CHAPTER 130

We were taken to the Superdome and led to the main floor, where dozens of booths had been constructed for the local and national media. As soon as we walked in, runners for the different news organizations approached us trying to line up interviews for their respective services. I excused myself initially, making my way through the crowd, finally finding the Butlers. Bryan ran over to me, I snatched him up, lifting him high in the air.

"How's my number one fan ?", I asked the small child.

"I am good.", he squealed.

I set him down, then reached over my shoulder, taking off my back pack. I kneeled down and opened it, fishing out three of my tee shirts, all of which I had custom work done to. I handed the first one to Bryan, he held it up looking at the front.

"Hey I already got this one.", he said, frowning.

"Turn it over.", I answered.

On the back of the normal shirt, the words HyperDunk were across the top, the large number 89 on the back. On Bryan's shirt, I had the words ``LIL HYPERDUNK - HD2'', written across the top of the back. On each of his parents shirt, I had "LIL HYPERDUNKS DAD'' and then

"LIL HYPERDUNKS MOM", written on theirs respectively.

"This is way cool. Am I really HD2 ?", Bryan squealed.

"Yep you are buddy.", I said, pulling the tee shirt over him.

I then took out three baseball caps, handing each of the Butler's one of them. I adjusted the little man's hat, then stood up and took a good look at him. He looked absolutely adorable, he was grinning ear to ear.

"Are you ready to do some interviews for HD2 ?", I asked, trying to be serious.

"Let's go.", he shouted.

I scooped him up in my arms, the place was absolutely packed with people. I motioned for his mom and dad to follow us back toward the interviewing area. As I walked around to the first aisle, a national sports organization immediately hauled me onto their set. I sat down behind a large table, sitting Bryan on my lap. The news commentator quickly que'd his cameraman, the red light came on, we were live.

"I have Brian Stevens, San Diego's talented young tight end here with me, Brian thank you so much for stopping by.", he started, smiling for the camera.

"Thank you for having me.", I answered.

"And who is this with you? Is this your son ?", he asked.

"No sir, this is Bryan Butler, my first true fan after arriving in San Diego. I met him in Children's Hospital, he was the inspiration for my foundation, Courtney's Kids, which treats young children who have been afflicted with cancer.", I answered.

"Well it's very nice to meet you Bryan.", he said, shaking the little man's hand.

Bryan didn't reply, he seemed a bit overcome by all the people beginning to gather around the booth. I gently rubbed his back, assuring him everything would be ok.

"So Brian, how does it feel to be in a Superbowl in only your second season in the league ?", he asked.

"It's really difficult to wrap my head around to be honest. Some guys play a career and never get the chance, I feel very blessed."

"You have had an All Pro season, despite being banged up a few times, tell us about that.", he offered.

"I had a few bumps and bruises during the season, fortunately none being too serious. Other than being slightly leg weary, I feel pretty good going into this game."

"New York has already said, they are going to play predominately both nickel and dime packages, trying to slow you guys down. They feel if they limit the passing game, they can win easily.", he stated.

"Most people have tried to play us that way this year, very few have been effective. We feel we have a solid game plan going in, we will be fine."

"And what is your prediction Bryan, what's gonna happen.", the anchor asked.

"He's going to catch four touchdowns, we are gonna win.", he replied with hesitation.

"Only four ?", the anchor laughed.

"Uh huh.", Bryan replied.

The camera cut off, they quickly removed both of our microphones, I stood up carrying Bryan off the set. We moved up and down the rows giving at least a dozen more interviews, before finally sitting down to our last. It was with a very young, pretty woman, a national co-anchor for a local sports channel.

"This is Lynn Davis, I am sitting here with Brian Stevens, tight end for San Diego, welcome Brian.", she started.

"Thank you Lynn, it's a pleasure to be here.", I replied.

"And who do we have here ?", she asked, smiling at little Bryan.

I once again recalled the story of how we had met, how much this little guy meant to me. We did the standard series of questions, most of which had already been asked. Just about the time I was wrapping up my last interview, the players were being escorted back to the locker room area. I quickly informed the Butlers to make their way across the street to the arena using the passes they had for Fan Fest.

About thirty minutes later we arrived in the arena, the place was sheer chaos. They were trying to get all the players seated at rows of tables where fans could move along, getting the autographs they so desired. After much confusion, it finally worked out, order was restored. After the line had thinned down some, I got up moving across the floor to find Bryan. He was sitting with his parents along the back wall,trying to stay out of the congestion. I once again scooped him up where we moved from player to player, making sure each signed his regulation game ball which I had given him. I introduced him to each player, everyone received him warmly. By the time we were done, Bryan had all the players and coaches signatures on the same ball.

I returned him to his parents, he seemed very tired, I'm sure it had been a long day for him. I told them the team was allowing the players to spend time with their families this evening. I told his father I would call him letting him know where we would be having dinner. I wanted the three of them there with us. They told me they would enjoy that, they would take Bryan back to the hotel for a quick nap.

We returned back to the hotel about five o'clock, I quickly showered and changed for dinner. I called Ashley who informed me where they had made reservations. I called Mr. Butler, informing him of the time and place. He told me they would meet me there.

We all met at a very nice restaurant a few blocks from the hotel. We were seated in a relatively private room, the Butlers, Ashley and Jeff, Alexis and I. We had a great meal, we must have been in there for close to two hours. Bryan had us all in stitches recalling all of the interviews we had given earlier in the day. There was no doubt, he was having the time of his life. We said our goodnight's to the Butlers, the four of us heading back to our hotel. Before getting back inside, I had to sign at least a dozen autographs for people milling around the hotel entrance. Ashley and Jeff went back up to their room, Alexis waited downstairs for me. Just about the time I rejoined her in the lobby, Josh was leaving to meet his girlfriend and his parents at a restaurant. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Alexis, he walked over to us slowly.

"Brian, who is this gorgeous creature you're with ?", he asked.

"Josh, this is Alexis Clarke. Alexis, this is Josh.", I stated.

"Where on earth have you been keeping her ?", he inquired.

"She lives in the same complex that I do.", I told him.

"So you two met there ?", he asked.

"No, not really. I'm also Brian's agent. I work for PSA.", Alexis said softly.

Josh basically stood there with his mouth hanging for a second, it was pretty comical to say the least.

"Apparently, I am with the wrong agent.", he laughed.

We talked for a few minutes, he never took his eyes off of Alexis, I couldn't be angry at him, she still did the same thing to me. We went up in the elevator, Alexis got off on her floor, I went up to my room. I took a long hot shower, threw on some shorts and a tee shirt, then went back down to the sixth floor. When I passed Ashley's room, I saw the door was halfway open, I stuck my head in and knocked.

"Come in, Brian.", Ashley said, from her seat on the bed.

"Where's Jeff ?", I asked.

"He went down to the vending machines to grab a few soft drinks," she answered.

"Oh ok, I was just heading to Alexis' room.", I told her.

"Brian, she is an absolute sweetheart, I love her to death. We had the most wonderful time today together.", she admitted.

"Good I'm glad you two had a good time.", I answered.

"Only one thing Brian, I need to ask you something.", she whispered, moving over to close the door to the room.

I could tell this was not going to be good, I had a sneaking suspicion what the question was going to be. Ashley took a deep breath, looking down at the floor.

"Brian, I couldn't help but notice several times today, Alexis was looking at me in a strange way. It's hard to describe to a man, but I have seen that look before.", she started.

"What I guess I am trying to ask you here....Did you say anything to Alexis about…you know, what we did ?", she asked.

I was right on target, this is the question I thought might be coming. I knew better than to try and lie to Ashley, I was never capable of pulling it off.

"Yes, I told her everything.", I admitted.

"Brian, do you really think that was a good idea ?"she inquired, obviously distressed.

"I don't know Ashley, but I care for Alexis a great deal, I'm not going to start out lying to her.", I answered, "Ashley, she is fine with it.

Just about that time Jeff came back into the room, so we had to put the conversation on hold for the time being. Ashley quickly changed the subject.

"So Brian, just how serious are you and Alexis ?", she asked.

"I'm not sure how she really feels, but I really care for her a great deal.", I responded.

"Well hot shot, I'm not the sharpest tool in the wood shed, but unless I am way off base, that girl is in love with you.", she whispered.

"You really think so ?", I asked, very surprised.

"I'm a hot shot woman, I know these things.", she laughed.