Page 55 of Between the Blue
“Yes, I went to the game,” I answer concisely. I’m trying to get to the reason that I came in here, knowing that if I don’t, the fiery determination burning through me may burn out any second and allow me to come to my senses.
“Oh, fantastic!” Tiffany says, clapping her hands together. “And what did we think–”
“I’d like to know more about what’s involved in the internship,” I blurt. “My responsibilities. What’s expected from me. What a day in the life would look like. How this would work with my class schedule. How much creative freedom I’ll have. Who I’ll report to. How involved with the players– I mean…the team– thesportI’ll be. ”
When I finish my ramble and my vision focuses on Tiffany, I see that her brows are raised and her hands are paused mid-air in clapping formation.
I clear my throat, forcing my lips into a smile. “Sorry, I’m just really anxious to learn more about the opportunity and want to make sure I fully understand what I would be getting myself into. Thank you so much for getting me the tickets to the game, by the way.”
“Sure,” Tiffany nods, blinking. “Of course.”
When I give her a tight grin, she laces her fingers together, taking that as her cue to carry on.
“Well,” she begins, “you’d be working for the Texas Storm organization. They need another photographer, but, as I said before, they could really use the extra help in the social media department. They are completely aware of your class schedule and know that your program at AIT is your priority. The position wouldn’t have the set schedule of a typical internship due to the nature of the role. Game and practice schedules will vary. From the conversations I had with them, you’d be expected at all home games and to travel for away games that would only require you to be gone over the weekend and back in time for class on Monday.”
I swallow.
Away games. Traveling. With the team.
I nod, urging her on.
“I’m not entirely sure on the creative freedom front,” Tiffany says, “but you’d be working under the marketing director. I imagine, like every company, they will have some brand guidelines and style standards, but it sounded like they are looking for a creative individual and that they are open to a fresh perspective.”
Well, that sounds good, at least, I tell myself.
“As far as how involved you’d be with the players and…the sport,” Tiffany states, her brows pulling together slightly, “I imagine the answer would be…quite involved. You’ll be photographing them on and off the ice. I know you mentioned you don’t have much experience with hockey, but the preseason goes on for another couple of weeks before the real action gets started. I imagine that should give you enough time to get up to speed enough to feel comfortable.”
You would imagine, wouldn’t you?
“So,” Tiffany speaks up suddenly, making me realize that I’ve been silent for several seconds. “Do you think you’re up for it?”
I glance up at her, my lips parting to reply.
But I don’t.
Do you think you’re up for it?
It sounds a whole lot like,Do you think you’re cut out for it?
And, just like that, I’m revisiting the events from this morning all over again.
I get lost in my thoughts, feeling myself go round and round, and knowing less by the second if I’m ready for this. If I really know what I’m getting myself into.
But what I do know is that Tiffany is currently staring at my surely pale face, waiting expectantly for an answer.
Right on cue, she speaks up again.
“Addie?” she says, leaning forward and tilting her head in what I think is an attempt to get me out of the trance I’ve found myself in. “Should I tell the Texas Storm you’ll be starting tomorrow?”
I swallow against the lump in my throat, blinking hard and meeting her gaze. I blow out a steady breath, straightening my spine.
“Please tell them I’m thankful for the opportunity,” I say to her.
Tiffany raises her brows, clearly sensing there’s more to my statement.
I lift my chin, a tight smile pulling at corners of my mouth.
“And let them know I’ll take it.”
