18 Part 13

As I turned on the block, I could see that this was not one of Mr. Timmon's normal get togethers. There were three to four times the amount of vehicles that normally were parked in and around his home. I had to park in the block before his home and walk the rest of the way. I arrived at the front door and rang the bell, Mrs. Timmons opened it quickly.

"Hi Brian, I'm so glad you decided to come.", she said, hugging me quickly.

She closed the door behind me and ushered me into the family room, although there were people throughout the house. It took a few minutes for me to find Mr. Timmons, he was in the kitchen icing down more beer. As I walked through the room looking for him, I could feel a lot of eyes watching me. As I stepped into the kitchen, he immediately jumped up and shook my hand.

"Brian , I am so glad to see you. Thanks so much for coming. Come on, I will introduce you everyone.", he said.

For the next twenty minutes I followed him around the huge home as he introduced me to all of his friends, both male and female. About half of the people I met, knew who I was, several had mentioned they watched me play. We finally made our way back to the family room where I found a seat on the end of the sofa. I was just sitting there drinking a Coke when I realized I had forgotten to give Mr. Timmons his gift. By now he had once again disappeared into the crowd, I decided to stay put until I saw him again. I had been sitting there for about ten minutes, when I saw Courtney walk through the family room and into the kitchen. I know she didn't see me through the maze of people, I slumped down a bit on the sofa, hoping she would be leaving soon.

Finally Mr. Timmons made his way back over to where I was sitting, he had two of his friends with him. He introduced me to both of them, as I stood to shake their hands. It's tough to not be noticed in a crowd when you're almost six foot, seven inches tall. As I stood to talk to the two men, I saw Courtney out of the corner of my eye, turn her head in my direction. I was glad to be engaged in a conversation at that point, I really didn't want to talk with her.

"Brian, are you ready for the big game ?", Mr.Timmons asked.

"Yes sir, I am. I just hope we play well, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.", I answered.

"Im not too sure, with the talent you guys have, you could make another run at it next year.", he fired back.

"Maybe, but I would rather get it done this year sir.", I replied.

The three men bust out laughing, I'm not sure why, I wasn't trying to be funny. I know how much work, and to some degree how much luck it takes to go unbeaten in college football. It doesn't happen every season, you have to grab the situation in hand when you can.

"Oh by the way Mr. Timmons, my coaches have told me that scouts are talking about where I would be drafted if I declared myself a hardhip this year and enter the draft.", I stated.