Page 76 of Sidelined By Love

“Come on. If you all don’t have a game-related question for me—”

“Hear me out,” Jennifer interrupts. “If she gets the role, will you help the production out—as a friend?“ The dozen or so other reporters in the room all titter at the emphasis.

Bunch of school girls.

I’m three steps away from the microphone, the Teeners’ media coordinator waving me off the stage, when Jennifer’s words fully land. I do a quick backstep and lean on the stand that’s holding the mic. “Help them how?”

As previously mentioned, this is neither the time nor the place nor the audience with which to discuss anything related to Zoe Peebles. But Jennifer prompted a seed of an idea, and I need a little help fleshing it out.

Jennifer blinks slowly, her red lips pursed. “I-I’m not . . . Like a consultant of some sort.”

Like a consultant.

The idea tumbles around my mind as the room disappears.

I could be a consultant. The producers have probably already lined up a dozen technical advisors to get the game shots right. But I could be . . . a draw. A way to bring in more publicity. More credibility. A connection to the NFL.

I have friends who would show up to premieres and connections to front offices that could help spread the word.

It’s my name on the line. My face in the media. My reputation.

I wait for the gut twist that always follows a thought like that. But it doesn’t come. Instead, a chuckle bubbles in my chest.

This is different. It’s not Tawna dragging me into the limelight. It’s me offering everything I have to the woman I love.

And I would give anything for Zoe’s happiness.

“A consultant, huh?” I wink at Jennifer. “I like how you think.”

Now I’m praying that a producer won’t turn down an offer like this. Not even for what I’m asking in return.

Thirty minutes after we land at home, I’m on the phone in my truck with my agent. Todd’s a good guy and a great contract negotiator, but I can tell he doesn’t know what to make of my request.

“You want to get into acting?” he asks for the second time. “I can ask around about a cameo role, but you’re going to have to get some training or something before they give you a major role. Not every player is like Terry Crews. Terry Bradshaw either, for that matter.”

“I know. And I’m not—”

“Acting is totally different than football. And I’d hate for you to embarrass yourself or your team. Besides, when would you have time? The Teeners have a tough schedule, and I know you’re going all the way to the big game this year. Then you’ll be in off-season training.”

I try to cut him off, but Todd is on a roll. Maybe this is how he gets the best contracts for his players. He doesn’t shut up until he gets what he wants.

“I don’t think this is a good idea.”

Ridiculous. This is the best idea I’ve had in a really long time.

Of course, my idea and what Todd thinks is my idea are very different things.

“You can’t afford to get distracted.”

“Todd.”

He’s still going.

“Todd!” He pauses, and I jump in. “I have no interest in being in front of the camera.”

“You don’t?”

“Nope.” I chuckle. “Not even a little bit. I just want to talk with the producers of the Cortez movie.”

---