Page 16 of One Night Valentine

I don’t know anything about football, but he is making me feel like I can go out and conquer the world. He gives autographs and takes pictures, and by the time we walk out of that classroom, my cheeks are hurting from smiling so much.

He has my hand in his again, and as we step out of the school, I tell him, “I have it figured out.”

“What?” he asks. “What do you have figured out?”

“You should be a motivational speaker.”

His cheeks turn ruddy. “Whatever…”

I stop and look up at him. “No, seriously. I have never and will never play football, but you have me feeling like I can do anything right now. That thirty-minute talk had me believing in myself like I never have before. You spent thirty minutes talkingto those kids, and did you see their little faces? They were filled with hope and inspiration. You have a gift, Cruz Payne.”

He opens the car door, and I get in. He doesn’t say anything as he closes it, and when he gets into the driver's side, he’s quiet.

When I start to feel like I’ve said the wrong thing, he looks almost embarrassed. “Don’t laugh.”

Wide-eyed, I shake my head.

He clears his throat. “I’ve always wanted to be a speaker. When I was younger and it was career day, one of my friend’s dads came in and talked about everything he’d overcome and went on to be. He made everyone in the class feel special. I wanted to do that. I wanted to be the one that talked to people and made them feel that way. Is that weird?”

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?—”

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