Page 88 of The Future Play

“I want everything with you too. And I know we can have it. All the hard work we’ve put in so far will make navigating the distance easier, and that distance will be good practice for when I make it to professional ball and am on the road a lot.”

“Have you decided what to do about the draft?”

I swallow hard and nod. “I haven’t told anyone. I don’t really want to tell anyone besides you. Not yet. But I want to go for the draft at the end of senior year.”

“Ten months,” she whispers.

“Yep.”

“I’ll be by your side every step of the way. If we’re doing this, all the vulnerability and openness has to go both ways, so let me in. Tell me when you’re scared. Let me comfort you when you’re frustrated or anxious. I’m on your team, and whenever they callyour name, or however the draft works—I guess I better brush up on that—I’ll be the one there beaming with pride. Wherever you end up, I’ll be there too.”

“Even if it’s not with the Metros?”

“Wherever it is, we’ll figure it out. We’ll make it work.”

“Are you sure?”

“That’s what it means to love someone. To choose them. Wouldn’t you do the same for me?”

“Of course I would.”

“Then don’t question it. I see my future, and there’s no doubt you’re a big part of it.”

“I see our future too. And it’s going to be beautiful. Because we’ve chosen each other, and as long as we’re willing to put in the work, we can have it all. Wewillhave it all. I want everything with you for as long as you’ll let me have you.”

“Jamie…” she breathes.

“You’re mine, Amanda, and I’m yours. All yours. Always yours.”

“Mine.”

“I promise.”

We crash together, tongues tangling as we lose ourselves in the depth of the connection between us and the love blossoming beneath it all.

The truth is, I don’t know what’s going to happen or exactly what my future will look like, but I know Amanda will be by my side for every moment of it.

12

DON’T HATE ME

Amanda

“Holyfuckinggo,”I angrily sing at the person driving the car in front of me.

The last thing I need is to be late right now. I’m already in a time crunch setting up this event. Whose bright idea was it to coordinate an event literally two days after moving home from my junior year of college?

Oh, right. Me. I’m usually the problem.

“Come on!” I shout at my windshield, as if that will somehow make the timid driver in front of me turn faster. “You have the right of way. Gooooo.”

Fucking finally. And… yep. Now the light’s red.

It’s fine. I’m fine.

Deep breaths.

Go through the list again.

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