Author's Note: Alright, here we go! Lets get ready for a wild ride! If ya wanan be tagged let me know. Minors DNI, 18+
Synopsis: Cameron reminisces on his past a bit, while feeling nervous about being drafted, after the whole Saviors incident. He also gets thr best surprise that he did not see coming.
Prologue | Leading Lady | Characters
Word count: 3k
~After the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. 1 year and a half, after the whole Isiah White situation~
A year after the whole getting knocked in the head on his old college football field, leading to the whole Saviours situation and Cameron taping into his beast mode a little too literally. He decided to return for other teams to get back in the swing of things. Seeing as though the Saviours mysteriously disbanded and the owners no longer remained.
The only person he told about all of that, was his mom. Who else could he tell? Valeria? He wishes he could have because she would have held him down like always. Made sure he had his head on straight, and did their tradition of double stuffed Oreos and a glass of milk, to ease the nerves. That hasn’t been a thing since they were 17.
Here now in his mid to late 20’s, he’s still with his “high school sweetheart” Bianca. Who is currently away on a business trip for her job. No telling what Bianca did while he was gone for weeks at a time for college games and the training with Isaiah.
His family was relieved to have him back home for a good period of time to restore his mind and humanity. Whatever he had gone through, didn’t settle with his psyche.
“So how are you feeling today, Cam?” His mother, Yvette asked as she handed him the glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. It had been a year and some months since the incident, and he was still getting back to himself.
“I’m feeling great actually, ma. Nervous about this call here soon, but I’m ready.” He was telling the truth. He hadn’t felt at ease in a while and was pleased. Looking at the glass in dead space, he clinked his trimmed nails against it. “Have you talked to Valeria?”
That shocked his mom, as she nearly dropped the juice pitcher but caught it in time. “You haven’t asked about her in a while. Why all of sudden the change of heart?”
The look of uncertainty was forever etched on his face as he looked at his mom, for reassurance. “I-I don’t know. Last time you brought her up, you said she had graduated from Winston Salem, double major, and that she moved to Dallas.”
“Huh. So you were paying attention to me.” A soft smile graced her features as she leaned on the counter, looking at her youngest son. “Well, all that is true. Her mom and I catch up every week actually.”
“Y’all do? I thought since Valeria and I stopped talking, y'all would too.” Cameron sighed and rubbed his face with his hands. Groaning in frustration.
Yvette chuckled a bit and smiled at her son. “Now why would we do that? We’re line sisters and introduced y’all.” Looking at him with a motherly expression, she rubbed his shoulders. “Besides, you have to focus on your scouting call.”
“You’re right about that. I worry about her a lot, for someone who stopped talking to me.” The thought of high school popped back into his head, especially the riverwalk incident. “I do miss her though.”
“Oh I know. I’m a mother, I know.” Yvette grabbed her dishes and set them in the dishwasher. “Just make sure you look handsome like always and smile, for your party.” Patting his head this time, before heading to get dressed for her date. “And I don’t want to see that blonde bitch there either!”
“Ma! Language.” Cameron chuckled and went back to his phone, knowing exactly who she was talking about. “Don’t worry she won’t be here. I don't know where she really is.”
“It’s my house. I do and say as I please!” She chimed back to him, leaving him to his own devices.
As the time went on through the day Cameron scrolled through instagram, just being in his own little world. His friends had dragged him out to a little gathering to get his head out of the clouds for a bit. That is until one of them mentioned Valeria.
“Yo. Have you seen Valeria lately?” Myron asked out of nowhere, knowing it would get a rise out of Cameron.
Brian nodded a bit, with slow drags of his cigar. “She’s been doing her thing with her dancing.”
Cameron looked at the guys, from his phone and squinted. “Y’all been talking to Val?” He asked curiously.
Michale looked over at Cameron before he chimed in. “Yes, we have been. And you're not wrong Brian. She’s broken out of her shell a lot more too.”
With a gentle nod, Myron exclaimed. “She’s been keeping us updated with her recent move. She’s on the Dallas Rhythm and Blue dance team.”
“I forgot she has you blocked.” Brian handed his phone to Cameron to take a look at the roster post for the team. “She made it past the first round of auditions 2 years ago, and is one of the co-captains.”
The way Cameron was glued to the phone, scrolling through the page for the team was like a deer in headlights. He was in a trance looking at how much Valeria had grown in the last few years. Roughly close to 10.
Yes it’s been that long since they’ve been apart but, their friends have been keeping tabs on them, even though Valeria didn’t want to know anything. Except for Cameron because he was always curious. Being off and on with Bianca for so long, he’s had his fair share of dates and none of them made sense. Why does he keep going back to her, the world may never know.
“Ayo, dawg. Are you good? You’ve been doom scrolling for the last 10 min.” Brian snatched his phone from Cameron, taking him out of the trance he was in. “You look like a love sick puppy right now.”
“I-” Cam was nervous, yes. He has never been like this about any woman before, not even Bianca. “My bad. It’s just Valeria never looked like that in high school. I got distracted.” His cheeks turned a tint of cardinal red, as he felt heated a bit.
Michale shook his head with a chuckle. “That's the whole “you were ugly in high school, now you’re hot.” Kind of feeling. Crazy enough she’s always been pretty, she just had a tomboy phase back then. Plus you never noticed till senior year when she was on the stomp and shake team with her friends. Who are now our wives by the way.”
It just made sense for her friends and his to wind up married and planning to have kids. They all flowed and complimented one another well. Now that Michale mentioned it, Cameron did remember the feeling he felt when he saw her in that skirt for the first time at the championship game.
“Have I just been blind this whole time?” Cameron asked, swirling around his glass of whiskey. Knowing deep down he’s been debating on telling her his true feelings, freshman year, when she started to blossom more. But didn’t wanna act on it to mess up the friendship.
“Yes!” All 3 of the guys spoke in unison, then collectively started laughing.
The rest of the night was a good catch up and was needed to clear his head. He had to get his mind off of the draft night that was slowly yet quickly approaching. Yet something else jogged his memory back to high school: what did Valeria send him that made Bianca delete it so fast?
~Three Days Later: Morning of the Draft Day~
The morning was hectic for the friend group; Cameron’s brother, his mom and step dad James, as they all got the whole meeting room ready for the party.
Cameron was anxious as all get out, but that was to be expected. He did however get a call from his “girlfriend” which was surprising.
“Hey Bianca, where are you?” He was curious as to why she called because she claimed she had a work trip. He rested his head on the headboard of his hotel bed, looking out at the skyline of downtown Dallas. “You’re supposed to be here, remember? It’s my big night.”
The scoff she let out through the phone was full of arrogance and annoyance. “You’ve had big nights before Cam. This is no different and no big deal, you’ve been drafted before. Besides, my job needs me to close this deal with the distributors.”
“No big deal? No big deal? Bianca, come on now.” The pressure built up inside of him, raging in anger. “You know what, don't even bother. Good luck.”
“Mhm. Thank you baby, love you.” And with that Bianca hung up and went back to her massage next to her in friend, in Cabo. “You think he fell for that?”
“He’s focused on football, and nothing else.” Savannah chuckled. “Besides you’re here with your bestie, anyway. On my husband's dime that is.”
“You’re right, he won’t suspect a thing. And I thank you for that.” Sipping her wine, she sighed in content with her best friend. She had a plan in motion to get Cameron to stay. Yet she felt like Cameron was slipping back each time. “I hate that I lied to him though. I just don’t like the whole tracking thing, you know?”
“He’ll be fine. It’s not like he knows where you are. You told him Los Angeles, and that’s all he needs to know. If he cares.” Her best friend shrugged and went back to her foot massage. Bianca had to make sure this supposed love spell, that she got from some shady individual back in high school, still worked. But sadly the person mysteriously died, but Cameron was still under the spell unless another powerful being broke it. Bianca didn’t know about that part though.
“Hopefully it all goes according to plan. You deserve it all and then some.” Savannah smirked at her deviously.
“Oh I know, and I can be happy forever.” She nodded in confirmation. Knowing she’s been stringing Cameron along for years, it doesn’t make sense as to why she wants them both. When back home she still has Ryland, who is wealthy himself, yet Cameron is wealthy and eye candy for so many women. She decided to play the game how she saw fit and lie.
Back in Dallas, Cameron had been doom scrolling again but this time it was different. Valeria had unblocked him for the first role in years and added him back.
“Well would you look at that.” Cameron was in disbelief as he quickly hit the follow back button, without hesitation. He was over the moon ecstatic about having his best friend back in his life.
He wondered if he should message her first or just let nature take its course.
But why was his heart beating 100 miles per hour? He’s never been this nervous since the whole Saviour’s incident. He hadn’t had her in his life for a brief period of time, so this was momentous for him. Just to have her following him back.
He wasn’t one for parties much but, this one was for him. Draft night parties meant one of two things: lots of partying and liquor or staying at home with a glass of wine, not wanting to be bothered.
Yet for Cameron, he had to go. It was for him after all and his top two picks were just a phone call away. Dallas Cowboys or Los Angeles Rams.
Bianca had hoped the rams would pick him, just so they could leave Texas behind and start over. But Cameron was just fine in his home state. That’s one thing they argued over for months, since he got back.
“I really wish you could come to the party tonight.” He mumbled to himself, as he was heading to the elevator. Still looking at a picture of his best friend in a big tshirt and her hair all curly on her Instagram. “You would’ve kept me calm through all of this.”
He didn't realize the elevator had stopped on a certain floor, and somebody came on. As her heels clacking against the tile floor of the elevator, he took her in gracefully from what he could see. The woman had on a deep red floor length cutout maxi dress, that clung to the figure it was on, and it was just glorious. Wavy dark brunette curls flowed effortlessly down to her mid back, just hitting her back tattoo a little. He made it out to be the solar system, tattooed all the way down her spine. Along with her various tattoos on her right arm as well. He couldn’t help but look. The lady cleared her throat gently, feeling Cameron looking at her.
“I’m sorry for being so strange.” He exclaimed out of nervousness. “Uh what floor?”
“The main one. I’m on my way to a party for an old friend.” Once she turned around fully, Cameron felt like his heart stopped and his eyes were gonna pop out of his head.
“Valeria?”
Her sweet chuckle echoed softly in the small room, as she placed her hand on his left arm. “Hey superstar. Be careful now. We don’t want you to get rushed to the hospital.” The way she looked at him was of pure awe and adoration. Seeing his ears pierced didn’t help her out much either. It caused a heat storm to form in her lower region, and she couldn’t fix it. “Nice earrings.”
The way I just wanna grip the back of his head and kiss him, so damn bad. Her inner thoughts weren’t helping either. She still wanted this man, who is no longer a boy, in front of her. Rubbing her thighs together slightly, she made eye contact with him, as he steadily spoke.
“Uh thanks. I got them done a month ago.” He was stunned. He did not expect her to be there at all. It was like his prayer was answered. “How are you even here? I thought you hated me.”
Gotdamn, I just wanna hold her against me and kiss her right now. She was my first crush when we were little, I just never acted on it. Having her stay in the friend zone didn’t help me at all. His inner thoughts were going rampant. He wanted her all to himself and would be enraged if anybody got her.
“Well a flock told me how you’ve been lately so they pulled some strings and begged me to come. Are you surprised?” Her smile could light up a forest in the darkest of areas. “I was mad at you, yes. But I could never hate you, Cade.”
“Y-yes I am. I’m gonna have to thank this so-called flock of ours.” There goes his nervous laughter he always had when he got close to someone he cared for. “You look amazing by the way. I always told you were beautiful but, I have to admit: damn you look good.”
It was Valeria’s turn to feel her cheeks warm up. Standing at 5’11, 6’3 currently in her heels, she did look amazing and was almost as tall as he was. Her curves were in all the right places and her smile was perfected from when she had braces. “Why thank you Cam. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
Just hearing her say his name brought chills racing up his spine, like no other. No other woman had had this effect on him and it’s very remarkable to have it be Valeria to do so.
“Thank you, I try my best. Shall we?” He smiled back a little and took her hand gently into his arm, as they walked out the elevator. “I wanna thank you for being here tonight. This means a lot to me”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world Cameron. I’m honored to be here.” Valeria was genuinely happy for her friend and has had to keep that in mind. He didn’t see her more than that. Even if he did compliment her. “Where’s Bianca? I’m surprised she hasn’t stormed in yet.”
“Honestly, at this moment I don’t care.” He shrugged a bit and that caught Valeria off guard. “She says she’s in LA for a business trip but I know exactly where she is.”
Valeria knew all too well where his thought process was. She wasn’t shocked to know that they’re still together. It just pained her inside. She didn’t say anything and just walked with him to show support. She felt like something wasn’t right and it didn’t sit well with her
As they walked into the dining hall, the crowd was cheering for Cameron. He smiled and waved to all his friends, family and old teammates, as he made it to the main table with his parents and brothers. Val went to go sit with her friends and family, not too far from the main one.
About an hour and 30 min into the party; food and drinks were served and the music was lively. Pictures were taken and mingling was going on. Just a full on joyous occasion.
“So we saw yall walking in together.” Deidra tapped Val’s shoulder. “How’d that go?”
“Girl, I wish I had on my meta glasses.” Valeria chuckled and shook her head. “The dude was shaking.”
“See, I told you it was gonna be a nice surprise.” Lacey giggled sweetly. “Besides, according to what the guys said, he needed a good pick me up.”
Valeria nodded and took a sip of her wine. “It would seem so huh? It’s like I can feel a disturbance around him, like I did back in high school. The exact same on edge nervousness.”
“Maybe it was that spell you mentioned.” Simone added in curiosity. “You know we couldn't really depict what it was nor where it came from.”
“Which is strange, because now I can feel a stronger connection to it. Trying to decipher the energy shift.” Valeria sighed and scratched her head. “I’m gonna relieve him of this curse one way or another.”
Valeria had been practicing magic since she was 12. Her powers came from both her parents, as they have family ties to New Orleans. More or less in the 2nd ward, known as the French Quarter. When she met her friends, she learned that they too have ties to Louisiana, and decided to form a coven.
The boys knew themselves as they too are part of the voodoo community. But yet Cameron didn’t believe all that stuff. It’s like he didn’t wanna know when Val was trying to tell him, so she let it go. She has hoped she can tell him and free him of the curse he’s under, to get him back to normal. And by normal she meant to before he met Bianca.
Half an hour had passed and everyone had eaten and mingled a bit. Then the call came that everybody in the room was waiting for. Cameron shushed the room and answered it full of nerves.
“Hello? Yes this is Cameron.” He cleared his throat and looked all over the room, seeing all the joyous and happy smiles. All of this was for him.
Then he looked at Valeria, and his whole world stopped suddenly. He was still focused but was just entranced by her and her alone, as if they were the only two in the room. Valencia felt her face warm up a hit and smiled back at him, mouthing to him ‘you got this.’
With a slight nod and smile back, he got back to the call. “Yes, yes. Thank you. I really appreciate this opportunity, it means a lot. I will be at practice bright and early.” With that he ended the known call and looked at both hats surfing on the table in front of him.
The room was silent, watching him pick up the hat of the team that just called him, waiting in anticipation. Once he picked up the Dallas Cowboys hat and placed it on his head, the room cheered for him. Cameron was excited to be staying in his home state, starting a new chapter and possibly rekindling moments with an old friend.
“We’re going to the league!” He shouted in bliss and comfort. This time when he shouted it, it didn’t feel like a burden or stressful. He felt calm and at ease, hopeful for his future.
“Looks like you’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.” Valeria’s mom, Diane, had nudged her arm a bit with a smile. “Don’t let him get away this time my dear.”
“I gotchu ma.” Valeria chuckled a bit. “I’m sure he doesn’t want to let me go this time either. I can feel it.”
Bringing your #VotingSquad with you to the polls is like having your own personal HYPE crew! Tag three people you would hype up like this when you vote in the next election 🤩
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