CHAPTER 65

As the announcers began the fifteen minute wait for the next pick, they began to analyze the top defensive prospects that were still available. After going over four to five names, one of them threw my name in the hat. Although as he said, I was extremely young, he felt I had a very good upside. I had, according to him, did extremely well at the combine, and had never been seriously injured. He also added that he thought I could be one of the sleepers of this year's draft. As they went to commercials everyone was applauding loudly. By now there were close to fifty people out on the patio, there wasn't an empty seat to be found. I decided to get up and stretch my legs, grab a soft drink. Courtney followed me into the house. As I passed through the family room, I saw Ashley and David on the sofa watching the large TV on the wall. He looked totally bored, honestly Ashley did as well. I went into the kitchen, opened the fridge and grabbed a Coke. Before I could walk out Courtney pressed her body against me and wrapped her arms around my waist.

"Not so fast mister.", she giggled, "Kiss me."

"Court, not now.", I replied.

"Why not now ?", she whined, "Besides, you still owe me what we discussed that night. Remember ?", she asked, smiling.

"Yes, I remember Court.", I replied.

"Then kiss me, damn it.", she demanded.

I leaned over and quickly kissed her on the lips, then moved past her back out to the patio. I had really forgotten about the night at Courtney's, the night her parents came back with Gia. Just as I sat down my cell phone rang again, it was Mr. Peters.

"Brian, I killed the contract. It was absurd. They were talking about picking you late in the first round, but the money was more like late third round. They are just bargain hunting. Hang in there buddy, I will get it done.", he urged.

"Yes sir.", I said, hanging up.

"The trade fell through.", I informed everyone.

There was a collective groan through the crowd, then everyone resumed their conversation. They were now up to the fifteenth pick, this was one of the teams I had spent quite a bit of time with. They had claimed to be very interested in me if I were still available, but when and where ? The announcers began speculating on this pick and when they got to the commentator who had mentioned me previously he once again chimed in confidently.

"You know, I could see Atlanta taking Brian Stevens here, the Defensive End from Louisiana. I know they are very high on him from talks that I had with their staff. It may be a bit too high up for him, but I don't think he will still be available when they pick again.", he stated.

"No way Stevens goes this high. He's just not polished enough yet.", another commentator answered.

Just then the pick came in and the commissioner read the card out loud at the podium.

"With the 15th pick of this year's draft, Atlanta selects William Murphy, Linebacker, Nebraska.", he announced.

Again there was a collective groan from the room, everyone's eyes focused on me. Before I could even react my cell phone rang again.

"Hey Brian, I thought we had a shot at that one. I think our next best chance is at the 21st pick with New England.", he said.

"Ok.", I replied, then hung up.

This was the team that had talked about possibly converting me to outside linebacker. They too had shown a lot of interest in me at the combine. I settled in for about an hour and a half wait. Two more picks were made, one more defensive end was taken. According to a few of the graph's they were showing, I was the third best defensive player left on the board at my position. I decided to get up and get something to eat, my stomach was in knots. I went back into the kitchen and filled a paper plate with some small sandwiches, deviled eggs and a few potato chips. As I was about to walk out, Ashley walked in.

"How are you holding up hotshot ?", she asked, touching my arm gently, smiling.

"I'm ok Ash, it's just hard waiting.", I answered.

"I know sweetheart, hang in there, it will work out.", she said, softly.

Damn her, that was just like her. I wanted to be furious with her, ignore her, as best I could. Then she walks in, touches me and with some soft words and a smile, she melts my heart. I moved back outside to my spot and began to eat. Soon it was time for the pick we had been waiting for, once again my phone rang.

"Brian, there's going to be a trade I think. New England is moving down, you may have to wait a while longer.", he said.

"Ok.", I answered.

Sure enough there was a trade, the team that was looking at me moved down eight spots to the 23rd pick. At that point I knew it was going to be a long night. By that time, a few of the people were beginning to get anxious looking at the clock, several even wished me well, then left. More and more it was looking like we were headed into a second day before anything would be known. A few more picks were made mostly offensive, then another lineman went off the board. I was now rated one of the top two defensive prospects available. Again the commentator who was mentioning my name was speaking to his two co-anchors.

"Guys, I'll tell you what. I am shocked that Brian Stevens is still available right now. Whoever gets this kid is gonna get one hell of a football player. He's smart, athletic and plays with tremendous emotion. I have never seen him take a play off, his motor runs at one speed, high. I expect to see him take within the next three or four picks.", he stated.

Again everyone applauded, but to be honest, this was just his opinion. As nice as it was to hear good things said about you, they really don't matter unless one of the teams feels the same way.

The 21st selection had just been made, the next team was on the clock with fifteen minutes to go. The team my agent thought would be interested in me was now sitting one spot away. I looked over at Courtney's dad, he was staring intently at the TV. I could tell he was nervous, he was bouncing his leg up and down rapidly. I'm not sure he was even aware of it. My phone rang again, I reached over and looked at it, the number was not familiar, but it was a long distance. I decided to answer it.

"Hello.", I said, anxiously.

"Brian, this is Coach Reed, how are you ?", said the man on the other end.