Chapter 7
“Well her name is Tobin, of course, she was the photographer at one of my shoots and I thought she was cute so I asked her to lunch and the rest is kinda history.” Alex says and Syd notices how her eyes light up when she says Tobin’s name.
“Baby Horse has got it bad, huh?” Syd says and Alex shoves her but smiles nonetheless.
“Whatever, we have only been doing out for a couple weeks, it’s no big deal.” Alex says as she tries desperately to keep her cool in front of Sydney.
“No big deal? You’re kidding me Morgan. I can tell you’re crazy about this girl.” Sydney says as she leans back into her couch and waits for a responsive from her friend.
“No way, I mean we are even official or anything.” Alex says and Syd gives her the look.
“I am sure it won’t be like that for much longer. You’re Alex Morgan she would be crazy not to make it official.” Syd says and Alex’s head becomes a bit bigger than before.
“I really like her Syd, like a lot.” Alex says and Sydney nods her head in agreement.
“Anyway enough about me how are you and Dom?” Alex asks and Syd screams in excitement. Alex knew it would be a night full of talking romance and drinking wine.
.
“Hey Tobin, you ready?” Alex yells from her bedroom.
It is a couple hours before the ESPYS start and Tobin is getting ready at Alex’s house. Tobin is a stuttering mess and has been since she showed up at Alex’s house this morning.
“Y-yeah, I’m ready.” Tobin says as she looks in the mirror in one of the many guest bedrooms at Alex’s house. Tobin decided to wear a tuxedo, with much encouragement from her date. Alex said she looked like Angelina Jolie from the 2014 BAFTAs and that gave Tobin a bit of confidence. Tobin takes one last look in the mirror and turns to head to Alex’s room.
“You ready, Lex?” Tobin says as she peeks her head into Alex’s room and sees her make-up and stylist ‘person’ putting the final touches to her look.
“Yep, just give me five minutes. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Alex says and Tobin nods her head and makes her way downstairs to Alex’s kitchen on a quest for a drink to calm her nerves. Five minutes later Tobin hears Alex calling her name and walks to the bottom of the stairs to wait for her date.
Tobin is busy messing with her jacket to notice that Alex is at the top of the stairs waiting for Tobin to look at her. Alex clears her throat and Tobin finally looks at her and the reaction on Tobin’s face is beyond priceless.
Tobin’s jaw is on the floor and Alex swears she can see a little bit of drool on the corner of her mouth. “Toby, pick up your jaw before you step on it.” Alex says and it snaps Tobin out of her daze.
“L-l-lex you look a-a-amazing. You look s-s-s-so beautiful.” Tobin stutters out and Alex laughs at her. “Sorry a-a-about m-my stutter, but you literally took my breath away.” Tobin says and Alex blushes hard.
“You look really beautiful too, Toby.” Alex says and Tobin blushes.
“I hate it when people call me that, but I can make an exception for you.” Tobin says in Alex’s ear and finishes it off with a kiss on her cheek.
“Ready?” Tobin asks and all Alex can do is nod her head.
.
The ride in the limo was much too short for a jittery Tobin. Alex tried calming her down and even went as far as making out with her to try and get Tobin to relax, it worked for a brief moment until Tobin came back to reality.
“Tobin you are going to do great, I promise.” Alex says and Tobin takes a deep breath, lets it out and kisses Alex one more time.
“Let’s do this thing.” Tobin says to herself and Alex chuckles at how nervous she is.
The limo door is opened and Tobin gets out first holding her hand out for Alex. When both of the women are out the limo pulls away reality sets in for Tobin. Flashes are everywhere and everyone is screaming "Alex is this your date?” and “What about Servando?” and of course “Are you gay, Alex?” Tobin would like the answer to the last one but she isn’t too concerned with that right now.
“Are you okay?” Alex says in Tobin’s ear and she nods her head still a bit shell-shocked from all the flashes.
“Yes.” Tobin says and Alex replies with, “OK, then let’s start walking.” They both laugh at this and start walking the carpet. A lot of reporters are begging for an interview with Alex and so they stop to chat with a lady from ESPNW.
“Alex you look as beautiful as ever.” The lady says and Alex tells her thank you. Tobin is just hanging out beside Alex with her hand on her lower back to keep herself grounded. The woman notices Tobin and doesn’t hesitate to point her out.
“Alex is this your date for the evening?” The woman asks and that gets Tobin’s attention and she starts to feel herself sweating through her jacket. ‘Don’t be a moron, don’t be a moron’ is the chant going on in Tobin’s head.
“Yes it is. This is Tobin Heath.” Alex says and Tobin nods her head in acknowledgement.
“Tobin Heath the photographer?” The woman asks and Tobin again nods her head.
“Wow, well you definitely scored a good one Ms. Heath.” The woman says and before Tobin can say anything Alex blurts out, “Have you seen her? I’m the lucky one.” Tobin blushes and looks down at her feet. The interview continues on and Tobin looks around and sees Abby Wambach ten feet to her right, Tobin is a big fan of hers.
“Oh my gosh, it’s Abby Wambach.” Tobin says in Alex’s ear as they walk away from the nice lady, as Tobin has dubbed her.
“Yeah Tobs, she is my teammate. We are sitting like right next to her.” Alex replies back with furrowed eyebrows.
“No way! She is like my favorite soccer player ever!” Tobin yells and Alex laughs at her.
“I thought I was?” Alex says and Tobin’s face goes white when she feels where Alex’s hand is. Hint, it's not in a place that is appropriate for a formal setting.
“Oh yeah, d-d-de-definitely you.” Tobin says and Alex throws her head back in laughter.
They keep walking on the carpet and lots of people are taking their pictures and yelling at them to “look this way”. Tobin is getting a bit tired of all if it and Alex notices.
“You want to head inside?” Alex asks and Tobin nods her head.
They make their way inside and see that most of Alex’s team is in their assigned seats. Tobin stops in her tracks when she sees who is going to be sitting right next to her.
“I get to sit by Abby Wambach. This is unreal.” Tobin says and Alex pulls on her arm to get her to move towards their seats.
“Hey gals.” Alex says and they all say hi and talk about how beautiful everyone looks. Alex even introduces Tobin to everyone and gets a wink from Sydney Leroux. Alex takes her seat and Tobin sits next to her.
“Hey Abbs!” Alex yells and Abby laughs at the younger girl.
“This is my date Tobin, she is a big fan of yours.” Alex says and Tobin turns to face her as if you say “why did you do that?” and Alex laughs and turns toward her neighbor, Lauren Holiday.
“Tobin Heath, right?” Abby says and all Tobin can do is nod her head.
“My girlfriend is a big fan of your photography.” Abby says and then Tobin sees a woman lean her head out from behind Abby’s shoulders.
“Wow, I am honored.” Tobin says and mentally high fives herself for not stuttering.
“Actually, we were looking for someone to take pictures at our wedding. Would you be interested?” Abby asks and a big smile forms on Tobin’s face and she nods her head repeatedly.
“Of course! I would be honored to take pictures of your big day.” Tobin says and Abby laughs and they make small talk until someone comes up to Tobin.
“Tobin? What are you doing here?” A woman says and this grabs Alex’s attention. Alex turns her head to see Paige Spiranac talking to her Tobin.
“Paige? How have you been?” Tobin says as she gets out of her seat to lean over and hug Paige, much to Alex’s dismay.
“I have been good and judging by your entourage you are doing pretty well yourself.” Paige says and Alex shoots daggers at her.
“Yeah I am here with this lovely lady.” Tobin says as she points to Alex and Paige sticks her hand out to introduce herself.
“Paige, longtime friend of Tobin’s.”
“Alex, currently dating Tobin.” Alex says and Paige rolls her eyes and focuses back on Tobin.
“We should catch up sometime.” Paige says and Tobin nods her head in agreement.
“Well I’ve gotta go but I’ll be expecting a call from you.” Paige says as she pulls Tobin in for a lingering hug.
“So how do you know Paige?” Alex asks and this catches Tobin off guard. Luckily the lights go down and the awards start. She could put the conversation off for now.
.
“It has been a long night. I can’t wait to go to sleep.” Alex says as she leans her head on Tobin’s shoulder.
The night had gone very well for Alex, the team had gotten an award for being the ‘Best Team of 2015’ and Alex had gotten best female athlete. Tobin had a blast at the award show and even more fun at the after party. She had never been around so many great athletes and it was probably the best night of her life.
“I feel ya girl.” Tobin says and Alex busts out laughing.
“Do you just want to stay at my place tonight, I mean it’s almost two and I don’t want you driving that late anyway.” Alex says as she snuggles closer into Tobin’s side. Tobin lifts her arm and wraps it around Alex.
“Well I can’t deny a pretty girl.” Tobin says and they both laugh at this.
“Speaking of pretty girls who was that Paige girl?” Alex asks and feels Tobin stiffen at her words.
“Let’s talk about it when we get back.” Tobin says and Alex nods her head.
After a short ride back to Alex’s house and a quick change of clothes the women are laying on Alex’s bed, Tobin on her back and Alex on her side facing Tobin.
“So, Paige..” Alex starts off and Tobin lets out a puff of air and sits up to lean against the headboard.
“Paige was a friend of a girlfriend that I used to have.” Tobin says.
“I thought she would have been an ex-girlfriend by the way she was looking at me.” Alex says and Tobin turns her attention to her.
“How was she looking at you?” Tobin asks curiously.
“Like she wanted my head on a stick.” Alex says and Tobin feels herself heat up with anger.
“She had no right to do that.” Tobin says through gritted teeth.
“Hey calm down, it’s not a big deal.” Alex says as she puts her hand on Tobin’s cheek to try and calm her down.
“Sorry, I lost my temper.” Tobin apologizes.
“Tell me what really happened, Tobin.” Alex says softly as she takes Tobin’s hand in hers.
“Like I said she was a friend of a previous girlfriend.” Tobin starts and she can feel herself becoming vulnerable and remembers what Kelley said a couple days ago.
“That girlfriend I had passed away.” Tobin says and Alex is shocked to say the least.
“Tobin, I am so sorry.” Alex says as she turns her whole body toward Tobin.
“No its okay, it happened a long time ago.” Tobin says as she lifts her head to look in the blue eyes of Alex.
“She was in a bad car accident and never fully recovered.” Tobin says and Alex listens attentively.
“I’m sorry for your loss Tobin.” Alex says as she cuddles under Tobin’s arm.
“Me too.” Tobin says quietly and there is a comfortable silence that fills the room.
After a couple minutes Alex breaks the silence with a question, “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.” Tobin says.
“This sounds super middle schoolish but do you like me?” Alex asks and Tobin laughs at the question.
“Yes I do, Lex. I like you a lot actually.” Tobin says as she leans her head down and drops a kiss on Alex’s lips.
“Good because I like you a lot too.” Alex says and Tobin smiles at this.
“Let’s take a picture. I haven’t posted to Instagram in like three hours.” Alex says and they both laugh at this, partly due to pure exhaustion.
“Fineeeee.” Tobin says and Alex yelps and grabs her phone off the nightstand.
Alex makes Tobin snap the picture and then uploads it to Instagram.
@alexmorgan13: Had a blast at the ESPYS w/ @tobinheath and now it’s time for bed. #bestdateever
Within minutes Alex’s phone is flooded with likes and comments on her picture.
“Wow Lex this is crazy.” Tobin says as she sees all the likes on the picture.
“I know these people will like anything. I once posted a picture of a blade of grass and they went crazy calling me the queen of nature.” Alex says and Tobin laughs at the ridiculous.
After a couple episodes of the bachelor, not Tobin’s first or second choice but it made Alex happy so she suffered in silence, they decided to finally go to sleep.
“I am really glad you’re here, Toby.”
“I am really glad to be here, Lexy.” Tobin responds and hears a little laugh from Alex followed by, “Don’t call me that.”
“Whatever, goodnight.” Tobin says as she pecks Alex’s lips one more time and closes her eyes. Tobin fell asleep that night thinking that nothing she dreamed of could top reality for her. Alex fell asleep that night realizing that she was falling hard and fast for Tobin Heath.
.
The morning comes, much to Alex’s dismay, and she rolls over to an empty side of the bed. She sits up and finds no trace of Tobin in her room and Alex begins to worry.
“Tobin?” Alex calls out as she walks out of her room and down the stairs to investigate. She finds no trace of Tobin or her things, so she walks back to her room to pick up her phone.
There are many notifications from Instagram but a message and a Twitter notification are the two things that grab her attention. She checks the Twitter notification first expecting it to be from a fan or a teammate. What she doesn’t expect is it to be from Tobin. There is a picture of a sleeping Alex and a grinning Tobin followed by a caption:
@tobinheath: Hate to leave this one but duty calls! #gotcha #callme
Alex smiles at the picture and retweets it for all of her followers to see. She calls Tobin the second she is done.
“Well hello Ms. Morgan.” Tobin says into the phone and Alex chuckles.
“I would say hey but you skipped out on me after our first night together.” Alex says as she fakes being angry with the older woman.
“I am sorry, Lex. I had an early shoot this morning with Amber Heard and you looked to peaceful to wake up.” Tobin says as she walks around the studio and adjusts the lights and sets her camera up.
“So you decided to take a picture instead?” Alex questions as she gets comfortable in bed again.
“You know you loved it.” Tobin says cheekily and Alex can’t help but laugh.
“You’re right, I did.” Alex says and hears something fall on the other side of the line. “What was that?”
“Um, I might have broken one of the lights.” Tobin says and Whit comes up behind her and says, “Smooth move x-lax.”
“Shut up Whit.” Tobin says and her and Whit share a laugh before Tobin realizes she is still on the phone with Alex.
“Hey Lex?” Tobin says as she moves around the set to make sure everything is perfect.
“Yes Toby?” Alex replies as she turns on another episode of the bachelor.
“I have to go but are you free for dinner tonight?” Tobin asks in hopes that she says yes.
“I have training at 4 but I should be done by 7 if you can wait that long?”
“I guess so..” Tobin says with an exasperated sigh. “I can pick you up at 8?” Tobin replies back.
“I will let you pick me up on one condition.” Alex says and Tobin lets out a sigh and waits for Alex’s condition.
“You have to bring your other car because I will not sit in the heat in your old rusty Jeep.” Alex says and Tobin’s immediate response is, “NOOOOOO.”
“You do not get to request a vehicle if you aren’t driving.” Tobin says and Alex is a tad bit frustrated at her tone.
“Then don’t bother picking me up for dinner. I’ll just eat with one of my teammates.” Alex says and Tobin is thrown for a loop at how fast this conversation has turned but nonetheless decides to apologize even though she’s not sure what she did.
“Wait, I’m sorry. I’ll pick you up in my other car, I should probably drive it anyway she’s been sitting for a while.” Tobin says as she tries to wrap up this disastrous conversation.
“Okay, I will see you at 8 then?” Alex asks unsure if Tobin is actually going to show up after the fit she just threw.
“Of course, but I really have to go.” Tobin says after she sees Amber Heard walk into the room.
“Bye Toby.”
“Bye Lexy.” Tobin says and gets a chuckle in return.
After her phone call with Tobin Alex does some reflecting on her behavior. She realizes that her temper got in the way of a fun conversation she was having with Tobin. Alex has had trouble with her temper in the past and she was hoping it wouldn’t pop up this soon but either way she has to let Tobin know about this.
Alex’s day was filled with sleeping late, her late morning/early afternoon run and lots of binge watching Scandal on Netflix. She is not proud to say that she finished half of season one today. Training was horrible because coach was extra cranky and Alex was off her game today. She couldn’t seem to get her brain to turn off, everything she did she was either too intense or not intense enough. Alex was ready to let off some steam tonight with Tobin.
After taking her shower Alex stands in her closet looking for something to wear and then realizes that she hasn’t washed clothes in quite some time. Panicking and running around her house in just her underwear and bra she finally finds something decent to wear. Minutes later she hears her doorbell ring and knows that’s Tobin, she quickly grabs her purse and shoes and runs to the door.
“Hey Tobs.” Alex says and Tobin grabs her hand and walks her to the car.
They walk out to Alex’s drive way and Alex sees a black BMW sitting there. She immediately feels guilt for her attitude earlier in the day.
“Look Tobin, we need to talk.” Alex says as she pulls Tobin around to her front.
“Wait, are you breaking up with me?” Tobin says with a sly smile and then she starts busting out laughing with causes Alex to join her.
“Just kidding, we aren’t even together..” Tobin says and finishes with, “Not yet at least.”
“Tobbbiinn.” Alex pleads and Tobin realizes that Alex is trying to be serious so she takes a seat on the hood of her car and grabs Alex’s hand in hers.
“I wanted to apologize for this morning. My attitude was uncalled for and I keep replaying the conversation over and over in my head. I don’t even know where it came from, but I am really sorry. When you drive we can take whatever car you want.” Alex says as she fiddles with Tobin’s fingers.
“It’s okay Alex, no need to stress about it. I thought about our conversation a lot today and if my Jeep makes you uncomfortable then I want you to tell me. If anything I do makes you uncomfortable then tell me. I like your honesty and I only cried for like 20 minutes afterwards.” Tobin says to try and lighten the mood because she has never been a fan of serious situations.
“That is very sweet of you Toby but I know you didn’t cry.” Alex says as she walks to the passenger side to get in the car but Tobin beats her to it and swiftly opens the door for her.
“You’re Majesty.” Tobin says in a faux British accent and Alex laughs at her horrible impersonation.
“Shut up and get in the car.” Alex says and Tobin obeys and gets in the driver’s side of the car.
The restaurant they are going to isn’t too far away so they make small talk about their day on the way. “How was your shoot?” Alex asks and Tobin’s eyes light up.
“It was so cool, I absolutely love Amber Heard and Johnny Depp even showed up for a little bit.” Tobin says with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store.
“Sounds like an awesome day.” Alex says as she leans over to kiss Tobin on the cheek.
“It was totally awesome. I love my job.” Tobin says with a big smile on her face. “How was yours?” Tobin asks and Alex lets out a sigh.
“It was really long.” Alex says as she leans her head back on the headrest of the seat.
“How was training?” Tobin asks.
“Awful, I did terrible today.” Alex says in a frustrated tone.
“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad and plus you’re Alex Morgan you bounce back after a bad day.” Tobin says as they pull up to the restaurant.
“Let’s goooooo.” Tobin says and they make their way into the restaurant.
“I wanted to ask you something, Alex.” Tobin says once they have settled in and ordered their food.
“Shoot.” Alex says giving Tobin her undivided attention.
“So we’ve been dating a couple weeks, right?” Tobin asks and Alex nods her head and smiles.
“Are you seeing that Servando guy like at all?” Tobin asks.
“No, he is just a close friend and the media made up what they wanted.” Alex says and Tobin lets out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.
“Awesome, that’s great for me” Tobin says and Alex can tell she is getting a bit nervous.
“Is there something you wanted to ask me?” Alex asks and Tobin clears her throat and nods her head.
“Yeah.” Tobin starts, “Well you’re the only person that I am seeing and I think I’m the only one you’re seeing.” Tobin pauses and sees a nod of assurance and continues. “And since we are only seeing each other I was wondering if you like wanted to make this thing official?”
“How eloquent Tobin, and of course I would love to make ‘this thing official’” Alex says with a laugh and Tobin bows her head in embarrassment.
“Awesome, that is pure awesomeness.” Tobin says and leans over to kiss Alex on the lips.
“I am really enjoying this thing with you.” Alex says making fun of Tobin.
“You know, you should really treat your girlfriend better.” Tobin says and Alex smiles at the fact that Tobin just used the word girlfriend.
“Yeah yeah don’t get to attached I’ve been known to be quite the heartbreaker.” Alex says a matter of factly.
“Oh really now?” Tobin asks playing along with Alex’s façade.
“Yeah, you know Taylor Swift?” Alex asks. “Yeah I’ve heard of her like once.” Tobin responds with a smirk seeing how long Alex can keep this up.
“Well her whole first album was about moi.” Alex says while using her thumb to point to herself and Tobin finally cracks and busts out laughing. Alex follows along shortly after and they are both bent over their chairs laughing and everyone is staring at them.
“You are a moron.” Tobin says with a smile on her face.
“Yeah, but I’m your moron.” Alex responds and Tobin thinks that she wouldn’t want it any other way.
“You ready, Superstar?” Tobin asks and Alex nods her head and they make their way out to the car.
The drive back to Alex’s house was short and filled with a comfortable silence as each of them ponders back at tonight’s events. Alex is explicably happy and is already thinking about the future and what their kids’ names will be. She knows it’s too soon but she sees a future with Tobin and that excites her.
Tobin’s not thinking about much but she can’t wipe the stupid smile off her face and she is perfectly fine with it. Alex is the girl of her dreams and these past couple weeks have been like a dream and she is hoping no one wakes her up anytime soon. Both women go to sleep thinking of each other and what the future holds.