Chapter 28

All six of us met in front of the girls’ dorm for breakfast. We walked to the cafeteria as a group laughing and talking. Two other girls joined us for the trip. We sat at a long table. One of the new girls sat next to me.

She said, “You’re Jerry, aren’t you?” I nodded. “Alice loves you and I’ve watched you around her. Do you have any other friends? I’ve been lonely here for a guy. Alice is so happy. It makes the rest of us want to have a guy. I never dated much in high school.”

I was a little surprised. I felt Alice nod next to me. “I can’t guarantee anything but there are guys on the football team who would like to meet a nice girl. They live in the athletic dorm but can have guests in the common area and at meals. Hang around with Alice at practice. You will have choices because you will be noticed. There are lonely guys there.”

She nodded. “Thank you, Jerry.”

The rest of our academic day passed quietly and I went to practice. In the stands, there weren’t three or even four girls watching us but ten! At the end of practice, we went to the lockers to clean up. I was asked about the girls there. I said, “Three of them including my fair Alice have guys but the others would like to meet a nice guy. If Alice let them be with her, they are nice. That means they aren’t looking for sex. I’m not a pimp. Come along if you want.”

When I left the locker room, there were twelve of us! I think a few just wanted to look at the pretty girls. Between Bob and I, we knew all of them, at least by name.

The two groups met outside and Alice came into my arms giving me a quick, though emotional, kiss. Faced with the girls, the guys suddenly hung back though two defensive backs didn’t. They hadn’t stopped walking and introduced themselves to girls. In one case, there appeared to be an instant connection. In the other, the girl acknowledged him and introduced her friend as well as herself. It took a bit but everyone got an eventual chance to talk. One lineman came up to Alice and said, “Jerry’s a lucky guy. You are absolutely gorgeous.” He kissed her hand!

“Thank you. Yes, I’m Alice Meadows. Jerry and I will eventually get married. You are?”

“I’m Douglas Elroy. I play defensive end in front of Jerry. He calls the plays the coaches pass to us. It makes playing easier for the rest of us.”

Alice said, “You guys are doing well so far.”

Brittany, the girl who had talked to me at breakfast, came up. She asked, “Jerry, who is this?”

“Brittany, this is Doug Elroy. He plays defensive end. He’s a good guy.”

“I would like to meet him.”

“Doug, let me introduce Brittany to you. She would like to meet a nice guy.” Brittany was a tall girl with a bit of meat on her bones. Doug’s a big guy though not huge for a lineman. He did have a nice, open face.

He said, “Brittany, I’m Doug Elroy. It’s good to meet you. Are you a friend of Alice?”

“We met here but now she’s a friend. I told Jerry this morning that I wanted to meet a nice guy like he is.”

“I try to be a nice guy. Many of us on the team appreciate Alice and Jerry. Jerry’s proven to be a good guy on and off the field. Alice is appreciated for cheering us on at practice and at our game. Will you come to the games and practices?”

She smiled shyly. “I would like to be there for you, Doug.”

“That would be great. Would you come to the common room and sit with me so we can get to know each other?”

“Yes, I would like that.”

Alice and I went to the common room of the athletic dorm. It was closest and some of the girls there probably felt more comfortable with the two of us there. Alice said, “That seems to have turned out well. I’m glad for Brittany. She’s a nice person. We are friends. Are we going to eat here?”

“I think so, my lady. Brittany’s not the only one here. They might feel comforted to have us around as they get to know the guys.”

“True. Some may really click and some may not.” We found a large chair. Alice put me in it and then sat in my lap making herself at home there.

One of the other guys on the team came by. “Jerry, what’s with all the girls here?”

“Oh! Tom, you missed practice for some rehab. They’re friends of Alice here who wanted to meet some nice guys. I let it be known in the locker room and nature is taking its course. We’ll see how it works out.”

“I’m now really sorry I missed practice today. My rehab went well. I’m walking without pain. By Saturday, I’ll be ready to play.”

“That’s good. We need your contribution.”

“How do I meet a girl? My girl moved away and met a guy there. The guys have been good company but their hand holding sucks.”

Alice giggled and I chuckled. “There’s a dorm full and most of them are freshman like us. I know we’ll be here for supper in a few minutes. Why don’t you plan on having breakfast with us in the cafeteria tomorrow morning?”

“That’s permitted?”

“Yes. Bob’s been taking meals there with Alice’s roommate for a while. You aren’t on a special diet are you?”

“No. I’ve always eaten intelligently. I even thought about living in a regular dorm but the longer beds are here.” Tom wasn’t heavy but, at six foot, eight inches, I could understand his point.

“Tom, I know you’re a wide receiver. Do you play basketball, too?”

“Yeah. I’ve always been a two sport guy.”

Alice smiled. “I know a girl to introduce you to tomorrow morning. Kate will like that she won’t have to look down to talk to you.”

He said wonderingly, “She’s tall?”

Alice smiled. “She’s an inch taller than Jerry.”

“Wow!”

I said, “Come and join us for supper.” Tom nodded as Alice and I stood. The three of us walked together and got in line to eat.