Beyond the Team (Out of Reach 4)

“What does she think about this?” Dad asks.

“I haven’t told her that I’ve made up my mind. I wanted to talk to the two of you first.”

“What about your scholarship?” Mom asks.

“I have my inheritance.”

“That’s for you to start your life on, Griffin, not pay for college. We have your college fund, but I’m not sure it will cover three years of out-of-state tuition. You do still plan on completing your degree first, right?”

“That’s the plan. I’ll take out a loan if I have to.”

“It sounds like you’ve made up your mind,” Dad says.

“Not entirely, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot. I know we’re young, but she’s the one. I can feel it.”

“And does she feel the same way?” Mom asks.

“Yeah, she does.”

“Well, before you take any drastic measures, I think that you should talk to her about this and discuss it. It’s important that the two of you are on the same page before this takes place,” Dad states.

“Definitely,” I agree. “I’m going to think about it some more. I might mention it to Coach Hopkins if the opportunity arises and get his take on it.”

“You’re a damn good ballplayer, son. I feel confident that no matter which school you attend, scouts will stand up and take notice. I also know that girl loves you, and it’s easy to see that you love her. Just remember that communication is the key to a successful relationship. You have to give as much as you take, and I’m damn proud of you for even considering this choice. It shows the man that you are.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I say, feeling myself start to get choked up.

“I hate the idea of you leaving so soon, but we knew this was going to happen. If you go pro, there is a good chance you’re going to have to move anyway.”

“When he goes pro,” Dad corrects her.

“I love you both. Thank you,” I tell them.

My parents have always been my biggest supporters, and I’m damn lucky to have them in my life. Knowing that they are behind me on whatever choice I make makes it a little easier to breathe. I’m going to think on this some more, and maybe after finals, track down Coach Hopkins and get his opinion. Sure, he’s not going to be happy that I’m leaving, but my heart is no longer in Florida. It lives in Tennessee.

CHAPTER 23

Peyton

Anxiety has my steps faltering as I make my way to my parents’ front door. I’ve made some life decisions that I didn’t discuss with them, and I know they’re going to be angry. I just needed to do this on my own. I needed to make this choice for me, but that doesn’t stop the guilt from weighing heavily on my chest.

Taking a deep breath, I hike my bag up on my shoulder and push open the front door. “Anybody home?” I manage to call out without my voice shaking.

“In here, lady,” Dad calls back.

On trembling legs, I make my way to the living room. I take a seat on the couch, my bag and what’s inside sitting heavy like a bag of bricks is placed at my feet.

“What a nice surprise,” Mom says. “We didn’t know you were stopping by today.”

“There’s something I wanted to talk to you about,” I tell them before I lose my nerve.

“Are you pregnant?” Dad asks.

“What? No.” I shake my head, giving him an incredulous look.

“Easton!” Mom scolds him.

“What? We have three beautiful daughters.” He shrugs like it’s a given.

“Ignore your father,” Mom tells me. “What’s on your mind?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking a lot, and I’ve decided on something. Before I tell you what it is, I want to say I’m sorry for not including you in this decision, but I didn’t include anyone. I wanted to make this choice for myself and not for anyone else. I didn’t want anyone to sway my choice either way, so I kept it to myself.”

“Go on,” Mom prods gently.

Taking a deep breath, I reach into my bag, pull out the envelope, and hand it to her. My eyes stay glued to her as she pulls out the contents and scans them. Tears well in her eyes, but she’s also smiling. That’s a good sign, right?

“Oh, honey.” She sets the papers next to her on the couch and stands to give me a hug.

“Anyone care to tell me what’s going on?” Dad asks.

Mom releases me, then grabs the papers and hands them to Dad. His eyes quickly scan them, and he tosses them on the table. I’m ready for his anger, but instead, he comes to me and pulls Mom and me both into his arms. I feel his lips press to my head, and that causes the dam to break.

“Hey,” he says, pulling back. “Why the tears?”