Page 19 of All Too Well
“So, how amazing is it to be a journalist?”
“It’s not all that glamorous. Especially when your boss makes you write about hats and colors for the last six months, but this article is my big break, or at least I’m going to make it be one.”
“You said you’re writing about Lachlan but not the fire?”
I nod. “Yes, about his life and how he’s still involved in sports. I’m hoping to find out more regarding the team he’s with now.”
Hazel’s brows shoot up. “Wait, you’re writing about the team he plays on now?”
“I am! I’m really excited to write about all the sports.” I take a sip of the best coffee I’ve ever had. “Oh my God, this is amazing.”
“I added a splash of brown sugar at the end. It brings a nice little kick.”
It’s heavenly. Seriously, I’m going to be here as much as I can. “This is absolutely my favorite coffee place I’ve ever been. I’m definitely going to put this in the article.”
Her eyes brighten and she perks up. “Really?”
“Absolutely. Sports and coffee sound like a great mix.”
“Well, you’re welcome to spend as much time here as you want. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy writing about his Ultimate Frisbee league.”
She has got to be kidding. “Ultimatewhat?”
Hazel giggles. “Yeah, it’s as stupid as it sounds, but they’re very competitive. It gets pretty crazy around their tournaments.”
“Wait,” I say, putting my hand up. “You mean Lachlan West is playing on an UltimateFrisbeeteam? The Heisman Trophy–winning ball-throwing guy?”
“Same one.”
I let out a huff. “Oh. Wow. I didn’t even know that was a thing. Who elseis on this team?”
“It’s mostly a college league, but they allow Lachlan’s team in since he’s really good at sports. He recruited a few other guys to play. Killian is a millionaire who owns a dating app company, Miles is the third guy, and he’s a high school principal, and the last is Everett, who is the town veterinarian—and my best friend. All three of them were draft bound too. It’s kinda crazy that they now dothisfor fun, but they love it.”
If I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any.
How in the ever-loving hell am I going to make this sound even remotely exciting? Ultimate Frisbee.
“Well,” I say with a laugh, and doubt starts to creep in. “Okay then. I guess I have a lot to learn.”
This is ... terrible. I’m never going to be able to make this sound cool or interesting. It’s a bunch of old guys who play against college kids.
I’m doomed.
My big break just became a sinking ship of misery.
“You’re totally rethinking making the story about the fire, aren’t you?” Hazel asks and then leans back.
“Kind of,” I admit, my voice going higher at the end. “They want to know where he is now, so I guess this is just what it is. I’ll find a way to make it sound more ... stimulating.”
“Then I wish you luck, and you’re welcome to my writer’s nook anytime.”
“Thank you, I’ll be back for more of this.” I lift the cup.
I pay and then head out to start my investigation to learn more about this league and figure out how to get Lachlan to agree to this story, if there even is one.
“This is a disaster!” I tell Caroline on the phone. “An Ultimate Frisbee league?”
She laughs once. “I mean, too bad it wasn’t old-man baseball. You could at least work with that.”
