CHAPTER 57

I decided a few hours later to go into town and try to find a few pairs of jeans. It was really difficult to find them in my size, I needed a long length, big through the thighs, but only a thirty four inch waist. But just to kill some time, I tried a few shops on main street. I was in the second store of the day when my cell phone rang. I didn't recognize the number, it was a long distance, so I answered it anyway. It was Mr. Buddy Cullen, the consultant for the pro scouts, we had talked briefly before my break. He had put out some feelers around the league to see if any team might be interested in drafting me if I declared before this year's draft. Surprisingly, he told me he had two very solid hits. One was from an East Coast team that was extremely interested in a young defensive end prospect, the other was more intriguing. One team from up North had talked to him about possibly drafting me as an outside linebacker. They figured to drop my weight to around two hundred sixty five and play me at the Will LB slot. Both teams would be interested in me possibly in the second round. Mr. Cullen also gave me the name of a reputable agent who was representing dozens of pro players. He suggested I call him about the numbers. I thanked him for his time and promised to be in touch with him in a few days.

Later that day when I returned home, I called the agent's office in California, and asked to speak to him. I relayed my personal information to his assistant who promised me that he would call me back shortly. Maybe thirty minutes later my phone rang. I answered it, on the other end was Mr. Ron Peters, a well known agent for professional ball players. He thanked me for calling him and asked how he could assist me. I informed him of my situation and explained my uncertainty of whether or not to declare for the draft. He listened intently, then told me to let him make a few phone calls to see where I possibly might end up if I did. I thanked him for his time and hung up.

I had exactly twelve days to declare for the draft, or return to school for another year. I knew I had to move quickly. But truthfully at this point, I really was one hundred percent sure I would return to school for another year.

That night I was watching TV in the family room when Ashley's friend, Stephanie came through the back door. Ashley yelled out for her to come into the family room, which she quickly did.

"Hey guys, what are you up to ?", she asked.

"Not much, just watching a bit of TV," Ashley responded.

"How about we go out and hit the town again tonight?", she asked Ashley.

"Oh God no, I still feel last night.", Ashley whined.

"Well how about you Brian, you up for some fun ?", she asked, her eyes turning in my direction.

I could sense immediately by the change in Ashley's facial expression that she was not happy with her friend's invitation to me. At that split second it dawned on me that perhaps Ashley enjoyed the fact that she had me on pins and needles, waiting for her to make the next move.

"I… uh, really don't drink Stephanie, never have. It wouldn't be any fun at all.", I replied.

"You never drink ?", she asked incredulously.

"Nope never.", I answered.

"Oh, well then... how about a hamburger or something ?", she inquired.

I decided to try and light a fire under Ashley, maybe I had to force the situation, one way or another.

"That sounds ok, let me get dressed, be right back.", I answered.

I quickly dressed and returned to the family room when the two women were seated. I could definitely sense a chill in the air, Ashley was indeed not happy. As I was putting on my sneakers, Stephanie giggled as she watched.

"What's so funny ?", I asked.

"What size shoe do you wear ?", she asked.

"I wear a sixteen, why ?", I inquired.

"Just wondering.", she giggled.

I decided to at least try and do a bit of damage control before I left. I turned to Ashley, who was doing her best to avoid us.

"Hey Ash, why don't you come with us? Get out of the house.", I asked.

"No, I'm good, you guys go.", she answered, never looking up from the TV.

We left together, Stephanie wanted to drive, so we got into her car and pulled out of the drive. We drove across town to the diner, which was about half full when we arrived. We found a booth near the front and sat down. A few students from the high school waved to Stephanie, you could tell by their faces, they were surprised to see us together. Our waitress came over and we placed our order and settled in waiting for our food.

"What was wrong with Ashley tonight ?", Stephanie asked.

"I dunno, I never noticed really.", I answered, not about to get into this discussion.

"She seemed upset or mad, something was not right.", she said.

"She'll be fine," I answered.

Just about that time, my cell phone rang, I recognized the number, it was Ron Peters' office. I quickly answered the phone, this could be the answer I had been waiting on.

"Brian, how are you ?", he asked.

"Good sir.", I answered.

"Well, I made a few calls to the pro scouts and I think you have at least six teams interested, two seriously. The determining factor would be how well you perform at the Pro Camp which would be held later that month. It would be a week-long event that would test your mental ability, physical strength, speed, quickness and agility. As he informed me , the camp usually is the deciding factor on what round a player is drafted. You shine at the camp and your stock goes way up." he told me.

He also relayed the same information I had been told earlier in the day about one team that was seriously interested in drafting me as an outside linebacker. He told me he would make a few more calls, then get back to me in a couple of days, but at this point, he was optimistic about the situation. I thanked him and hung up.

"You're really going to play pro football ?", Stephanie asked.

"Well, it looks like that. At least I should get an opportunity to make someone's team.", I answered.

We continued our conversation, and soon our food arrived. We talked and ate, she was really fun to be around. I guess maybe since we were so close in age, I related well to her. She seemed wide eyed and amazed at the fact that I might get a chance to play pro ball.

"I guess I should be ashamed to say this, I might be the only one in town who has never seen you play before.", she said, somewhat embarrassed.

"You haven't seen me play ? Oh, I am offended.", I kidded her with a straight face.

"I'm sorry, I promise the next time you play, I will watch.", she quickly said, apologetically.

"I'm just kidding Stephanie, it's actually refreshing to be with someone who doesn't care about football.", I answered, "Besides, anytime you want to see a game, let me know, we have the National Championship game on DVD at home."

"Oh great, I want to see it.", she exclaimed.

We finished eating, got back in her car and pulled out of the parking lot. We had only been gone maybe ninety minutes when we pulled back into my driveway. We walked around back and came in through the kitchen, Ashley was still watching TV in the family room. We both joined her, I think she was surprised we were back that quickly. I went into my room and changed into a tee shirt and shorts and went into the kitchen for iced tea. When I rejoined the women in the family room they were in a discussion about school. After several minutes Stephanie turned in my direction.

"Could we watch that game you have on DVD ?", she asked.

"Oh I doubt Ashley wants to see that again, how about you just take it home and watch it later ?", I responded.

"No, it's ok. You can put it on Brian.", Ashley replied.

I shrugged my shoulders and got up and moved to the TV, opened the lower cabinet doors and retrieved the disc. I inserted it in the DVD player and pressed play. I fast forwarded the introduction and started the disc from the opening kickoff.

"What number are you Brian ?", she asked naively.

"He's number ninety nine, up at the top of the screen.", Ashley replied to her friend.

"Oh yea, I see him.", Stephanie replied.

For the next few hours we watched the game, with the ladies exchanging small talk back and forth. For some reason, watching a game already played on film had little enjoyment for me, I found myself always critiquing my effort. I left and came back into the room several times during the replay. Finally the disc ended, I was ready for bed. I said my good night's and made my way to my room. I'm not sure how long the two of them stayed up talking, I fell asleep rather quickly.