Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 116132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
she declared before heading back into the hallway. I finished lacing up my cleats and then glanced up at Becca.
“That sounded ominous,” I said as we followed Tara out of the locker room and down to Coach Davis’ office. The door was cracked open, but after the three of us stepped inside, Coach Davis motioned for me to close it.
Uh oh.
“So, I'm sure you girls are aware of why I called you in this morning?" Coach Davis asked with an authoritative tone.
“Um, I'm assuming it’s because of the show last night?" I answered, eyeing Becca for backup. Were we in some kind of trouble? I could hear Tara’s voice in my head, “Um, it’s not our fault that we’re pretty.”
“What show?” Tara asked, and I couldn’t decide if she was actually naïve or if she just wanted the entire scenario repeated so she could revel in it all over again. My money was on the latter.
Coach Davis sighed and quickly filled her in on the list as well as Liam’s interview. Of course, she left out all the fun details… like how hot Liam had looked in all his HD glory. Sigh.
Tara acted like this was the first she’d heard of it. “Oh, wow. They listed me?! I can’t believe it. Well, I can. I was on that list last year, so I’d assumed I would be on it again—”
I wanted to stab one of Coach Davis' pencils in my eye just to get out of hearing her finish that sentence. I know that stabbing my eye wouldn’t cause hearing loss, but maybe the trauma of the situation would shut Tara up.
“It’s important to realize what it actually means for each of you,” Coach Davis cut her off, and I had to bite back a smile. “As collegiate athletes at the top soccer program in the country, you are role models for young girls everywhere. You can't help being put on those lists, but I want you to pick and choose any interviews you do in the coming months very carefully. You'll be getting a lot of publicity within the next few weeks and I need you to remember what it is you're working toward.
“I'd prefer if you each spoke with me about any interviews prior to you accepting them. I can't force you to decline, but this isn't my first rodeo and you aren't my first soccer players to make that list. You need to be careful about your image and reputation.”
My image. Did I even have any image? I felt a wave of nerves roll through me as her words sank in. Was my life going to change? Was I prepared for this?
Nope. No. No. I was not ready for the limelight.
"So I shouldn't wear my bikini to practice?" Becca asked, lightening the mood.
Coach Davis shot her an exasperated glare.
"Just keep a good head on your shoulders. I think every one of you girls has a chance of competing at the Olympic level if you play your cards right this season."
There it was again.
The Olympics.
I could practically hear a group of chubby cherubs singing behind me as I visualized the Olympic rings with me standing in the very center.
I’d never felt so close to actually accomplishing my dream. Hell, every soccer player’s dream. It was the whole reason I’d chosen ULA in the first place. Coach Davis had been the assistant coach for the Women’s Olympic team for the past three Games, so she could teach me everything I needed to know going into tryouts. However, it wasn’t until that moment, when she’d spoken the words aloud, that I actually thought this could happen. This wasn’t just a fool’s dream anymore.
"Thank you so much, Coach. I won't lose focus," I said, clenching my fists and trying to keep my excitement under wraps.
Coach Davis nodded and waved her hand to let us know we could leave. We all hopped up, but just before I was out of the door, Coach Davis called after me.
"Kinsley, could you hold on one second?”
I spun around to look back at her, and then she added, “You can close the door."
I moved to shut it and saw Becca standing in the hall waiting for me. Her brows were raised in curiosity and I shot her a “help-me” face before closing the door so that I was alone with Coach Davis again.
Was it just me or did the baby cherubs just suddenly flee the room? I tried to gauge her mood as I sat back down, but it was impossible. Her mouth was pulled into a thin line, but her eyebrows were relaxed.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
She sighed and then glanced up at me. "I don't think I even need to be having this conversation with you, but I'd be a fool not to cover all of my bases and make sure you're protected."