I jump up instantly, as shock registers on his face. He stands, his mother pulling him into a loving embrace. When he pulls back fromher, tears are streaming down her face. Williams’s face stays the same, that neutral mask perfectly in place. I catch him for our old handshake as he makes his way to the stage.
He walks up and takes the trophy. His 6’7” frame towers over everyone else on the stage. His eyes move around the room and then freeze. I look to see where he’s landed, and a flash of vibrant red hair confirms Lindsey is in the crowd. She’s here with her boyfriend, Keagan, but that doesn’t stop Williams from giving her a soul-searching stare before he gives his acceptance speech. I turn my attention back on my friend, seeing the subtle hint of pain.
“I’ll keep this brief because as anyone who knows me can tell you, I hate to talk.” A laugh escapes me and a few others from the audience as he takes a short pause.
“I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To my parents, thank you for giving me everything and sacrificing it all for me to be able to follow my dreams. To my coaches and teammates, it’s been an honor to play at CTU with each of you. I want to dedicate this award to my best friend, Shawn. He’s not here to see this, but I know he’s watching over me from heaven. I hope I’m making him proud. I miss you, man. God Bless.”
Mackenzie squeezes my hand and I find her brow creased in worry. I kiss her cheek and give her hand two squeezes back.
“Poor Williams. I hate that he’s hurting over this mess with Lindsey.”
“I know. He won’t talk to anyone about it. Has she said anything to you or Rea?”
Shaking her head, my wife quiets her voice before continuing. “No, she hasn’t. All we could get out of her was that it was the right person, wrong time. She really likes Keagan and that man is so far gone for her. I think Williams may have lost his chance.”
“No way. They’re like those fated mates you and Reagan read about. Keagan is a good guy, but Williams and Linds have so much history together. They’ll sort it out.”
The next award category to be presented is college athlete of the year and when Keagan Wilder’s name is mentioned in the nominees, Mack and I both focus in on the stage, dropping our conversation.
“The winner of the ESPY is . . . another Carolina Tech athlete—Keagan Wilder!”
I instantly find him hugging and kissing Lindsey before jogging up to the stage. While Williams is tall with blond hair and blue eyes, Keagan has brown hair and green eyes. He’s got a deep tan from baseball and keeps his hair longer. They are quite opposites. Williams is the silent type and Keagan is the unofficial spokesperson for Carolina Tech athletics.
“This award means a lot to me, but in order for me to really be an elite player it’s the result of the sacrifice of my parents and family. It’s also a credit to my teammates and coaches who always make me the best version of myself.
“I’m grateful for this moment. If I’m being honest though, it’s a small win in comparison to the greatest moment of my life that happened earlier today. Baby, I know you’re going to hate this, but I have to thank my brand-new fiancée, Lindsey. I love you so much! Thank you for agreeing to be my wife today. There’s nothing in this world more important than you. I’d also like to thank God, for without Him none of this is possible. Thank you!”
The camera flashes over to Lindsey, whose face is almost as red as her hair. She’s grinning with tears streaming down her face. The person beside them holds up her left hand, and a ring that could be seen from outer space blinds the crowd.
Without thinking, I turn behind me to check on Williams and catch his back as he walks out of the theater. His mom is still in her seat looking confused and sad, though a smile still meets her face. I’m sure it’s hard for her to see her son in pain even though she also wants to be happy for Lindsey.
My wife swats at my chest, pulling my attention back “Holy moly, J. What just happened?”
“I really don’t know.”
CHAMPIONSHIP HOOP SQUAD
Carter
Congrats Williams and J.
Riggs
So proud of y’all!
Williams
Thanks.
Jordan
Appreciate it.
Carter
But…
Riggs
