This Thing Called Life

1. Speechless

*Authors Note at the end (the song is definitely more for the middle of this 😬)*

To say Spencer was ready to go home would be an understatement. After coming off an AFC Championship win against Kansas City, the last place he wanted to be right now was at this event mingling with the many high rollers of the Patriots organization. After nearly ten years, he would have thought they let him off the hook and leave these parties to the rookies, yet here he was two hours in nursing his drink waiting for it to be socially acceptable for him to leave.

"Well, you look like you're having the time of your life" Spencer hears as he turns his head to see his QB approaching the window where I'm standing before doing their signature handshake.

Spencer snickers to himself "I see even you couldn't get out of being here this time."

"Unfortunately, but you know how these things go. Super Bowl is coming and the big bosses want guarantees on another trophy." Tom says as he rolls his eyes.

Spencer sighs knowing he's right but with retirement right around the corner he's just ready to be done.

"You sure you won't miss all of this after the last game in a few weeks?" Tom asked his long-time teammate.

"Yea man. After my injury last season, Liv and I decided that going out with potentially seven rings was enough."

Tom goes quiet at that as he contemplates the last decade that they've played together on the field. "I remember your rookie season, you showed up all cocky and sure of yourself. Not even first string, but you just knew you were the shit" they both laugh in remembrance. "I thought to myself, this kid has no idea what's coming for him, but after that first season I just knew when I threw that ball you would always be on the other side to catch it."

Spencer looks down humbled by at his friends' compliments. "Don't get all sentimental on me now, we still have one more game to show out."

"True, but I'm serious Spence, there's no one else I'd have rather played out there with." Tom says as he holds out his glass to toast to their decade of teamwork.

As we clink our glasses together, we hear our names being called from behind.

"Tom! Spencer!" the owner of the team says as he and our head coach approach us. "Gentlemen, I just wanted to come over and congratulate you on that amazing win against the Chiefs yesterday. Hopefully we can add another trophy to our collection as well in a few weeks." Tom and Spencer both share a look at the less than subtle mention.

"Of course Mr. Kraft, we will try our very best to leave it all out there on the field in a few weeks and bring home that win" Spencer says trying to muster up as much enthusiasm as he can in his voice.

"See that's what I like to hear! Also, if you don't mind me asking, where are your better halves this evening?"

"Home with the kids" Tom says

"Business trip, but she should be back in a couple of days." Spencer responds wistfully.

"I see, well please let them know that they were missed and that I wanted to have everyone over for dinner in a couple of week to celebrate Spencer's retirement and hall of fame induction."

Spencer's eyes widen in shock as he registers what was just said. He had been hearing the rumors for years, but he didn't want to put too much weight behind it.

Mr Kraft laughs at the shock on his face, "I got the call from the commission the other day, congratulations Spencer" he says as they shake hands.

For the first time in a while Spencer was left speechless. " I- I-...I don't know what to say. Thank you!"