We moved a few months later to be closer to the hospital, and I never saw Mrs. Cheney again. But her words echo in my brain all the time.
Figure it out yourself.
I should get that tattooed on my body.
I think about texting Benj, but I can talk about it tomorrow when I surprise him. I’m flying out of Logan on the 7 a.m. flight, which will put me there in time for lunch, barring any flight delays.
Until then, I’ll work on how to figure this out myself.
I wasn’t looking forward to the early morning flight when I booked it, but with it being such last minute, I didn’t have much of a choice. Now I’m thankful for it. My alarm is set for 3:30 a.m., which gives me enough time to shower, brush my teeth, and head to the airport. It’ll still be dark and the T won’t be running, so I’ve already scheduled an Uber to get me there.
I can always sleep on the plane.
That’s what will have to happen because sleep certainly isn’t finding me now. Thoughts are swirling around my brain, causing my heart rate to spike and cold sweat to break out across my chest. I lie there, staring at the ceiling, my eyes wide open.
When the adrenaline rushing through my veins doesn’t permit sleep to come, I try the next strategy—opening ClikClak and mindlessly scrolling.
After a bit, I stumble across a parody of a sportscaster calling dogs at the dog park as if it were a major sporting event. They’re hilarious, and I find myself watching the entire playlist. I don’t know who this person is, but she needs to be in the business. She’s more entertaining than some of the ex-athletes they hire to be on TV.
@HannahLaRosa
After I finish the Dog Park playlist, I start watching some of her other videos. Her most recent shows the Eiffel Tower.
I’d kill to be in Paris right now. I’d kill multiple people to be there officiating the Global Games. I’m guessing murder won’t help my case with the USSLRA though. I can practically hear Nathan.Well, this is what happens when we let hysterical women with raging hormones into the league—they just can’t control themselves.
Okay, this line of thought will not be productive. Back to Hannah’s ClikClaks of Paris. The video is a photo montage. I have to watch it several times for my brain to be able to process all the information my eyes are seeing. In addition to the traditional Paris landmarks and French cuisine, she’s got pictures from the Global Games. Specifically, the ones the US played in.
Then there’s a picture of her wearing a jersey with the name “Entay” on the back. That’s the US National Team’s goalie, Callaghan Entay. Funny, I wouldn’t have pictured this girl for a cleat chaser. Not that I know her at all. I’m simply judging by her content.
And I was right. She’s not a soccer groupie. She’s legit dating Callaghan Entay.
The last picture is of them on the plane back to the States. Over it is text that says, “The US may have lost, but I certainly won. Stay tuned for big news coming soon.”
Aww, I’m guessing they’re engaged. I click on Entay’s ClikClak to see, but there’s just generic coverage from the games, and one repost of the picture of his girlfriend wearing his jersey.
A quick glance at the clock shows it’s after one, and my window to sleep has long passed. I continue my deep dive on ClikClak, specifically Hannah LaRosa’s profile.
She’s really good at this social media thing. Plus, she knows sports—soccer specifically.
I’m not sure if it’s desperation or sleep deprivation, or maybe a little of both, but I send her a message.
@Andi: Hi Ms. LaRosa, My name is Andi Nichols. I stumbled across your profile, and I wanted to tell you your dog park series is brilliant. I can see you having a great career in broadcasting. I was wondering if you ever do consulting to help people build a positive reputation on ClikClak? There’s a relatively unflattering video of me making the rounds, and it has real potential to negatively impact my career. Would you have any suggestions for how to counteract that effect? Thanks in advance!
I don’t have to wait too long before my phone vibrates, indicating I’ve got a new message.
@HannahLaRosa: THE Andi Nichols?
I have to smile. I’m not looking for fame or celebrity status, but I do want people to know the work I’ve done. I can’t believe she knows who I am.
@Andi: The one and the same. And I’m sorry this is so late. I didn’t think you’d answer.
Her response is immediate.
@HannahLaRosa: Sleep is for the weak. My body doesn’t know what time zone it’s in anyway. Brandon needs some sense slapped into him. He’s seriously a PR nightmare. I would not want to be his agent.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks that. I’m not sure that even the best agent and PR team could spin him into a likable guy.
@HannahLaRosa: Sometime I’ll have to tell you about the time he kidnapped me.
