I nod and wipe my palms on my thighs.
“As discussed previously, being part of Waverly’s longstanding mascot tradition is no small undertaking. The Wildcat is our greatest symbol and students who take on the role have big shoes—and expectations—to fill.”
I swallow though my mouth is drier than a cotton ball.
“I’d like to start out by congratulating you on rising to the occasion.” A smile breaks across his face and relief washes over me, my shoulders going loose. “We got off to a rocky start, but you made the mascot your own this season and you’ve done a commendable job.” He pauses. “Despite the unpleasant circumstances that led you to the role, I knew you could do it, if you put in the work.”
“Thank you.” A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “It was actually kind of fun once I got the hang of performing.”
He flashes me a quizzical look. “Would you like to stay on for the rest of the semester?”
Not even a little. “I appreciate the offer, but with gymnastics ramping up, that won’t be possible.”
Coach Miller grins.
Unlike Coach Sharpe, she knows just how hard it’s been for me to get in my twenty hours of conditioning and practice while fulfilling my Wildcat duties and maintaining my GPA.
“Very well.” He gives a curt nod. “Our regular mascot will be stateside next week, so I think it’s safe to say you can officially hang up your paws.”
Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.
Coach Miller shifts in her chair, turning her body toward mine. “I asked Coach Sharpe if I could be here today because I’ve been watching you closely this semester, Sutton.”
I stiffen, my muscles going taut.
“Over the last three months, you’ve shown a great deal of determination and fortitude as you worked to juggle your responsibilities and meet your obligations.”
“Thank you.”
A warm glow sparks in my chest. I wasn’t looking for praise, but it’s nice to have my efforts acknowledged. This has been the most challenging semester of my college career, but it’s also been the most rewarding, which is strange since I haven’t actually been competing.
“You may not realize it, but you’ve grown tremendously this semester, both as a leader and as a person. You embraced the role of the Wildcat and whether you meant to or not, you impressed me.” No small feat. The woman is unflappable. “Which is why I’m naming you Junior Captain this year.”
I bolt upright, heart hammering against my ribcage. “Really?”
“You’ve earned it.” She gives me a pointed look, one slender brow arched. “And lucky for you, I believe in second chances.”
You know, I think I’m starting to believe in them myself.
“Thank you.” There are about a hundred more where that came from, but I manage to hold them back. “I won’t let you down, Coach.”
I’m walking on air as I exit the building and pull out my phone to text Maddie the news, but I don’t get a chance because I’ve got sixteen unread messages.
Brooke: The United G deal fell through. They decided to “go in a different direction.” *sobbing emoji*
I nearly drop my phone as I reread her text. Brooke’s been negotiating the name, image, likeness deal with United G for weeks. They said she was the perfect athlete to endorse their brand.
How could this happen?
I scan the rest of the thread, so lost in the exchange I barely notice my fingers stiffen from the cold as I make my way up University Drive.
Soraya: That’s bullshit. They’ve been stringing you along for months.
Maddie: I’m so sorry.
Brooke: I can’t believe this. Just last week, the rep told me they were drawing up the contract, but that I had to be exclusive, so I declined the Pinnacle deal.
No.Nonono. I’m no expert, but my father works in sourcing and I’ve picked up a thing or two about negotiations over the years. Rule number one? A deal isn’t done until the contract is signed by both parties.
