RugbyFletch: I am. I’m a fucking team player.
CoachGoldie: With your own camera person and a questionable mid-season departure from your last team and endorsement deals for wine…
RugbyFletch: You want to add in “you’re old” there too?
CoachGoldie: Everyone’s bodies age at different rates depending on genetics and environmental factors.
RugbyFletch: The camera person is for the team. It’s for the whole damn league.
CoachGoldie: I know.
RugbyFletch: It is.
CoachGoldie: I KNOW. I believe you. Your goals are not in question, and I understand your theory and your methodology. And it seems to be working, and it’s benefitting the entire team. Sometimes at great personal discomfort to you.
RugbyFletch: Oh. Thank you.
CoachGoldie: So what happened with your last team?
RugbyFletch: Thanks for letting the world think you’re my girlfriend. I’ll issue a press release saying we’ve decided we’re better off as friends.
CoachGoldie: Being honest with your teammates is the first step in building trust. It doesn’t matter if I believe you when you say that you want to grow American rugby. It matters that your teammates believe you and know they can count on you out on the pitch.
RugbyFletch: Think I know a thing or two about being part of a team.
CoachGoldie: You wouldn’t have had a career as long as you have if you didn’t. But you’ve never started with a fresh team that knows it’s a step down for you to play with them and that your availability happened under questionable circumstances that might not have been your own choice.
RugbyFletch: Have you been reading the news about me?
CoachGoldie: I sometimes talk to a couple of your teammates, remember?
RugbyFletch: I’m not discussing this in places that can have screenshots made.
CoachGoldie: Afraid you’ll use them against yourself?
RugbyFletch: Yes.
CoachGoldie: LOL. At least you’re honest.
RugbyFletch: I don’t mind that people think we’re dating.
CoachGoldie: I’m leaving the country in ten days.
RugbyFletch: I know. That’s why I don’t mind if people think we’re dating. But if you want me to set the record straight, I will.
CoachGoldie: Enjoy the attention while it lasts. Time an announcement right so that you can get a whole stadium full of women hoping to catch your attention. And if you ever do want to talk about whatever it was that happened in England, I happen to know someone who’s a good listener with a strong sense of morals about not divulging private information.
RugbyFletch: Is she hot?
CoachGoldie: He’s eighty-three and has been the community theater’s choice actor every time there’s a play that requires a troll. He needs very little makeup to fit the role.
RugbyFletch: So she IS hot. And she likes me.
CoachGoldie: You have this weird knack for being a good friend in completely unexpected ways despite your naturally annoying personality. Some people might want to return the favor. That’s all.
RugbyFletch: You don’t owe me anything. You’ve already been far more helpful than I deserve.
CoachGoldie: Everyone deserves good things, Fletcher. Even stubborn rugby players who don’t want to talk about their feelings.
