Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
I swear my heart does a flip in my chest. “That’s not weird at all, and I think you’d be perfect for it. That’s what you did for me and all those kids in there today, Cruz. You should do it.”
He grips the steering wheel and blurts out, “I’ve also started writing a book.”
My eyes light up. “Really? A motivational book?”
He nods.
I lean over to hug him. “Cruz, that’s amazing! You’re going to inspire and help so many people. Congratulations!”
He pulls me to him, and we hug. It’s awkward with the console between us, but it still feels good. His hands stroke my back, and eventually, I know it’s time to pull back even though it’s the last thing I want to do. I sit back in my chair. “I want to read it.”
He surprises me. “I want you to read it.”
We share a smile, and he holds my hand after he pulls out on the road. I’m not going to remind him that this is fake. There will be enough time for that later. Right now, I’m going to lean my head back on the seat and imagine this is real.
10
CRUZ
I suck in a breath and wish for the hundredth time that I had my sister here. I told her over and over she couldn’t miss her test to be here, but I’m wishing I had someone with me. My agent is here, but he’s not happy with me right now. He thought for sure I had another season in me and was not happy with my decision.
I’ve already talked to the team and let them know. And yes, we’re all grown men, but I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a few tears. This is all I’ve known the last twelve seasons, and even though I’m ready for the next phase of my life—whatever that may be—I’m still sad to say goodbye to the past.
I peek into the room where the press conference is going to be held. My coach called it, and surprisingly, the reason has stayed under wraps. He said this is the best way to do it, get all the questions answered so nothing is implied. He says it’s going to help the next few months be more peaceful, but right now, I feel like I’m going to throw up.
I get a text, and I’m expecting it to be Lexi. She’s already sent me five messages this morning, but I’m surprised when I see a text from Tony, my friend who is a security guard at the stadium.
I open the text. “You know this one?” There is a picture of Tara.
I start typing, and my big thumbs mess it up, so instead I call Tony. “Hey, yeah, I know her. Can you walk her up here?”
“Sure thing, brother.”
I pace back and forth and stop when I see Tony and an embarrassed Tara come around the corner. “Thanks, Tony. I owe you, man.”
He shakes my hand. “You’re welcome. Good luck in there!” As he walks away, I look at a fidgeting Tara.
Her cheeks are a bright red. “I’m sorry. I did not want to be a distraction—”
I cut her off. “You’re not.”
She juts her chin at me. “I just wanted to be here for you. I didn’t want you to do this… alone, but I’ll stay out of the way.”
The door opens, and Coach interrupts. “Payne, they’re ready when you are.”
I nod and take a deep breath.
Tara puts her hand on my arm. “You can do this, Cruz.”
I nod and take her hand in mine. “Come on.”
She shakes her head. “No, you go on in. I’ll sneak in the back.”
I laugh and pull her with me. “Nice try, honey. You’re here now, you’re stuck with me.”
I hold her hand, guiding her into the big conference room. The room is full of people from the press. They’re all talking at once, and the room quiets when we walk in. I don’t know why, and maybe it’s a mistake, but I hug Tara tightly, and it seems to calm me. “I’ll be right back,” I whisper, adding, “Stay right here.”
She nods, and I release her and walk up on the stage.
I have my speech ready, and I’ve practiced it a few times. I start by thanking everyone for coming, and then I make the announcement about my retirement. I take the time to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, my friends, and everyone that has helped me along the way. As soon as I’m done, I’m bombarded with questions.
I sort of knew what most of the questions would be, and I prepared myself with the answers.
I tell them about why I decided to retire and my future plans. I wasn’t ready for the last question, though.
I point at Robert Fox with the Gazette. “Robert.”
“Hey, Cruz. First, I want to tell you what a pleasure it’s been to watch you on and off the field. What you do for the community sets a great example for the league.”