Page 113 of What are the Risks
“It’s such a fucking turn on when you talk medical to me.”
Ruby barked out a laugh, almost spitting out her mouthful of wine in the process. “That’s a lie and we both know it.”
She had me there. The mere thought of blood made me squeamish. If I had to do her job for a day, I’d spend most of it passed out on the floor.
“How did all the filming end up?” she checked.
“Fine, I assume. I never watched it back.”
Hearing your own voice on camera? No fucking thank you.
“How are you feeling about the Draft? I can’t believe it’s next month. Dad texts me every day about it.”
“Hearing stuff like that makes me nervous,” I admitted.
Ruby shifted to face me. “Why?”
“So many people are counting on my name being called out. My family, your parents, Coach, the guys, my teammates... you.”
“Because we’re excited for you.”
“But what if I don’t get drafted?”
I’d never voiced that fear out loud. My entire life had revolved around football, starting with a good high school career so I got picked up by a decent college, then playing well enough that it put me on the NFL’s radar. There was no plan b. If this didn’t work out, I had no fucking clue what would come next.
“That’s crazy talk, Wheels. The latest reports have you estimated for pick seven.”
Which was already one off my initial estimate of pick six. No doubt thanks to our catastrophic season end.
“Not that you need to consider this for a second, but you know all those people would still love you even if you didn’t get drafted, right?” Ruby lifted her lips in a slight smile. “Me included.”
Of course I knew that. Though hearing Ruby say it was reassuring.
I reached forward with my spare hand to pick up my beer. I had no intention on removing my other from Ruby’s thigh anytime soon... or ever.
“Assuming everything works out, my agent said that April and May will be pure madness after the Draft, and then most teams report for training camp in mid-July.”
“Maybe you should try getting away in June,” Ruby suggested. “One final chance to relax before the world knows who you are.”
That gave me an idea.
“Could you take time off as well? We could escape for a few weeks to Mexico, or the Bahamas, or Hawaii. Wherever you want.”
She playfully wrinkled her nose. “Pre-kiss, the idea of going on vacation just the two of us wouldn’t have felt like such a big deal.”
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”
She shrugged. “It’s a that’s-two-months-away thing. What if we’re not still doing whatever this is then?”
“Either way, we’ll still be friends, Rubz.”
She visibly relaxed. “You’re right. Bahamas it is.”
*
After dinner, I settled the bill while Ruby was in the bathroom. As far as first dates went, I’d say tonight had been a success. Not that I had much to compare it to. This was the first real date I’d ever been on. I’d caught up with girls in the past for a bite to eat or a drink, but nothing overly thought out.
I should’ve bought Ruby flowers – again – but actually given them to her this time. Or at the very least shaved. I was sporting four-day-old stubble. Had I known Ruby would be surprising me, I would’ve made more of an effort.
