Page 2 of (La)Crosse My Heart

And they’re putting a lot of trust in me to do this based on having worked with only a few athletes for free.

“Okay, so we'll have a few more to work on by mid-summer, since basketball and hockey are done for now.”

I freeze, trying to wrap my head around that. “They aren’t still playing games?” That probably should’ve been in my research, but it’s a glaring hole I have to come back from. Why would they need me here so early then?

“Both teams didn't make the playoffs, so we'll get you working with them as soon as preseason starts. But the Lancers will start playing soon and we've got one standout who needs a reputation makeover.”

The Lancers?

I do a quick search in my internet browser and find a lacrosse team. They own a pro-lacrosse team?

She shuffles a few papers, and I wonder if she doesn't know many of the players well, or if she's just trying to give me an ulcer while waiting for the information.

"Your new client is…" she starts. Did I sign up with a game show or an actual billion-dollar company? "Clark Denton."

There's all sorts of ringing in my brain and I'm trying to figure out what’s wrong. Then I focus on the name.

"Clark Denton, originally from northern Virginia, Clark Denton?"

Daphne grins. "Yes, actually. I'm surprised you know that off the top of your head. You’ve done your homework."

I groan inwardly, remembering all the times I'd dealt with him in my teens. I might as well be honest.

"He was my younger brother's best friend growing up. We have history there."

"That's the best news I've heard all day," she says, clapping her hands together once. It makes me jump even though we’re not in the same room.

"Why?" I ask, my usual composure taking a break at the wrong time.

"Because we need someone who can help him get through interviews. Right now, all the feedback and surveys we've taken from the fans for the Salt Lake Lancers show that while he has some of the best skills, he's not a huge fan favorite because of his stern demeanor."

Obviously I haven't been paying attention to his career, or else I would've known I'd have to deal with him. And the fact I didn’t even know professional lacrosse was under the Stockton Media Group’s umbrella is just another misstep. This is why I need to be thorough in my research and not think I already know everything.

Clark Denton. All I can remember is wanting to choke him every time he came over because of the pranks he'd play and his overall annoying attitude. And him stealing my car.

This should be fun. Or sheer torture.

I have to switch back into professional mode, knowing I'll have to treat this exactly like I did for the others I’ve worked with. This might be a hurdle to cross, but the finish line is still close.

"Do you have a meeting already set up for me to meet with him? Also, are there any mandatory activities or events I need to know about for him in the coming weeks?"

Daphne moves around a few more papers and says, “We don’t currently have a meeting scheduled for you, but you’re welcome to get in touch with Coach Martin to arrange something. It looks like they'll be starting practice tomorrow.”

My stomach sinks. Yes, I’m excited about this chance, but I also thought I’d have a few days to settle in before getting right into the jumble. I can’t remember if I even packed an outfit that would work for a lacrosse field.

“As far as media events,” Daphne continues, “it looks like the team is signed up to help a company called Play It Forward in two weeks. It’ll be here in the valley, so you won't have to travel for it.”

I nod, typing all of this into my phone so I don’t forget. I’ll have to do some research to figure out what the company is and what it means. Maybe it’s giving their gear to people in need?

“Perfect. I can work with this,” I say, trying to come up with some more ideas of how to highlight Clark’s better features. All I can see are the awkward gangly features of him coming to our house as a teen, and I know I’ve got my work cut out for me.

“I’ll be in New York for most of the week for a conference, but if you need anything, just send me a text and I’ll call when I have a minute.”

“Just to clarify, you want him to be the fan favorite by the end of the season?”

Daphne chuckles and says, “Closer to the beginning would be great. He’s got a few endorsements that would probably be grateful for a change in his approval rating.”

That’s new. I didn’t realize there were now endorsements for some of the pro lacrosse players. It’s not like they’re as popular as the bigger sports, and I’m betting a lot of them have jobs during the off-season. At least, that’s what Brock said once when he was talking about Clark’s career. I’m surprised I forgot all of that. Then again, not really. I’ve been on track to creating my life so I don’t have to lean on anyone, as my recent ex-fiance found out.

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