The rest of the weekend was absolutely miserable. Neither of us wanted to be anywhere near the other. My heart was breaking, I knew now that I was definitely in love with Ashley. No way I would feel this bad if I weren't.
The following Monday she went back to school, and I began spending a good part of the day at the gym. I was working out like an animal, never had my drive been stronger. It was more of pent up anger though than it was determination. Every night I either stayed out until bedtime or went to bed extremely early.
The draft was going to be held in just over a week, the entire town was buzzing with excitement. Everyone speculated on where I would be chosen, which team would select me, what round of the draft and so on. But to be perfectly candid, no one had any idea. My agent had told me several teams had contacted him, all seemed somewhat interested but no one was making any guarantee of any kind. During the day Saturday, Courtney's Dad called and mentioned to me he would love to have a party the next Saturday for the draft. We could watch it live at his house, then celebrate after I was selected. I was very hesitant to accept his offer. It could be a disaster if I was not selected by anyone. But he was very convincing, so I reluctantly agreed to his offer. He told me I could invite any family members to be in attendance, the more the merrier.
That night I informed Ashley of his offer, inviting her to be there. I could tell she was very reluctant, but I think she felt trapped and obligated to go. I had been invited over to Courtney's for Sunday dinner by her Dad, we would finalize the plans for the draft party.
The next Sunday over dinner, Mr. Timmons laid out his idea for the party. He would set up a large TV on his back patio area near the pool. He would have tables and chairs facing the TV, there would be a buffet table and drinks set up as well. In addition the TV in the family room would be available for overflow guests. I really felt bad about him doing all of this, I knew this was going to be expensive. I started to bring up the subject of cost, Courtney's Mom quickly cut me off.
"Brian, give it up. You are this man's son he never had. Either you let him do this or you may have to take him to training camp with you.", she laughed.
I spent the rest of the day by Courtney's, most of it sitting on the back patio talking to Courtney and her Dad. I left for home about ten o'clock that night, they both had work the next day. The following week was very hectic, I spent hours on the phone with my agent, getting details on exactly how the draft would proceed. We would keep an open phone line between us, in addition all of the teams had my cell number for direct contact. But after all of the calls back and forth, my fate was still very much uncertain. I was in the diner having lunch on Friday when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I turned and saw an older man in his late sixties perhaps, standing there with a serious look on his face.
"Brian, how are you son ?", he asked.
"I'm fine sir, and you ?", I answered with a smile.
"You don't know who I am, do you, son ?", he asked.
"No sir, I am sorry, I do not.", I answered him.
The old man took a deep breath, his hand brushing back the few strands of hair he had hanging down somewhat in his eyes.
"I am your grandfather Brian. My name is Thomas.", he said softly.
I was stunned, suddenly I felt as if I had been punched violently in the stomach. I know I just sat there for quite a while staring at the old man. I really had no idea what to say to him, to be honest I didn't even remember him very well.
"I understand if you don't want to talk to me Brian. I just happen to see you here, I guess sentiment got the best of me.", he said sadly.
"Oh no sir, I'm sorry. You just surprised me, that's all. Please sit down sir.", I said, suddenly feeling very bad for him.
The old man moved around the table, then carefully pulled the chair back and slowly sat down. He shifted himself carefully into the chair, his eyes finally coming back to mine.
"I really don't know where to begin or what to say, son. It's been so very long.", he started.
"But it's very obvious to me and the entire community, your Father did one hell of a job raising you.", he said.
The last thing I expected was my mother's father complimenting my Dad on anything. I was always told that my grandparents hated my father and everything he stood for. They did everything humanly possible to drive a wedge between my parents, finally succeeding in running my dad away.
"Thank you sir, that means a lot to me.", I answered.
For the next hour the old man carefully explained what had happened over the past few decades, how things had really come to pass as they were. Apparently my grandmother was the driving force of the hatred that had fueled our dysfunctional family. She had convinced my mother through lies and manipulation that my father was no good, he would never amount to anything. She was a cruel woman who always got her way, it was easier to follow the plan than fight her. He then shocked me for the second time since our meeting.
"Even though I caught holy hell from your mother and grandmother, I saw just about every game you played in high school. I watched all of your college games on TV the past few years.", he admitted.
"Why didn't you ever let me know you were there ?", I asked.
"I'm not sure Brian. I guess I always felt horrible for how I let them treat you and your Father.", he said.
"Is my mother still married to Richard ?", I asked.
"Yes she is, a useless man to say the least. They still live with us after all of these years, neither have a lick of ambition.", he stated.
"I'm sorry sir, I really had no idea.", I answered.
"I know you didn't son.", he responded.
We exchanged cell phone numbers and I promised I would call and keep in touch with him. He seemed genuinely relieved as he shook my hand. It seemed like a tremendous burden had been lifted off of his shoulders. As I drove home, I decided to keep the story to myself for the time being, too much was going on anyway.
I was sitting in the family room watching TV when Ashley came home from school. She asked me if I would mind fixing myself something to eat for dinner, she was going out with friends. I told her of course not, to go out and have a good time. She thanked me and headed to her room to get ready. I actually didn't see her leave, though she did yell out that she was leaving, then went out the back door. Since it was close to seven o'clock, I decided to get dressed and eat at the diner again. Just as I was about to leave for the diner the house phone rang. I walked into the kitchen and answered it. It was very unusual for the house phone to ring, we both used our cell phones all the time.
"Hey Brian, is Ashley there ? This is Stephanie.", said the soft voice.
"Oh hey Stephanie. No, she just left, not five minutes ago.", I answered.
"Left for where ?", she asked.
"She said she was going out. I figured that meant with you.", I replied.
"No, that's what I was calling to ask her. If she wanted to go out tonight, "she responded.
"Well then I have no clue Stephanie, she didn't say anything else to me.", I told her.
"Brian, what is up with Ashley lately ? She seems so moody, she's been acting really odd lately.", she inquired.
"I have no idea Stephanie, she seems the same to me.", I answered, doing my best to try and seem convincing.
"Well I guess I'm eating alone tonight.", she said.
"Join the crowd Steph, I'm headed to the diner now.", I said, before I could catch myself.
"Oh good, I will join you then.", she quickly replied.
I had no choice but to be polite, besides Stephanie was good company, I enjoyed talking to her. She asked if I minded waiting a half hour before leaving so she could shower and change clothes. I agreed and decided to watch TV for a while before leaving. I lost track of time, I left about forty minutes later and drove to the diner. Stephanie was already seated at a booth when I walked in, so I joined her.
"Hey, the woman is supposed to keep the guy waiting.", she laughed.
"I'm sorry, I lost track of time.", I said apologetically.
"I'm just kidding, I'm glad you're here.", she giggled.
We sat there talking for a few minutes before the waitress took our order. We both ordered sandwiches , fries, and soft drinks. Since it was Friday night, the place was packed. Several students said hello to Stephanie as they passed in and out of the diner. In addition I was given some really strange looks as well, due to the fact I was sitting there with their teacher. I know Stephanie noticed it as well. Finally our food arrived and we began to eat our meal.