Embracing Emma (Companion to Brisé) by Leigh Ann Lunsford Page B

each other’s dreams? I must have missed the memo.”
    Way to make me feel like shit. I resign myself to his choice. “I’m sorry. I support you playing football in college and after if that’s what you want. I just worry.”
    “Don’t. That’s my job.”
    “Okay, QB. I’ll sit on the sidelines while you revel in your glory. Better?”
    “Almost. I need the obligatory kiss to stake your claim. You’ll need to hang on my every word. Gaze at me adoringly.”
    “You’re pushing it.”
    “Gazing at me pushed you over the top?”
    “No, describing all those cheerleaders waiting to get in your pads pushed me over the edge. Let’s leave it at I’ll be your doting girlfriend, as I always am. Both of us win.”
    “Deal.” He shoots me a wink as he pulls into the school parking lot. “Don’t forget I want you by my side when I sign today.”
    I turn to him, stare into his eyes. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I am proud of you.”
    “I love you.” He squeezes my hand and plants a quick kiss to my lips. “Let’s get to class.”
    The day drags. I’m waiting for the dismissal of class to get to the signing ceremony. He’s kind of a big deal in small town football news, and with being a starter as a true freshman; he has a lot of curiosity surrounding him. Originally, he was going to be back-up and start as a red shirt freshman, but Georgia Southern’s quarterback went down in the last game with a career-ending knee injury. The coaches have confidence that William can start as a true freshman, and I agree with him. Pressure doesn’t get to him, he treats each game like it’s a championship game, and executes flawlessly. He was born to play. Besides his college choice, another bone of contention was his career aspirations. He had no idea after football. I’m sure he has the talent, the drive, the ambition to play at a professional level, but he needs a back-up plan. I try and point that out but it’s met with resistance. Injuries happen, careers have a timeline, but he has no interests outside of football. I suggested broadcasting major or teacher, so he could coach. I hope once he’s settled and gets a feel for the program, he will ease into a major. Hell, I’d settle for a minor at this point. For someone who doesn’t want to accept his parents help for school, he needs to understand that without a career he may find himself living in his childhood bedroom for a lifetime. I’m not high maintenance, but I do require things like a roof over my head, food in my belly, clothes on my back . . . and I will be able to provide those things after college, but I refuse to support an adolescent who refused to have a back-up plan.
    After the bell rings, I hurry to the courtyard where the table is set up and the media has gathered. It’s crazy, our local news stations along with the news from Statesboro is here; I’m guessing they want to pump up their alumni and locals and introduce them to their new star. He’s deep in conversation with the head coach, and I look for Brett and James. I see his cronies in the corner, looking smug and full of themselves; I can imagine their glee, damn near one-fourth of the football team will be playing together. It makes a pretty impressive roster, and other than easing into college ball, these guys have years of history being teammates. It’s a rare thing to have the consistency this team will have. No wonder Georgia Southern’s coaching staff looks so happy. I make my way to the table and stand in the melee until he needs me. I catch him gesturing for me to join him, and before I can get close enough, his high school coaches, teammates, and new coaches surround him. He’s ushered to take a seat, and the papers are set in front of him with a flourish. Brandishing a pen, he quickly signs his name, and it’s official.
    He’s now a Georgia Southern Eagle . . . let’s hope he soars and doesn’t plummet.
    He’s posing for pictures,