Page 39 of Silent Count
“Thanks. Yeah, I just felt like everything was working for us, and I hit a good stride to finish it out.” I lean down when she starts to speak again because I can hardly hear her over the crowd noise.
“You have a lot of pressure this year to get another title. How are you managing it?” she asks.
“I’m just taking it one game at a time, Holly.” I give her my best media smile and nod.
“Thanks, Bo.” She shakes my hand and drops the microphone, and the cameraman turns the camera off of us. “I look forward to watching the rest of your season.”
“Appreciate you, Holly. See you soon.” I give her a two-finger wave as I walk away and into the tunnel.
When I get into the locker room, everyone is celebrating the win, and music is blasting through the speakers.
Our media manager comes over to me at my locker. “You have ten minutes to get undressed and into the press room.”
“Got it.” I nod and start to pull off my pads.
Coach Pettys comes in and gives his speech. He hands the game ball to Casey. He had seventy-two yards today and two touchdowns. If Casey averages the same yardage in each game, he’ll be a first-round draft pick for sure.
I set my pads on the ground in front of my stall and then grab my phone from the top shelf. I haven’t looked at it since early this morning. There’s a new text from my dad and one from Chelsea. I look at hers first.
Chelsea: Congrats on your win!
Bo: Did you catch any of the game?
Chelsea: I didn’t, sorry! We just got back from the airboat ride. I’ll watch some of the highlights though.
Bo: My number is six in case you forgot.
Chelsea: Oh, I know. Star of Walker University.
Bo: Ha! Casey was the star today. Wait till you see some of those clips.
Chelsea: Awesome! I bet Noelle is excited. I’ll text her.
Bo: I have to run to press now, but talk later?
Chelsea: I’ll be here.
My name is called before I can reply, so I set my phone back on the shelf. I really need to change my shirt at the very least. I’m soaked. Sarah, one of our trainers, walks by, and I reach out to her.
“Hey, Sarah. Can you see about getting me a fresh T-shirt quickly?”
“Sure thing. Give me a sec.” She hurries away and comes back a few minutes later and tosses me a fresh T-shirt.
“Thanks. You’re the best.” I wink at her, which only makes her roll her eyes, making me laugh.
I pull my phone out again and look at my dad’s text. He’s been blowing up my phone with texts lately about staying focused on my future and not getting distracted. It’s strange in a way. He’s never been this persistent before.
Dad: Great game today, son.
Dad: I know you’re busy, Bo, but it’s important that I speak with you as soon as possible. This isn’t negotiable.
If he had left it at the first text, I probably would have at least replied with a thank-you. But I’m not in the mood for a lecture about staying focused after a win like this, so I’ll pass.
I put my phone back on the shelf and shake off thoughts of my father, refocusing on what I need to do next.
When I walk into the press room, I see the reporters all holding their phones in their hands, notepads on their laps.
I take a seat at the table and adjust the microphone. “Hey, everyone.”
