“It’s okay,” she laughs, giving me a nudge. “You can call them Kyler and Baker.”
“I don’t know them well enough to call them by their first names.” I look down at my glass, considering a refill. “It’s not professional.”
“I think you’re going to have to let the professional part of all of this go. At least behind the scenes. We all know what’s happening.”
I look up at her, wide eyed. “Nothing is happening. I’m not…”
She didn’t say it, and I won’t give her the words.
“I think you are.” My bestie puts an arm around my shoulders. “Just relax. Let it happen.”
CHAPTER 9
Knox
Facing off against the Falcons, I played stronger than I have all season. I took the checkdown, and holy shit, make the feedback stop.
Melody still won’t text me before the games, but I’ve decided it’s okay as long as we’re winning. I catch up with her after, and her insights are frustratingly helpful. Why won’t she give me this first?
Austin
You’re playing better. Is it because of her or your coaches?
My lips tighten, and I remember when we were in LA, and he said I should listen to her a little more. He said she knew her stuff.
I said she never criticized him. He onlylaughed.
Knox
It’s not because of my coaches. They seem to think I’ll figure it out on my own.
Austin
Some players do. Did you?
My chin flexes, and I reply honestly.
Knox
No.
Our phones are silent, and I know he’s thinking I should have. I know he’s thinking I was raised in this, surrounded by the entire Bradford legacy, and it took a petite female podcaster to tell me to get my head out of my ass?
Austin
Whatever, it worked. We all have a tendency to get in our own heads.
And that’s why my brother is going to be a fantastic coach. He doesn’t make you feel like an idiot. He praises hard work, and he doesn’t shame you for your journey.
Knox
Thanks, bro.
Austin
Just experience talking. Atlanta is a tough team. You should be proud. You’re 2-1. Starting off strong.
I disagree with that last bit, but I’ll take his words of encouragement. Up next are the Titans. We’re traveling to Tennessee to see if we can make that 3-1.
