Page 31 of Playing to Win
“Again, that’s kind of boring.” She makes a face. “I’m not trying to be rude. I just—I want to do something different.”
“Then let’s do it.”
“It’s not that easy.”
I frown at her. Is she being purposely difficult or what? “Why not?”
“Because Eric is a control freak and he’ll only want to use what he’s made,” Gwen points out, making her words sound logical but…
“He can go ahead and use his stuff and make a bunch of boring bro videos set to AC/DC songs. The dads and alumni will love it.” I send her a look, noting the curiosity in her gaze. “I’m down to put together whatever you want to do, Gwen. We can do this.”
“You want to help me? Really?” She sounds skeptical.
“Yes,” I emphasize. “Let’s go talk to them.”
We both jump to our feet and I start walking, but she grabs my arm, stopping me.
“We probably shouldn’t interrupt their practice.” Gwen nibbles on her lower lip, her gaze going to the team.
I do the same, watching them for a second, how they’re all clustered together, their deep, boisterous voices drifting across the grass as they give each other shit. Eric is standing among them with the camera hanging from his neck by a thick black strap, nodding and smiling and looking so happy, he could practically cry.
I bet he was the sort of kid who loved football growing up but either never gave it a try, or never made the team. Or maybe he played when he was a little kid but then all the guys grew taller and bulked up, while he never really did. Perhaps his parents wouldn’t let him play, too worried he would get hurt, which is a valid concern.
It’s obvious though, that this is all he wanted. To be out on the football field, accepted by his teammates. And now he’s living that glory moment in a different way. This is why his content is like this. He wants to be a part of the team, and I get it.
That appeals to the guys.
But Gwen and I are trying to get the ladies on board. That’s what will take these boys further, social media-wise. Having a bunch of women drool over them. And what hot-blooded football player wouldn’t want a bunch of girls going on and on about how sexy they are? From what I’ve seen with this bunch, they’d freaking love it.
I know Ace would especially enjoy it. He has an actual fan club, for the love of God. He would eat that sort of thing up.
“Coach Mattson said we could approach them when they’re having a break. We need to before they start practicing again.” I shake her hold off my arm and march across the field, pasting a pleasant smile on my face.
They all turn toward me as I draw closer, Eric forgotten, and I know the only reason is because I’m a woman, and there aren’t many women out here during practice. I offer up a friendly wave, coming to a stop directly in front of them, shielding my eyes with my hand.
Damn it, I really should’ve worn sunglasses. The sun is so bright out here.
“Hey, guys!” My voice is overly cheerful and when my gaze drifts, I see Derek standing at the back of the crowd, an amused look on his face. “Um, I was hoping I could get a couple of volunteers to make a quick video for social media?”
Gwen approaches, stopping to stand right next to me, but remains silent, glaring at them all.
God, she’s intimidating. She seriously needs to relax.
“What are you looking for?” one of them asks, his voice wary. He’s got his arms crossed in front of him, in pure defensive mode, and I realize he’s a perfect candidate for my planned video.
“I’m looking for someone who looks exactly like you,” I tell him and he appears surprised. Even a little pleased.
“Guess I’ll help you out.” He comes forward, but no one else does, all of them remaining quiet.
I’m struck by how reluctant they all seem. Like they’re terrified to step forward.
Mattson watches all of this go down, his gaze sliding to Ace, giving him a pointed look. Something unspoken passes between them and then Ace is shouldering his way through his teammates, approaching me with that ever-present affable expression on his face.
“I’ll volunteer, Red,” he drawls.
“Red?” Gwen mumbles, sounding confused.
“Don’t ask,” I say out of the side of my mouth, standing up straighter. “Anyone else want to participate?”
