Page 8 of Lavender and Linebackers

“Well then, I think right now we should switch the narrative. Instead of worrying about Ryder and his role in this arrangement, let’s be indifferent toward him and grateful for the opportunity past you is giving to future you.”

Opportunity.

I force myself not to think about him, but all the late nights, hours, heart, and soul she and I have poured into this program. What the Tarpons are giving us has the potential to impact so many little lives, and this grounds me.

I sit up a little straighter. “You’re right. It’s all about perspective, and I need to change mine.”

Is it unfortunate that I’m being forced to spend time with him? Yes. But I can handle it. I’ve handled worse.

“Come on, let’s get the server to take a video of us toasting. You never know who’s watching, and we need it to look like we’re celebrating something big at dinner. Which we are. This opportunity is amazing. Besides, I’m wearing this bracelet today by Georginna that I can link to purchase.” She waves the bracelet in front of me. It is beautiful. It’s made of gold wires woven together, and a large piece of sea glass sits on her wrist.

“Oh, that will definitely get some sales. It’s beautiful.”

She orders us both a glass of sangria. The server takes a video of us toasting and a picture for the cover of the reel. As we both take a few minutes to post across our different social media platforms, I mentally work to turn this ache in the pit of my stomach into excitement. She’s right. Future me can’t wait to announce the sponsorship. Just the swag bags alone will be extraordinary. And the look on all their sweet faces? This one hundred percent lifts my spirits.

She’s also right about the toast. You never know who’s watching, and in case he is, he needs to see that I’m opportunistic and unaffected. Screw him for making my emotions waver. While I don’t think I could ever truly hate him, what I’m feeling is pretty close to it. All the more reason to keep my priorities in check, keep focus on the big picture for the Mighty Monarchs, and no matter what, when it comes to Ryder, keep the upper hand.

Chapter 4

Ryder

The past couple of days have been miserable. Practice has picked up even more in intensity now that the season is official. The heat has been unbearable in the stadium as we’ve begun amping up for those Sunday one o’clock games in the sun, and there’s no one I can talk to about this situation.

This reminds me a lot of my first couple of weeks at Clemson. I was the new guy then, just like I am now, and it sucks. When they say first impressions are last impressions, they really mean it when it comes to team sports. The only problem is that the first impression lasts weeks and, most times, months.

Being a rookie professional player means the upper management believes you might be able to succeed at this elevated level, not that you already have.

In college, I was considered a star on the team, one of the best, but here everyone is a star, and everyone is the best. I’m now competing against players who are faster, stronger, and more experienced. They will do anything to retain their spot and not lose it. It’s all part of the dream.

As a rookie, now is the time when coaches want to see how smart I am and if I can learn the playbook quickly. They’re keeping a close eye on my character to see how I handle pressure and criticism, while staying humble and not getting defensive. They watch us on and off the field to see how disciplined we are and how we behave in public. And, well, mostly, I have to earn the team’s trust and contribute to the overall locker-room environment.

But being here, with this thrown at me, now not only do I have to dazzle them with the rookie first impression, but I also feel another layer because I have to prove myself even more to the team and the fans to be worthy of this large campaign. It’s a lot of pressure, and no one wants to hear me complaining about a marketing campaign that anyone else would give their firstborn for.

Complaining about a girl.

I even want to punch myself in the face.

Letting out a deep sigh, I mentally close all the boxes in my brain pertaining to Alice, as I shift gears to emotionally prepare for what I’m about to do.

Today is the first event: the photo shoot. It’s in the same room where I came for my individual team photo. It’s a large room, and it’s permanently set up like a studio, complete with backdrops, lighting, props, a studio-like setting for interviews, and changing rooms. I was elated when I stood here before, donned in my new professional uniform. How could I not be? I’ve worked incredibly hard to get here. But today, all I feel is dread.

Shake it off, Ryder.

Shake. It. Off.

I roll my shoulders back and tilt my head from side to side, hoping for that crack of relief.

I know how to keep my composure. I know how to be professional. I’ve had plenty of experience over the years mentally blocking her out, and this will be no different.

This is just another day.

Another assignment.

Truth is, I don’t know her anymore, and she doesn’t know me. Her face may look familiar, but the reality is, she’s a stranger. A stranger I want nothing to do with.

I can do this.

Stephen, from brand management, is the first person to spot me when I enter the room. He nods, and I make my way toward him, taking in all of the chaos. There are a lot of people, and there’s a lot more activity buzzing around than when I was here before. Gretchen has a swarm of marketing people around her, and there are set design people, technical people, the photographer and a videographer, and the stylist people, including hair and makeup, which is where I find Alice. She looks as indifferent as I do, and for some reason, this brings me a small amount of joy. We may be strangers, but I can still read her. She’s faking it until she makes it too.