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“Oh, you mean for college?”
“Obviously.” Veronica shook her head. “You could go to a smaller school and play. If I’m good enough to do it, then believe me…you’re good enough.”
Veronica already knew that she’d be going to a small Methodist college in the suburbs. The head coach had already offered her a spot during our intensive summer camp earlier that month. As long as she maintained a B average during her senior year, she’d be in.
What she didn’t know was that the same coach had offered it to me first. I turned him down and never told her that I’d even spoken to him. I didn’t want to do anything to tarnish her excitement. Her dream was to play soccer in college, and I wanted her to run toward her dream with unbridled excitement and determination.
I shrugged. “I’ve played soccer for almost my entire life. And I love it, don’t get me wrong.”
“You’re going to be Captain this year. Of course, you love it.”
“But it’s not my dream.” I shook my head. “I want to sing, and I’ve been putting that on the back burner for too long. I’m so nervous I won’t even get in because I’ve devoted so much of my time to soccer.”
“I know,” Veronica replied with a nod. “It’s just—you’re so good at each of those things, so I’m surprised you aren’t at least trying to pursue both of them.”
“They’re both so demanding, you know I had to choose.”
“I get it, I’m just…bummed, I guess.”
“Lurie has intramural leagues, so I’ll still get to play.”
Veronica stopped walking and glared at me. “It’s not the same.”
“I know.” I nodded. “But it’s enough for me. And listen, it’s not going to affect anything. You’ll still be my best friend.”
She looked up at the sunshine and gritted her teeth. “You sure about that? What will we talk about?”
“Okay, I’m kind of insulted if you think all we have to talk about is soccer. We’re better than that, Ronnie.”
She huffed. “Yeah, I know. But it’s something we’ve always done. I just don’t want you to resent me or whatever.”
“Why would I do that? I’m excited for you.”
“What if you change your mind? And you wish you’d taken the spot.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Do you honestly think I don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“Matilda.”
“Ugh, I told you ten years ago, don’t call me that.”
“Fine, whatever. I know the coach from Illinois Methodist offered you the spot first. I’m not clueless.”
“You weren’t supposed to know that.”
“Yeah, well, I have a brain. And everyone knows you’re the star of our team. He’d be an idiot to offer it to me and not you. Obviously, I was the second choice, and that’s fine. I don’t mind that. But I don’t want you to look back and wish you hadn’t passed it over.”
And suddenly, everything made sense. Taking Veronica’s hands in mine, I stared at her, my eyes intent on persuading her.
“Listen to me. I will never resent you. Not ever. I’m happy for you. No, I’m thrilled for you, Ronnie.”
“I know that.”
“Do you? Because you’re acting like you don’t believe me.”
