Page 72 of Dump Tackle My Heart
“Okay, I’ll do it, but only if there’s a kissing clause,” I tell Dani, bringing a smile to her sweet face.
“Gross,” Finley calls from the booth. “Save it for the behind-the-scenes reel.”
We both laugh, and then because I can, I kiss my girl, ignoring the fake gagging sounds coming from my sister-in-law.
CHAPTER 24-DANIELA
TheMajor LeagueRugby Southern States Winter Tournamentis chaos in cleats.
We followed the team bus down, me riding with Finley in one of the branded campers while Tank and Koa took the charter with the rest of the players to get their heads in the game.
The venue is packed, the crowd already buzzing with pre-match excitement as the Carolina Rovers prepare to take on the Houston Longhorns.
Finley’s in full PR mode, bouncing between checklists and soundbite scripts while I try not to fidget too obviously in my seat.
This is my first big event as part of the Rovers’ staff, and now that#SnowedInWithARoveris trending, the eyes on me? They're not just metaphorical anymore.
They are everywhere.
I hear whispers. Folks wondering who I am and what I did to bag the Rovers’ original bad boy.
I ignore them. I don’t let them get to me.
I’m even dressed professionally, if a little too warm for Texas in December.
But nerves are a hell of a thermostat.
My stomach twists when Finley pulls me aside after we finish setting up the social media booth near the players’ lounge.
“Ellie Vance is here,” she says in a low voice.
“Okay.”
“So, you know she’s here to cover the tourney, but she definitely wants you ready to get that little ‘human interest’ feature on the Rovers down first. Her assistant sent me some points to go over with you, but it’s just stuff highlighting the team’s brand and the thinking behind the social strategy that’s got us trending top five in sports this week, and what she sent looks professional enough. So, are you ready?”
My stomach drops.
“Yeah. Yes. Um, I mean, sure. Tank and I talked, and as long as she, I mean, Ellie Vance agrees to keep it light and stays on topic, then it should be fine.”
Finley nods and gives me a tight smile. I get it. Her whole career is banking on how well the PR team does for the Rovers, and to have a reporter like Ellie Vance giving it some airtime?
Well, that’s a pretty big deal.
“Okay. And it’s okay to be nervous, Dani, believe me I know. Ellie can be a bit sharp.”
That’s one way to put it. I mean, I’ve seen her shows.
Still, I nod.
I’ve handled worse.
I survived college with a sexist department head and made a name for myself in sports media as a fat girl with a clipboard. I can do this.
I take a deep breath and smile when Ellie saunters up in designer heels and a microphone she clearly thinks is a wand.
“Well, well,” she purrs, flashing too-white teeth. “Daniela McNally. Mind if I ask you a few questions for our behind-the-scenes featureRomancing the Rovers?”
Finley nods stiffly beside me, but I step forward.
