“No, they’re not on board.” I sighed. I’d give her the abbreviated version. “When they found out, which was during the Thanksgiving weekend, my father cut me off financially, and I haven’t heard from him since.”
“Oh no. I’m so sorry.” She huffed. “Again, I’m not surprised. He had very specific plans for you. How are you holding up? Did you find a job?”
“No, I, uh, I sold my car to one of Malik’s friends. His friend is an NFL quarterback, so it was a quick sale.” As my gaze met Malik’s, he draped an arm around my shoulders. Warmth spread through my chest as I leaned against him. He always knew when and how I needed his support.
“He’ll be okay. Once we get our NFL contracts, we won’t need their money.” Malik pulled me to his side. “We have a plan.”
“I’m happy, Julie. I feel free for the first time in my life.” After chewing my lower lip, I said, “Do you, uh, ever see or speak with my parents anymore?”
“Your mother and I talk every few months.” She tsked. “She usually inquires about you to see if there are things I know she doesn’t.”
With a curt nod, I said, “I could see that.” Would Mom call Julie about this current situation? “Julie, if you talk with Mom, tell her I’m happy and doing well. Tell her…” My breath snagged as my heart pinched. I would speak to my parents again someday, wouldn’t I?
Malik tightened his hold on my shoulders and into the phone, said, “Tell her he still loves his parents and hopes that at some point, they can mend their relationship.”
I blinked at him. He was spot-on. “Yes, Julie, please tell her that.”
“I will, but Greyson? I think you should tell her yourself,” she said.
Fingering my ring, I said, “Yeah, maybe I will. But not today.” This day should focus on Malik and me and be drama free.
“Okay then.” She breathed in deeply. “I need to get going. It’s getting late here, and the children will be up early.” She chuckled.
“Yeah, it was nice talking with you, and I wish you a Happy New Year.” I shifted closer to Malik’s warmth. The new year promised so much potential for us.
“Happy New Year to you both and congratulations. Goodnight,” she said.
“Goodnight, Julie,” we said in unison, and I ended the call. I was uncertain how to feel now. Talking about my parents had dampened my mood.
“Let’s go have some hot cider and watch Christmas Vacation.” He pressed a hard kiss on my mouth. “Your almost mother-in-law is waiting.”
A smile crept across my lips. I’d forgotten. As my mood lifted, I said, “She is, and we shouldn’t keep her waiting for another second.”
FOUR MONTHS LATER
We’d killed it at the combine and had caught the interest of multiple teams, but most notably, Malik had spoken with the New York Jets while I’d had a few meetings with the New YorkGiants. If we could pull this off, we’d be in New York together, in the city I grew up in and loved.
I still hadn’t spoken with my parents, but if Dad had kept his eye on football news, he should know of my success. The buzz had been everywhere about the two best-friend running backs from ASU. We’d kept our engagement from the press but had spoken about it with our agent and the teams, so they’d be prepared to handle it if they wanted to sign us. We wanted to be upfront about everything.
Sitting on the sofa beside Malik with Tex resting at the other end, we were glued to the television, watching the draft and drinking beer. Malik would go first, and if I were lucky, a team would pick me today as well.
“The suspense is killing me, guys.” Tex grabbed a pillow and hugged it to his chest. “What’ll you do if you don’t both get picked by New York teams?”
“We’ll figure it out, but Dennis said our chances are good.” Malik sipped his beer.
As the Jets table came onto the screen, I clenched my jaw. “Malik, this is it.” I bit my thumbnail.
“I know, babe.” He glanced at his phone resting on the coffee table. “If that fucking phone goes off?—”
Buzzing filled the air, and he snatched his phone, fumbling with it. “Fucking hell.” With trembling hands, he answered the call, pressing his phone to his ear. “Hello?” He swallowed hard. “Yes, this is Malik Thompson.” He nodded, and a smile swept his lips. “You got it. Thank you so much, sir. Bye now.” He ended the call and tossed his phone onto the table. “Fuck yeah, I’m in.”
The draft hosts announced the Jet’s pick of Malik on the television.
Tex jumped off the couch and grabbed us both in a group hug. “This is fucking awesome!”
“Damn right.” With my heart swelling, I kissed his cheek. If nothing else, I’d marry an NFL running back.
“Okay, okay, we still have to wait for Grey. We can’t celebrate too much yet.” Malik beamed at me as Tex freed us.