Page 5 of Protecting Player #73
For as long as I can remember, I’ve crushed on the man something fierce. While I only know of his personality from the tabloids, I’ve always had this weird fantasy of him being a sweet guy with a gruff exterior; however, after our locker room exchange, that theory is shot. Unless, of course, it’s a deep-seated, hidden, sweet attitude that would only shine with the right woman at his side.
A girl can dream, I suppose. Though mine have been stymied thanks to a contract and a preference to establish a career first. My parents were initially skeptical about my major, but Alex brought them around, and they began to support me, which has bolstered my confidence.
Since my early teens, I’ve been fascinated by social media and how it could transform the world for a business or a team, and I wanted to be a part of that. Dabbling in it over that first summer, just to get my name out there and gain references for my resume, I realized I had chosen the right profession.
I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of ReelShotz. What works, what doesn’t, how to stay within the consumer’s eyesight, and make the algorithm work to my benefit. Then I learned graphic design, video enhancement, editing, and testing videos and image reels to gauge popularity. I enjoyed doing live videos, and once the chance arose to do these things for someone else, I had four viral videos in three days.
Blowing this opportunity is not an option. I’ve spent a small fortune on video equipment, along with one of the best still image cameras on the market. If I fail, it’ll all be for nothing.
Wandering the field, I stick to the outskirts and shoot pictures of the players as they practice, laugh, and cheer each other on, then shift my attention to the coaches. Watching them scribble on clipboards, point and shout at players, blow whistles, and huddle to talk about progress.
“So, who are you?” I jump and spin around at a male voice behind me. It’s Cash Rowan, removing his gloves as he waits on my answer.
“I’m Brea King, your new social media manager.” I offer him my hand and could swear T.K. growls as he sprints past us to grab a water bottle.
Cash smirks as he regards his teammate. “Cash Rowan, QB. So, you’re taking pictures and videos…?”
I nod. “I’ll also be conducting interviews when the coaches allow me to. I might also travel with the team occasionally, as long as things go well.”
His eyes scan my body, but I don’t get the same feeling as when men do it in a sexual manner. It’s more like he’s sizing me up. “Sounds interesting. Care to interview me now? I’ve got five minutes before huddling up. Jacob Badry will be ready after me.”
Turning my head towards the wide receiver, he throws up a wave before dropping his head and focusing on the play. “Sure. You okay if we go live? I did a short one yesterday, and it went viral in minutes.”
At first, he seems skeptical. “No overly personal questions.” The boundary is set.
“Promise. I’ll keep it about the game and maybe some preseason activities.” He contemplates my offer for a moment, then agrees. To position him better, we walk farther away from the team to subdue the noise. After scouting the stadium for the perfect backdrop, I attach the rod to my phone to keep it at the optimum distance. “Ready?” I get a thumbs up.
Hitting the live button, I wait three seconds, then begin. “Hey, Settlers Nation, it’s me, Brea, back with an exciting first preseason interview with none other than your favorite quarterback, Cash Rowan!”
He pops into view, wraps an arm across my shoulders, and smiles brightly. “Hey, fam, how’s those summer vacays going?”
Comments flood in.
“Yesterday, I asked you guys to drop some questions for our players, and Cash has graciously agreed to answer a few. But we only have a couple of minutes, so let's start with…” I tap my finger to my cheek, pretending to think about it. “What was the first thing you did after your last game against the Seattle Westerners when you were eliminated from the playoffs?”
I wince as he cringes and shakes his head.Too fresh?I hope not. “I spent the night drinking the loss away with Kace and Jacob. We had it, man. We had the game, then a wicked shift sent us off course, and the rest is history.”
“Did you learn anything from that loss?”
“Yeah, Brogan Bennett has one hell of a throw.” He laughs, thinking about the Westerners' own QB.
“Fair, fair. Okay, so last question, because I can see Coach Rogers glaring our way…. What team do you want to play in the Victory Bowl this year?”
Cash squeezes my shoulder, looking amused. “I love that you believe in us enough to think we’ll make it. I’d love to play the San Antonio Rattlers. They’ve got a competitive game, and I’d like to show them our prowess.”
“Coach is waving you over. Thanks for hanging with us, Cash!”
“Anytime, princess.” After dropping a kiss on my temple, he yells for Jacob and rushes back to the field.
“Well, I guess we get Jacob Badry now.” I smile brightly because Jacob is one of the sweetest guys on and off the field.
“Hey, Rip City fam, let’s get this show on the road. What do you want to ask me, princess?”Oh boy, I get the feeling this nickname will spread around.
“How about… What’s your pregame meal?” It was a comment that scrolled by while talking to Cash.
“Ohhhh”–he rubs his hands together–“I like a thick turkey sandwich on seven-grain bread, with jalapeno cheese, honey mustard, spinach, and a side of fresh fruit. I’ll also have a strawberry banana smoothie with low-fat Greek yogurt and chia seeds.” He nearly looks like he’s drooling just thinking about it.
“That sounds delicious.” I’m oddly craving it now.
