Page 32 of Rise Above

“Well, he could certainly use more of those.” He

laughed. “Thanks for letting me know, Aife. Go text him before he blows a gasket. I’m sure he’s been not so patiently waiting.”

So, I did exactly that.

Me: Is this the one and only TJ Walker? TJ: Depends on who’s asking.

Me: A tiny social worker.

TJ: That’s your job, Aife?

Me: Yeah. I mean, we can’t all be pro athletes. TJ: Just surprised, I guess.

Me: Why?

TJ: Not sure. Thanks for texting me.

Me: Why’d you give me your number? TJ: Also not sure.

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He was a cryptic man, that was for sure. Why was

he interested in me? There wasn’t anything really special about me. He was a professional athlete with millions of dollars. Meanwhile, I was a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a plethora of health issues. Fuck, I shouldn’t have thought about my medical troubles. Clearly, I was an idiot though. My medical issues were a big reason I didn’t want to be in a relationship. I didn’t want to be a burden; I couldn’t be. Not again.

TJ: Can I take you to lunch on Saturday? TJ: As friends

TJ: Davis has already cussed me out.

Me: When and where?

TJ: Burrito Bell’s, 11AM

Me: Sounds good.

Sighing, I tossed my phone to the side and tried to

ignore the stinging in my eyes. Was I ready to open myself up to another friendship? Could I handle this? Resiliency was the word that defined my life. I could do this. He didn’t have to know anything, not until I was sure of him.

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CHAPTER 6: DATE DAY

TALON

Thursday nights in Fall were some of my favorite

nights. It was game day, and for the first time in a while, I was home. Texas held my heart and soul. It was my home, always and forever. Texas was one of those places that felt massive but like everyone knew you at the same time. It was a true salad bar of cultures. Diversity defined the state, even if not everyone was willing to admit that. Despite what everyone thought, it wasn’t some backwoods, overly conservative place. Texas was home, and I’d missed it.

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I could barely contain my excitement when we