Page 100 of The Pass Protection
The roar of the crowd echoes off the wall as a thrill seeps into my bones. This is what I miss most about playing—the energy that courses through the crowd as the tension builds for what’s to come. And even though this entire league has been for fun, I appreciate the seriousness all of the athletes have expressed. While it is fun, the competitiveness runs deep.
“We’ve got an epic matchup tonight between our top two teams in the league. If you’ve been here before, you know these players bring the talent. So, let’s turn up the volume, fill this gym with energy, and give these athletes the atmosphere they deserve. Now on your feet while we announce our players. Let’s get loud, CTU!”
Chaos ensues as the fans feed off Monty’s vibrant energy. Strobe lights flash as our opponents are announced first.
Flashes of red, white, and blue light up the court, moving with the beat of the hype music blaring from the speakers. As Monty makes his way down our lineup of players, I sit on the bench, watching my knee bounce. It’s not from nerves but from the adrenaline ready to break free. My second wind is here, and I’m ready to put on a hell of a show. My friends showed up to support me, and a show is what they’ll get.
“Put your hands together for Bret Campbell.”
Jumping to my feet, I jog across the court to where my teammates are gathered at the foul line. I hear my name shouted as JP’s booming voice can be heard above the crowd.
The shiny wax floor shimmers from the play of lights, each flash heightening the anticipation. It was a visual symphony, setting the stage for a great matchup.
As the gym lights flicker back on, my team huddles together as Kyrie hypes us up. With the blow of the whistle, it’s game time.
Stepping foot inside The Eagles Nest, I’m met with cheers from my friends.
“Champion!” JP shouts from his cupped hands.
Shaking my head, I can’t help but feel the wide smile spread across my face, along with a blush from being the center of attention. Kyrie nudges my shoulder as we walk through the almost empty bar to where my friends are gathered.
The championship game was a battle from tip-off to the final buzzer. While both teams wanted to win, mainly for bragging rights—but also for The Eagles Nest gift card, it was a lighthearted game as everyone cracked jokes and poked fun at each other. At one point, my ribs hurt from laughing so hard instead of exertion. Our team ended up winning by ten points, but the game went back and forth, which kept the crowd fully involved.
JP sent out the bat signal, informing us that we were all going to The Eagles Nest to celebrate and that he wouldn’t accept any excuses for anyone not to show up. Even with my body exhausted and covered in sweat, I couldn’t fight the elation at the invite.
“I’m glad you joined our team. You’re a helluva baller, Campbell.”
Nudging his shoulder back, I smile up at him. “Thanks for letting me. It’s been a weird year for me, and this was the best therapy.”
“Ball will do that to you.”
Niko, Cody’s roommate, stands as he and Kyrie clap backs. Moving around the table to an empty seat, my brother reaches his fist outfor me to bump. “Sure was fun watching you play again. I still don’t understand why you didn’t take that scholarship.”
“Whoa, hold up,” Tyler interjects from where he’s sitting across the table, a beer bottle in front of him. There are a few buckets spread across the table. “You had a scholarship, and you turned it down?”
Shrugging, I reach inside for an aluminum bottle. Carrying the bottle, I twist the top and take a long pull of the ice-cold, hoppy liquid as I sit between Brynn and Hudson, another of Cody’s roommates. “I wanted to keep ball to myself. I didn’t want to go to South Carolina and lose the love and enjoyment of the game.”
“Shit, South Carolina,” Hudson whistles.
“Besides, if I would’ve gone to South Carolina, I wouldn’t be here with you guys.”
“Here! Here!” Brynn shouts, lifting her water glass into the air. Bottles are tapped as B slouches into a pout. “Someone drink a beer for me, please.”
“I’ve got you, B.” Cody tips his bottle in her direction.
“You’re my favorite, Cody.” She winks as he blows her a kiss back.
“Don’t make me call my boy,” JP chimes up.
“Oh, please do.” Brynn smirks. “I love jealous Q.”
“Jealous Q, probably got you into your current situation,” Grant snarks.
Conversation flows as platters of food are brought to our table. I don’t hold back as I pile on a huge portion of nachos, mini tacos, and wings. Hunger has taken over my body as she craves sustenance. From where Brynn sits, she taps around on her phone, which is connected to the bar’s music system. It definitely pays to know Brynn and her connection to the owner. She plays an alternative song from the early 2000s with everyone bopping their heads.
For the first hour of the night, everything is perfect.
But, like all good things, everything must come to an end.
