Chapter 38
Episode One
Zahirah
Six months later …
“How’s it going, everyone? I’m Bentley Coswell and I’m here on this podcast with my beautiful partner in life, former all-American track star and swimmer, Zahirah Nickels. If you don’t already know, I’m the starting QB for—”
“Bent, I don’t think there’s a person in the world who doesn’t know who you are or what team you play for,” I laugh.
He gives me an adorable smile. I’m excited and super nervous. I can’t believe we’re recording our first episode. Erica did her thing on marketing and promoting and helping me to get everything set up for audio and visual.
“I never assume people know who I am. I’m trying to remain humble, baby,” he chuckles.
“Babe, the last time you tried to come grocery shopping with me, I had to finish shopping alone, pay for everything, and still ended up waiting in the car for like an hour while you were signing autographs.
“The only reason we left when we did is because the baby started to scream his head off because he was over it. Who doesn’t know who?”
“Fair point. Sometimes it’s hard to get fans to understand you’re with your family, trying to do the everyday stuff they’re doing without being stopped for pics and autographs.”
“This is true. I honestly believe they’re too excited to think about that in the presence of their idols or someone they respect and look up to.”
“I get that. That’s why I try to be polite and honor their requests.”
“Have you found a way to create balance?”
“Ten years in and I’m still learning. Nowadays, you and our son come first. It broke my heart when I saw our son crying because he had to wait.
“I vowed then and there to find a way to create boundaries. So guys, if I beg off and can’t take a pic or sign something, just know my little guy is probably nearby waiting for me. All I ask is that the fans respect that, you know?”
“Yeah, I get it. I also love that your assistant started to give out cards with an email address to request signed photos when you can’t take the time. That’s so cool.”
“She also keeps a stash of autographed photos to hand out. Sometimes there’s time for her and Garret to take care of you guys while I keep moving and sometimes there isn’t. We do try.”
“Speaking of signed things. I thought it would be cool to do a giveaway with some signed swag from you. If you’re watching or listening to this, go on and like, share, comment, and subscribe. We’re going to pick a few lucky winners.”
“Baby, do you miss it? I know I miss being at your meets watching you compete. Guys, look up Zahirah Nickels and track. My girl was something else.
“I was there when a knee injury ended her career after an epic finish for the win.” He releases a whistle. “Pure magic. If I had your speed, I’d be a running back or something.”
“Nah, you were meant to be a QB. As for missing the track. Yeah, I do. I miss being able to compete most of all. I thought about getting back into competitive swimming when I realized I wouldn’t be able to run anymore.”
“Really? I didn’t know that.”
“You weren’t really around during that time. You might have been … I don’t know, starting your rookie season and all that.”
“Why didn’t you follow through?”
“My bestie asked me to travel the world with her. At the time, that felt like the right thing to do. One thing led to another, and I began a travel vlog. Turned out to be the thing for me.”
“My girl might be the go-to when it comes to planning a vacation and getting the hookup on all the best spots. We’ll link the channel and all her info for you guys to check out,” he says.
I lift a brow at him. He returns the look with a smile and a shrug. I hadn’t planned to mention the other platform.
“I don’t think I was supposed to say that, guys, but I believe if you work hard, you play harder. Those of you out there working hard at your sport should take the time to kick back and have fun. Zah can help you do that with her travel vlog.
“It used to ground me during the season after a game. I would watch and feel like I was right there with her. Football can get intense. Being able to get away in my head like that did a lot for me,” he says.
I sit with my mouth hanging open. I didn’t know he used to watch my vlogs. Bentley takes in my surprised look and winks at me.
“The season is almost over. Do you want to take the baby and head out somewhere? You can get some new content for the channel.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah, start planning something. I’m open to wherever you want to go. AC can go on his first trip out of the country.”
“Auntie E is coming,” Erica sings from behind the scenes, causing me and Bentley to laugh.
“That’s my little sister, Erica, guys. She and Zah have been best friends since they were little. We all grew up together. I couldn’t have chosen to do this with two better people.
“I remember being six and these two on the sideline wearing jerseys with my number. Our dads had them on their shoulders while they were cheering me on.”
“You remember that?”
“Yeah, of course. I remember because our dads had to hold on to you because you would run the sideline like you and me were racing. I’d get so pissed and be focused on trying to beat you instead of playing the game.”
I burst into laughter. “Okay, I do remember that. I also remember standing down by the end zone waiting for you after I beat you there.”
“Doing that stupid little dance. God, I hated your little ass,” he teases.
I laugh so hard I’m in tears. Bentley looks at me lovingly and shakes his head. I wipe away my tears and smile at him.
“I made you a better running quarterback. I think I deserve some type of gratitude, buddy.”
“You know, I knew you were my biggest cheerleader when you ran onto the field to chest bump me at my first junior varsity game in junior high. I think that was when I started falling in love with you,” he says.
“I knew I loved you long before that, but you completely stole my heart when you got the entire football team to show up for my first junior high track meet to cheer me on.”
“Oh,” he croons and pulls a hand down his face. “I totally remember that one. I did it because of that junior varsity game.
“I wanted you to feel how I felt when you ran out on that field. You were like a bullet. You have no idea how many of the guys on the team I had to threaten after that.
“They all wanted to ask you out. I wasn’t having it. Damn, I got into a lot of fights over you.”
“Seriously?”
“Zah, you have no clue how long I had a thing for you.”
I blush and duck my head. I’m learning a lot today. Remembering this isn’t just an video recording, I clear my throat and think fast so we don’t have dead air.
“I think this would be a great time to take a few calls,” I say.
“Let’s go. I’m here for it. Come on, guys, call in. I want to hear from you. Arizona, we’re on our way to the championship.
“Hopefully by the next episode, I’ll have that ring with my home team.”
I can’t help smiling as I think of his reason for playing his ass off this season. He’s been killing it in the playoffs. I’m so proud of him.
“We have Amy on the line,” Erica says.
“Hello, Amy,” Bentley and I say.
“Hey, guys. First, I want to say I’m loving this. I’m a huge Bentley Coswell fan. I’ve been following him since his college career.
“This is so cool because other than that psycho who was lying about her relationship with Bent, we’ve never heard anything about his love life. Bent, you’ve always been so private.
“I love hearing about your family and you two are so stinking cute. Bent, you sound like you’re totally in love. No wonder we’re about to win the championship.”
“Thanks for the support, Amy. That means a lot to me,” Bentley says.
“I do have a question for you. Do you feel like Zah and your son are the reason for this season’s amazing success, or does it have something to do with coming home?”
“It has everything to do with Zah and my boy. It also has a lot to do with coming home because this is where my family is. I couldn’t do this without them. This ring will mean so much more than any of the others.”
“I love it. Keep it coming, guys. Zahirah, I’m going to look up your tape as soon as I get home.”
“Thanks, Amy,” I sing.
“Don’t forget to like and subscribe, sweetheart,” Bentley says.
“I already have. Thanks, guys. Love you, Bent, bring it home.”
“We have JoAnn next,” Erica says.
“Hey, JoAnn,” we greet.
“Hey, guys. So I actually know of Zahirah. She kicked my sister’s ass a few times back in the day. I mean, damn, honey. You’re fast as hell.
“I’m so sorry to hear about your injury. You had so much potential to go so far. It’s good to see you’ve landed on your feet.
“I did want to ask, how old is you guys’ little one?”
“He’s one,” Bentley says.
“Going on thirty,” I add.
“Oh, they are so sweet at this age. Bless you guys.”
“Thanks for checking in, JoAnn.”
“Anytime, guys. You have a fan in me. Good luck, Bent. My household is rooting for you.”
“We have Haydon and Litia calling in as a couple,” Erica says.
“Hey guys, what’s up?” Bentley says.
“Hey there. This is so cute. I wanted to say thank you, Bentley. Haydon and I have gotten things signed by you a few times and a few pics. You were so kind each time,” Litia says.
“Man, Coswell. You got a pretty little thing there. Do you guys work out together as a couple?”
Bentley scoffs, trying and almost failing to school his face. I run my finger down my nose, giving him the signal we came up with to let the other know to be patient.
“Nah, I get my workout in at the facility. Zah has her own routine.”
“Yeah, it’s called running after a one-year-old,” I laugh.
“I hear you there, honey,” Litia says. “You guys said your trip will be the little guy’s first trip out of the country. Does that mean he goes with Daddy to away games?”
Bentley looks at me apologetically. I think we said too much. We both agreed not to mention Aaron’s real name or reveal any images of him.