Romeo On and Off the Court

Chapter 35 – NBA Draft

It is where teams in the NBA choose players who have never played in the NBA before.

Edward

As a young boy, I idolized players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. The idolization didn't end when I entered high school. Like them, I envisioned myself playing in the NBA. The day had arrived. Tonight, I would find out if my agent was right. He believed I would be the first drafted. The first team up was one of the three I was vying for not only because I wanted to play for them but for Bella. Not that I wouldn't play for any other team.

Each city had a nearby Ph.D program, and those programs were in the top five for forensic psychology… the career Bella wished to pursue. Yes, I knew she could complete her Ph.D online at any of the universities, however, she would need access to their libraries.

I shrugged into my suit jacket before placing three colored index cards into my pocket. Written on each was the university Bella could apply to if she so chose. I wasn't going to force her hand, though I knew she hadn't applied anywhere yet. Like me, she wanted to know where we would be moving before she started researching the various programs.

Bella descended the stairs, looking radiant in a dusty blue chiffon dress that tickled her ankles. Silver-heeled sandals adorned her feet. Her toes peeked out, shining and what Bella told me was a French pedicure - half moon-shaped bands of white with a pale pink polish underneath. Her fingernails were polished the same way. Classic Bella, with a bit of elegance. She was a vision.

The fingers of her right hand moved up to her necklace, fingering it. I wasn't sure if she was nervous or if she was drawing my attention there for a reason. Walking over to her, I took hold of her hand and lowered it. A glittering three was at her throat.

She smiled at me. "A gift from your mom," she whispered.

Oh, I sincerely hope whatever team selected me tonight would grant me one condition. I would hate not seeing my college number around her neck on game days. It was my lucky charm, after all.

"I'm partial to the plain one, but this one is just as beautiful," I said before claiming her lips in a tender kiss.

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

A hand came down on my shoulder, halting Bella and my progress to our seats. I felt my forehead scrunched up in confusion when I turned and found Emmett standing behind us with Rosalie on his arm.

"I decided everyone was right about my skills," he said at my unspoken question.

Bella laughed as I continued to stare at him in confusion.

"Why didn't you tell us earlier?" she asked.

Emmett rubbed his chin. "I didn't want to jinx my chances. My agent thinks I'm crazy, but hey, he can join the club."

Comprehension was slow in coming. I could be playing with or against him come October, just like Jasper. With a shake of my head, I wished him luck.

"Are you glad he finally wised up, Edward?"

"Yes, and dreading playing against him."

Bella

Edward started bouncing his leg as soon as we sat down at the table. It was not the only sign that he was nervous. He kept hold of my left hand, fiddling with my engagement ring. His palm was damp. And I would bet good money that if I took his pulse right now, it would be racing. That's how I felt before giving my commencement speech.

His parents, my dad, and Sue kept throwing questioning glances at me. I gave them a tight smile, as I thought about how to help him. When I stood to address the graduating class, I had followed his advice and breathed as I imagined it was just he and I talking. I wondered if it would help him relax.

"Close your eyes and breathe, Edward," I whispered in his ear. "It's just you and me here, no one else."

The tension in his shoulders lessened with each breath he took and released. He stopped bouncing his leg and opened his eyes. He leaned over and kissed my cheek.

"Thanks, sweetheart."

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

"With the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers, select Edward Cullen from the University of Washington," announced Commissioner Truman Mahoney.

The smile on Edward's face, when he stood and embraced his parents, was one of relief. He had told me last night he didn't believe his agent about his chances of being picked first. I stood and watched as first my dad and then Sue hugged him. I didn't mind being last, kissed my cheek as he pulled me into his arms for an all-too-brief squeeze.

The camera operator followed him as he made his way to the stage and the podium. He stopped briefly to pick up and put on the 76ers hat. He shook the Commissioner's hand and was led away to be interviewed. I had been escorted over to where the interview would take place after both Esme and Carlisle deferred to me.

It was a lot to absorb. The question and Edward's answer were missed. The interviewer had a surprise for Edward. Coach Grouch was on a video call.

"Edward, congratulations. I'm so happy for you and your family, and the commitment you've made. You are the most versatile player I have had the honor to coach. You are going to have a terrific NBA career."

The interview wrapped up not long after that and we were led to speak with other reports.

A representative from the 76ers was the last we met with. They had a gift for me. I looked over at where Edward stood. He shrugged and motioned for me to take the box.

It was a large box, the type you would wrap a sweater in. It was decorated in the 76ers colors. Lifting the lid and pushing aside the tissue paper, I found a white jersey. Staring up at me was a welcomed sight. I was honored to find out Edward's number before him. Letting tissue paper cascade to the floor, I lifted it out as my eyes connected to Edward's.

His eyes widened as I huge smile appeared on his face. He would continue to wear "three."

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

Edward pulled me to a stop as we moved to join our parents again.

"I have something for you."

He pulled a folded white card out of his pocket and handed it to me after taking the box from me.

I sighed, unfolding it. What I read brought tears to my eyes.

Drexel University, Philadelphia

#1 Best Ph.D in Forensic Psychology degrees

Please apply tomorrow… if you want, that is :)

Unknown to him, I had applied to the university as well as Fordham University in New York and Sam Houston State University in Texas. Each school wanted me. When I started researching schools, it dawned on me why Edward asked his agent to sell him hard to three teams. It was on a whim that I put in my Ph.D applications, not that I limited myself.

I opened my clutch and found the right envelope.

"I think you might find this interesting," I said with a smile.

He started laughing. "When did you apply?" he asked.

I shrugged as I replied, "Three months ago. I've been keeping it a secret for three days. However,"–I pulled out the other acceptance letters–"I applied to other schools too, including ones near Houston and Brooklyn. And got into them too."

Edward stared at me amazed.

"Long before I fell in love with you, I envisioned myself heading to Drexel for my Ph.D."

He pulled me into his arms, kissing me. "You will never cease to surprise me. I thought you were waiting to see where we were heading. I love you."