“Of course. We love representing this town.”
“Speaking of that, Rawley, the Waves now have nine wins and only two losses. What do you think of your Super Bowl prospects?”
I’m used to answering this question now. We’re one of the favorites.
“We’re going to work hard to make it happen. There’s a determination in our locker room that is powerful.”
“Welcome news to fans, for sure. And you’re being talked about as a Rookie of the Year candidate, on track to have close to one hundred catches. How does that feel after everything that happened last year leading up to falling in the draft?”
I pause before answering. The question is heavier than she knows.
Avery squeezes my hand, and I respond after glancing at her.
“It was hard at times to stay positive when others were criticizing my character, my focus. But I believe in myself and the team. When push came to shove, I learned not to let everything that happened define me. I decided to embrace who I am and be the best version of me for the team. And for the people I love.”
“And for yourself.” Another squeeze.
“And for myself.”
“That’s lovely,” the host says. “And a perfect note to end on. Thank you, Avery and Rawley. We will have to do this again.”
“After the Waves win the Super Bowl,” Avery adds before winking.
Once we’re off the air, we say our goodbyes to the show’s team and stride out to my car.
“I give it three seconds until Taylor texts us saying ‘good job,’” Avery jokes.
“Yeah, not betting against you on that.”
BUZZ…
TAYLOR: Great job you two.
When Avery sits down in the passenger seat, she texts Taylor back in our group message.
AVERY: It’s not hard to act as if I like this guy now that it’s real.
“It wasn’teverhard, Avie,” I retort while I turn on the car, in a fake offended voice.
She leans over and kisses my cheek. “No, it wasn’t.”
When we get to the new house, Avery takes a minute to lean against the car and take it in.
“My own place. So ready for this.”
As she says it, I put my arm around her shoulders. I know how important this is to her.
“Proud of you. And everything you did to make this happen.”
“Everythingwedid.” She leans into me. “And you’re next, right?”
“Yup.”
This week I purchased a condo in a building under construction, slated to be move-in ready during the offseason. It’s only seven minutes from Avery, and ten from Landon.
And if things progress with Avery so that we move in together down the road, the condo’s an excellent investment. Or so Grace told me, and since she’s a business manager, I’m going to follow her advice.
The vehicle delivering the first wave of Avery’s new things pulls in seconds later. Since her previous rental had been furnished, she’s bought all new items from a local store.
