Page 67 of Off Camera
What?
Her fingers fly across the screen, and my phone buzzes again.
Avery
I have someone asking if you all provide headphones for fans who might be overstimulated, or if they need to bring their own.
Me
Why are they asking you?
Avery
Because I posted about our game against the Titans next Sunday, and they were curious.
I look out at her again, and she’s staring at her phone, waiting for me to answer.
Me
Oh. Yeah, we do. We also have a sensory room available for use during games.
Avery
Really?
Me
It was installed a few years ago. A step in making sporting events more inclusive.
I’ve checked it out a few times. It’s quieter than my office at halftime, and there’re always people in there. Wish it was the norm.
I wait for her to lob a witty one-liner back at me. Something sarcastic and full of sass like she usually does. Her mouth curves into a soft smile, the hint of her dimple popping on her cheek as she bites her bottom lip.
Avery
Thanks.
Me
Yep.
She holds her planner to her chest. When she walks around her desk, she stops in her tracks and stares at the rubber duck hiding behind a mason jar that’s being used to hold pencils.
“What the hell?” she mumbles, turning the duck upside down. She snaps a photo of it and sets it back down. “Weird.”
I sigh in relief when she leaves the office and shuts the door firmly behind her.
“Oh my god.” Maverick collapses to the floor. “That’s the longest I’ve ever gone without talking.”
“How did you survive?” I ask.
He pushes the door open and gulps down a breath of air. “It was tough.”
“She found the first duck. The plan is in motion.”
“I wonder how long it’s going to take before she realizes it was you.”
“Probably not long,” I say. “Who else would do this?”
