comfortable up front than squished in the back.
“Combine here we come!” Trey calls out, and we all cheer.
I’ve waited for this moment as long as I can remember. I can’t believe it’s finally here. Glancing over at Reese in the passenger seat, she’s singing softly to the radio, taking in the scenery. Without a doubt, there is no one else in this world I’d rather have on this journey with me.
It’s been a long, grueling week. The Combine was an experience I will never forget. Meeting the professional players, getting their advice and wisdom. Competing with the best of the best. If I never get drafted, I’ll still be glad I came. It was definitely a good experience. It helped to know that Reese and our parents were here to cheer me on. You don’t realize what the support of loved ones means until you are in this kind of situation. I know that they are here for me and no other reason.
“How do you feel about it?” Reese asks from her spot in the passenger seat.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, I see that everyone else is already asleep. They’re all exhausted, and I am too, but I’m too amped to sleep. Maybe it was getting so much time with Reese and our parents? “Good. I’m feeling confident.”
“As you should.” She swats at my arm. “My best friend, a professional football player. I know this has been your dream. We’ve talked about it countless times, but to witness this past week… the hard work paying off… it’s a sight to see. I’m really proud of you, Coop.”
“Thanks. I’m glad you were there. It felt right, you know?” I have the urge to reach over and hold her hand, but I know that’s crossing a line that I’m not allowed to cross.
There have been a lot of those moments this past week. She’s the first person I wanted to see at the end of each day. That’s nothing new, not really. We’ve always shared everything with each other. However, it does feel… different. I can’t explain it. I guess it’s just because of how weird things have felt between us lately.
“I’m glad I was there too. Just think, pretty soon, I can say I knew you when.” She laughs. “Hey, I should get you to sign something. Get your autograph now. I could be rich one day.”
“Turning into a cleat chaser, are you?” I tease.
“Hey, a girl’s gotta eat. I bet you once you’re drafted and make a name for yourself in the league, I could make more on one of your signatures than I could in a year as a social worker.”
“Social work is more fulfilling.”
“This is true. At least I hope it is. From all of my externships and job shadowing, I’m pretty confident. Sure, there are going to be bad days, but you have that with every job, right? I mean, look at you. You get taken down by tanks of men on the daily. I know that’s not fun.”
“It’s fun when we win.”
“It’s a rush for me, and I’m just a spectator. I can’t imagine the thrill or the high that it gives you. Especially with all those touchdowns you run in.”
“Go on.” I wave my hand at her. “Keep those compliments coming.”
“Stop.” She chuckles. “Truly, I’m so proud of you. You’re going to do great things, Cooper Reeves.”
The conversation lulls as she closes her eyes, resting her head against the seat. Now, I regret driving. I wish I could just watch her and take her in. It hit me this week that I’m leaving soon. After the draft, then graduation, I’ll have very little time before reporting to training camp, wherever that might be. I’ll have to find a place to live and get settled. My time with Reese is limited. I’ll go from seeing her every day to daily text messages and calls. More than anything, I wish that I could ask her to come with me. However, I know that’s not fair. I can’t ask her to drop the plans she has for her life, the job she has lined up, her apartment, just to follow me. Besides, I’ll be gone a lot. Between practice and games, and other team activities, I don’t know how much time I would have to devote to her. To our friendship.
So, yeah, I wish I wasn’t driving so I could soak up this time. I need to get it in while I can. I don’t know what the