Page 23 of Unexpectedly Falling
Professional Soccer Star Nessa Hart breathes new life into Blackstone University’s Soccer Dreams
By: Arden James
Coach Knox Turner, athletic director for the university, has confirmed that the sweeper for the Tennessee Tornadoes has accepted a temporary consulting position after needing to take a leave of absence at the end of last season. While Hart was unavailable for comment, Stella Arsenault, head coach of the Tornadoes, stated that the position will allow Hart to maintain her training regimen while also tending to a family matter. Coach Arsenault has asked for privacy for Hart and her family during this time…
Iskim the rest of the article, letting the newspaper land with a thud on the table as I take a sip of my coffee, thankful there was no mention of Remi. Arden James is a transplant in our community and, so far, has been respectful of the folks in our small town.
The Blackstone Gazette was something of an enigma, still printing the paper despite so many other entities moving to online options to cut costs. We liked tradition here and we liked seeing our friends and neighbors on the pages in black and white.
Arden had recognized that and instead of trying to turn us into the gossip mill like the city she came from, she honored and showcased the hardworking people here.
“Morning,” Nessa purrs sleepily as she passes me, taking the mug I set out and filling it with coffee.
“You’re in the paper,” I say, nodding to the table. Nessa rolls her eyes as she cradles the cup in both hands and blows on the hot liquid, the steam billowing around her face.
She’s stunning.
And young.
Almost a full decade younger than me—eight years if you want to be technical—and she’s done nothing but handle this situation with grace and understanding. I really shouldn’t find that so appealing, but I do.
That and she already seems at home in my kitchen, soft and sleepy and like a fucking dream.
“That was fast. Did they use a good picture at least?” she asks, leaning over the table and shrugging a shoulder. “I’ve had worse.”
“I find it hard to believe that you could take a bad one.” It’s not a line, but I cringe because it sure as hell sounds like one.
Nessa snorts. “It’s honestly pretty magical what photographers and fans are able to capture. We’re out there running, diving, throwing elbows trying to get the ball and if you’rereallylucky that’s what people focus on.” She takes a sip of her coffee, her eyes sparkling as she adds, “If you’re not, you’ll see your face zoomed in like a thousand percent like you’re on the freefall of a roller coaster and scared for your life.”
I chuckle because the visual isinspiring.
“That kinda thing happen a lot?”
“All the time. A lot of the funny or bad ones start circulating as a gif. We have a wall in the locker room with all the worst shots of us for the season, and at the end we vote on the worst one. Winner gets this really hideous trophy of a bobblehead that we spray-painted pink and your name gets added on a little plaque.”
“Have you ever won?” I ask, my lips twitching at the prospect.
“Sadly, no. I got close my rookie year. A player on the other team kicked it way the hell up the field, and I caught it in the chest before trapping it and sending it back. Cameraman got me right as I was bracing for impact.” She makes a face and it’s cute as hell.
“I’m sure you’re impressive to watch play.”
“Never been to a soccer game?”
“Maybe a couple but it’s been a while.”
“Let me guess, football star? Probably the captain?”
“Perhaps.”
“So obvious,” she mocks and it’s my turn to roll my eyes. “I bet you have some of those trophies in a box around here, don’t you?” She grins and looks around like they could be around every corner.
They’re not.
They’re at Mama’s house because when I told her I was just gonna toss them in the trash, she looked downright appalled and told me she’dhang onto them until I can find a spot.Not looking to get into that particular conversation, I change the subject.
“Are you looking forward to working with the university on their soccer program?”
“I am. Coach has an interesting perspective on what he’s looking for, and I always like giving back when and where Ican. You remember your role models at that age, and it makes a difference knowing they’re still people.”
