In the elevator, Roger makes small talk about how funny the preschoolers were at lessons and how nice Winterbrook Community Center is. I nod along but can’t shake the nagging worry that something is up.
When we reach my room, Roger sits in a compact leather chair while I perch on the couch. He leans forward. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”
I rest my elbows on my knees. “Okay.”
Roger takes a deep breath before continuing. “Mr. Mynt would like to interview you for a short athlete profile video.”
“Okay.” I’m relieved. Although I don’t like talking or being on camera, I’ve done interviews before.
“The thing is,” he pauses. “He wants you to talk about your life story.”
“Like what my life is like as an athlete?”
Roger brings a finger to his lips. “Yes, but also about…your childhood.”
The oxygen begins to drain from my lungs like a deflating balloon. “You don’t mean…the accident, do you?”
I watch him nod his head yes. I can’t tell if he’s actually nodding in slow motion or if that’s just how I’m seeing it.
“Remember how I told you that he loves a comeback story? Well, he heard about your hardship and how you’ve overcome the tragedy. He’s amazed by your resilience, and he thinks Mynt apparel consumers will be inspired by your strength.”
My jaw clenches and heat fills my chest. “When you said that he loves a comeback story, I thought you were talking about my injury. You let me believe it was about how I’ve been overcoming my wrist injury.”
Roger lifts a hand. “I never said that.”
“Well that’s what I thought you meant.” I stand, needing to move before the anger explodes out of me. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. The answer is no. There’s no way I’m gonna let him use my family’s pain to market sweatshirts.”
I march toward the door when I hear Roger say, “Your coach, Graham, isn’t on an extended holiday, Eddie.”
I spin on my heel to face him. “What?”
Roger walks toward me and shrugs, “I didn’t want to worry you. I know this is already a difficult time of year, plus the wrist injury…but, I had to let Graham go. We just don’t have the money to pay him.”
I feel like I might pass out. “I don’t have a coach anymore?”
“We can get him back, if you do the interview. Mr. Mynt knows that it’s a big ask, so I negotiated. He’s willing to pay.”
“Roger,” I groan. “That’s even worse. I can’t sell my family’s story.”
“Eddie, it’s not just your family’s story. It’s your story. Maybe it’s time to tell it. You never know who you might be able to positively impact.”
I shake my head. “No. The answer is no. I won’t do it.”
“Eddie, I know how much you want to break into the top ten, to win a major. You’re almost there. We need this money—not just to keep Graham on, but to keep up your physical therapy.” He rubs his forehead. “I didn’t take a salary this month, but I can’t keep doing that. I have a wife, bills to pay.”
“Roger, why didn’t you say anything?”
“I know how hard you’re working. I believe in you, and I don’t mind taking a hit every now and then. The Mynt Apparel sponsorship and interview is game-changing money. Will you please, just think about doing the interview?”
I squeeze the bridge of my nose, willing the headache coming on to disappear. “I can’t do it.”
“I’m going to check back with you tomorrow evening. Please, just take a day to think about it.”
Roger pats my shoulder as he passes by, out the door.
Chapter 10
Maya
