Page 11 of Best Year Ever
So curious, I even texted a linebacker buddy, Alex, who’d played football at the same sports academy that she trained at as a teenager, asking him to tell me what he knew about Rori.
“Everyone was a little infatuated with her,” Alex admitted. “She was hot, smart, and fearless. Most of the guys were intimidated too, because she was known as a bit of a heartbreaker. She had no time for any of us if we were being dumbasses, and when she did hook up with someone, it never lasted long before she wrote them off.”
Not sure what to do with that information, I tucked it away. New Year’s was only a one-night stand, right? So when she seemed to spot me in the stands at the Australian Open, even with the higher-level seats I got far away from the court, I quickly ushered Rawley out of the stadium. No need to make things weird after a one-night stand.
That doesn’t detract from my attention on her now, my eyes glued to the TV.
She took that semifinal loss like a champ, it seems. The combination of her comeback story after the knee injury, her rise through the ranks since the quarterfinals of last year’s Wimbledon and U.S. Open, and her semifinal breakthrough at the Australian Open has been catnip to the press. She has been everywhere on the American media over the last two weeks.
As if on cue, the interviewer asks, “You recently were on Jimmy Kimmel and did a skit on Saturday Night Live, on top of interviews like this. Is this theRori Reilly moment? Are you enjoying yourself?”
For a split second, I can see her mind whirling to figure out what she wants to say. “I’m a tennis player and athlete at heart, to be totally honest. I would rather be on a court with a racquet in my hand than on television.” She gives a small laugh, and the interviewer joins in politely. “But it’s been fun to do these newthings. My mom always loved those shows, so it feels like a tribute to her.”
“Oh yes, I’m so sorry about your mom,” the host says, wearing a sympathetic expression. “She passed when you were young, right? And that’s why you donate so much time to breast cancer causes?”
“Thank you, yes. I love to do anything that I can to be part of the fight to end breast cancer,” Rori responds.
I had seen that in the Google search I did. A photo of her at a fundraiser last year.
The host turns the conversation to a less heavy topic. At some point, my brothers quieted down to listen too, all of us locked into the TV.
“Yes, it’s fun to pick out the outfits I wear for each match,” Rori says, indulging a frivolous question. “I even designed my latest tennis shoes.”
“She’s hot,” Rawley mumbles out. I send a glare his way.
“She’s a badass, as you saw for yourself in Australia.”
The interview ends with the host thanking her for coming, and Rori looks at the TV camera to say goodbye. “Thank you to all my fans out there. I hear every cheer on the court and I appreciate it.”
With that remark, they cut the interview and transition to a feel-good, non-sports story. Rawley sighs and starts flicking through the channels again. My cue to stand up and find something more productive to do, like order the meal for Grace’s birthday dinner happening tonight after we get back from the boat outing.
Within thirty seconds, however, my phone rings.
“Hey, man,” Johnson responds when I say hello. “I’m sorry to rush this, but I need to ask a favor.”
“Sure, what’s up?” I respond.
“My sister’s gone into early labor and it isn’t looking great,” he explains. “I want to get there right away to help her and Mom,but I have a commitment the day after tomorrow. A photo shoot down in Miami for that new brand Triumph.”
Johnson, as starting quarterback of our team, is even more of a staple of advertisements and endorsements than I am. No surprise a new company would want him as their face.
“Aiden’s about to call you right after this,” he says, referencing our mutual agent. “Is there any way you could cover for me in the photo shoot? They said they would love to have you, and Aiden’s already working on the contract specifics.”
I hear the pain and stress in Johnson’s voice and don’t hesitate. “Sure, absolutely, let me hash it out with Aiden. I’m chilling for the next week, so no big deal to help. Today’s busy with Grace’s birthday and my kid brothers are here, but they leave early tomorrow morning. It should work fine.”
I hear him sigh with relief, and I commiserate. I cannot imagine what he is going through. “I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. I hope everything goes okay.”
“You’re the best, I owe you, Landon,” Johnson says, using my full first name, a sign of how intensely he is feeling. “I’m going to jump off, but Aiden should be calling now.”
Grace walks in with Grover as we both hang up. “Everything okay?” she asks, probably noting the serious expression on my face.
“Yes, yes, but I think I need to go to Miami the day after tomorrow,“ I respond. On cue, my phone is ringing, with the caller ID showing it’s Aiden.
“Hey,” I say as I pick up. “Johnson told me a little about this Triumph shoot, and I think I’m good to help. I was just going to decompress this week.”
“Great, I appreciate it,” Aiden replies. “I’m working with them on transferring the contract under the assignment clause now. They’d keep the same pay structure though, which is a little less upfront because they’re a new brand.”
I pause at that. “Okay, well, how much less?”
