The kiss is emotional and wild, both of us taking, tasting, and teasing until her dad clears his throat.
“We need to get on the road,” he says. “We have a long drive ahead of us.” Emily’s rehab facility is in Florida. It’s one of the best in the South with world-renowned doctors and support staff.
Reluctantly, I pull away. This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do. I’ve never had to say goodbye to someone I love.
As if she’s in my head, she says, “This is harder than I thought.” A tear slides down her cheek.
I swipe it away with the pad of my thumb and swallow thickly. “I know. But this isn’t goodbye, and we’ll see each other at Christmas.” She fiddles with the green and yellow bracelet on her wrist, and my heart warms at the sight of my girl wearing the gift my sister made her. If I needed reminding of how special Emily is, that just proves it. I kiss her lips one final time before inching backward, distancing myself from her. Otherwise, I won’t let her leave.
Coach guides her into the passenger seat. Once she’s inside and the door is closed, he turns to me. “I’ll be back in two days. Coach Price will whip you guys into shape.” He smirks, as if he knows something I don’t about his right-hand man.
As of late, Coach Parker and Coach Price have been getting along better than ever. At the beginning of the season, they argued a lot. But in the last few weeks, something has changed. I’m not sure what, but I like that they’re not fighting. The guys on the team agree too. It’s just awkward to be in the middle of their fights over plays.
Coach opens the driver’s door as Emily jumps out of the car. “Em,” he says, fighting a smile.
But Em has one thing on her mind—me. She jumps in my arms, her hands locking around my neck as she squeezes me tightly. “I love you more than you know.” She presses her lips to mine. “And I’ll be counting down the days until we’re reunited.”
* * *
Thanksgiving comes and goes,and life without Emily is brutal on my psyche. The first week she was gone, I couldn’t sleep. I tried to keep my mind occupied with football, working out, classes, and Mom and Phoebe. Thank God for Mom and Phoebe although Mom wasn’t thrilled when I told her what happened when Coach found out I was selling drugs. But she’s glad it was Coach and not the cops. And she’s thrilled I’m no longer selling that shit.
I’d like to say the second week, or third week, was better without my girl, but it wasn’t. As each day passes, I get more and more antsy to see her. I often think about her comment how things will be different when she gets back. I know they’ll be better, but as time presses on and she’s not here, doubt niggles in the back of my mind.Emily was worried I might not be here for her, but what if she changes so much she doesn’t want me?
I shove the question aside as Phoebe runs toward me, pulling myself back into the moment. She’s dressed in Cypress’s school colors, and she’s so excited to see me play today.
“Hey, love bug.” I lift her in my arms. She’s been in and out of the doctor’s office for the last month, battling colds left and right. But in the last few days, she’s taken a turn for the better, which is the only reason why Mom brought her to my home game.
“Win big, Adam.” She pecks me on the lips.
“Only for you,” I say.
She shakes her head. “And for Emily too.”
I roll my eyes. “For sure. Emily will be right here.” I point to my heart.
“I’m wearing Emily’s new bracelet I made for her.” She waves it in my face. The beads have strawberries on them.
“What’s with the strawberries?” I ask.
It’s her turn to roll her eyes. “You always brag about her strawberry-blonde hair.”
I let out a belly laugh as Mom touches Phoebe’s arm. “Okay, let Adam go. He needs to get inside.”
I snuck out of the locker room when Mom texted to let me know she was here. But I do need to go. We always have a team pow-wow before the game.
I kiss Phoebe on the cheek as I set her on two feet. Then I do the same to Mom. “I’ll see both of you later. Sam should be inside.” He also texted to let me know he’s here.
Mom and Phoebe head to the entrance while I make my way back to the locker room.
I’m in my head, thinking of the game, the plays, trying to focus. I’ve given one hundred and ten percent since Coach let me back on the team. I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into every play, practice, and game for the last month, and my efforts have paid off. We’ve won every game since my pathetic play at Greenville when the Bears’ scout was in the stands.
Nothing can stop me now.
“Adam Miller.” A familiar voice makes the hairs on my arm stand to attention.
Motherfucker.
I let go of the handle on the door into the sports complex and pivot on my heel.
