There were 3 times in Nat's life when she felt so embarrassed she wanted to disappear.
The first was in the 4th grade when she was at soccer practice. Her uniform was baggy on her since it was a hand-me-down. So, when she slid to reach the ball, her shorts had been pulled all the way to her ankles and when she stood up she had her pink underwear exposed to every single girl on the team. They laughed and laughed and Nat thought that she was going to spontaneously combust.
The second time was her experience in high school. To this day she wasn't sure why her teacher had put her on the spot or why she had just gone with the first adjective that came to her mind. All she knew was that when she said "Nasty" and everyone immediately burst out laughing, she wanted to drop out, transfer schools, and maybe even change her name for good measure.
This was definitely the third time.
Nat welcomed Mama Bosa inside and as soon as she could, she bolted back into Nick's bedroom and scrambled all over it until she found her missing bra. Once she put it on and lowered her heart rate, she began to brainstorm her next steps.
There's no way I can stay here. I have to leave. Maybe I can have Nick distract her and then just run out when no one's looking. She doesn't need to know my name, she doesn't need to know who I am, I can just pretend this never happened.
Nat's internal monologue was interrupted by Nick walking out of his bathroom in nothing but a towel. Under any other circumstance Nat would've started drooling, but unfortunately she had to keep her mind focused and a half naked football player was not very conducive to that end.
"Hey Nat, I was thinking, maybe after breakfast we could-"
Nat immediately went up to him and smacked his abs, trying to ignore the pain in her hand from how unexpectedly hard his six pack was.
"Why didn't you tell me your MOTHER was coming over?!" She said through gritted teeth.
Nick laughed briefly and looked at her, trying to make sense of this cryptic joke. But once he realized Nat's expression wasn't changing and that she was 100% serious, the color in his face drained and his eyes widened.
"No... don't tell me she's out there."
Nat moved her head up and down stiffly.
After a brief pause, all Nick could offer was a soft "Oh fuck."
Nat began to pace around the bedroom. "Yeah and if it isn't bad enough that she's here, I thought she was your chef and kept telling her to get started on the food."
"Oof" Nick winced, "Couldn't you tell she was my mom?"
"How the hell would I be able to tell that? You don't exactly look alike."
Nick shook his head and looked away from Nat. After he gathered some clothes he cleared his throat and began to speak again.
"Alright, here's the plan. You let me do the talking. My mom won't bother you or give you a hard time, I'll just clear the air and then you can go."
"And how exactly are you gonna clear the air? I don't want her to find out I work for the team and this somehow gets back to Callaghan or something."
Nick exhaled loudly and started scratching his head. "Look I'm just gonna wing it. I'm sorry but we don't really have time for a whole game plan right now."
Does he ever stop thinking about football???
Nick got dressed in another thin long sleeve and gym shorts and once he and Nat locked eyes again, he went forward and opened the door.
I can't believe this is happening. There has to be a better plan, there HAS to be.
The two walked out of the bedroom into the living room and saw Nick's mom seated while another woman was working diligently in the kitchen. I guess Nick's chef finally showed up.
Nick stood in front of his mom and cleared his throat. Nat could tell by his stance and his hands that kept fidgeting with the hem of his shirt that he was nervous.
"Uh hey mom, sorry I missed your texts. I was, uh, in the shower."
"Were you showering since last night?" Nick's mom said as she raised her eyebrow at her son.
"Uhhh sorry I was uh busy." Nick said, pressing his lips together after. He glanced at Nat who was staring daggers back at him.
"So uh, let me just introduce you two," Nick started a little too shaky for Nat's liking. "Nat, this is my mom Carol. Mom, this is my girlfriend Nat."
GIRLFRIEND?!!!!
Girlfriend?? He did NOT just call me his girlfriend. What the hell was he thinking?! He doesn't know what he's doing at ALL.
Nat opened her mouth ready to set the record straight but was immediately silenced by Nick placing his arm on the small of her back. Something about how strong his hand felt right above her butt sent butterflies to her stomach. She closed her mouth and tried to resist the blush that was coming on.
"Mom, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about her. We haven't been dating for long but I'm okay with you two meeting. I really, really like her." Nick made eye contact with Nat and he raised his eyebrows a bit. She could tell his words were half a performance he was putting on for his mom but half his true feelings.
At this, Nick's mom Carol rose from the couch and looked at Nat. Her expression now was hard to read, but Nat could tell she was being studied.
"Huh. So you're the girl Nick was asking me how to impress. Well at least you're pretty." She said in a tone that implied it was meant as light banter.
Nat tried her best to giggle earnestly. "Yes ma'am. Um, I'm sorry again about what happened earlier. I definitely should've been more polite and introduced myself first. I promise I'm normally more put together." Nat stopped herself before she let out too much word vomit.
Carol Bosa looked Nat up and down and thought carefully about her next words. Eventually she let out, "That's all water under the bridge. How about we get to know each other over some breakfast?" She asked surprisingly genuine.
"Oh no, I don't want to interrupt any mother-son bonding time. I know you probably don't get much time to see each other so I want to give you both space, with all due respect."
Carol began to shake her head and insist Nat stay, but it was Nick's voice that took control of the room.
"Nat, have breakfast with us. Don't worry about it being awkward, I want you here." Nick looked at Nat and she could tell this was more a command than it was a request.
"Um..." Nat started but couldn't finish. She was taken aback by Nick's sudden stern tone. Nick could read the uncertainty in her face so he kept going.
"Mom, I think you and Nat are going to have a lot to talk about. She's a big fan of Grey's Anatomy too." Nat's face was definitely rose tinted by now.
"Oh isn't that nice!" Carol beamed at Nat. "I haven't been super crazy about the direction of the show this past season but I'd love to hear what you've been thinking. Come on, let's go sit down."
Carol started walking over to the dining table but Nat and Nick held back for a moment. Nick grabbed Nat's hand and raised it so he could give it a kiss. He gave it an extra squeeze and gently smiled at Nat. His whole attitude worked to calm her nerves and for a moment Nat forgot this was all an act they were putting on. It's scary how right this feels.
The two made their way over to the table as Nick's chef brought out some plates. The breakfast was the same for everyone- a mixed veggie omelet. The difference came in the portions. While Nat and Carol each got a regular portion, Nick's plate was loaded up for what looked like 3 people. He also had some fruit to go alongside this meal, though Nat imagined she could snag some grapes off of his plate.
The three began to eat as the chef made her way back to the kitchen to clean up. As they ate, Nick's mom began asking questions. "So Nat, what do you do?"
Nat impulsively shoveled a forkful of omelet to her mouth to buy some time to think of an answer. She chewed slowly, as if the answer would come to her after reaching a certain number of bites. But as the silence lingered and it became more and more awkward, she was beginning to fear she wouldn't have an answer for Carol. Luckily, it was the smaller bear who came to the rescue.
"Uh, she's actually a student. She's studying sports medicine. That's actually how we met, she uh, came over to Levi's one day with her class."
"Oh nice." Carol responded, although Nat couldn't help but notice the look she shot over at her son. Maybe it was Nat's imagination, but she could tell that answer wasn't to Carol's liking.
Nat figured it would be smart to change the conversation topic. "So how have you been liking the season Ms. Bosa?" Nat cheerfully interjected.
Carol turned her attention back to Nat as she wiped her mouth with a napkin. "You can call me Carol. I think it's been an exciting one! I know Nicky and the Pioneers are crushing it right now. His brother and the Boars aren't doing half bad either."
"So I've heard. You've definitely raised two incredible defensive players. The NFA needs to send you some sort of plaque or something." Nat responded.
"Hah! That's what I'm always telling the boys. It's not easy raising two football players let me tell you. That chef you see there? That was me for a solid 20 years. These two had me bent over the stove for hours every day."
Nat laughed at this. "I bet. I actually whipped up some soup for Nick because he was feeling sick. It took me like 2 hours to get it just right and he downed it in like 10 minutes. Then he had the nerve to ask if I brought any more."
"Ha! That sounds like my Nicky. At least he's eating your food, he won't even touch any of my pasta I make him. And let me tell you, these recipes have been in our family for generations so you know they're good."
Nat continued laughing at how heated Carol was getting about food. "Oh man, I can only imagine. He takes his diet very seriously. He tried convincing me this no-bake low sugar brownie his chef made was 'just as good as the real thing'. It tasted like rubber. I told him he can allow himself a little treat every now and again but he never listens." Nat shook her head.
Carol laughed again and tapped Nick's forearm. "You see Nicky, you need to be listening to her, she knows what she's saying. I'm making you dinner tonight and you better at least try some."
This was the first time Nat looked up at her "boyfriend" since starting this conversation with his mom. Nat was surprised and a little touched at the giant smile Nick was wearing. From the looks of it, he had been thoroughly entertained by the two women's conversation. He locked eyes with Nat and had that wistful gaze of his once more. Nat didn't need to read his mind to know what he was thinking. Those puppy dog eyes said it all. Nat was beginning to fear this fake relationship they were putting on was becoming a little too real for him.
...
The rest of the week had passed and now it was game day once again for the Pioneers, who were taking on the Miami Sharks. The energy on the field was electric as always, and Nat took a big swig of water as she eagerly awaited for the game to begin. Ellie walked up to her sporting her usual Giordano jersey and some khaki pants. She took her place next to Nat and waited alongside her.
"Soooo, you ready to see your man tear it up out there?" Ellie asked, a little too peppy.
"Ellie, trust me, you don't know what I got myself into." Nat said with a small sigh at the end.
"Oh? This should be good."
Nat went on to explain the night she spent with Nick as well as the breakfast date she found herself a part of. Ellie laughed wildly when she heard Nat recount opening the door without a bra, but by the end of it, Ellie was more amused than concerned.
"I just can't stop worrying about his mom finding out we lied and then telling Callaghan or something." I also can't help but feel like this was Nick's way of pressuring me into dating him.
"And how would she find out? Besides, Ms. Carol's not like that. She can probably tell how much you two care about each other. You made him soup and practically spoon fed him. Darling, I don't think y'all were lying about you being his girlfriend."
She's got me there. Already his girlfriend? Hm. Nat couldn't deny the joy this thought gave her.
It was a short lived happiness though because out of the corner of her eye Nat spotted Ms. Carol Bosa on the sidelines talking to some of the other moms. Nat squealed and immediately hid behind Ellie.
"Okay now what's this about?" The blonde trainer asked.
"Do you not see Carol Bosa over there? If she sees me she's gonna know something's up."
"What's the big deal? If she sees you just tell her you're interning or something. You need to work on your confidence." Ellie said unamused.
"Easy for you to say, your future mom in law didn't catch you after a hookup."
"Hah! Remind me to tell you a story later"
Nat paused for a moment, tempted to ask, but then shook her head. "I somehow keep getting roped into mess every few business days." Nat was only rounding out her third month with the Pioneers but she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at the amount of drama that had followed her since starting. And she was determined to not let it continue.
Nat spotted the table of water bottles and figured it would be safer to mingle with the players rather than unsuccessfully hide behind someone clearly shorter than her.
"I'll handle water duty," Nat said, "Can you make sure Carol stays away from them?"
Nat could read the hesitation in Ellie's eyes. "I can try but if she decides she wants to talk to her son don't be surprised if I can't stop her."
Nat accepted the tentative agreement and took the water bottles over to the players. She handed them out one by one, being careful to avoid Nick Bosa, but when she was down to her last one she considered bringing it to him. This idea was stopped in its tracks however when Deon Hudson went up to her.
"Well well, here's someone I haven't seen in a while" Deon had the same cocky grin he always wore on game days.
Nat resisted the eye roll and made peace with the fact she'd have to give her last bottle to Deon Hudson. But she tried to make the best of it, at least she wouldn't have to worry about Carol Bosa approaching them.
"Hello Deon. How have you been?" she asked, trying her best to sound authentic.
"Oh you know, looking good and feeling good. You ready to see our seventh straight win?" He asked confidently.
Nat couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah. I have to say it's a lot better in person than it is on TV."
Deon nodded in response but before he could talk again they were interrupted by none other than Nick Bosa walking up to them in a white #97 jersey. Nat tried not to stare at his midriff that showed his v-line. Somehow despite having slept with him twice and already having seen his naked body, the sight of his muscles still sent shockwaves all throughout her body. She was starting to think the podcast guys were wrong and Nick really was the hottest player in the NFA.
"Hey guys" Nick said eagerly "Nat, great to have you back" His perfect smile grew as he looked at her.
Nat felt a rush but then quickly remembered Nick's mom wasn't too far away. She felt brief panic before reaching for Deon's hand and exclaiming, "OH MY GOD, uh I just remembered Deon needed help with his, uh, thing" She stammered out shooting a look at Deon that was begging him to play along.
To Deon's credit he immediately picked up on what Nat was doing and played along, "Oh right, she was going to help me with my thing, yes." He said only half-convincingly.
Nick's smile withdrew and he looked at Nat with a skeptical look that had a touch of envy. It was only then that Nat realized what they had just said.
"Oh my god, no, it's not like that. I just- ugh. Deon can I see you in the medical tent?" Nat asked flushed with embarrassment.
"Of course. Anything for you." He said with a wink.
Nick's reaction wasn't lost on Nat. She could see his nostrils start to flare and his face getting red. She would be lying if she said she didn't take slight enjoyment out of his clear jealousy.
Good to know he's easy to make jealous. He's such a cutie.
Nat took Deon's hand and walked him to the medical tent. Once inside, she turned around and was surprised to see Deon giving her a serious look.
"What was all that about? And you better not be starting something you can't finish." Deon said, still with a slight grin.
Oh man what do I tell him? You did not think this one through Nataly.
"Okay so Deon, can I ask you for a favor? I don't want to explain why, but I need your help. Can you just agree to mind your business about it? For me?" She batted her eyelashes in an attempt to appeal to whatever affection he might still have for her.
Deon licked his lips as he mulled over her words. After a brief moment, he responded, "Alright, but only if you agree to do the same for me?"
"What?" Nat responded. He needs my help?
"You heard me. You agree to help me no questions asked and I'll help you."
Nat looked at him skeptically. "What exactly are you going to ask me...?"
"Relax, it's just advice. Unless you want to do more..."
"What advice do you need, Hudson?"
Deon laughed. "Well... I remember you telling me I needed to learn more about girls' feelings. Let's say there's a girl that I'm trying to impress. I already took her out to eat, but what's something else we can do that'll make her really fall for me?"
Is this really happening? Nat could hardly hide her growing smile. "Deon do you like someone? Is there finally a girl who's gonna stick around for longer than a season?" Nat relished every moment of this.
Deon shook his head at her. "Now what did we say about questions? You don't ask me any and I won't ask you any. Like why Bosa coming over had you all spooked."
Nat immediately flattened her mouth and nodded in agreement. Reflecting back on his question, she responded, "Well personally speaking, I would love a date on the beach. I haven't had a chance to see the bay, maybe you could do a picnic or just get some ice cream or something. I think it's all about the time you spend with someone rather than what you're doing." Nat imagined walking on the sand next to Nick, hand in hand, watching the sunset. The more she thought about this fake relationship she had formed with him, the more tempted she was feeling by it.
Deon thought about what she said then responded, "Alright Casillas. If that's what girls like I'll give it a try. You better not be lying to me." He added a low chuckle to the end of it.
Nat, feeling pleased with herself, then proceeded with her own request. "Alright Hudson, here's the deal. I need you to keep the Bosas distracted. Not just Nick, his mom Carol too. You think you can talk to them whenever you see them free?"
Deon looked at her puzzled then asked, "Why are you avoiding the Bosas? Ms. Bosa is amazing."
Nat shot him a knowing look and responded, "No questions right? Unless you want to explain who this girl is you're trying to walk on the beach with."
Deon laughed again then added "Alright, you win. I can do that for you. You can always count on me." He gave a salute to her.
Nat laughed at his gesture but was touched nonetheless. "Alright Deon, we got a deal. Now go out there and kick some ass."
...
The game, like the ones before, went perfectly in favor of the Pioneers. It was the 4th quarter and the score was 35-13 in favor of the Pioneers. Considering how little time was left in the match, it was impossible for the Sharks to make a meaningful comeback. It was only a matter of running out the clock.
To Nat's pleasure, she had managed to avoid both Bosas that were present. True to his word, Deon had kept Carol distracted any time she got too close to where the players sat. Nat noticed she was with the group who had paid to have fieldside tickets, but Deon didn't seem to mind paying constant visits to her and the other fans lucky enough to be able to afford such luxurious spots. Nat highly doubted Carol had spotted her through all the commotion Deon would cause when he went over to them.
As for Nick, Nat felt a little bad about not talking to him as much as she would've liked, but knowing Carol was likely keeping an eye on her son made it too risky. Should Nat be spotted next to him, she wasn't sure Carol wouldn't recognize her, so she played it safe. Besides a few times Nick came up to her trying to inquire why she pulled Deon to the medical tent, Nat managed to steer clear of him.
Now as the clock continued to wind down, Nat watched as the Miami Sharks offense attempted with little enthusiasm to make the final score slightly less embarrassing for themselves. It was a second down and the Sharks were in the upper tens of yards to gain, so Nat expected them to attempt an explosive play in order to keep the drive alive.
Nat watched as the ball snapped and Nick almost made his way to the quarterback. He had already scored his sack of the game earlier, so Nat knew he was just trying to show off. Nick had been playing excellently the whole game, likely trying to impress his friends and family that Nat knew were rooting on the Sharks. Watching Nick in action was spectacular. Nat could see he was in his element and she could understand that bout of depression he was experiencing having to put football on hold as he waited for his illness to subside.
Now on their 3rd down, Nat watched with anticipation as the ball snapped once more. She kept her eyes glued on Nick who moved swiftly through the offensive linemen, however she noticed one lineman who followed right behind Nick and managed to tackle him before he reached the quarterback. Protected, the quarterback threw the ball but was ultimately unable to score enough yards to get a first down. So, the players on the field began exiting to allow the kicker and the receiving players to get on the field, but Nat noticed there was one player still on the ground. One player wearing a #97 jersey who appeared to be in some sort of pain.
Oh no. Please get up.
Nat watched as a few of Nick's teammates helped him to his feet. Her heart jumped to her throat once she saw him wince in pain, trying to walk but clearly showing signs of distress. Nick and his teammates began marching over to the medical tent and Nat wasted no time in making her way down there.
Once Nat was inside, she saw Nick's teammates help him to a nearby bed and she watched as tears began forming in her eyes. Nick seemed to be faring no better as she could tell by his pained expression that whatever had happened out there was serious.
Nat made her way up to Nick and put a hand on his shoulder. She looked at his legs but didn't see anything abnormal, so she had hoped whatever had happened wouldn't put Nick out of commission for too long. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the defensive end's face.
"Tell me where it hurts."
"It's my knee. Ah, fuck."
"What's wrong with your knee? Does it feel dislocated?"
"No, it just hurts like hell. I fell on it when that guy tackled me."
"Okay that's good. It's probably not broken. There's no need to worry."
"Nat, am I going to be okay?" He spat out the words and Nat noticed how his voice quivered.
"You're going to be fine, I got you."
Nick looked over at Nat and he tried to give a weak smile. "Thanks babe. I know you got this."
Babe?
Before Nat could react, Nick let out another grunt of pain. Nat wanted to believe it was because of the pain he was in, but she wouldn't put it past him to do that to distract her from the line he just crossed. Nat's hands went to Nick's knee and she lightly touched over it, trying to feel if a bone was out of place or if there was any tenderness. It wasn't until Nat pushed slightly harder on the area that she was able to get a reaction out of Nick.
"Okay, good news is nothing's sticking out. It looks like you might've just taken a bad fall, maybe bruised it. You would know if it were broken or sprained. Let me get you some pain medicine."
Nat briefly turned away to gather the supplies she would need to help Nick feel better. Her heart had calmed down knowing that whatever Nick was going through wasn't serious and she doubted he would be injured for the whole week. At this point, all he needed was rest and to not use his legs as much as possible.
When Nat returned to Nick's bed, she was surprised to see Carol Bosa had somehow managed her way inside the tent and was on the other side of the bed supporting her son. It was only when Nat set down the supplies that Carol noticed her there.
"Nataly? What are you doing here?" Carol asked confused but with a look of concern that only a mother could have.
"I'm here to help Nick, don't worry." Nat replied hoping Carol wouldn't probe any further.
Unfortunately that was not what Carol had planned. "Dear, no offense but I would feel more confident if we had a more experienced trainer here. Someone who's not still in school. Excuse me, we need an athletic trainer here, stat!"
It was Mr. Stoll who heard her call and much to Nat's dismay, approached the trio.
"Um Ms. Bosa she is a trainer. Ms. Casillas here will have Nick back to normal in no time." He offered to the concerned mother.
But Carol merely shook her head and said, "Listen I'm sure she's good and has an idea what she's doing, but I need a legit trainer, not a student, to help my son. Can you take over?"
Stoll looked at Carol with a puzzled look, then looked over at Nat who at this point was trying her best not to return anyone's eye contact. She was lightly rubbing Nick's knee as she waited for the pain meds to start kicking in.
Stoll broke the silence first, "Ma'am, I'm not sure why you think she's a student, but Nat has been working here for a few months now. She's not a student, I hired her myself."
Nat didn't need to look up to know that Carol was staring at her once again.
"Mom I'm sorry, I can explain once the game is over. Can we just focus on this?" Nick asked, pointing to his knee.
Carol responded with a brief "Hm" but she respected her son's wish as Nat continued to treat him in silence. At some point outside the game had ended with the Pioneers now being 7-2, but the only thing that would calm Nat's nerves in this moment was knowing Nick was okay. Even knowing that she had a storm waiting for her once it came time to come clean to mama Bosa, the only thing occupying Nat's mind was worry for her fake boyfriend.
The treatment had gone well and Nick was already showing signs of improvement. Nat could rub his knee without him wincing in discomfort and based on Stoll's assessment as well, the two trainers anticipated Nick would be better in a couple of days. He may not be super thrilled about it, but at least it wasn't a season ending injury and at least he wouldn't miss a game.
Nat walked back to put away the supplies she had gathered and Mr. Stoll approached her as she was doing so. His look of concern shot worry into Nat's spine as she knew it was time to address Carol Bosa's assumption.
"Nat... can I ask why Ms. Bosa thought you were a student? Better yet can I ask why she even knows you?" Stoll asked solemnly.
Nat exhaled loudly and decided she had to come clean. Not the whole way clean, but at least enough to explain the situation. "We... ran into each other before the game. It's a long story but basically Nick told her I was just a student interning with the Pioneers. I'm sorry."
Nat looked at Stoll's eyes now who seemed to be searching for answers within her. He was motionless as he asked his follow up, "And why would Nick tell her you're just an intern?"
Nat looked down at the ground and could feel the tears swarming behind her eyes again. She wished at this moment she could just disappear, go back to Nick's bed in his apartment wrapped up in his arms. She wanted to escape and return to her comfort zone and not worry about the stresses of her daily life.
But one thing about Nataly Casillas, she knew when it was time to be mature and own up to her mistakes. She knew Stoll appreciated her work, so she decided she would try to make an ally out of him before making an enemy.
"Sir... I did something I shouldn't have. That's why he told her I was an intern. I'm really, really sorry."
Stoll immediately shook his head, already understanding what Nat was implying. He placed his hands on his hips then raised one to rub his stubbled chin. After a few moments, he looked back at Nat and said, "We'll worry about this tomorrow. For now, just get out and help Ms. James check on the other players."
Nat thought about protesting but she could tell by Stoll's expression this was not a battle she would win. She looked over at Nick again and saw him sitting upright, prodding his knee himself. She wanted to go over and tell him to stop, but she figured if he was doing that it must've meant he wasn't in pain anymore. Reluctantly she nodded at her boss and made her way out of the tent.
Once outside Nat scanned the area to see if she could spot where Ellie was. Unfortunately, it appeared most everyone had made their way back into the locker room. Everyone save for a few players who were giving post game interviews, and for a man and a woman who were talking not too far from Nat.
Nat gasped as she realized who the man and woman talking were. The woman was a face Nat knew far too well from how she spent the duration of the game trying to avoid her. The man was wearing a distinct cap and held a clipboard with a headset on his ears. Nat felt her body go cold. Carol noticed Nat staring and immediately raised her hand and pointed at Nat's direction. This prompted the man to turn around.
The expression on coach Callaghan's face said it all.