Page 1 of Falling Offsides

ONE

COURTNEY

“You can’t bail now.You’re there. This is your thing.”

A sigh vibrates past my pressed lips like a raspberry as I step out of the Uber and drag my carry-on behind me to the front of The Los Angeles Comets training facility.

This is my dad’s first home while their arena is his second. This is why Mom divorced him when I was nine, and why we’re blood related acquaintances.

“Dude…” Delilah presses—my best friend is as bossy as they come, and if it wasn’t for her helping me pack my bag and driving me to the airport, I might never have made it here for the temporary team photographer summer job my dad called me up with last week.

Their official photographer went into early labor and her interim person isn’t starting until the beginning of the season.

So here I am… a damn mess.

“Court, this is your summer. Besides, do you really want to come back so soon after your argument with Martin?”

Ugh, my stepdad is an asshole.

“I know, I just—God, Dee, I feel like I’m about to hurl.”

“Totally normal,” she replies through the phone, voice breezy. “You’re walking into a dream job in the city of dreams. Cue imposter syndrome, sweaty pits, and temporary amnesia.”

“I seriously considered going back to the airport.”

“I’d hunt you down, sedate you, and wheel you back there with a tripod strapped to your hip.”

I exhale with a chuckle. “Not dramatic at all.”

“I’m just saying—you’re in L.A., babe. If the panic gets worse, find yourself a dispensary and a gummy shaped like a peach. Chill that shit right out.”

Jesus Christ. “Delilah.”

“I’m being practical.”

“Pretty sure The Comets don’t want their team photographer tripping balls mid-practice.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing. I’d happily trip all over those balls.”Oh my God.“Seriously, though… microdose and channel your inner Ansel Adams.”

I swear, I don’t know what to do with her sometimes, but mostly, I don’t know what I’d do without her and her stupid humor.

The tension wrapped around my bones eases just enough to let me breathe as I meander to the revolving doors and pause. In spite of all the feelings, this is a dream moment for me. It’s my first professional photography job. I think it might be the best graduation present Dad could have ever given me. Let’s be real, how many graduates get an opportunity to work for a NHL team right out of the bat?

Sucking in a deep breath, I allow my eyes to scale the sleek steel and glass building, bold lettering catching sunlight over the entrance.

Los Angeles Comets.

Suddenly, the nerves are back. All of them.

“Fuck, Dee. This is big. My dad’s world. What if?—”

“What if it’s amazing?” Delilah cuts in. “What if it’s not about your dad at all, and it’s about you finally doing what you love, for real?”

Even though I nod, my feet hesitate when I force myself to step into the revolving door.

“He’s proud of you, Court. Let him be. You don’t owe him anything, but you don’t have to run, either. You’re allowed to be scared and still show the fuck up.”

A breath.

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