Chapter 59 They’re kissing #2
Even with my lifelong dream within reach, my future had never felt more uncertain. I was so fucking in love with this girl that no achievement would ever be enough without her to share it with.
She lifted her gaze to meet mine. “I wanted to say–”
An announcement came over the speaker, instructing everyone to take their seats. The broadcast was about to commence.
With a weary sigh, Ruby stepped back. “It’s all going to work out, Wheels.”
All I could manage was a nod.
As we’d been instructed earlier, I sat on the couch directly in front of the TV. Everyone else found their spots, with Mum and Dad wedging me between them. Ruby somehow ended up the furthest away, tucked at the far end of the other couch beside her parents.
Before I could get her attention, an instant hush fell over the busy room as all the televisions began screening the broadcast. I recognised the stage and the set-up, given they’d had us practice walking across it three times now.
After the hosts went through their opening monologue, a stream of footage then played out, flashing through snippets of the top prospects’ highlights. When I came onto the screen, Mum wriggled excitedly, squeezing my hand.
The accompanying music was charged with energy, making me itch to get back out there. I love this game.
Eventually it was time to get down to business, and when the host tore open the envelope of Draft pick number one, I felt the entire room hold their breath.
“For the first pick,” the announcer began, pausing for effect. “The Dallas Lions select wide receiver Brody Stafford from Florida University.”
Brody was the expected top choice, so the announcement was more of a formality than a surprise. After getting to his feet, he took a moment to kiss his girlfriend and hug his family before making his way out of the room.
The main broadcast was happening right next door. To get there, we had to walk down a hallway lined with cameras before we’d reach the arena room where every team’s coach and head honchos were set up – plus thousands of fans watching from the stands – before finally stepping onto the stage.
With the first pick over, the tension in the room eased a little and everyone seemed to breathe easier as the production crew adjusted and reset.
We had some time now while the broadcast transitioned to the main stage and Brody went through the formalities, including TV interviews, introductions, handshakes, and all the photo ops.
Leaning back on the sofa, I wiped my clammy palms along my thighs. Doug and mine and Brady’s dads were theorising about the next pick, but I was too dialled in to listen. I’d learned a long time ago how to block out unnecessary chaos and protect my mental zone.
As of this morning, I was still estimated at pick seven. I might get lucky with pick six, which belonged to Louisiana. They’d lost their starting quarterback to injury in the final game of the season, and their backup quarterbacks weren’t game ready.
Even with ESPN discussing that exact theory at length this morning, I still wasn’t letting myself get attached to the idea. Nothing was official until it was official.
I could sense the nervous energy returning as silence fell over the room once more when the production team signalled that the next pick was about to take place.
It wasn’t just coming from the players, but their families too.
Today didn’t just change our lives – it changed everyone’s who’d helped us get to this point.
“For the second pick, the Minnesota Bulldogs select linebacker Josh Grundy from Washington Tech.”
Josh’s girlfriend wiped away tears as she sprang to her feet and jumped into his outstretched arms, winding her legs around his waist. Beside me, Mum sniffed, fighting back her own emotions.
I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Not for his pick, but for the fact that he got to share this moment with his girlfriend. I wanted it myself – to look back and remember that, at this very moment, I truly had everything I’d ever dreamed of.
As I retook my seat in preparation for the third announcement, Mum leaned into me. “This could be you, honey.”
“Not yet,” I whispered back. “It’s too early.”
The pressure wasn’t so bad when the picks were this high, but I knew my nerves would ramp up as we got closer to pick seven. If my name wasn’t called by then, there was a real chance I’d go into cardiac arrest. At least Ruby would be the one doing CPR.
“For the third pick, the Seattle Rangers select...”
Dad’s grip on my shoulder tightened, bordering on painful. Everything was happening so fast, but somehow still so fucking slowly. I was ready to be put out of my misery.
There were countless theories about who Seattle would draft. Their existing QB was out of contract and nearing retirement, their star wide receiver had gone down with a postseason injury, and they had the weakest offensive line in the league.
It was anyone’s guess. But at pick three, I knew it wouldn’t be going to me... as much as I wished it would.
This pause seemed to drag on longer than the previous two.
Needing a distraction, I caught myself looking towards Ruby.
Her attention was focused on the screen, her eyes wide and her lower lip pulled between her teeth – something I’d come to realise she did a lot when she was nervous, when she was concentrating, and when she was turned on.
Though, right now, I doubt it was the latter.
“Quarterback Ryker Richardson from Phil-U.”
Um, what?
Come again?
Did he just say my name?
I didn’t move an inch – not even when a camera was thrust in my face – worried that I’d misheard and I’d make a total ass of myself if I got to my feet.
Had I slipped and hit my head? Was I in a coma, dreaming all of this up? This was Seattle’s pick, right? As in Seattle, Washington? As in Tacoma, Washington? As in thirty-four miles from Ruby?
“You did it, son!” Dad exclaimed, jumping to his feet and pulling me up with him.
If he hadn’t, I might’ve remained frozen on the sofa all day.
Mum threw her arms over my shoulders, forcing me to crouch. “Seattle, honey! I’m so proud of you.”
My brother and sister rushed over, followed by Brady and Tori, then my aunt and uncle. As arms wrapped around me and congratulations came from every direction, I barely registered what anyone was saying, still too stunned to speak.
I’d need to shake off the shock quickly though, before I was expected to front the media. I didn’t want to go viral for the wrong reasons – like freezing like a deer in headlights on national television.
Ruby was hanging back with her parents, a proud smile on her face as she watched my family swarm me. I wasn’t having a fucking bar of that. This was one of the biggest moments in my life, and truthfully, she was the one I wanted to share it with most.
Edging past everyone, including the twins who were shyly clutching my brother-in-law’s legs, I headed straight for her.
She blinked away tears as I neared, happiness plain on her face.
Rising onto her toes, she returned my hug, squeezing me tightly. “Congratulations, Wheels. I don’t even know what to say... no, actually, I do.” She eased back a fraction, just enough to meet my eye. “I love you. And I’m so happy for you.”
Shock hit me for a second time in less than a minute. Could my brain fucking catch up already?
“And that’s the in love with you one,” she clarified with a perfect smile.
I’d definitely fallen and hit my head. No reality could be this perfect. Seattle and Ruby. Football and the girl.
“Rubz,” I muttered, finally finding my voice. “Are you saying–”
With a light chuckle, she shoved me backwards. “Go. We’ll talk after.”
Not a fucking chance. I’d just watched the last two guys enjoy this moment with their girls – it was my turn.
As Ruby went to step away, I caught her wrist and tugged her back against my chest, barely giving her a chance to look up before my lips claimed hers.
Fina-fucking-lly!
Ruby melted against me, returning my kiss with a desperation I was all too familiar with. No more days without this. No more distance. No more casual. No more just friends.
It was time for my pick – and I chose her. Every. Single. Time. In every lifetime.
Somewhere close by, my mum let out a gasp of pure disbelief. “Cherie, they’re kissing! Are you seeing this? They’re kissing!”
Yeah we fucking were, and if I had it my way, I wouldn’t stop anytime soon. But with cameramen circling us, I forced myself to – before I got carried away and we ended up on every available porn site.
Glancing over Ruby’s shoulder, I caught Mum and Cherie going wild, cheering maniacally as if they’d just won the lottery.
I knew I had.
Slightly breathless, Ruby chewed her lip shyly, heat blooming across her cheeks. “Your mum sounds happier about this than the fact you were just drafted.”
I leaned down, brushing my lips against hers once more. Fuck the Draft. My future was already right in front of me.
“Honestly... so am I.”