Page 3 of Who's Saving You
And none of us really know how to say goodbye.
~~
Ten minutes later, my stomach’s still in knots when my phone begins to ring.
“Hello?”
“Nik? It’s Zach Hart, GM of the South Carolina Warriors. How you doin’?”
My heart races. I duck my head and hold the phone close to my ear to make sure I catch every single word. “I’m doing good, a little anxious.”
He chuckles. “I get it. Listen, I know you had a plan, but plans change, right? We want you in South Carolina. How do you feel about playing for the Warriors?”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Thefucking Warriors.I’d be lying if I said I didn't picture wearing a Warrior jersey growing up. But I pushed that aside for what we had planned. My agent, Dane, is close with their coach, Jackson Gage, both having played ball together in college. Zach Hart also hired him after graduation as a recruiter.
Jackson went on to the pros, but Dane had a career-ending injury before he even got a chance. Beside Zach Hart, he began a college incentive program that shaped players looking to be drafted. They would train with the Warriors and get a feel for what being on an NFL team was really all about. My sister told me I was a dumbass for passing up the opportunity to go to college there and train, but all I was concerned about was sticking with my friends.
Which is now a completely different story.
“Yes, sir. I’d love to be a Warrior.”
“Well, that’s just what we wanna hear. Hang on one sec. I got Coach Gage waiting on the line for you.”
I swallow hard as I hear Coach Jackson Gage come on the line. He started his career with this team many years ago as QB1 before he got injured and they released him. He had his share of trouble, too. Too much partying and women, he couldn’t handle the sudden fame. But after he was released, he worked hard to make it to the top once again. And he did, as the head coach. “Nik, man, this is a big night. How are you feeling?” I squash down my internal schoolgirl screams. “You’re a Warrior.”
I shake my head. “No way.”
“Yes way. We’re all so excited to get you here. Winters needs some fresh meat to throw to!” He chuckles, and I can’t believe I’m having this conversation. “Congrats.”
“Thanks, Coach. This means a lot.”
“You only get drafted once. Enjoy it.”
“Thank you, Coach.”
“Okay, here we go, we’re on the clock now. They’re gonna call your name, and then we’ll be official. Okay? Ready?”
“Born ready, sir.”
“See you on the field.”
Coach Gage cuts the call, and I stand flabbergasted. “Warriors” is all I can squeak out. My family cheers, and Nicholas and Nico fall in next to me as we hear the announcement.
“With the tenth overall pick… the South Carolina Warriors select… Nik Papas, wide receiver, Zeiders University.”
Hearing my name called hits like a punch to my chest. I want to record it and play it over and over, making sure it’s real.
I mean, IknewI was getting picked tonight. I’ve seen the mock-ups, and I’ve read the articles.I got the fucking call.
But when your whole damn identity has been built around the idea of goingtogether, alone feels a lot like second place, which is where I’m at, even though I’m on top of the world.
Mom cries out, “Dóxa to Theó!” I chuckle and think,thank God is right, while I hold her tight, wishing my dad were here to see this. All those hours we spent in the yard having a catch finally paid off. Soba jumps up and lifts me off the ground, and as he spins me, I nod to Loving, whose jaw is set like steel, still sitting on the couch. In an instant, his demeanor changes, and he jumps up and claps me on the shoulder.
“They got a good one,” he says.
I try to smile. “Guess I’ll get used to new colors.”
Loving nods, but it’s tense. He’s next. Or heshouldbe. We should have all been right here in this moment.
