Page 119 of Home of the Brave

There was a one point four under the hearts. “Fourteen hundred?”

Kendall laughed. “You are so social media illiterate.”

“I’m wounded,” I deadpanned. I jumped on from time to time, but my agent had a team that ran my accounts.

“That’s one million four hundred thousand,” Madi explained. “And counting.”

“One million?” I repeated.

“In three hours,” Amelia beamed. “She’s a star.”

I grabbed Madi’s phone and watched the entire video. Victoria explained she was asking the male athletes their predictions for the women’s finals, then cut to the videos Cambrie recorded. It was quick and concise. She was gorgeous and comfortable in front of the camera, but it didn’t seem that special.

“I don’t understand,” I admitted. “It’s just the predictions. It’s not flashy or––”

“That’s why people like it. She got all the players in one video, not dragging it out or making people wait,” Madi explained.

“She listens to her followers when they say the format they want.” Kendall agreed. “Plus, she has over a million now. People are calling her the people’s reporter.”

“That’s amazing.” That was more than I had.

“Look,” Madi went back to show Victoria’s account, “every video she’s posted since the first prank gets more and more views than the one before.”

There were about twenty posts, more than I knew about. I really should have checked her account sooner. It had completely changed since our first day.

“Thanks, Victoria!” the final girl waved. “Remember to let Taz know we love him.”

“I will,” she smiled and crossed to where we were waiting. “Hey.” She gave me a hug, and I squeezed her before stepping back.

“You’re a celebrity.”

She blushed. “Hardly. I doubt any of the buzz will last past this tournament.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Madi said with a small grin. “You’re the voice of the people.”

“The people’s reporter,” Kendall corrected.

“I like the voice of the people more,” Amelia jumped in.

“Me too, but you don’t get to come up with your own nickname. The fans decided,” Madi argued.

“Maybe we can leave comments with the voice of the people and see if it catches,” Kendall said to Amelia, who nodded.

“I didn’t realize how much your account has grown,” I admitted. “Congrats.”

“Thanks.” She looked around. “I didn’t really plan on this, but I had to take advantage of a great situation when I got the messages about the pranks.”

“Did you ever find out who was behind those?” Madi asked.

“No, maybe they’ll reveal themselves after the tournament is over,” Victoria shrugged. “We’ll see.”

“My money is still on one of the coaches,” Hartman cut in. “They’re the only ones with all the access needed.”

“And the excuse of being so early to practice and games,” Derek eyed his wife. “Or a team trainer.”

Amelia put her hands up. “I know better than to start a war I can’t finish.”

“Well, whoever it is, I want to thank them.” Victoria smiled. “It’s made this week much more interesting.”