and Adam is a game I’ve played before. I’ll be glad of the tighter boundaries on this side of the border. Imagine that I’ll learn a lot from practicing against those two, er, nutballs you say? Nut balls, yeah. What positions do you guys play?”

 Heather walked in with Nat, she was walking very good, only with a very slight limp. Heather smiled at Smokey gave him a hug and then went and got a table with Nat.

 Heather then listened and watched the picture show Yuto put on. She was happy and a few of those kicks where amazing. Heather smiled and watched and enjoyed the show and song.

 Heather waved at everyone when it was over and then ordered a soda, she still couldn't have alcohol.