The first sight that greeted Nat when she arrived at the famous Levi's Stadium was superstar Nick Bosa's face front and center, right above the entrance. The stadium itself was impressive, but not quite as sleek as Sofi stadium, where she had completed her first year of being an athletic trainer. Still, any stadium that was a part of the National Football Association was an imposing sight, and the sheer size of it was enough to make Nat's stomach do cartwheels. Nat scanned the banner that was adorned with the most popular players in the San Francisco Pioneers and she was able to pick out a few she had recognized. Next to Nick was the ever-so-handsome quarterback Jeff Giordano and to Jeff's right was the media heartthrob Deon Hudson, who was known for breaking hearts just as well as he broke tackles. While Jeff and Deon were beloved by many and certainly very attractive men, Nat's eyes kept flickering back to Nick Bosa.
"Nataly Casillas I presume?" A hoarse voice posited.
Nat turned to see an older man, likely in his 40's, with a balding head wearing a Pioneer's jacket. His frame was average, but his height made him appear skinnier than he actually was. The new man had light black stubble on his face and bags under his eyes. Nat wondered when the last time he got a good night of sleep was. She also wondered when the last time he used moisturizer was.
"Yes that's me", Nat chimed in. "I prefer to go by Nat"
"Very well Ms. Casillas", the man ignored, "My name is Kurt Stoll. I will be your direct supervisor. We have a long day ahead of us, but I figured it would be best to start with a tour".
Her supervisor? Nat berated herself for being so focused on the players faces on the banner that she hadn't completely registered the man's name. She thought to ask him to repeat it for a second, but then realized it probably wouldn't leave the best first impression if not even 5 minutes into knowing each other she was already asking him to repeat himself.
"Lead the way boss" Nat improvised. The gruff man began to walk forward.
As Nataly caught up to his pace, she felt a vibration in her pocket. She glanced quickly and saw it was from Raf:
Raf: Let me know how your first day goes! Thanks again for doing this for me.
Nat put the phone away without her new boss noticing. Of course Raf would be checking in on her. In addition to being one of her closest friends, he had also asked her to step into this position after Raf had to leave due to a family emergency. Raf's mother was undergoing treatment for her cancer and Raf said he wanted to be closer to her. So when he brought up the idea of Nat and him switching places, him taking her position with the Los Angeles Lightning and her taking his position with the San Francisco Pioneers, well, how was Nat supposed to say no?
She made a mental note to get back to him later as her boss began telling her a bit about the team's history and explaining the different parts of the venue. At one point he showed off the team's impressive five super bowl trophies they proudly displayed. Nat had always known the Pioneers were a respectable team, but she didn't realize just how impressive they actually were. Nat's team had always been the Lightning, ever since she was 9 years old and her dad brought her to her first ever football game. Nat was enchanted with the whole spectacle, from the players on the field, to the delicious food at the concessions stand. She knew then that someday, somehow, she would find a way to make that experience a staple in her life. It was what inspired her to pursue a career as an athletic trainer.
"We're a proud team with a long history. Being the 10th oldest franchise in the country, you really have seen it all. And yet every year brings us new faces and new challenges. We're lucky to have such a faithful bunch of fans who support us every year" The grizzled man recounted.
"The faithful are certainly an impressive crew" Nat agreed. While she didn't know too much about the team, she did know they had one of the biggest fanbases in the whole NFA. There wasn't a single place in California you could go where you wouldn't spot someone wearing a Pioneers' jersey. Nat never really understood the hype: she felt like the Lightning were always the rag tag group of underdogs with a far more compelling story. The only thing she felt the Pioneers had over the Lightning was their roster of unreasonably attractive players.
She briefly thought back to the face that welcomed her to her new home and quickly put the thought away. She hadn't yet processed the fact she would be face to face with it sooner rather than later.
"And now let's go ahead into the locker room. I think there might be some players there, but you'll get to meet all of them in time. Just please do me a favor- do NOT freak out on me. The last girl we tried to hire passed out and I was the one who had to carry her out. Needless to say, she is not currently employed." The man stated as he rubbed the stubble on his chin.
"Believe me, you do not have to worry about that sir" Nat replied. It was true, Nat had already spent the past year surrounded by her personal favorite team. There was nothing the Pioneers could do that would shake her off her game, no matter how cute they were. Besides, Nat knew the whole "fawning and flirting" thing got old for the players. Well, got old for most of them anyway.
"Welcome back Mr. Stoll, I see you've brought us a new friend" the security guard said as he greeted the two of them. Nat smiled while she made sure to tuck away "Mr. Stoll" into her memory.
"Yeah she's our new athletic trainer Casillas. Let's hope this one stays conscious longer than 10 minutes." Mr. Stoll scoffed but Nat could swear she saw a hint of fear in his dark eyes.
"I promise. Unless Taylor Swift joined the Pioneers, you don't have to worry about me passing out" The quip earned a chuckle from Mr. Stoll and Nat had to wonder if that was the first time he laughed today.
"Well I hope you enjoy your first day Ms. Casillas" the kind security guard said as he opened the door for them. The two quickly made it down the hall and were right by the locker room in no time. The cartwheels in Nat's stomach came back but she quickly let air in and out through her mouth. She wasn't really nervous to see the players, she was more so nervous about the fact that her new job was finally officially starting. If Mr. Stoll had noticed her labored breathing, he made no indication. He merely opened the door and let Nat enter first.
The Pioneer's locker room was a clean red and gold and there was a decent amount of people still inside. From media and camera crew to coaches and other support staff, Nat noticed most of the players had already left the locker room. She eagerly scanned the room hoping to see someone in particular, but she was disappointed when the only familiar face she found was Deon Hudson, the wide receiver.
"Is there someone you're looking for, sweetheart?" Another woman's voice spoke from behind her.
Nat turned, startled, and was met with a dirty blonde, not much shorter than her, giving her a coy look. It seems Nat's embarrassment was well warranted, this girl had totally just caught her scanning the room for someone in particular. But the woman managed to break the tension by giving a small laugh and extending her hand.
"The name's Elizabeth James. But you can call me Ellie" the woman stated, "you must be the new girl right?"
"That's right," Nat replied sheepishly. "I'm Nataly Casillas, but you can call me Nat"
Ellie laughed, "Well Nat, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad you haven't blacked out on us yet. I've been dying to have another girl around here to talk to." Nat noticed Ellie had a slight southern drawl to her words.
"If you're looking for Jeffy G, he's already out on the field. But don't worry darlin', you'll have plenty of time to drool over him later" Ellie winked
"Oh that's not actually who-"
Before Nat could finish, Mr. Stoll came up to the two of them. "I see you've met Ms. James. She's another one of our athletic trainers here. Ms. James, when I'm done going over the orientation with our newbie, would you be willing to get her settled into her office?" Mr. Stoll inquired.
"Of course! Yours is right next to mine so we're gonna be seeing a lot of each other Nat. I already can't wait!" Nat was surprised by Ellie's enthusiasm, but she was also comforted. First days can be scary, but with a potential new friend, it made the whole experience seem less intimidating.
As Ellie walked away, Mr. Stoll began walking towards one of the back rooms. "We have a conference room here in the back," Mr. Stoll explained, "I'm going to go setup the video and get your materials. In the meantime feel free to mingle and get to know some of the people here. You'll likely be seeing them on a daily basis." Without giving Nat a chance to respond, Mr. Stoll already went on his way. "I'll call for you when I'm ready."
Nat looked around the room and once again, the cartwheels had come back. Nat had never been much for talking. She was an introvert and she usually relied on one of her friends like Raf or Stef to introduce her to people. But, this was her new big girl job, so Nat knew she had to put herself out there. After chatting a bit with some of the media people, a tall man with dark skin and impressive muscles approached her.
"Well well, I don't think I've ever seen you around here before" the famous Deon Hudson told her. "I'm Deon, nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too. I'm Nat. I'm the new athletic trainer"
"Ah so you're just as smart as you are pretty huh?"
Nat tried her best not to roll her eyes at the compliment. Flirting was common between the players and any woman their age that came in their vicinity. While not every player was as forward as Deon was being, Nat had heard far worse from some of the players back in Los Angeles. And besides, Deon was known for being a flirt so she can't say she was surprised to be at the receiving end of his sweet nothings.
"If you're calling me smart, I'll take it" Nat quipped. Deon chuckled.
"Do you want to walk with me to the field? I was just about to head out and I could use the company."
Nat was worried at first, but after glancing at Mr. Stoll and seeing him struggle with the TV monitor, she figured she probably had enough time to go to the field and back before he was ready for her. She hated to admit it, but a part of her was secretly hoping she could catch a glimpse of the famous smaller bear before her day was taken over by meeting after meeting.
"Sure, I could use the exercise" Nat quipped again. Deon gave her a big smile in response.
...
"So what brings you to San Francisco?" Deon asked as they began making their way to the field.
"Oh you know, just looking for a change of scenery." That was a lie, but Nat figured it was too early in their relationship to explain Raf's situation. Not like it was his business anyway.
"I get that. Where are you coming from?"
"LA"
"LA?? Not much of a change of scenery there" Deon laughed
It was true, it's not like LA was all that different from San Francisco after all. Sure each city had its own identity and culture, but compared to the distance someone like Ellie must've traveled, she could understand why Deon found her response so amusing.
"Well I've never actually left LA. I was born and raised there. This is my first time ever living outside of the city." This was true. Nat was a proud Angeleno, which is what made this whole experience even more scary. Before the cartwheels could come back, she put the heat on Deon. "What can you tell me about the team?"
"What can't I tell you? This is a good group of guys. I've only played on one team before this one, but it's night and day comparing the two. By the way Jeff has a girlfriend."
Once again, Nat held back an eye roll. She supposed she couldn't blame Deon, or even Ellie for that matter. After all, a quarterback who was that handsome had to hog all the attention from every girl who walked in. But Nat was immune to the charms of a quarterback ever since last year. There was only one guy on the Pioneers Nat was maybe just a little curious about their relationship status, but she certainly wasn't going to bring it up. Much less bring it up to Deon Hudson of all people.
The two of them approached the grassy field and were met with bright sunlight obstructed by a few clouds. The field was massive, and even though Nat had been on plenty of fields before, she never once stepped on to Levi's Stadium. Without even meaning to, her eyes began scanning the field. She saw players doing all kinds of different practices, but the only recognizable jersey she saw belonged to Jeff Giordano. And Nat had enough of Jeffy G for today.
"Well thanks for keeping me company. Nat was it? I'll be sure to remember that" Deon gave a warm smile.
"Right, well you should also remember that I'm here to be an athletic trainer. Just an athletic trainer. But if you're looking, I have a friend whose dream it is to be a football wife."
Deon chuckled again, "you take care Nat. And don't be a stranger" and with that, the famous wide receiver took off in a jog towards the direction of the other players.
Nat looked across the field one more time, hoping that just maybe she would catch a glimpse of the best defensive player the Pioneers currently had. But no matter how many times she went back and forth, there was no sign of #97 anywhere. Defeated, she slowly began to make her way to the locker room again.
This is stupid Nat thought to herself. Even before she agreed to switch positions with Raf, Nat had already made a vow to herself: under no circumstances was she ever going to get involved with another football player, especially one on the team she worked for. People always say you shouldn't mix business with pleasure, and Nat learned that lesson the hard way. Even though she had a slight crush on Nick Bosa, she knew ultimately it would go nowhere because she wouldn't allow it to. Her priority here was to make a good impression.
Either way, she knew her stay at San Francisco wouldn't go past the year. She only agreed to take the job because the Pioneer's weren't willing to budge on Raf's contract for the year. However, once they heard they would be getting another trainer who would be able to stay the whole time, they were more than willing to give Raf the space he needed. All Nat had to do was stay the year, and then she would be back in LA where she belonged.
All I have to do is stay the year Nat thought to herself again. Easier said than done
Nat was so lost in thought, she had been completely blind to the towering 6'4 figure that was approaching her. The buff defensive end was in his own world as well, so it was only natural that the two bumped into each other without either of them seeing the other beforehand.
Nat was startled at first. She thought she ran into one of the walls with how hard the surface that bumped her was. She reached her hand out to feel whatever it was that just bumped into her and was shocked at the bulging pectoral muscles she was greeted with. She glanced her eyes up towards the source and immediately was frozen in place.
Nat had just bumped into THE Nicholas Bosa. And she currently had her hand on his pecs.
Fuck the cartwheels. Her stomach felt like it had just fallen off the peak of Mt. Everest. It was tumbling and tumbling, and Nat wasn't sure she would be able to stabilize. It was only the beat of Nick Bosa's heart that snapped her back to reality as she quickly took her hand off his beautiful pectoral muscles and took a quick step back.
"I am so, so, sorry. I should've been paying more attention" Nat hurried to spit out. She could feel her face turning redder than the Pioneer's iconic uniform.
The handsome defensive end merely looked at her with his rich brown eyes and studied her face. If he had felt any type of way about being bumped into, he didn't show it. His lips were held tight in an expressionless way, and his bearded chin was pointed down so he could get a better look at the squirrely girl who had just bumped into him.
"Don't worry about it," The burly football player replied. His eyes stayed on Nat's for a few seconds before he stepped around her and continued to walk towards the field.
As Nat stared at him while he was walking away, she couldn't help but move her eyes down towards the famous "Bosa butt" as the internet deemed it. And what a butt it was. Nat had spent almost 25 years watching football, and spent the past year up close and personal with the Los Angeles Lightning. But never had she seen a guy built more impressively than Nick Bosa. His beautiful, bouncy butt was held up by two legs the size of tree trunks. With every step she could see Nick Bosa's hamstrings flex and suddenly the nervous feeling she had felt in her stomach began to make its way south. Nat was flustered, but she couldn't help but stare at the gorgeous man she accidentally copped a feel of. If it wasn't for Mr. Stoll calling for her at that moment, Nat believed she might've actually melted into the floor.
"There you are, I've been looking for you Casillas. I had some problems but I'm ready to get started. Let's go, we're behind schedule."
Nat tried to respond verbally but her mouth was completely dry. All she could muster was a small nod as she began to follow Mr. Stoll back to the conference room.
I'm here to be an athletic trainer. Just an athletic trainer.
Easier said than done.