“Hey, all. I know we’re excited about the games this weekend and getting some revenge on the Rattlers for beating us in the championship last year. But before that, we need to take care of our fans. I know most of you know already, but I wanted tomake sure we get this out to you now. Tomorrow morning we’ll need to get here around eleven so we can be ready for the FanFest the marketing department is getting ready for us?—”
“Didn’t you come up with the idea?” I ask, using a towel to wipe my face. I need a shower, but I’ll wait until the chat is done.
Clark smiles. “I gave them a stick-figure drawing, and they’re putting together a masterpiece. Which goes to say that it’s always better when you have a team behind you.”
“Don’t we always do this?” Corbyn, one of the new guys, asks.
Clark shakes his head, as do all the returning players. “No, lacrosse is still a newer sport here in Utah, and we’re trying to get a bunch of people to catch on. That’s why we did the intermission game at the hockey game and why we’ve been trying to come up with more ideas that will draw crowds throughout the season.”
Coach Martin walks in at the end of Clark’s words. “Those crowds help pay your bills and for the facilities. Remember that when you’re with the fans. We keep our language and words clean, and we give them something they’ll never forget. Be excited and happy, willing to take pictures, and sign as many autographs as needed.”
We all nod, and I’m grateful for the leadership he shows.
“I’ll send out the shifts and stations you’ll be assigned to in the group app later tonight,” Clark says, turning to look at me. “Make sure your notifications are on.”
They finish up, and I head to the shower, enjoying the calm of the water hitting me. When I get out, I change quickly and check the time. I’m supposed to be at the restaurant in thirty minutes. I’ll be playing lacrosse for the next four days, so this is the best time to get my time in.
Walking out, I see Jessa. “Hey, you’re back.”
She nods. “Yeah, we got in about an hour ago.”
I raise an eyebrow. “And you’re here? Don’t they let you have time off after a flight?”
Laughing, she says, “Not with everything going on with your team this weekend. We’re all hands on deck to make it the best experience possible.”
Nodding, I say, “I appreciate it.”
“Laney is up at headquarters working on something, but she’ll be back later today at the house.”
I try to feign disinterest, but I know Jessa can see right through me.
“I’m glad everyone made it back safely. I’ve got to head to my other job, but I’ll see you soon.”
“I think Clark is having a roommate dinner tonight. I’ll see you there.”
I grin. “Oh, you think you’re a roommate, huh?”
She shakes her head. “You know you’d all be lost without me.”
“That’s probably true,” I say. I wave goodbye and head over to my truck and get in. The trip to the restaurant isn’t too far away, but it’s going to be tight. I hope Aliana isn’t at the front when I get there. But I don’t focus on that so much as the fact that Laney is back in the state, and I won’t get to see her for hours still.
CHAPTER 24
LANEY
“Come with me to the lax house,” Jessa says, waving for me to follow her out of the house. “It’s dinner we don’t have to cook.”
“It’s also for roommates and those dating the roommates,” I say.
Jessa laughs. “I’m only dating one roommate, not the whole house.”
“True, but I don’t think that extends to me. I’ll just make one of those meals I got at the store the other day.”
She turns up her nose and says, “A freezer meal?”
I laugh. “Not a freezer meal. Those things are like cardboard versus everything I had as a kid.It’s like actual food, but I just have to heat it up on the stovetop.”
“Laney, I’m asking you as a friend to come eat dinner at the lacrosse house. Please?” she asks, giving me a pleading smile.
