After meeting each other in their last year of high school, Spencer and Olivia have now entered their third year of college at USC. And their bond has been solid, but when big decisions in their respective careers arise, they find themselves on very...
Spencer and I sit at a booth in the cafeteria, away from the craziness of his teammates.
Everyone is excited about the college playoffs, but I notice Spencer's mind seems preoccupied.
"What's going on?" I ask as I put cheese in my chili.
"Just thinking about some stuff," he tells me and I get up to sit next to him.
"Some stuff like what?"
He shakes his head no. "It's not a big deal, baby!"
"Are you thinking about making your announcement on ESPN?" I ask and I can tell by the way he scratches his head that I'm correct.
"Do you think that's a bad thing?" He asks sincerely and I frown.
"No! But its just not you, babe!" I comment and he doesn't disagree. "You barely like when fans recognize you in the courtyard. How are you going to handle people recognizing you everywhere?"
"True! But Darnell's hospital bills, tells me I need to consider it," he replies in between sips of his Gatorade.
"Did you talk to my dad?" I question. "He would want to help. If you're nervous, we can do it together."
"Your dad is paying your tuition. He's paying Jordan's tuition. He's paying for your grandpa's nursing home. He paid Darnell's lease for the year. He's paying houses, car notes, and a whole lot of other things I don't even know about, Olivia. It just doesn't seem fair to put all of that on him." He replies. "Besides, Darnell started working at thirteen to help my mom send me to football camp when we were kids. I feel like the least I can do is figure out how to help him when he needs me most."
"So is that why you put Malika's business card in your pocket?" I ask seriously.
"I was just thinking that I should consider it," he answers and I can't believe what he's saying.
"Spencer, you're trying to go to the next level. An announcement on ESPN feels like when LeBron left for Miami. And we all know how that went." I say and he chuckles.
"LeBron won two rings with Miami. And everyone has forgiven him now," he says and I roll my eyes at his sarcasm. "Look, I get what you're saying. But I just think ESPN may have a better upside than the local news."
"Okay! I hear you. But I just don't want you to make any impulsive decisions. That's all!" I say sincerely as I place my hands on top of his. "I mean, we all have a heavy heart for Darnell. And I know you want to help your mom financially. But that shouldn't be what drives your decisions. Not solely, anyway."
"My entire life, me, Cam, and D have dreamed of playing in the league, Liv. And to think Darnell could've entered the draft last year. I just don't want to be wondering what if."
"Baby, it's okay to be scared. But you can't live your life based on what happened to Darnell. You just can't." I tell him as I kiss his cheek.
"I just need to think about everything. It's a lot on my shoulders right now. And all I need you to do is support me." He states as he looks into my eyes.
"Of course," I answer and he smiles before we kiss again. "But I need you to promise me something."
"What's that?"
"Whether you choose The USC Journal or ESPN, I need you to promise me that you'll only make your decision on entering the draft or staying for your senior year, for you and only you." I say and he winks at me before agreeing.
I wrap my pinky around his and we kiss.
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