It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish

Chapter 3

I stood dumbfounded that my old kiddie crush was standing there in front of me. He was wearing his suit and tie that he had on from the funeral. I also was still in my dress but my makeup was running down my face and my cheeks were all red and blotchy from crying. I wiped the last few tears as I waited for Rob to answer me.

" Jay mentioned you didn't go home right away and I figured you would be here." He said.

" how do you just figure I'd be here? Rob you don't know me anymore. I'm not some nerdy kid you can make fun of." I said with word vomit. I didn't mean to say any of that. I covered my mouth and looked down. " sorry. I didn't mean to go off like that. I should be getting home. Mom and Jay probably need me". I went to walk past him but he grabbed my arm gently to stop me.

" Jay and your mom are fine. Why don't you and I go get a coffee or something? Get your mind off things for a little bit before you have to go home and face more music." He suggested.

" what do I you mean face more music?" I asked.

" well Jay and your mom want to go through coach's things. Give what was given in the will to each rightful owner. They actually kind of sent me to find you. " he shrugged.

" oh " was all I could muster out as we walked to our cars and agreed to meet at Dunkin' Donuts down the street from my childhood home. The whole way there I was shocked I was spending time with someone who used to bully me in front of my brother and the rest of their friends. I used to think that all the football guys were so hot, Rob included. Rob used to make fun of everything from my grades, to my glasses and even made fun of the fact that Jay was a star football player and all I was, was Jay's nerdy valedictorian to be sister. It created tension and eventually all the rest of the football players wouldn't even look my way. So after Jay and Rob graduated I decided I was going to show them up and get into an amazing school and actually do something special with my life that was way better than playing a sport.

I pulled into the coffee shop and took a deep breath as I locked my car and opened the doors. Rob was already in line for coffee so I joined him.

" hey" I said as I snuck in line next to him.

He looked down and smiled. " hey, so my treat. Pick whatever you'd like." He offered. I rolled my eyes and kept looking at the menu board. I knew what I liked. I don't stray very far from it ever.

" I'd like a regular iced coffee please and whatever the lady is having." He said smiling down at me.

" can I have a medium iced caramel latte please " I said and I threw down the money for my coffee before Rob had the chance to pay for it. " sorry, but just because you are a hot shot nfl player doesn't mean I can't pay for my own stuff." I said as we waited for them to make our coffees.

We sat towards the back of the shop so that people were fixated that Rob Gronkowski was here. He didn't mind the attention but I had a feeling he didn't want to deal with it today.

" so..." We both said at the same time.

" so how have you been? What have you been up to?" He asked. I am. Sure Jay gave him the speech about what I do for a living but I figured if he wanted small talk, I will give it to him.

" I've been great. Moved to Boston for work three years ago." I said shrugging it all off.

" you're living in Boston? Jay never mentioned that. We still talk on occasion." Rob mentioned.

"Yea I got a job at Children's hospital as an RN and absolutely love it. Couldn't pass up the opportunity."

" wow a nurse. I never thought you'd take that path. I always thought you'd follow in coach's footsteps and be in the sports industry." Rob laughed.