Page 93 of Drew
Closing my eyes, I take a steadying breath and release it slowly. When I open my eyes, I hope he can see my determination.
Failure isn’t an option.
“Okay… let’s do this!”
Once the game starts, I manage to keep Abby out of my mind. Thank God, I find my rhythm and easily fall into sync with my team. North Carolina’s one hell of a team, and we need every player on deck to pull off a win.
By halftime, we’re down by seven points. We head into the locker room, knowing we’re down, but not out of this game. Our coaching staff tells us where we’re making strides and what our shortcomings are. Coach gives us one last pep talk before we’re back out on the court to finish off this game.
Somehow, by the skin of our teeth, we manage to pull off a huge upset. The home crowd is devastated to find CRU will be in the championship game next week instead of them. CRU fans are ecstatic, and their energy sizzles throughout the arena and into the locker room.
By the time we leave the stadium, there’s a group ready to go out and celebrate together. But until I hear from Abby, I don’t feel much like celebrating. Instead, I say hello to my family since they traveled to watch me play, then I head back to the hotel.
When I pull out my phone, I see one simple text, which gives me hope.
Abby: Congratulations! I’m so proud of you.
My fingers quickly tap out a reply.
Me: Thanks. I still can’t believe we’re playing in back-to-back championship games.
Abby: You deserve it.
Before I can type anything else, Grey enters the room.
“Thought I’d find you here.” Grey plops on his bed and stares at me expectantly. “Spill it. What’s going on with you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say dismissively.
“Dude. Your head’s been up your ass this entire trip. What is going on?”
“Why aren’t you out with the team?” I ask to take the focus from me.
“Because my best friend’s holed up in our hotel room when we should be out celebrating. He’s been quiet as fuck all day, and now… he’s avoiding the subject.”
Leave it to Grey to tell it like it is.
I should just tell him. But what the fuck do I say?
My girlfriend hasn’t talked to me in two days, and I’m afraid I’m losing her?
Fuck no. I’m not voicing those thoughts aloud. Just thinking them is bad enough.
Instead, I do the last thing I want to do. I pop off my bed and say, “Let’s go out. I’m ready to get drunk.”
Grey’s eyes widen as his mouth drops to the floor.
When I reach the door, I look back over my shoulder. “Are you coming or what? There’s a seat at the bar with my name on it.”
“Whatever you need, man, I’m here for you.”
OceanofPDF.com
36
Drew
Yeah,drinking last night probably wasn’t my smartest idea. Now both my head and heart hurt. I almost feel bad for Grey as I wasn’t the best company. I barely spoke ten words the entire time we sat at the hotel bar. But like the friend he is, he stayed by my side and kept my glass full.
