CHAPTER 55

We proceeded with the meal which as always was very good. Mrs. Timmons was an excellent cook, I always loved everything that she prepared. Courtney and I helped clear the table, then her Mom ran us out the kitchen saying she would finish. Courtney's dad had retired to his office to get a few reports ready for work the next day, so we were

alone in the family room. For several seconds that awkward feeling came rushing back all too quickly. Finally Courtney broke the ice, as was customary.

"So have you made any decisions on whether or not you're going back to school next year ?", she asked.

"No not really, I am going to call a guy I met at school last week, see if I can get some ideas on what to do.", I answered.

"I can't believe you are really going to be a pro football player.", she exclaimed.

"Truthfully, neither can I Court.", I responded.

We talked for about twenty more minutes before I decided it was time to head home. As I was getting ready to leave, Courtney touched my arm softly and whispered to me.

"Brian, I really need to talk to you in private. How about one night this week ?", she asked.

"I guess so, what's so important ?", I asked.

"Later, not now.", she urged.

I agreed to talk to her the following week, we could get together one night. I thanked her parents for dinner and quickly left. I was home just a few minutes later. The house was dark, apparently Ashley was already asleep. I quietly entered the house, locking up behind me and went to my room. I got undressed, climbed into bed but couldn't fall asleep. All I could think about was Ashley and our previous night's encounter. I so wanted to hold her in my arms, kiss her lips, feel her firm body against mine. I know it took well over an hour for me to fall asleep.

The next morning I hit the gym for an early workout, made my way back home and showered. Afterwards I found the business card that Buddy Cullen had given me. I dialed the number and left a message with his secretary for him to return my call. Within an hour he had called me back and we had about an hour long conversation. He offered to talk to a few teams high on the draft board that might be in need of a defensive line player and see if perhaps they would have any interest in me if I decided to make myself eligible for the draft. He assured me he would call me back within a week or so to let me know.

Later that afternoon, Courtney called me and wanted to know if we could go out for dinner one night this week. We agreed on Wednesday night around seven o'clock. That night as I sat in the family room watching TV, Ashley came in and sat down in her chair across from me. Ever since our erotic encounter two nights ago, Ashley had seemed rather distant. I was wondering if perhaps she regretted what we had done. I wondered as well, should I bring it up or just let things go for a while. I decided on the latter for now but if something didn't change soon, I was going to confront the issue.

I left Wednesday night to pick up Courtney at about seven o'clock, I could easily sense Ashley was not happy. As much as I tried to get her to talk, she seemed silent and distant. I pulled into Courtney's driveway fifteen minutes later and rang the doorbell. The door was opened quickly by her younger sister Gia who was a very pretty, young lady of fourteen. As was usual between sisters, Gia and Courtney teased each other relentlessly. As soon as Gia saw me, she turned and yelled back into the house.

"Courtney, your lover boy is here.", she screamed.

"You're a wicked , wicked child Gia.", I laughed at the young teen.

"Yep, I am.", she laughed back.

I followed her into the den when Mr. Timmons was watching TV. He motioned me over to sit down, barely taking his eyes off of the program. I sat down across from him with a quick wave and a hello. I guess we had been sitting there for about five minutes before Courtney made her entrance. As was customary lately, she looked awesome. She was wearing a tight pair of jeans, a very sheer white silk blouse and black heels. She walked over to where I was sitting, touched me gently on the shoulder and sat down beside me.

"So where are you kids off tonight ?", Mr. Timmons asked.

"Just out to eat Dad, no big deal.", Courtney replied.

"You guys have fun, see you later.", he called out as we walked out of the room.

We got into the truck and drove across town to a local restaurant that was kind of nice. In this small town, it was the nicest place to eat. We had to wait maybe ten minutes for a table, it was extremely crowded. Our hostess finally seated us at a small table across the room, telling us our waitress would be with us shortly. I scanned the room as we sat down, I noticed several people staring our way.

Our waitress arrived quickly and we ordered two iced tea's and an appetizer. Our drinks arrived with our appetizer, we then ordered our entrée for the evening. The meal was very good, we took our time and had a very nice conversation, I felt very relaxed. Our waitress came over and asked if we wanted any dessert, which we both declined. She reached into her apron and handed me the small vinyl tablet which held the check.

"Um, excuse me sir. Are you Brian Stevens by any chance ?", she asked.

"Yes, I am.", I answered, taking the tablet.

"Oh…um…Hi, I'm Jessica….. My Dad is a big fan of yours, he is not gonna believe you were in here tonight.", she laughed.

"Well tell him thanks for the support Jessica, I appreciate it.", I responded.

"Could you uh ... .maybe …sign an autograph for him ?", she asked, shyly.

"Sure, I can, no problem.", I answered.

She reached into her apron again and pulled out a blank guest check which she turned over and handed to me. She told me his name was Phil, which always meant they wanted the autographed personalized. I quickly signed the back of the ticket to her Father with my name and number, plus the inscription National Champs under my name. She quickly snatched the paper holding it tightly.

"Thanks so much, my Dad will be thrilled.", she said, graciously.

We paid the check and headed out of the door to the truck. I could see a puzzled look on Courtney's face as we got in the vehicle. I dismissed it as I pulled the truck out of the parking lot. We had not been on the road more than a minute when Courtney spoke up.

"Does that happen a lot Brian ?", she asked.

"What are you talking about ?", I answered.

"Girls coming up to you and asking for autographs ?", she replied.

"Not a lot , but it does happen from time to time. But it's not just girls, sometimes guys or children.", I said.

"Oh.", was all she said.

We made small talk for the rest of the ride home, but it seemed she was still bothered by something. It was close to eleven o'clock in the evening when I pulled into her driveway. I turned off the truck, got out and walked around to her door, opening it. She got out and began walking to the front door, stopped then turned to me.

"You want to come in for a while ?", she asked.

"Uh, it's kinda late Court, Your parents should be asleep by now, I would think.", I answered.

"No, they are out of town, they won't be back for a few days.", she responded.

Suddenly I was caught in a very bad situation. I had not been alone with Courtney in a very long time, I had no idea how to handle this situation. While I was still extremely attracted to her, my mind was still focused on Ashley.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea, Court.", I said cautiously.

"I just thought you might like to spend a little more time together, that's it. But I understand.", she said softly.

I could tell she was extremely disappointed as she turned to head towards the front door. Against better judgment, I made a snap decision.

"Oh alright, I guess I can stay for a while.", I said.