"I don’t know who I am either, but I’m starting to branch out," Rachel says quietly.
"ME TOO!"My voice is entirely too loud for the situation.I don’t care.I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.I’m expressing my thoughts with feeling and volume."But I’m working on it.I … I have a life coach, and now I have a plan.Can I tell you my plan?I think it’s a great plan.It came to me in the shower, the plan.This plan is the answer to everything."
"You can tell me if you don’t use the word plan.You sound like a book that didn’t go through enough editing."I see a hint of a smile."It’s a serious pet peeve of mine."
"Okay, my … idea is a podcast.Maybe even with Joey, because he can be funny occasionally.I want to interview other athletes and talk about sports, naturally, but then about life after sports.Career planning and career readiness.I was also thinking about a segment where I try out different jobs."As I’m saying it, I realize the problem."Shit, that wouldn’t be good for a podcast.That’s more visual."
"But you could probably spin that off into a YouTube series.It would definitely be good to cross-post on ClikClak as well."
I look at her."You don’t think it’s stupid?"
She shakes her head."I think it’s brilliant.I think you and your brother will be good together, and it will help both your careers."
"And I was thinking that it would help the businesses that I feature when I try out jobs."
"Yes.They could sponsor an episode, which would help with production costs, as well as get the publicity and traction.Cramer-Romero has sponsored all sorts of things over the years.Never a podcast, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility."
When she doesn’t comment about my idea, I prompt, "So?"
"So what?"she asks.
"So I have a pla—an idea for what I’m going to be when I grow up.When my time with the Boston Buzzards is done, I’ll have the roots for this in place so I can step seamlessly into a new career."
"That’s great, Tyler.I’m happy for you."Is Rachel looking at me expectantly?She holds my gaze for a moment before standing up."I’m happy you have your plan.I think it’s great.You’re going to be just fine."She turns and walks toward the door.
I grab her wrist, spin her around, and pull her back to me.Her body collides with mine with a soft thud."Where do you think you’re going?"
She keeps her head down, her arms hanging limply at her sides.I reach down and, with the most delicate touch I can manage, gently lift her chin with my fingertips."Where do you think you’re going?"I repeat.
Her eyes brim with tears."I told you I was ready for love, and you told me about your podcast."
Holding her chin steady, I lean down and give her lips a soft kiss.I can’t stop there.I kiss her again, parting her lips with mine.She opens wider, inviting my tongue in, meeting it with her own.My hands move to the sides of her face and then back into her hair, the silky short strands sliding through my fingers.
I will never tire of kissing this woman.
"I was telling you my plan so you’d know I’m ready.I’m not some screwup who’s going to drift aimlessly.I’m getting my shit together, and you’re going to get your shit together, and our shit will be together and we’ll be together, shitless."
Rachel pulls back slightly."I’m not sure if that was romantic or terrible."
I laugh."How about terribly romantic?"
It’s her turn to laugh."I happen to know for a fact that no one is ever truly shitless, but I think I know what you mean."
"I’m ready for yet and whatever comes after yet.I’m ready for it all, as long as we can do it together."
Her body presses into mine.I slide my hands down her shoulders and back until I’m cupping her petite ribcage in my hands.It’s not enough.I bend forward so my hands can reach down further, underneath her buttocks.In one swift move, I scoop her up.Reflexively her legs wrap around my waist.
I carry her to the bedroom and make a plan never to let her go again.
Epilogue: Rachel
Two Years Later
"Are you sure about this?"Tyler asks.I’m not sure which one of us is more nervous.
"It’s going to be great," I say through clenched teeth, tugging down the edge of my shorts."I mean, it would be great if my ass weren’t hanging out."
"But it’s a great ass," Tyler says, leaning back to admire the view.
