The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, gently rousing Santiago from a deep slumber. As he forced his eyes open, the lingering sleepiness, his mind was replaced by a surge of disorientation until memories from the night before came flooding back.
His face lit up with a smile as his eyes shifted from the stunning and very naked blonde laying next to him to the clock on the wall. Suddenly, a wave of panic washed over him as he realized he was already an hour behind for his pre-game training session.
With a quick and quiet movement, Santiago gathered his belongings without disturbing the sleeping blonde beside him. He scanned the room, searching for any sign of his misplaced clothes. Feeling a surge of urgency, Santiago snatched his phone and immediately requested an Uber. He checked the time once more, his frustration evident in the muttered curse that escaped his lips.
He stumbled to the kitchen, his throat parched and mouth tasted dry and bitter, a reminder of the long night of drinking and debauchery. As he poured himself a glass of water, he glanced around the room, his eyes caught sight of the leftover evidence from the previous night. A half-empty wine bottle sat next to a red stain then turned his gaze to the chalkboard wall, decorated with various playful drawings and messages.
Santiago's phone buzzed insistently, almost like a blaring alarm. His fingers moved quickly across the screen as he confirmed his Uber had arrived. With a flick of his wrist, he swiftly wrote his number, adding a smiley face as his signature on the chalk wall. The room was silent, save for the scratching of the chalk against the surface, its sound resonating through the apartment.
Santiago's heart raced as the Uber pulled up to Paycor Stadium. He quickly exited the car and rushed through the security checkpoint, feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. The locker room, typically filled with camaraderie and focus, had an unspoken tension lingering in the air today as he hastily changed into his training attire in the deserted space. The weight of being behind schedule weighed heavily on his shoulders as he prepared for his workout.
As he quickly slipped into his clothes, a member of the coaching staff entered the room with a stern expression. Coach needed to speak with him, immediately. The head coach, a formidable figure with a reputation for discipline, was at the forefront. Santiago could feel the intensity of his stare as he walked through the tunnel towards the field.
The coach's voice boomed like thunder, "Lopez, where the fuck have you been?" He demanded, clearly not happy with my absence.
Santiago took a moment to catch his breath before stammering out an explanation. "I'm sorry, Coach. Something came up, and I lost track of time. I know it's no excuse."
The coach's anger was evident in his tone. "This is not acceptable, Lopez. Your absence has thrown off our entire schedule for the crucial game today. Why weren't you at the team hotel this morning? What could have been more important than your commitment to this team? We are on the brink of making it to the Superbowl final, and I'm starting to question if you even want to be here with us."
Santiago, feeling the weight of his actions, attempted to explain the unexpected turn of events from the previous night without divulging too much detail. "Coach, it was just a mistake. I promise you that I understand how important this game is, and I am fully accountable for my actions. This team has all of my focus and dedication."
The coach, though visibly displeased, had a hint of understanding in his eyes. "You're lucky we're a team that values its players, we are a family. Get yourself together, Lopez. We can't afford any distractions, especially now." As Santiago nodded, the reality of the situation settled in. The coach's voice carried a stern tone as he added, "Oh, one more thing, Lopez. You'll also have to cover the $10,000 for a late hit penalty and clean everyone's cleats after the game. And if we win tonight, you're buying pizzas for the team. I hope it was worth it, but this is your one and only warning. The expectations are straightforward, you know the pre-match rules: stay at the team hotel the night before, travel to the stadium together on the designated team transport, and refrain from any sexual activity. If there's a next time, you'll be suspended for a game."
As Santiago nodded again, the reality of the situation settled in. He had almost jeopardized his standing with the team, and the consequences next time would likely extend beyond a stern reprimand. He felt a weight on his chest, knowing he had to earn back the trust of his coaches and teammates. He made a firm decision to do so by being dedicated and giving his all on the field. "I apologize once more, coach. You won't have to worry about this happening again," he promised.
Santiago, determined to put the morning's setbacks behind him, joined his teammates on the field for pre-game training. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and tension, each player focusing on the upcoming game. As Santiago stepped onto the grass, the coach's stern words still echoed in his mind.
Davante Adams, a veteran on the team known for his playful banter, couldn't resist seizing the opportunity to tease Santiago. He sidled up to Santiago, a mischievous grin playing on his face.
"Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence," Adams remarked, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
Santiago, aware of the teasing that often accompanied such situations, chuckled nervously. "Yeah, I know. Overslept a bit."
Davante's eyebrows shot up, and he leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Overslept, huh? Or was it something—or someone—else that kept you up all night?"
Santiago's cheeks reddened at the implication, and he shook his head, trying to maintain a semblance of composure. "Come on bro, it was just a late night. No big deal."
Davante, reveling in the playful banter, nudged Santiago with his elbow. "Late night, huh? I thought we were professionals here. You better not let your late-night adventures affect your game today Lopez."
Santiago, now fully aware of the friendly ribbing that came with the territory, laughed along with his teammates. The camaraderie on the field helped diffuse the tension, and Santiago appreciated the light-hearted moments amidst the pressure of the upcoming game.
As they continued with their pre-game drills, Santiago found himself the subject of good-natured jokes from various teammates. The banter, though lighthearted, served as a reminder that in the world of professional sports, even personal matters became fodder for camaraderie and team bonding.
The teasing continued throughout the training session, providing a moment of levity before the intensity of the game took center stage. Santiago, determined to redeem himself both on and off the field, took the teasing in stride, understanding that in the world of professional sports, every action, even a late-night escapade, became part of the team's collective narrative.
As the banter subsided, Santiago focused on the drills, channeling the energy of the morning into his performance. The field, once a battleground of accountability, now became the arena where Santiago aimed to prove that his commitment to the team remained unwavering, regardless of the distractions that life threw his way.
The atmosphere in Paycor Stadium was electric as the crowd poured in, creating a sea of passionate fans donned in the colors of the Raiders. The anticipation hung thick in the air as the Las Vegas Raiders prepared to face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in a crucial playoff match.
Santiago, battling the effects of a late night and the stern words from the coach, took to the field with a determined spirit. The intensity of the game, coupled with the roaring cheers of the crowd, tested Santiago's resilience. Each play, each tackle, and each sprint became a testament to his commitment to the team.
The Bengals, formidable opponents, fought fiercely, but the Raiders held their ground. Santiago, despite the fatigue gnawing at him, played with a tenacity that inspired his teammates. The stadium echoed with the cheers and chants of the fans, creating an atmosphere charged with adrenaline and anticipation.
The incense game unfolded with twists and turns, each possession carrying the weight of the team's aspirations. Santiago, pushing through the physical strain, found solace in the rhythm of the game. The clash of helmets, the thunderous roars of the crowd, and the symphony of a hard-fought battle on the field became the soundtrack of determination.
As the clock ticked down, the Raiders emerged victorious, securing their place in the final of the Super Bowl. The crowd erupted in jubilation, the cheers echoing through Paycor Stadium and beyond. Santiago, though weary from the challenges of the game and the events of the previous night, shared in the elation of his teammates.
The victory held a special significance for Santiago, a redemption of sorts after the turbulent start to the day. The camaraderie among the Raiders, the support of the fans, and the collective triumph on the field became a powerful narrative that transcended individual struggles.
As the Raiders celebrated their playoff victory, Santiago couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. The journey from the chaos of a late night to the triumph on the field symbolized the resilience and unity of the team. The Super Bowl awaited, promising another opportunity for Santiago and the Raiders to etch their names into the annals of football history.
The crowd, still buzzing with excitement, looked forward to the grand spectacle of the Super Bowl, where the Las Vegas Raiders would face their final challenge of the season—a challenge that held the promise of glory, redemption, and the realization of a collective dream.
As they head back to the locker room, Jacobs smirks and asks Santiago, "Was she worth it, Lopez?"
Santiago was caught off guard by the question. Memories of Brittany flooded his mind, causing a flurry of emotions. "You wouldn't believe it," he chuckled in response.
Without a word, Santiago excused himself from the celebratory crowd and reached for his phone. The anticipation hung in the air as he checked his messages, hoping to find a trace of connection with Brittany. However, disappointment washed over him as the screen revealed no new messages from her. He sighed, a mixture of regret and longing in his eyes. The victory, though sweet, felt incomplete without the assurance that Brittany was part of the celebration, even if only through a message.
As the reality sank in, the impending flight back to Vegas in mind Santiago joined the festivities, taking a slice of pizza, savored the pizza, the camaraderie of his teammates, and the distant cheers of the fans.
The team's private jet soared into the night sky, Santiago couldn't shake the sense of yearning. The lights of the city below twinkled like distant stars, and in the quiet solitude of the cabin, he found himself lost in contemplation, wondering about the connection that had sparked on an unexpected night in Cincinnati.
Brittany's absence lingered, a silent echo in the midst of celebration. Santiago, with the taste of victory and the bittersweet longing on his lips, braced himself for the next chapter—the Super Bowl and the untold stories of the city that never sleeps.
Without a word, Santiago excused himself from the celebratory group and reached for his phone. The anticipation hung in the air as he checked his messages, hoping to find a trace of connection with Brittany. However, disappointment washed over him as the screen revealed no new messages from her. He sighed, the victory, though sweet, felt incomplete without the assurance that Brittany was part of the celebration, even if only through a message.
AN: I don't know much, if anything about NFL, this is all off basic research and my imagination. For future chapters I also don't speak Spanish it's a google translate - it will be wrong.