Page 51 of (La)Crosse My Heart

It’s only then that I think about what I want. “It might be a downgrade, but I would love to help the marketing of your teams. I can take pictures and create videos to increase fan engagement. That’s something severely lacking for your current teams.”

He nods and gives me a slow smile. “My friend Milo mentioned there were some incredible posters at the Play It Forward event. Was that your work?”

“You know Milo?” I ask, surprised by that. The main guy from the charity had been quirky, to say the least.

“We’ve worked with them before, and I’ve met him several times. What a great guy. He’s been able to grow that program exponentially in the last few years alone. I also heard the guys did a phenomenal job with the kids. One of my good friends brought his son to it. I think I heard something about you interviewing him?”

“Yeah, I interviewed a few kids that day.”

“Well, you have your wish. You’ll handle all of our social media for the Salt Lake Lancers.”

I grin, surprised at how relieved I am to still have a job. “Will you send me the pay information and a document to sign for it? I need to talk to someone now.”

It probably wasn’t the best idea to leave Clark without talking much or saying a whole lot of anything, but I’m ready to remedy that mistake now.

“Sounds good. Thank you, Jessa. I look forward to meeting with you again.”

Hopefully it’s not for a long time.

23

Jessa

Iknock on the door to Clark’s house, surprised I don’t see his car there. There are a few others, but it’s possible whatever they have, they just carpooled there.

“They had to head to the field,” Nora says, grinning at me from her porch.

“Oh, thank you. I’ll head over there, then. Did they say they had practice?” It was a little early for that, but maybe Coach Martin is trying to get a few extra reps in before the first series this weekend.

She shook her head. “Something about a press conference. It might be good if you’re there.”

I frown, wondering why it would matter if I’m there. Sure, Clark has made a lot of progress in his communication, but it’s not like I have to hold his hand to get it done.

I thank her and drive over, wondering what the press conference is for. To be honest, the track athletes I worked with were from a smaller school, so I wasn’t used to anything extra.

When I pull up to the arena, I’m surprised at how many cars are there. Is there a scrimmage I didn’t know about? I grab the camera bag from my trunk and walk in.

I follow the signs for the press conference and am surprised by the large room. There’s a table set up, covered in the Lancer logo and colors. Several microphones are spread out over the table and at least forty people sitting in the seats, chatting amongst themselves.

Coach Martin comes out first, followed by Clark, who’s dressed in one of the suits we’d had tailored. The fabric forms to his physique so well.

I can’t believe I was in his arms just twenty-four hours ago.

Behind him are the other roommates, each of them dressed in a variety of button-up shirts, slacks, and some with a tie.

I wonder if Clark made them do it.

They sit down behind the microphones, and I can only see Clark through a break in the people in front of me.

“Thanks for coming everyone,” Coach Martin says. The room quiets down, and all eyes are on the table in front. “We’re here to talk a little about what’s coming up this season. We’ll make our announcements and then we’ll open it up for questions.”

There are several cameras out, and while Clark is still looking a little uncomfortable, at least he’s not ghostly white, like in the past.

“First thing on the agenda is that we’ve chosen Clark Denton as the team captain for this year. He’s a fine young man and makes sure the team plays at a higher level every day. We’re happy to have him.”

“Are you sure he’s the best choice for that?” a voice says from the crowd. There’s something familiar about it.

“I do, in fact, think he is, or else I wouldn’t be up here announcing his name,” Coach Martin says with narrowed eyes.

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