Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Speaking of signed things. I thought it would be cool to do a giveaway with some signed swag from you. If you’re watching or listening to this, go on and like, share, comment, and subscribe. We’re going to pick a few lucky winners.”
“Baby, do you miss it? I know I miss being at your meets watching you compete. Guys, look up Zahirah Nickels and track. My girl was something else.
“I was there when a knee injury ended her career after an epic finish for the win.” He releases a whistle. “Pure magic. If I had your speed, I’d be a running back or something.”
“Nah, you were meant to be a QB. As for missing the track. Yeah, I do. I miss being able to compete most of all. I thought about getting back into competitive swimming when I realized I wouldn’t be able to run anymore.”
“Really? I didn’t know that.”
“You weren’t really around during that time. You might have been … I don’t know, starting your rookie season and all that.”
“Why didn’t you follow through?”
“My bestie asked me to travel the world with her. At the time, that felt like the right thing to do. One thing led to another, and I began a travel vlog. Turned out to be the thing for me.”
“My girl might be the go-to when it comes to planning a vacation and getting the hookup on all the best spots. We’ll link the channel and all her info for you guys to check out,” he says.
I lift a brow at him. He returns the look with a smile and a shrug. I hadn’t planned to mention the other platform.
“I don’t think I was supposed to say that, guys, but I believe if you work hard, you play harder. Those of you out there working hard at your sport should take the time to kick back and have fun. Zah can help you do that with her travel vlog.
“It used to ground me during the season after a game. I would watch and feel like I was right there with her. Football can get intense. Being able to get away in my head like that did a lot for me,” he says.
I sit with my mouth hanging open. I didn’t know he used to watch my vlogs. Bentley takes in my surprised look and winks at me.
“The season is almost over. Do you want to take the baby and head out somewhere? You can get some new content for the channel.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah, start planning something. I’m open to wherever you want to go. AC can go on his first trip out of the country.”
“Auntie E is coming,” Erica sings from behind the scenes, causing me and Bentley to laugh.
“That’s my little sister, Erica, guys. She and Zah have been best friends since they were little. We all grew up together. I couldn’t have chosen to do this with two better people.
“I remember being six and these two on the sideline wearing jerseys with my number. Our dads had them on their shoulders while they were cheering me on.”
“You remember that?”
“Yeah, of course. I remember because our dads had to hold on to you because you would run the sideline like you and me were racing. I’d get so pissed and be focused on trying to beat you instead of playing the game.”
I burst into laughter. “Okay, I do remember that. I also remember standing down by the end zone waiting for you after I beat you there.”
“Doing that stupid little dance. God, I hated your little ass,” he teases.
I laugh so hard I’m in tears. Bentley looks at me lovingly and shakes his head. I wipe away my tears and smile at him.
“I made you a better running quarterback. I think I deserve some type of gratitude, buddy.”
“You know, I knew you were my biggest cheerleader when you ran onto the field to chest bump me at my first junior varsity game in junior high. I think that was when I started falling in love with you,” he says.
“I knew I loved you long before that, but you completely stole my heart when you got the entire football team to show up for my first junior high track meet to cheer me on.”
“Oh,” he croons and pulls a hand down his face. “I totally remember that one. I did it because of that junior varsity game.
“I wanted you to feel how I felt when you ran out on that field. You were like a bullet. You have no idea how many of the guys on the team I had to threaten after that.
“They all wanted to ask you out. I wasn’t having it. Damn, I got into a lot of fights over you.”
“Seriously?”
“Zah, you have no clue how long I had a thing for you.”
I blush and duck my head. I’m learning a lot today. Remembering this isn’t just an video recording, I clear my throat and think fast so we don’t have dead air.