By the time I got back home it was close to ten thirty, I was due at Courtney's about noon. I felt I had to go a bit early to help Mr. Timmons set everything up, after all this whole event was for me. I showered, and put on the nylon wind suit we had been given for the National Championship. It was in the traditional team colors, I thought it was appropriate for the day. I looked at the clock and it was almost noon. I walked back into the kitchen to grab my keys and wallet, I was ready to go.
"Are you leaving already ?", Ashley asked.
"Yes, I am going to see if Mr. Timmons needs any help getting things ready.", I answered.
"What time do you want me there ?", she asked.
"It doesn't really start until four this afternoon, then there is the chance, I don't get selected until tomorrow, it's hard to tell.", I replied.
"Ok, I guess I will get there at about four. Do you mind if I bring David with me ?", she asked.
"No, that's fine.", I answered.
I casually walked out of the back door and to my truck, even though it was killing me. Apparently she was more serious with this guy than I thought. Obviously she had known him for a while, she was not the impulsive type, I knew that for sure. I drove across town and pulled up at Courtney's about quarter to one, there were already at least seven vehicles there. With the developments of the past few days, I really wished I would have declined Mr. Timmons offer to host this party. I would much rather be home alone watching the show on my own TV.
I really wasn't in the mood for a crowd but it was too late now.
I knocked on the door, Gia answered it quickly. She was, as always, a bouncing and giddy young teenager.
"Courtney Yyy, lover boy is heeeeeeeee.", she yelled out.
This was her usual greeting for me, it had been for close to two years. One thing for sure, Gia was going to break some hearts when she got older. She was already far too beautiful for her age.
"Gia, I'm not here to love Courtney, I want to love .", I told her, holding out my arms.
"Ewwwwwwwwwwwww.", she yelled, turning and running down the hall.
By that time Mrs. Timmons had entered the hallway, just as her younger daughter ran past her screaming. She burst out laughing at me.
"That'll teach the little witch. Come on in Brian.", she urged.
"Thank you. I'm sorry to be so early, I just wanted to see if there was anything I could help with.", I asked.
"That's so sweet honey, check with Gerald but I'm sure everything is done.", she said, pointing to the back of the house.
I walked straight through the family room to the rear French doors that were open out to the patio. Mr. Timmons and a few of his friends were seated around the table closest to the large TV, already watching the pre draft coverage. He jumped up quickly when he saw me.
"Hey Brian, come on over. Glad to see you're early.", he said.
He introduced me to everyone as I sat down at the table. They were in the middle of some business so I quietly sat and listened politely. A few minutes had passed when Courtney came walking through the rear doors. She had on a very tight pair of shorts and a tight string top. She looked very nice, a fact that the other man confirmed with their eyes very quickly.
"Hey Brian, the brat told me you were here. She said you tried to kiss her ?", she giggled, kissing me quickly on the lips.
"You know me sunshine.", I winked.
"So, any good news ? Are you going to be rich today ?", she asked, that devilish grin crossing her face.
"My agent said he is sure Dallas will pick me in the second round if I am still there. But we are hoping I may be gone before that.", I replied.
During the next few hours people began strolling in, some I knew well, others I had never met. All of the buzz and excitement had kept my mind off of Ashley, which was a good thing. My agent and I had been going back and forth on the phone for hours going over small details. With the draft about to start, the best scenario was I was going to be a late second round pick. Just about ten minutes after the draft started, the first team was on the clock. I tried to appear calm, like this was no big deal, but inside I was dying. My entire life would be changed one way or another today. I tried not to look at the screen too early, I was sure it would be hours before I would be selected.
Ashley arrived about quarter after four, David was in tow. I was sitting next to Mr. Timmons as she walked up, we both got on our feet to greet her.
"Mr. Timmons, thank you so much for doing this for Brian. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.", she said, shaking his hand.
"It's my pleasure Ms. Thompson, he's like a son to me.", he replied.
"Yes, I know.", she said, graciously smiling.
"Mr. Timmons, this is David Walker.", she said, introducing her friend.
Nice to meet you David, I'm Gerald.", he said , as the two shook hands.
David then side stepped Mr. Timmons and extended his hand out to me once more, a goofy smile on his face.
"Nice to see you again, superstar.", he said, holding out his hand.
Now there was no doubt, he was being condescending. We had been introduced twice, both times he failed to use my name. I could feel my blood come to an immediate boil. Still holding on to his hand, I pulled him in close to me and whispered.
"You call me superstar again, nothing will ever be nice again.", I answered, looking him dead in the eye.
He stepped back quickly, I could tell he was visibly shaken. Both Ashley and Mr. Timmons saw it too. I sat back down as Ashley and her friend turned to greet Mrs. Timmons who had walked out of the door. Courtney's dad leaned over to me and whispered quietly.
"What's that about Brian. Something wrong son ?", he asked, concerned.
"I don't know sir. That's the second time I have met the guy, both times he uses that tone. I don't like it, I don't like him.", I answered.
"It did sound kind of wise ass to me too. I just thought you two knew each other well and he was playing.", he replied.
'No sir, I only met him last night for a second. He said the same thing then too.", I responded.
"Well in all the years I have known you son, I have never seen you react to someone that way. Don't let him ruin your day and just so you know, men can be just as jealous as women.", he laughed.
I looked back over at Ashley and I could see her and David were engaged in a very quiet but serious conversation in one corner. I was sure he had run crying to her about what I had told him. Fuck him, I could care less. Courtney came back out and I knew she immediately sensed something was wrong. She walked around the back of my chair and leaned over one shoulder, kissing me on the cheek and whispering in my ear.
"What's wrong Brian. You ok ?", she inquired.
"I'm good Court.", I said, patting her arm.
She stood back up , her arms wrapped around my shoulders, talking with her Dad. I looked back over and saw Ashley was giving her an almost blank look. I began to get the feeling this was not going to be a good day after all. Just about then, everyone around the TV started asking for quiet, another pick was going to be selected. They were up to number seven, everyone was sure this was going to be a defensive player. Just then my cell phone rang, it was my agent.
"Oh my God.", Courtney yelled, as the room became deathly silent.
I picked up the phone and answered it on the second ring. It was Ron Peters this time.
"Brian, I was just emailed some contract details, there may be a trade. I will have to act fast, do you trust me ?", he asked.
"Yes sir, I trust you. Do whatever it takes.", I answered, hanging up.
"What , what, what.", Courtney was yelling.
"I don't know yet, something about a trade.", I answered.
Just then the next pick was announced, sure enough it was defense, the number one rated defensive end went off the board. That was good news for me, one less skilled player at my position. Over the next hour , four more players were selected, two on defense, two on offense. The second best defensive end was gone now too, things were getting better. As Mr. Peter's had projected, defensive ends were at a premium this year, two were already gone in the first eleven picks,