Carole addresses the women in the room. “Thanks, Dan. What Coach Harrison said applies to the cheerleaders, too.”
“Thank goodness this meeting wasn’t live streamed.”Lexi sighs, looking around the room with a serious expression. “We’ll have one hell of a time editing this footage. Your behavior was completely unbecoming of elite athletes and dancers.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The cheerleaders’ agreement is a little more subdued.
We know that we risk a lot more than the hockey team here. They can’t really get kicked off the team unless they really fuck up. Carole and Lexi still have several cuts to make to the roster to get to thirty-two.
CHAPTER TWELVE
ENDORSEMENTS
COLSEN
“The next part of this class is vital for everything to run smoothly this year.” Carole says once order is restored. “Like we told you several times, the job the Cove Knights and the Shooting Stars will have to do this year goes behind winning games and performing and dancing at elite levels. For Star Cove to get a real bid to our very own NHL team, we have to show the commission how hockey is an important part of the very fabric of this town. To do that, you’ll be asked to participate in appearances and activities beyond training and games. Your increased participation in the life of our community and the popularity that’s resulting from the reality show don’t only translate into obligations.”
Lexi smiles. “That’s right, Carole. Our sponsors and our marketing team have been hard at work from the second the first episode of the reality show aired. They have been paying particular attention to the popularity of each player and each cheerleading candidate ever since you set foot at camp. And I have very interesting results we want to share with you today.”
Lexi clicks on a tiny remote to change the slide on the screen.
Vaughn’s body shot photo is replaced by a chart.
Most Popular Cheerleading Candidates:
Genevieve 81%
Taryn 81%
Talia 68%
Olivia 42%
Hillary 40%
The ratings go down from there. I wonder how much the women’s popularity with the viewers will affect management’s decision when it’s time to make cuts.
The cheerleaders’ reaction to the new information turns into several comments, as expected.
I turn to look at the row above me when I hear Genevieve’s not-so-subtle whisper. “Ugh. Seriously? Taryn and I have the same rating? What do I have to do to get the upper hand? If I don’t, Carole might choose Taryn over me as team captain.”
“Isn’t that up to the team to vote?” Her friend Olivia asks.
“In theory. But Carole and Lexi have the final say.”
I don’t like Gen’s tone and Mack has been listening too. We look at each other and we don’t need to say anything out loud to know that we need to warn Taryn. After the solo incident and the kickline debacle, Taryn should probably watch her back.
But that’s something to keep in mind for later. Lexi moves on to the next slide.
Most Popular Cove Knights:
Macklin Shayba 88%
Tucker Prescott 78%
Colsen Thomas 72%
Nash Belkin 68%
Vaughn Heston 51%
