Page 88 of Scored

My little pep talk did little to calm my now-taut nerves.

A text message came from another of my directors. Misty Barton oversaw facility and building maintenance. Her message said the doors to the building were officially open. The fans entering the concourse had many options for filling the next hour. Food and beverage counters were open as well as the Coopers’ stadium store selling team merchandise.

During last Friday’s event, Lip reported that we sold as much merchandise as a regular season home-game day. Saturday sales during the divisional round game were double the regular season games.

Gavin’s voice came through my radio. “Ms. Athens and her colleagues are here.”

“I’m behind section 112.”

It didn’t take long for Virginia to find me. “Are you all right?” she asked.

I nodded. “This was probably silly of me. The stadium’s security is the best.”

“Ms. Hubbard,” a tall gentleman said. “My name is Omer Boyd, and this” —he pointed to the other man— “is Raphael Villegas. We’ve worked with Mr. Marsh and are familiar with Crystal Light Stadium.”

“Vee,” Virginia said, “what’s your role in tonight’s festivities?”

“To talk to the fans. I’m scheduled to speak to the crowd at seven thirty. Before and after that, I will be mingling.”

She shared a silent moment with her associates. “We’ll be near you.” She lifted a hand. “Not surrounding you. No one will know who we are or why we’re here. I’ll simply be at your side, like an assistant. Similar to how it was in Las Vegas. Omer and Raphael will always have a visual on you.”

“When I mingle, like last week, I shake hands and pose for pictures. People are close.”

“And that’s the way you want it?”

I nodded. “It is. I’m the new face of the Coopers.”

“When will this be over?”

“Ten. I want to stay for the entire event. I owe it to the fans.”

CHAPTER 36

Vee

“Tomorrow,” Virginia said, “we’ll track down who sent the roses. May we see them?”

I nodded. “Follow me.”

Fans had begun entering the concourse. There was a buzz in the air, electricity and excitement like that of before a game. This event wasn’t a game. Nevertheless, it was timed to precision.

“This is fantastic,” Virginia said, looking around at all the props. “Quite the production for a one-evening event.” She lowered her voice. “I’m sorry. I’m not much of a sports fan.”

“It’s never too late.”

She nodded.

“Last year,” I began, “the Coopers made it to the championship round. However, we fought from a wild-card slot. We hosted the divisional game. This year with being first seed, we get to host the divisional and championship rounds. It’s an honor. Lexington has been so supportive of our team. This is us giving back to them.”

“Mayor Watson has arrived,” came through my radio.

“Have her meet me,” I said, “by the small stage.”

“Roger.”

“Lexington’s mayor?” Viriginia asked.

“Yes. She has her own security.”