Page 105 of The Perfect Spiral
The boys spin around to face me, jumping up and down on the couch, nearly breaking it, chanting, “They won! They won! They fucking won! Yeeeeowww!”
I can’t help but laugh at their excitement, and I feel a surge of happiness for the team. They pulled it together in the second half and won the Super Bowl. They truly deserve it.
I watch as Knox’s teammates hoist him up, celebrating their win and his MVP title. They begin to commiserate with their opponents.
Surprise, surprise, he would’ve gotten it despite his poor performance in the first half. A reporter approaches him, camera trained on his sweaty face.
“Knox, that was an incredible play in the second half! What ahistoric comeback! Were there words said in the locker room to psych each other up before hitting the field?”
“Well, I got a kick in the butt from someone. It was exactly what I needed to get my act together!
I couldn’t have done it without them,” he beams into the camera.
“Care to share who this special person is so we can thank them too?” The question prompts him to laugh, his laughter echoing around the stadium through the microphone.
“No, I don’t share when it comes to her!” He grins, excusing himself, and runs over to his family. He pulls himself up to hop over the barrier and hug his mom.
She’s crying on his shoulder, and his dad pats him on the back, pulling him into a man hug. His two brothers join in, and he makes his way around to everyone until he reaches Andy.
The camera is still focused on his every move. I watch as she pulls out her phone and hands it to him. He puts it to his ear, and then my phone starts to vibrate, Andy’s name flashing across the screen.
I swipe to answer the call.
“Congrats! Well deserved, Mr. Big Shot!” I start, knowing who it is.
“Thanks, baby doll, can you still see me?” I can see his lips move on the screen in front of me.
“Yes, why?” His smile widens, and he blows me a kiss, prompting a hearty laugh from me.
“Thank you, thanks for giving me the kick in the ass that I needed, baby doll. I wish you were here to share this moment with me. Because if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be this happy right now.”
“Knox, you worked hard, and it paid off! You and your teammates did this. Not me. Now go out and celebrate! Let loose! Enjoy it!”
“No, baby doll, this is yours—” he holds up a trophy to the camera and smiles, “That second half was for you. I wish I could see your face right now. I miss seeing you, baby doll.
Without your words of encouragement, I wouldn’t be standing here a happy man! I owe you, I owe you a lot!”
“No, Knox, please, that was all your hard work. I just knew what to say for it all to click into place for you. Well, I’m happy for you right now, and you owe me nothing! It was all you and your teammates!”
“Pass along my congratulations. You guys really outdid yourselves tonight! But go on, enjoy your night! We’ll catch up soon.”
“It’s for us... God, I wish you were here right now, baby doll! Oh, we will! Don’t you worry! So, you’re proud of me?... Will I see you soon? Can I come and visit? I miss your face!” “Thanks, Knox! You’re too kind!” I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm. I rolled my eyes at him, a grin spreading across my face as I watched him on the screen, a matching smile on his own.
“Yeah... I think all of New York, especially the females, are proud of you, Knox! Just give me a heads up on dates! Now go get wasted and find some girls to dance with, we’ll talk later!”
“Baby doll, don’t say that! You know I’m not like that anymore. And I only care that you’re proud of me, nobody else... But I’ll call you later! I looooovvvveeee youuuuuu,” he teased.
I burst into laughter at his antics, covering my mouth to try and contain it slightly. He’s been acting so strange lately, like hot andcold. Complimenting me then insulting me. Making me laugh and annoying me.
Chapter 36
His words will stay with me for the night. I only care if you’re proud of me, nobody else. I won’t lie, my eyes widened when he said that to me.
I just don’t get him anymore. I used to be able to read him so well, and now, I can’t anymore.
“Bye, Knox! Have fun tonight! Whatever or... whoever you do!”
“Alex!” He screamed, laughing, not happy with the fact that I kept teasing him about the way he was with girls I knew. But still, he hung up. He won’t change his ways with them. Please, I’m not stupid.
