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“You’re telling me,” I mutter, continuing forward toward a guy I recognize.
“Cole, it’s so good to see you again,” Chris says, holding his hand out in greeting.
“Hey, it’s good to be here. This is Hadley, my g-girlfriend.” I don’t mean to stumble over the word, but as it sticks in my throat, I realize that it’s the first time I’ve referred to her as such. It’s weird as fuck.
She glances at me for a beat before turning to Chris. “This place is incredible. How many people does it hold?” she asks. She knows the answer, we both looked it up together, but I appreciate her distraction technique as it starts Chris off on his speech.
We walk past huge trophy cabinets that proudly display all the Colts’ achievements over the years, along with a wall of fame showing numerous ex-Colt players during their impressive NFL careers.
The fact that this is happening to me feels totally surreal. If they accept me, if I do well here, literally anything could happen. It’s a sobering thought.
Could I really go from my bullshit life in the Heights all the way to the NFL?
I guess only time will tell.
Chris walks us around, talking about all things football and what my future college career could look like if I were to become a Colt for a good thirty minutes before he shows us to some seats to watch tonight’s game.
“I’m sorry, where’s the bathroom?” Hadley asks before we find our seats.
“Just down there on the left.”
“Thank you.” I give her hand a squeeze and watch her as she makes her way there.
“So what do you think?” Chris asks, turning back to me.
“I think everything looks and sounds incredible. I can’t quite get my head around it all, to be honest.”
“I know it’s a lot to take in, and how big a decision it is.” I refrain from telling him that I don’t have teams fighting over me right now and that this is currently my only option.
“It is. But I feel at home here. Something feels right.”
He nods, his lips curling at the corners at my words. “That’s really great to hear, Cole. I think you could do really well here. What about your girl? What are her plans?”
“Uh…” I hesitate, not really having an answer for him. “It’s all up in the air right now.”
“It’s still early days, you’ve both got time.” There’s some commotion down on the field, making him look over his shoulder. “I should get down there. I’m glad you came out today, Cole. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
“I will, thank you so much.” With one final handshake, he disappears off toward the field.
With the beginning of the game still a few minutes away, I head toward the bathroom to wait for Hadley so we can go and get drinks—and, if I know her at all these days, more food.
I only have to wait a minute or two before the bathroom door is pulled open and she steps out, although what I’m not expecting is to see tears filling her eyes.
“Hads, what’s wrong?” I ask, rushing to her and taking her hand in mine.
“It’s nothing,” she says, waving me off. “Isn’t the game about to start?”
“I don’t give a shit about the game if something is up with you,” I state, possibly a little too harshly.
“Honestly, it’s nothing. I’m just feeling a little emotional.”
I narrow my eyes at her, and she plasters a smile on her face. “If something was going on, you’d tell me, right?” I ask, giving in to my suspicions.
“Of course. Honestly, there’s nothing you need to worry about.”
She blinks as she says it, severing our connection for a beat, and it makes my heart drop into my stomach.
She’s hiding something.
