Page 32

CHAPTER 32

anna

I checked my text messages again, the ever-present ache inside my chest reminding me that Blue was no longer mine. It had been two months since the night he drove away from Dupree Ranch. Two torturous months since I’d seen him. We’d texted here and there. But our conversations were stilted and disjointed. A smattering of superficial back and forth about football, school, and the weather. There was no discussion of us or our future. Which was for the best. Blue had needed to focus on the NFL Scouting Combine—which he’d rocked—and now the draft. The last two months had only taught me what I already knew. Blue and I were no good at being just friends.

But I couldn’t hold back today of all days.

Hey, I just wanted to wish you good luck. I can’t wait to see where you go. Break a leg, Blue.

I’d sent it three hours ago and nada. Crickets. Sure, he’d be busy today. But that didn’t stop me from checking my phone every fifteen seconds.

The ache ratcheted up a notch now that the TV was on. I forced myself to breathe through it. At least my heart wasn’t palpitating anymore, thanks to the ten pounds I’d put back on. It’s amazing what not having a narcissist breathing down your neck will do. It didn’t hurt that my two best friends force-fed me French fries every night either. Still, I might gain the other ten back if I could let myself be okay without Blue.

But I didn’t know how to do that.

Tyree hooted at something Tally said and my head came up.

We were all sitting on the couches in the common room of my dorm, watching the pre-NFL Draft commentators discuss who they thought would go which round. I tried to settle my insides. It was difficult with everyone in the room. Of course, Cooper, Nevin, and Tyree were there. They wouldn’t miss it for anything. And Tally and Brooklyn. But Jonah was the shocker of the evening. It helped that he and Brooklyn were still hot and heavy. I was pretty sure he’d forgotten all about me by the time the new year had rolled in. I was happy for them. Truly. But would Jonah be okay seeing Blue go first round as everyone had predicted?

The bigger question: would I be okay? Or would I break down and run to the bathroom in tears like I had when I opened my vet school admissions letter?

I looked around at my friends and my heart panged. The semester was almost over. My time at James River was coming to a close. In ten days I’d take my last exam. Two days after that I’d walk across the stage. The rest of them were staying. Tally had another year but then she planned to get a master’s here. She wouldn’t admit it, and though she gave him a ridiculously hard time, something about being at a school where Ashton was available anytime she needed help with a paper left her feeling secure.

My phone buzzed. I looked down and my insides were a fluttery mess.

Blue

Thanks. I appreciate that. I need all the luck I can get as I head off into this next phase of life.

I gripped my phone, reading it over and over. My lungs wouldn’t release a full exhale, I was so happy to hear from him.

Any idea where you’re going?

Maybe it would be somewhere close, like D.C. or Charlotte. I could go see him play sometimes. That was a friend thing to do.

Blue

C’mon, Anna. You know they’re not allowed to tell me ahead of time.

Blue:

I gasped.

Wait. Does that mean you do know?

Blue:

He totally knew!

“Hey.” Ashton plopped down on the couch next to me, still in his professor attire. A light-blue button-down with his sleeves rolled up and a pair of dark slacks. Blue had taught him about fitted dress shirts and he was running with the knowledge. His top button was undone and I could picture his tie balled up in the cup holder of his truck.

“Hey,” I gave him a one-armed squeeze. “You stayed.”

When I’d asked this morning if he wanted to watch the draft with me, he said he’d “think about it.” Being around Tally since she’d started dating Madden had become increasingly difficult for him. He never said that but it was obvious. The closer Madden and Tally grew, the more he’d distanced himself.

“’Course I did,” he said in a hush. “I knew this might be hard for you.”

My eyes flicked to Tally on the other couch and I caught her watching him. And watching him. And watching him. Her eyes snapped to mine. Then her cheeks flushed and her eyes flashed away. She turned her attention back to Tyree who was telling her some super intense story about the history of football. Then she threw her head back and laughed. The girl probably didn’t even know what he’d said. Yeah, Tally had feelings for my Bront?-hating uncle, whether she wanted to admit it or not. Poor Madden. Poor Ashton.

“Yo, yo, yo, Anna,” Cooper boomed. “Look.” He pointed to the TV. Blue’s face was on the screen. It was the headshot they always used. No smile. No dimple. Just tough as nails, Blue Walker Bishop.

“Turn it up,” I said. Brooklyn lifted the remote and raised the volume.

A female sportscaster with blond hair and a royal blue polo stared right into the camera. “In a shocking turn of events, top NFL draft prospect Blue Bishop has announced he’s withdrawing from this year’s draft.”

“Um, what?” I said at the same time Ashton said, “No way.”

Ash sat up. “People don’t pull out of the draft the day of. Is this a joke? Are we being punked?” He glanced around as if to check for actual camera people who might be hiding in the ceiling cracks or behind the window blinds.

“He’s actually insane,” Nevin said, mouth open wide.

Cooper guffawed. “Anna, tell your boyfriend he’s an idiot.”

“He’s not her boyfriend anymore,” Brooklyn smacked Cooper in the back of the head. “You know that.”

“Shhhh.” I waved them off and sat at the edge of the couch, watching the newscaster’s lips so I didn’t miss a single word.

The woman turned to a man wearing a matching polo. “Tom, what can you tell us about this unexpected development?”

“Well, Sarah, it’s safe to say this announcement has sent shockwaves through the football world. Blue Bishop, the star quarterback who led the University of Knoxville to a National Championship victory earlier this year, was projected to be a top-5 pick in this year's draft. But in a statement released just minutes ago, Bishop revealed he’s not only pulling out of the draft but also transferring schools.”

“What?” I shot out of my seat, sure I’d heard them wrong. My heart was in my throat. Was he transferring farther away?

Ashton swore. “No. He wouldn’t.”

“That’s right, Tom. Bishop announced he'll be leaving Knoxville and transferring to Virginia Tech, where he plans to finish his undergrad. Redshirting as a freshman does allow him two more years of eligibility.”

I gasped and my hand went to my heart, which was trying to stop beating. Every eye in the room had left the TV and was now on me. Was this for real?

“Go HO-KIES,” Ashton hooted in a deep, guttural voice.

“Ooooooof,” everyone else said, as if they’d just witnessed something painful.

“But the surprises don’t end there, do they?” Sportscaster Sarah said.

"No, they certainly don’t, Sarah. In what might be the most unconventional career move we’ve seen in recent history, Bishop stated that after his two years at Virginia Tech, he intends to take a two-year break from football altogether before attempting to go pro.”

My hand went to my forehead as I thought about what this meant.

“Terrible career move,” Jonah said.

“Stupid on so many levels.” Nevin agreed.

“This decision will undoubtedly impact his draft stock when he does decide to go pro.” Jonah shook his head.

“I like it.” Ashton’s head bobbed with satisfaction. Of course he would. It was his alma mater.

Cooper threw his arms out. “Are you serious? That’s career suicide.” He swirled his fingers in a whirlpool motion. “He needs to get it while he’s hot.”

My hand went over my mouth. Cooper wasn’t wrong. This was chancy on so many levels.

“Eh.” Tyree shrugged. “Kurt Warner did something similar. Sort of. Not intentionally, but it worked out for him. He ended up being the Super Bowl MVP.”

Sarah started back up. “It’s an unprecedented decision, especially for a player of Bishop’s caliber. What do you think is behind this move, Tom?"

“It's hard to say for sure. Bishop cited personal growth and a desire to be more prepared for the NFL as his reasons. But you have to wonder if there are other factors at play. Especially since the other half of Team Blupree will be in Blacksburg this fall.”

“How do they know where I’ll be?” I huffed.

Brooklyn winked. “The press knows all.” But there was a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

“Brooklyn. What do you know?”

She smirked and turned the volume up.

TV Sarah sat back in her chair. “It’ll be interesting to see how NFL teams view this decision in a few years. For now, though, this leaves a significant hole in the draft prospects for teams looking for a franchise quarterback.”

Tom nodded. “That’s right. Teams like the Chiefs and the Ravens, who were rumored to be eyeing Bishop, will now have to quickly pivot their draft strategies.”

Sarah nodded. “We’ll certainly be following this story as it develops. Coming up after the break, we’ll hear from our panel of experts on how this could impact both college football and the NFL Draft landscape. Stay tuned for more after this word from our sponsors.”

I fumbled for my phone to send Blue a text. But then Madden walked in front of me, heading for Tally. Tally hadn’t said anything about him coming to visit. It was Thursday evening. I knew for a fact he had a Friday morning class.

“Madden?” Tally squealed and launched herself at him. Okay. This was a surprise to her too. He caught her and planted a juicy kiss on her lips.

I heard Ashton’s breath stutter.

“Madden!” I practically shouted. “What did Blue do?”

He grinned. “Why don’t you ask him yourself?” He nodded behind me.

I spun.

And there he was.

Blue Walker Bishop.

All six feet and two and a quarter inches of his beautiful body. The dimple was fully out, a roguish grin splitting his handsome face. His outfit made my heart dip. He had on my favorite jeans, but his sweatshirt was a maroon and orange Virginia Tech hoodie. He leaned against the doorway all smooth, like he hadn’t just rocked my world.

“What do you think?” he asked with a click of his tongue. “Are you ready to sport the ugliest school colors of all time with me? Go to a university where no one actually knows what the mascot is?”

“Dude.” Ashton was on his feet, hands on his hips. “A Hokie is a turkey bird. Plain and simple.”

Blue held his hands up like he was mistaken and pushed off from the wall. He slapped a rolled-up maroon clothing item against his thigh, his mouth curved in a devious grin. “Exchange that sweatshirt every night after classes?” He tossed the object to me and I caught it with ease. I let it unroll so I could take a look. It was the same hoodie as his, but the back said Team Blupree. He turned so I could see that his said the same. He’d had them made. I looked back at my sweatshirt, plastered with the most beautiful words, in the most beautiful school colors of all time.

I hugged it and smiled, so stupid-happy. We were going to be together. In the same place, at the same time.

Finally.

“We’ll get matching diplomas. What do you say?” Blue asked. “Does that sound like a better plan than being friends for four years, missing each other every day, pretending like we’re fine when we’re anything but?”

“Yeah,” I said, barely able to form words. Then I slipped the hoodie over my head, my heart bursting to full. Once my head was out, I opened my eyes to see Blue standing right in front of me.

He brushed his thumb over my left cheekbone. “Thank you,” he said in a hush.

I closed the rest of the distance, the toes of our shoes kissing. Then I looked up into his wonderful face. “For what?”

His head tilted, and he stared deep into my eyes. “For making me so miserable that I had to figure out a way to be with you.” His hands were on my hips. Then he repeated my words from that first night in the hospital. “I missed you, Anna Dupree. So much.”

I slid my hands into his hair and tipped his forehead down to mine. “I missed you too. So much.” Then I pushed up on my tiptoes and crashed my mouth into his. On contact, my knees gave out, and I fell into him, making us stumble. But all those muscles stopped us pretty quickly. And then we were back to all the important stuff. Smiling, laughing, and exchanging that glorious sweatshirt.

The room erupted in hoots and catcalling but I didn’t care. For once in my freaking life, I was getting every single thing I wanted. I deserved this. He deserved this.

After twenty seconds of heavenly, hot, heady bliss, Jonah hollered, “You’re welcome.” It came out a little grumpy but with a chuckle.

My arms still around the only boy I’d ever really loved, I glanced over at the boy who’d started me on this quest. The boy whose heart I’d broken. He had Brooklyn snuggled happily in his lap.

“Thank you,” I said to him. “Thank you for making me listen to my heart.”

His face went serious but his arms slid around Brooklyn’s waist. He nodded and gave me a soft smile. I didn’t know what it had taken him to give me that smile, but I hoped he knew how grateful I was. How grateful I would always be.

I looked back at Blue. “Are you sure about this?”

“Too late. I already signed official-looking paperwork. Pretty sure I’m locked in.” He grinned. But then his eyes smoldered. “Never been more sure of anything in my life. If I’ve learned anything over the last five years, it’s that I belong wherever you are.”

“Awww,” Tally sighed.

Brooklyn raised the volume on the TV and nodded for Blue and me to have our moment in private.

I stared into my favorite pair of eyes. “You’re going to lose money though, aren’t you? And you might not get picked in the draft in four years.”

“I’m not losing money.” Then he put his mouth next to my ear. “But I would’ve come for nothing. Don’t tell anyone.” I leaned into his cheek, his warm breath filling me with life.

“I won’t,” I whispered. “But how’d you get them to get you that much money?” We both knew VT was nowhere near Knoxville-level good. “What did you have to promise them?”

“Oh, you know. Nothing too spectacular. Just a National Championship.” He shrugged, one shouldered. “I’ll give it my best shot.” His face went serious. “My dad is losing money though.” I knew part of Blue’s agreement with Knoxville was that they paid for his dad’s apartment. It wasn’t common knowledge but it was the truth.

“What did he say when you told him?” My fingers curved around his sides.

“He just found out with the rest of the world. I’d say he’s probably spitting nails right about now.”

“You’d say? You’re telling me he’s not currently blowing up your phone?”

“Can’t.” His tone went hard. “He’s blocked until further notice. Possibly for the rest of his life.” His cheek was back against mine, his mouth next to my ear. “That’s what happens when you get between me and the love of my life.” All ten of his fingers threaded through all ten of mine. “He’s not coming to Blacksburg with me. He’s not allowed in Lane Stadium. It’s in my contract.”

“Okay. But…” I squeezed my eyes shut. “Won’t I be a distraction?”

He let go of my hands and wrapped his arms tight around my waist. “I never want to hear you say that again. You’re not a distraction, Anna. Do you hear me? You’re what’s important. This relationship is what’s important. If anything, football distracts me from what actually matters.” At those words, my stomach fully relaxed for the first time since he’d ridden away in his dad’s car all those years ago. “We can talk more about it later,” he said. “But just know that my dad and football are never getting between us again.”

“Okay.” My fingers ran over the sleeve of his hoodie. “Hokies, huh?”

“Hokies.” He smiled.

My face fell. “I know this is a downgrade.”

“Big picture, babe. It might be a downgrade now. But it’s going to upgrade our future.” He shrugged. “And I might not get drafted. But that’s a chance I’m willing to take.” He brushed my bangs back and planted a kiss on my cheek. “We’ll be okay financially if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ve made smart investments with my money.”

“I’m not worried,” I said before he could get in another word.

“I know.” He grinned, his gaze burning with pride. “But. I need you to know that I’ll be happy, even if we’re flat broke.” His nose nuzzled mine. “As long as you love me, all to pieces , for the rest of our lives, that’s all I need.”

I pressed a kiss to his wonderful lips. “Oh, I’m going to love you all to pieces… for the rest of forever.”

He kissed me back. “Forever, then.”