Sitting here hoping and praying a team calls my name is nerve-wracking. Sure, I’ve been positive and saying ‘when I’m drafted’ anytime the topic comes up, but that’s merely me putting the wish out into the universe.
Yes, we had a great season. Yes, we made it to the championship game. Yes, we gave it our best, even though we lost by one field goal.
Still, nothing is guaranteed. My knee feels good, though, and I had a great showing at the combine a few weeks ago. But in my mind, I keep wondering if there was anything else I could’ve done to make myself stand out among the amazing talent in this draft pool.
Maggie laces her fingers through mine. “You got this. Just watch.”
I smile at her even though I’m nervous as fuck. The draft isn’t the only thing turning my stomach. There’s also a diamond ring burning a hole in my pocket.
“You look really handsome in that suit,” she whispers.
“Thanks, baby. You look beautiful too.” She does. Her thick hair is up in a ponytail and those big brown eyes are lined in dark charcoal. Her lips are plump and shiny. She’s wearing a snug black dress that accentuates all her curves. Stunning is the only word that does her justice.
Not only is she gorgeous, she’s an incredible mama. Our boys are so lucky. I’m so lucky.
She and I have come a long way in the last few months. While I thought I had appreciated how much she sacrificed to carry the boys, I didn’t realize the mental toll it took on her. Now that she’s taking classes again and back to her typical kick-ass self, I have a deep gratitude for all the things she put on hold to make us a family.
For a heart-stopping moment, I reconsider my plans for later this afternoon. Because Maggie should get her own day to feel special. Why did I think it would be a good idea to propose on the same day as the draft? One of my friends should’ve vetoed this idea.
Johnny plops down on the couch next to me. “You gonna hurl?”
“Hopefully not on camera.” I laugh and wipe my sweaty palms on my pants after I covertly let go of Maggie’s hand on the other side of me. “Were you this nervous about the draft?”
“I had the shits for three days straight.”
“That’s… too much information.”
He waits until Maggie is talking to my sister to lean toward me. “Ben just texted. He’s running late but said everything’s ready.”
God, I hope she likes what I planned.
Motioning toward Sebastian, who’s chatting with Amelia in the kitchen, he asks, “Is it weird he’s dating your ex?”
Apparently, sparks flew after they met at the hospital last November.
“More power to them.” Yes, it’s weird, but it’s also kinda funny to watch them bicker. Sebastian doesn’t let her get away with shit, and she’s always on his ass about something, but I guess it works. He’s well informed about my history with Amelia, and if he can handle her drama, I wish him well.
I wouldn’t say Amelia and Maggie are friends, although Amelia hustling to get me home for Maggie’s labor went a long way to make amends. And if I really have to dig deep, I just remind myself that she saved Maggie from a rattlesnake. That’s reason enough to be cordial.
I give Bash and Amelia a year to strangle one another.
Truthfully, I can’t be hard on Sebastian. He had an attorney friend review the contract I signed for those stock photos that ended up on the billboard. The lawyer says it has a “no pornography or erotic usage” clause the photographer clearly violated. I hate being litigious, but if suing that guy keeps those pics from being displayed in that manner again, I’m open to taking legal action.
“What about you, man? You dating anyone?”
Johnny shrugs. “You know me. I like the sampler platter.”
Billy sits on the arm of the couch on the other side of Johnny. “Yeah, the sampler platter.”
Johnny punches him in the arm. “You don’t even know what we’re talking about, fool.”
“Does it matter? I like tasting a little bit of everything,” Billy says as he watches Charlie move around the room, taking pics. Billy motions to Charlie. “Speaking of sampling, what’s her story? She’s Maggie’s friend, right?”
“She’s not into football players. That’s all I know.” Maggie gave me a very clear mandate that I was not to set up Charlie with any of my buddies.
He strokes his chin. “Only ’cause she hasn’t met me yet.”
I almost laugh. Women like Billy. He’s a good-looking dude, but I get the distinct impression Charlie wouldn’t find him appealing.
