Naturally, my gaze lands on him like gravity pulling me back to Earth. As quickly as I can manage, I look away. I see Bjorn Janssen on the sidelines, so I go to speak with him.
“Assistant today, Ms. Nichols?” he greets.
I nod. “Mike Barnaby will be out in a few.” If he’s even here yet. “The event earlier today was a lot of fun. Thank you for including me in it. I’m sure you know of the personal connection.”
He smiles. “Yes. It was good of you to come as well. Too often, there are feelings of separation between players and officials.”
“I know. People forget we’re all here to create an entertaining game for the fans. I don’t set out with any agendas.” I don’t want any hard feelings about the last game I officiated here. Nor do I want him to think I’m coming in with a preconceived notion about his team.
Or any players on his team.
Trust me, I have no idea how he’s going to act.
“Most teams can say the same thing. Good luck to you.” He steps away, having been summoned by a staff member on the field. I can’t check the goals yet, but the condition of the field looks okay. It’ll have to be checked once it’s cleared, which should be any moment.
Plus, that’s Mike’s job, not mine. He’s getting paid more. He should do more.
As Brandon trots back through the tunnel to the locker rooms, I finally start to calm down. This will be okay. I can do this. I’m here to do a job that I’ve worked too long and too hard to let anyone take away from me.
Let’s do this.
Chapter 35: Brandon
Andi holds the flagin her right hand. She raises it up and then out in front of her. Offsides. It’s me. I’m the offender. I’m also totally offside, so I raise my hand sheepishly. Barnaby blows his whistle, and the Wave get their indirect penalty kick.
Considering we’re in the second half, and I’ve amassed no direct penalties, fouls, or cards, I’d consider this a good game. It’s practically one for the record books.
Not to mention I’ve already scored once from two yards outside the penalty area, which was probably about 35 yards or so, give or take. The majority of my goals are from this range. I wasn’t kidding about challenging Chris Todd from the Patriots to a kickoff.
The Wave gets their ball down onto our half of the field. Cally scoops it up and launches it in a drop kick past the midline of the field. Midfielder Merriweather Hayes traps the ball and, with one smooth motion, boots it across the field to me. I can see the shot as clear as day. I’m to the left of center, downfield enough to not seem like a threat. I make sure to watch the offsides this time, knowing Andi’s trained eye is upon me.
She’s not doing it to bust my balls. She’s very good at what she does.
The ball arrives like a line drive right to me. With perfect timing, I take a step with my right foot, swinging my left back in preparation for contact. I’m more accurate with my right foot but can be dangerous with either one.
As I am right now.
