The lump in my throat will no longer stay down and the tears have had enough of holding back.
“Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”
“Imma hold you to that. Congratulations.” Mr. Montgomery hangs up the phone and I slowly replace the phone on its stand.
Mom and Dad are still wrapped in each other’s arms, and Greer has tears running down her eyes with a toothy smile on her face.
“Well…I’m a Driller!” We explode into cheers and laughter.
We hug and before we can get too carried away, we wipe away the tears and sit back down as a camera crew approaches where we sit. This is the moment I’ve dreamed of since I first stepped foot on a grass field. I always knew I’d be here some day, I only wish my brothers were right next to me.
I look down at the tattoo that binds us together. Three arrows, one point. Three Nick’s, one dream. And now we’ll all be living it. Just not how we expected it to go.
Mom shushes us and pushes a wayward strand of her thick, dark hair from her face. I wink at her and we act cool like this is just a normal day for the Loving family.
The room's attention moves to the large screen, and we watch as the commissioner steps up to the microphone. That stinging in my nose begins again and Ireach over, taking Mom’s and Greer’s hands in each of mine. I need them to anchor me down. I feel like I may float right off this couch.
“With the eleventh pick in the draft, the Houston Drillers select…” he pauses and though it’s only seconds, it seems like an eternity. “Nico Loving. Tight End. Zeiders University of Arkansas.”
Shouts and whoops erupt and my family jumps, arms in the air and tears free flowing. I hug Greer and she squeezes around my neck.
“Congrats Slick Nic. I’m so proud of you. Be sure to point out all the single teammates.”
“Not a chance, Little G.” I kiss the top of her head and turn to Mom. “This is finally it.”
“I always believed in you, my son. I am beyond proud.” Her small hands rest on my cheeks and I lean down so she can do what I know she’s itching to.
She kisses my forehead and immediately wipes away the lipstick that is left behind. When I step up to Dad, I can feel that I’m close to breaking.
His jaw flexes as his teeth clench and his nostrils flare. We stare at one another for a moment before he tugs me into his arms. I wrap my arms around his large frame and bury my head in his shoulder.
“Thank you, Dad. I owe this all to you.” A large hand pounds on my back and a choked sob can only be heard by me.
I sniff and pull away, not even worrying about the tears on my face, and smooth the lapels of my blue velvet jacket, turning on the swagger as I strut down the hall to the big stage. Lights shine and cameras flash just as fans cheer, holding up signs with the Drillers logo on them.
A hat is passed my way as I step up on the stage and I fit it on my head. The emotions are running strongwhen I meet the commissioner and he hands me the jersey with my name on it.
“Congratulations,” he says and shakes my hand.
I thank him, hold up my jersey, and smile for the cameras. It’s a bittersweet moment because this jersey should be a different color. It should be the same color as Nick and Nik. They should be waiting for me to celebrate and talk about all the havoc we are going to bring to San Fran.
I look out into the crowd chanting my name, hoping to see familiar faces but knowing I won’t. I won’t see them when I step up to the line. I won’t see them as we pile into a bar, looking to cause some trouble and break hearts. And I won’t see them when I step into our apartment after a rough day.
The unbreakable trio has been broken. Maybe not irreparably, but we’re definitely in pieces. Together we are strong, and I worry that without them I’m weak. I’m a great player, but is it because I’ve had Soba passing me the ball? I’ve made outstanding touchdowns, but maybe it was all because Papas was there to clear a path for me.
Now that I’m on my own, who’s to say that I won’t fall flat on my face and fail. Just another college great who fell short of expectations.
I shake the commissioner's hand once more, and take my leave stage right. People I don’t know shake my hand and pat my back, congratulating me as I pass them. I smile, thank them, and move through the line.
All these happy faces yet the two I wish for most are nowhere to be seen. In a sea full of people, I feel more alone than ever before.
1
NICO
FOUR MONTHS LATER
Diva: Well well, Lover boy. Looks like you had fun last night.
