CHAPTER 67

Once again, the commentator who had been behind me all day spoke up, thinking of his words carefully.

"You know, I just pulled up some numbers on Brian Stevens that I find interesting. Let's compare him to the tight end's at this year's combine workout. Stevens ran a 4.61 forty, only one tight end this year was faster. He had a total of 33 reps on the bench, which ties the best this year. He had a thirty six inch vertical, that's the best this year. Add his size and strength, he is as good as anybody at that position this year. The x factor is how good his hands are, but more importantly, can he change his mentality and learn to play offense ?", he stated.

Another announcer cut in, stating that another pick was coming up so the camera moved back to the podium. I got up to take a walk, I needed some air. Everyone was still milling around, the excitement beginning to fade a bit. As I found a quiet spot on the corner of the patio, I took a few deep breaths. Before I could even begin to clear my head, the cell phone rang. It was my agent, Dave Phillips, I moved back towards Mr. Timmons, Ashley and Courtney. I pushed the button and put the device on speaker phone.

"Hello Brian, congratulations.", he said.

"Thank you, I appreciate it, I'm just glad it's over.", I answered.

"I bet you are. Well, I hate to break up the party but we need to get a few things settled. First and foremost, San Diego wants you out there Monday evening to meet the media, they want to unveil you so to speak. Next you're due at rookie camp on the 30th of this month, you need to be in top shape. Last, I will meet you out here Monday night, we can start going on the base numbers on your contract ?", he started.

"You were selected 22nd overall, but more importantly the 2nd tight end selected, that gives us a lot of leverage. Based on those numbers, playing against last year's contracts at those respective slots, you're going to come in somewhere in the range of 21.6 million for four years.", he ended.

"Dollars ? You mean 21 million dollars ?", I asked dumbfounded.

"Yes Brian.", he laughed, "But don't get carried away, the only thing we can count on is how much is guaranteed. That's what you get whether or not they keep you, cut you or trade you. That's the number I am looking at.", he answered.

"Oh ok.", I said, somewhat disappointed.

"Hey Brian, relax, you're a millionaire, no matter what.", he laughed.

Everyone started screaming and shouting at the same time. It was difficult to stay with the conversation. I switched the phone off speaker and finished the conversation with him. He told me she would make all the reservations to fly me out to the west coast, pick me up and get me to my hotel. For the time being, I would live out of my suitcase, but once the initial madness was over, they would get me a permanent place. He promised to call me tomorrow with more details.

The next few hours were spent just talking to everyone who was kind enough to be present, talking about the future and what it would hold. By eleven o'clock that night, there were maybe a dozen people left including our hosts. It had been a very long day, I knew everyone was tired. I found Mr. & Mrs. Timmons and once again thanked them for everything they had done for me. I made my way towards the front door. I noticed that Ashley had already left. Courtney followed me outside to my truck, she immediately reached for my hand.

"Hey, when do you have to leave ?", she asked.

"Monday morning, I guess.", I answered.

"Can I see you tomorrow ?", she asked.

"Call me in the morning, I'll see what happens.", I replied.

"Sounds good," she responded.

I gave her a quick kiss goodbye, got into my truck and drove home. I pulled into the driveway, Ashley's SUV was already there, I was not sure if she had rode with David or not. He had made himself scarce at the party, after our initial confrontation. Maybe I had judged him unfairly, after all Ashley must see something in him. I unlocked the door , opened it and flipped on the kitchen light. Obviously I was the first one home. I opened the fridge and poured myself an iced tea, walked into the family room and sat down. It was nice to have complete silence, it had been an exhausting day, both physically and mentally. I leaned back on the sofa, closed my eyes, enjoying the solitude. I had been there for maybe thirty minutes when I heard a car pull into the drive. I decided quickly to give Ashley and David their space. After all I was leaving soon, she would be here alone anyway, it was her decision who she chose to be with. I heard the back door open and close quickly, then the sound of her high heels on the floor. I got up to go to my room, just about running into her as she entered the family room.

"Hey, where are you going ?", she asked.

I looked over her shoulder, trying to see where David was. I guess she noticed me looking, she placed her hand on my chest.

"He went home Brian.", she said softly.

"Oh…. I was going to leave you alone, give you some privacy.", I answered.

"You don't care for him much do you ?", she asked.

"No not really, but I am biased, so you can't worry about what I think.", I told her.

I turned and went back to the sofa sitting down, I was too wound up mentally to try and sleep. Ashley sat down on the other end of the sofa, she quickly kicked her shoes off.

"Why are you biased ?", she asked, a strange look on her face.

"Because of how I feel about you.", I answered.

I'm not sure what was going on but something was not right. I could tell from her posture, her facial expressions, the tone of her voice, something was wrong. I decided to press the issue further.

"What's wrong Ash ? You're not yourself.", I asked her quietly.

"I have made a mess out of things. I just don't know how everything got so screwed up.", she said, never looking up.

"What have you messed up Ashley ? Everything is fine, don't worry.", I told her.

"I have hurt you, Brian. That's something I never, ever meant to happen.", she responded.

"Ash, really, it's not your fault. I shouldn't have these feelings for you, I know it's not right. It's my fault, I'm so sorry. But look, I will be leaving here soon, after a while things will get back to normal, don't worry.", I told her.

She looked up at me like perhaps, I had just made things worse. I was really confused at this point. I was searching for something that made sense, I was totally lost. I saw her take a deep breath, then look up at me with those large, incredible brown eyes.