My brother hollers loud enough the entire table can hear him over the music and laughter that fill the bar.
“It’s the media’s job to make news,” I remind him, nudging him with an elbow.
He snorts. “They’re sure as hell doing it.”
The team and friends are at Mile High following the third win of the midseason tournament. I’m seated on the outside next to my brother and Atlas. Clay, Nova, and Rookie are on the far side.
In mid-December, there are more purple Kodiak hoodies and hats on fans in the streets than holiday clothing. The entire city is swept up in Kodiaks fever after a lull that feels like it’s lasted far too long.
“You’re going to Mom’s for Christmas Eve,” Jay says. It’s a question.
“That’s the plan. Why?”
“I saw her the other day and she said she wasn’t sure.”
I roll my eyes. “She asked me to help with an appearance last week and I said I was busy. She’s not used to hearing no.”
Jay cocks his head. “Busy with what?”
“You kidding? Campaign is my new wallpaper,” Rookie says, nodding to me.
I laugh.
“What campaign?” my brother asks.
“It’s not a campaign. Just a post I did with this activewear brand.”
Rookie’s already holding out his phone to my brother.
Jay’s brows lift. “Mom seen this?”
I smack his shoulder. “I’m grown and they’re called leggings and a sports bra.”
“Amen,” agrees Rookie.
The post I made for Vivaro including pics from my mini photo shoot with Nova was a hit.
This morning I got an email from their head of partnerships saying how much they loved it and want to do more together.
It’s almost enough that I can tune out the haters that jump in with their judgments about my body, their criticisms about what I’m wearing.
I try to skim over them, to imagine they’re talking about someone else. Or remind myself they don’t know me and that I’m the one getting paid.
“So, Christmas means a late night with the senator?” Atlas says from the other side of the booth.
“My mom will have one glass of her favorite wine and pass out by ten,” I state, grateful to stay on the topic of holidays at my family’s home.
“If you’re smart, you’ll all be asleep too with a game Christmas Day broadcast on every network,” I point out.
It’s a tradition that the top teams play on Christmas, and the Kodiaks being defending champs ensures it.
“It’s against LA.” Clay’s across the booth, an arm draped around Nova.
“Which is Clayton Wade for ‘don’t lose,’” Sierra offers as she drops off fresh pints.
“You speak Kodiak very well,” Nova jokes, and we all laugh.
LA was the team’s prime competition from last year, and Clay has an eternal chip on his shoulder when it comes to them.