Shoot a gun
See a moose in the wild
Perform on stage in a sexy sequined costume
Deliver a baby
Meet TJ Doyle from the Boston Buzzards
Have a one-night stand (I know, we promised we wouldn’t be like her, but this is intentional, so it’s okay)
Forgive Mom
By the time I get to number ten, I can barely see through my tears.At least I’m no longer hyperventilating.I guess Richie still is my emotional support person.Even so, this list is ridiculous, and there’s no way I’m doing any of it.It’s her bucket list.Not mine.
I can’t believe what she thinks I should be doing.It’s totally unachievable, even if I wanted to do these things.
Which I do not.
I mean, it’s realistic that Richie, as a physician’s assistant, would have the opportunity to deliver a baby.How would I ever go about doing that?And perform on stage in a sexy outfit?Me, the one with the panic attacks?I think not.Completely ridiculous.
I will concede that seeing a moose would be acceptable, as long as it doesn’t attack me.If I had to pick a wild animal to observe in nature, it’d be an orca.I’m not one to commune with nature, but if I did, moose wouldn’t be at the top of the list.
But don’t even get me started on the one-night-stand thing.We promised—promised—each other that we’d never put a man before ourselves.That men were scum, and we were better off without them.We were never going to put pleasure above responsibilities.I don’t care if she gave me permission to get frisky with a stranger, I’m not doing it.While I could always see Richie eventually settling down with a man who treated her like gold, not unlike how Gramps treats Gram, I never saw that for myself.I have no desire to get entangled and swap bodily fluids with a stranger.That holds no appeal for me.If I was ever going to do that, the guy would have to meet the highest standards.Like, ridiculously perfect.I’m pretty sure that man doesn’t exist outside of romance books.
We’re not even going to discuss number ten.Completely ridiculous.
So even if I wanted to, I couldn’t do this list.
As those thoughts pop in my head, shame washes over me.I’ve got to at least try.I look at the list again.Anxiety not only takes out the one-night-stand thing and performing on a stage, but flying and shooting a gun, too.About the only thing that seems even quasi-achievable is the Boston Buzzards thing.
They’re a soccer team—I’m pretty sure.Richie was a huge sports nut.Probably because she was good at all of them.I, on the other hand, prefer to stay inside with a good book.Maybe I can go to a game or something.If I’m in the same building, it’s practically the same thing.That should count.
I take a deep breath.Okay, I can do one last thing for my sister, so she didn’t have to die a virgin in vain.
Chapter 3: TJ
98 … 99 … 100.
I finish my push-ups, give a knowing smile to the camera, and end the recording.Only 10.7 thousand views, my ass.If the ClikClak algorithm wants to play, I’m here for it.No one can resist a shirtless, sweaty TJ Doyle.
No one’s ever going to accuse me of being the smartest out there, but I know what my assets are and how to use them to my advantage.It’s not like people are tuning into my account for my witty repartee.
I finish editing and upload the video.I’ve got to get to practice.I can’t be late … again.Coach Janssen doesn’t look kindly on it.Neither do my teammates.
Truth be told, they barely put up with me.I’m not sure why, but I’ve never really clicked with any of them.I don’t mind them, but I get the feeling they don’t like me.Sometimes I think it’s because I’ve got the largest social media presence on the team.That’s become pretty lucrative.The front office is paying more and more attention to it, keeping players around who draw in the crowds.Payingthose players better, too.
If I have to strip down to my boxer briefs while I work out, so be it.Cash is king, and I’m wearing the crown right now.
Not to mention, ever since they brought Xavier Henry on in the spring, I keep hearing talk about moving him to midfield.My position.He’d rather play defense, but the truth is, he’s faster than I am.If the powers that be decide to make that move, I’m not sure if I’d be dropped back to defender, moved to the bench, or pushed right out the door.At thirty-two, I’m lucky to have played professional soccer for as long as I have.I can’t count on it lasting forever.
Add in my frequent tardiness, and really, the only thing keeping me starting is my social media presence.At least for right now.
"Nice of you to join us," Maliq Miller mutters as I stride in, only five minutes late this time.
"I didn’t miss anything, did I?"We’re starting with warm-ups and then drills and then running plays.I’m already warm from my video workout.Plus, practicing in the August heat warms the muscles pretty damn quick.Sure, we have an air-conditioned facility, but since this whole complex was practically built on a swamp, you can’t escape the humidity at this time of year.Sweat pours out of me just sitting still, and there’s not a hint of breeze in the air to wick the moisture away.
I may be late to practice, but it doesn’t mean I shirk my responsibilities.I work just as hard as everyone else on the Buzzards.I even stay after, continuing my plyometric workout in the weight room.
