Page 9 of Playing to Win
“Fuck off, Ace.” Before I can hear him say anything, defend himself, whatever…
I’m gone.
FOUR
RUBY
Late August
“We’re excitedto have you as a part of this program, Ruby.” My advisor smiles at me, his teeth blindingly white. Jim Williamson was in the NFL for about a minute, before my dad and uncle’s time, and he’s been using that ‘connection’ with me since the moment I met with him via Zoom over the summer to discuss my goals and aspirations as part of the sports management and marketing program.
I didn’t call my plans ‘goals and aspirations,’ he did. But anyway…
I decide to give Jim what he wants.
“I’m excited to be here.” I sit up a little straighter, my gaze wandering over all of the stuff in his office, taking it in. He has an entire shelf devoted to his college and NFL career, with photos and plaques and ribbons and a signed football encased in plexiglass. I’m sure he’s proud of his accomplishments but that was a long time ago and I can’t help but wonder if he’s the type who revels in the glory days.
My father isn’t. He was in the NFL for years—part of that time when I wasn’t even born yet—and Dad doesn’t brag about it. He doesn’t even really talk about it much. With Knox he does, of course, because my brother is just like him. Whenever Knox needs advice, Dad is always willing to give it to him. And now Knox is on a professional team like our father, about to play his first season opener in like what…two weeks?
Yikes. I bet Knox is nervous. Excited. I can’t wait to watch him.
“An opportunity has come up,” Jim says, his voice serious and I return my gaze to his. “We have paid internships with the teams here on campus and one of the students had to pull out of the program, due to her withdrawing from the university. You were the first person I thought of for the job.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you.” I’m flattered. I took classes at the other college I went to, but nothing specifically for this major. The sports marketing major that Colorado University offers is right up my alley. And while I’m not a diehard football fan—I’m not a huge fan of any type of sports—I do know my way around athletes. Plus, I enjoy marketing and promotion, specifically in social media, and I’ve put together some great projects in the past. It seemed like a natural fit. “But I’ve barely been in the program.”
It's only the second week of school. How am I the first person Jim thought of for the job?
“I know, but I truly believe you’re the perfect candidate.” He smiles at me, looking pleased, but doesn’t say another word.
“What’s the position?”
“Social media for the football team.” Jim leans back in his chair, resting his linked hands on his chest. “Running their Instagram and Facebook pages, I guess. Oh, and that clock app. Twitter? Is anyone there anymore? Reels and videos and whatnot.”
Spoken from a man who sounds like he doesn’t have a firm grasp on social media. “Are you saying I would be the social media manager for the football team?” I’m shocked they don’t have one currently.
“Not the manager. They already have one of those. You’d be an integral part of the team though.”
“How big is the team?”
“Not sure. It varies. Would you care to interview? They need someone right away, so they’re willing to talk to you ASAP.” He smiles. “I already put in a good word for you and told them you’re Knox’s little sister.”
Frustration ripples through me at his using my family name as a selling point. Though I suppose I can’t blame him because the Maguire name is well-known on campus, thanks to Knox. “I appreciate the mention, but I can get by on my own merits, Mr. Williamson.”
“Call me Jim,” he insists. “And trust me, it doesn’t hurt to say who you’re connected to, young lady.”
Ugh. I want to roll my eyes, but I just nod and smile instead.
“They like the fact that you’re so steeped in football history. Your family is a legacy. That you want to carry it on in a sports-related field is a smart move. You’ll get far with the Maguire name on you.”
That’s not necessarily why I chose this major and potential profession, but it’s definitely influenced me. I’ve been immersed in football pretty much my entire life. I understand athletes and they don’t faze me. They’re just people. I don’t get dazzled by their massive fame or strong confidence or outrageous good looks. Many of them are sweethearts. Some of them are egotistical assholes. I can handle any of them.
All of them.
“The interview is later this afternoon if you’re interested,” Jim continues, grabbing a piece of paper from a notepad and thrusting it toward me along with a pen. I take both from him, the pen poised on the paper, ready to take down…what exactly, I’m not sure. “Three o’clock in the athletic department. You know where the building is?”
It’s attached to the stadium. “I do.”
“The meeting is with Marilee. She’s in charge of the entire athletic department’s social media section.” He smiles, nodding toward the paper and I jot that little fact down. “You’ll like her.”
