Have you ever given someone all you can offer only to get nothing back? I have. I know, readers, my exterior appears tough and masculine, but I have feelings too. I’m not sure I can pour out my heart, only to be ignored again.
Some of you may remember my “Open love letter to the NC State basketball team and Coach Gottfried” in Technician last March. The letter had everything you would expect from your typical love letter: a breakup (with Sidney Lowe), guilt, confession, lust and a possible mention of Viagra … You know, standard love letter stuff.
Some of you may even remember the letter getting some attention from The Washington Post. Everyone was aware of my ardor — everyone except Coach Mark Gottfried and the men’s basketball team.
Hold your gasps…
I mean, it’s not like I was constantly checking my Twitter feed for some mention of me from Gottfried or the team, or incessantly refreshing my browser page to see if I had gotten that friend request from Lorenzo Brown. That would be ridiculous, right? So would making finger paintings of me, Gottfried and the team wearing matching Snuggies.
Af ter experiencing the crushing desolation — not rejection — that follows being outright ignored, I swore to myself I’d never wear my heart on my sleeve again. I mean, it took a lot of (basket) balls to put myself out there the way I did. It’s not easy to rebound from such disregard.
Until Saturday.
You guys looked really good out there against Duke, really good. I hear you’re seeing other super-fans — I hope Shirtless N.C. State Bro and Wheelchair Guy are treating you well. They’re certainly luck y to have you. I just want you to know I meant everything I said in my last column, and mark my words, everything in this one, too.
Oh, I can’t do this anymore! I love you. Love. Right after the game I ran to Harrelson and bought a No. 2 jersey, and I don’t regret paying the University Bookstore price for it.
Listen, I’m not asking you all to take me out to dinner (though I wouldn’t say no). All I want is for you to notice me. After all of the Lowe points and the adrenaline-induced highs I’ve been through with you, the ball is in your court. Also, please accept my friend request, Lorenzo Brown.