Page 19 of Atlas
“How?” I asked in a skeptical tone because there was no way he could have found an available ticket four days before the event.
“Simple. Solver Industries has a sky suite for top clients and VIP’s. I have two tickets, and I’m giving them to you.”
“Whoa.” I stared at him. “I’m sorry, but why in the world would they give you two tickets if you have no interest in Football?”
“Is it important?”
“I’m just trying to understand how this can be real.”
“The tickets were Charles Robertson’s. He’s the chairman of Solver Industries, but because of obligations in Ireland, he left me a voice mail this morning asking if I wanted the tickets. All I did was call him back and leave a message to accept.”
“But Atlas… why would you give them to me? The Super Bowl is a once in a lifetime experience. You need to go! It’s the world championship of Football.”
“It’s fine. Bring a friend and tell me about it next week.”
My hands were shaking, and my heart was pumping. “I can’t take your tickets. That’s crazy, and you don’t want to send me to mingle with all your clients. I’m a screamer.”
“Excuse me?” A smile grew on his face.
“I mean the kind of fan who gets agitated and likes to cheer with all I have. My dad and I used to scream at the TV all the time.”
“Then, you should bring him.”
My shoulders sagged. “I can’t. He died three years ago, and bringing my sister is a waste of the tickets. All she does is drool over the players in their tight pants. She can’t tell a quarterback from a linebacker.” Looking up at Atlas, I suggested, “How about we go together?”
He took a small step back.
“Look, I know you’re used to models on your arm, but I promise that if anyone points a camera in your direction, I’ll get out of the way. American football is the best sport in the world. I’ll explain the entire game to you if you want me to. I even promise to shout at a lower volume than usual.”
Atlas frowned. “I have other plans this weekend.”
“But I don’t want to be in a lounge with rich people by myself. Everyone is going to wonder if I stole the tickets. Please come.”
He was quiet for a moment. “Let me think about it.”
“Yes. Thank you!” With my heart hammering, I got up and shook his right hand with both of mine.
“I didn’t say yes.”
I kept shaking his hand. “But you will because you have perfect manners, and you don’t want to let me down, and you’re also a bit worried that I might embarrass you if I go by myself.”
“Stop trying to read my thoughts. You’re not even close.”
“Please say yes. I’ll owe you a big one if you go with me. I don’t know how I’ll make it up to you, but somehow I will.”
“Can I have my hand back now?”
“Yes. Yes. Of course.” I was flustered but managed to go back to my chair. “You don’t know how big this is to me.”
“I’m starting to get a sense of it.” His tone was dry. “It’s just football, you know.”
I plunked down on my chair. “Nooo, it’s the pretzels, the hotdogs, the singing, the booing, the cheerleaders, the audience, the half-time show, and the fierce battle on the field. Football is life, and the Super Bowl is the highlight of the entire year.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.” I held up both hands showing him my crossed fingers. “Say, yes, please.”
“I doubt they’ll have hotdogs and pretzels in the lounge. It’ll be fancier than that.”
