Page 10 of Defending Madison

A woman’s deep, sultry, southern accented voice drawls. “Hi. This is Georgie Scott, head coach for the Dallas Dauntless FC.” She exhales a heavy sigh. “I’m trying to reach Madison Bennett.”She goes on to leave her number. My mind scrambles. I don’t recognize the name, and the Dauntless wasn’t on my list for potential soccer teams. Penny would know. I dial my best friend from college.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Penny.”

“Hi, Benny. How are you? Is your mom driving you nuts, yet? I still don’t understand why you decided to rehab your knee in Dallas.”

“I’m good. Um. Pen? I got a call from Georgie Scott with the Dauntless FC.”

Penny sucks in air like a hoover, making a funny squeak. “The Dauntless are good, and they’re in Dallas. Their coach is a legend.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. What did she say?”

“She left messages.” When did I become the woman that was afraid to listen to my own voicemails?

Penny scoffs. “You didn’t have your phone again, huh?”

“You know me.” And she really does. We met at Freshman orientation the summer before college. We roomed together for all four years. She left Boulder after our Freshman year like I did. I’d never been as unhappy as I was under Coach York. She took an instant dislike to both of us. I stretch my neck with a sigh. We had hoped to find a professional team to take both of us. A pipe dream. FC New Orleans drafted Penny while I was drafted to the Phoenix Bobcats. I extend my knee, well until I blew my ACL and that bitch of a coach took over at Phoenix in the off-season. Now I’m team-less when all of my former teammates have been playing all season while I’ve been out since March. I stretch my leg, remembering the first game of the season when I injured my knee.

“Benny?”

“I’m here. What do you know about Dallas?”

Penny pauses. “The team or the city?”

“You’re funny Penny. I only lived here all of my childhood. I mean the team, silly.”

“It’s great. Two former Wildcats play for them. The coach, Georgie Scott, is a dream. She’s an ex-player, and her husband assists her as her lead assistant coach. They’ve been rebuilding for three years; this should be their break out year. She must want you to replace Holly, who unexpectedly retired last week.” She clicks her tongue. She’s thinking. “This could be a perfect fit. You’re better than Holly and younger. You were captain for two years in college, so you’ve got the leadership experience.”

“Gah. I’d be brand new to the team. There’s no way she’s planning for me to take on that role. Six of her players have much more experience than me.”

“I guess. I suppose I’m biased. You were my captain and did a stellar job.”

“You’re my best friend, Penny. I don’t have any experience with these players.”

She clicks her tongue again. “Well, looks like you’re going to get to know them.”

“Yeah. Thanks. I’ll call with deets.” I hang up the phone and stare at it. Do I call now or should I wait?

My phone rings in my hand, startling me, and I almost drop my phone. “Hello?”

“Oh finally. Hi. I’m Georgie, Georgia Scott of the Dallas Dauntless. I assume this is Madison?”

“Yeah. Hi.”

“I had planned on schmoozing you when I got you on the phone, but I’m just too excited. We’d like to have you in to meet with us on Friday. I’m aware it’s only three days away, but we spoke to your agent, and we all think you’re a perfect fit for the Dauntless.

“Uh. Sure. You’ll send me the itinerary?”

Georgie blurts. “Yes. My assistant will call in a few. Can’t wait to meet you.” The line goes dead, and I’m staring at my blank phone again. Why the hell didn’t my agent call me and tell me what was going on? And why isn’t my team fighting to keep me? I know why. The Bobcats hired my former college coach, and she hates me. This is revenge for my leaving her in Boulder. The feeling is very mutual. I thought Phoenix would want to keep me after my accomplishments last season. Once again, I missed the memo that what I expect isn’t what’s going to happen.

Three days later, I step into the Dauntless facilities. Penny said the team was rebuilding, but damn, the place looks like a show pony in a corral of burros. Everything in the building looks new and polished. Much better amenities than Phoenix. I glance at the wall. Every award and recognition for the last ten years is showcased behind glass. The championship win from eight years ago is highlighted with the silver trophy. My friend and agent’s words rattle around in my brain about what a fortuitous opportunity the Dauntless would be for me. Everything I could want in a contract is on the table.

I jump as a woman’s voice hits my brain. “I see you found the brag case.”

A beautiful black woman wearing a dark gray power suit with a bright red shirt and shoes approaches as she extends her hand. “Hi. I’m Georgie.”

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