Maddie: Can you go back to Pinnacle and say you changed your mind?
Brooke: I already tried. They gave my spot to someone else.
Soraya: Did you explain to United G that you declined the other offer in good faith?
Brooke: Yeah. The rep said there’s nothing she can do.
Of course. Because to United G, it’s just business. Another day, another dollar. I want to be surprised, but… There was a story in the news recently about a female athlete who was pregnant with her first child and her sponsor wanted to cut her pay as a result. Some crap about her not being at peak performance.
Brooke: Some bullshit about the executive team changing creative.
Soraya: That’s seriously fucked.
Brooke: Tell me about it. I worked my ass off to keep my content fresh, and this is what I have to show for it?
Maddie: I will NEVER wear another United G leo.
Maddie: In fact, I’m throwing every single one I own in the trash right now.
The message is followed by a hot garbage GIF.
Soraya: Agreed. They’re trash, just like their management.
Brooke: *sad face emoji*
My fingers fly over the screen as I type a reply, anger fueling my movements.
Me: I’m so sorry, Brooke. Girls’ night at our place?We can eat ice cream and burn our leos together. *fire emoji*
No way am I going to continue supporting a company that treats athletes like disposable, interchangeable assets. I’d rather compete naked than be seen wearing one of their leotards after the way they’ve treated Brooke.
We make plans to meet up and as I walk home, frustration twists my stomach. The way United G treated Brooke is inexcusable. If she’d had someone looking out for her, someone with experience to help navigate the murky waters of NIL, this never would’ve happened.
But she didn’t.
She was on her own because she’s twenty years old and hails from a family of scientific researchers. Her parents might be experts in their fields, but Brooke said herself that they know jack about negotiating endorsement deals.
And United G took complete advantage.
After all, it’s easy to screw over inexperienced athletes when you’ve got deep pockets and there’s no one to stop you.
It’s the way of the world.
No. I refuse to accept that jaded outlook. Brooke—and every other student athlete hustling to excel at their sport and put fans in the seats—deserves better.
If only there was a way to make it happen.
38
SUTTON
“What wouldyou say is your biggest weakness?”
Parker rolls his eyes, but flashes me a confident smile, full lips parted to reveal a row of pearly white, camera-ready teeth. “I’m a perfectionist. I like things done right and I’m not one to cut corners, even when it saves time.”
“Dios mío.” I nudge him in the ribs. “You got that answer from one of thoseHow to make a great first impression and ace interviewssites, didn’t you?”
His face goes slack. “I can neither confirm nor deny.”
