A kickoff to romance

When Isabelle runs into an old high school friend at an annual Super Bowl party, she finds a fellow football lover and scores a new chance at love

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I’m running late for my brother’s Super Bowl party, but I’ve created a masterpiece! I hold in my hands a platter containing a tiny football field made with fresh guacamole surrounded by crisp veggies and tortillas. One end zone is spicy salsa and the other is cheese. The lines on the field are all sour cream, piped on just moments ago.

I left my kitchen a bit of a wreck, but c’est la vie! I walk the short block in the brisk winter air, plastic wrap over my creation.

My brother and sister-in-law have a houseful already. Their place is decorated in colorful NFL pennants and balloons. Little footballs and mini helmets are everywhere, and streamers hang from the ceiling. Big-screen TVs are set up in two different rooms. I serpentine through the crowd with my beautiful dip when I roll on an errant football and let out a yelp. Thankfully, a sturdy pair of hands steadies me before I drop my tray of football-feasting goodness.

“Oh, gosh, thank you!” Warmth spreads to my face. The helping hands are connected to muscled arms, attached to a well built body…you get the idea. Deep brown eyes stare into mine. I know this person…

My brother, Ray, makes his way past us, two drinks held high. “Isabelle, you remember my friend Joe?” Ray nods toward his tall, handsome friend, who is holding my arm, and who I cannot forget. Joe DeLeo, still rugged and gorgeous.