Page 80 of The Purest Fake
“Really? Even as a little boy?”
“Oh, sure, when I was like five, I wanted to be a police officer. But from the time I was around eight and on, football was my long-term plan.”
“It’s amazing you had that kind of conviction at such an early age. I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I graduated from college. And everyone besides my grandmother and Autumn thought I was crazy.”
“Why?”
“You don’t make money without viewers, and it takes a while to gain them.”
“How did you manage? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“I worked as a waitress for the first year. When my grandmother passed away she left me some money, which I used for my share of the down payment on the house and also to rent a studio where the podcast is filmed.”
“I didn’t even think about that being something you’d need. But obviously you would.”
“If we had a garage, I could’ve set up a studio in there. But it’s nice to have a place that’s separate from my home. Plus, it looks more professional for my guests.”
“Well, I can’t wait to see your studio.”
“You’re sure you want to be on the podcast?” I can’t have him changing his mind at the last minute.
“Yeah, of course I do. I get to hang out and shoot the shit with you and a professional wrestler.”
“Are you a wrestling fan?”
He nods. “I am.”
My eyebrows leap upward. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”
“Because I didn’t want to sound like a fanboy.”
“But you are, admit it.” I nudge his side.
“Maybe.” He fights a smile.
“Who’s your favorite wrestler?”
“I like all the members of the Gunn Club.”
“Jesse, Wyatt, and Ronnie are my favorites too. They’re so skilled when it comes to actual wrestling moves, and they’re just as strong on the mic.”
“I agree.”
I clap my hands a few times and beam. “This makes me like you even more.”
He laughs. “Had I known I’d get this reaction, I’d have told you sooner.”
“We need to go to a wrestling event together when football season is over. I can get tickets any time I want.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I immediately regret mentioning the end of his season. I don’t want to think about what that will bring. What if we’re no longer friends at that point? I can’t imagine my life without Cooper Grind being a part of it in some capacity.
“I’d love that,” he replies. “My dad and I went a couple of times when I was a teenager.”
“A wrestling-loving preacher? That seems like an oxymoron.”
Amused by my observation, his lips curve. “It’s entertainment, not porn.”
“True. I guess when I hear the word ‘preacher’ I automatically picture some balding middle-aged man wearing round wire-rim glasses with a ramrod straight spine casting judgment on others.”
He laughs. “I’m sure there are plenty like that, but my dad isn’t one of them. Now I can’t wait for you to meet him. And my mom.”
