Because here’s the thing—I won’t even be wearing this when it matters.
I’ll show up in it for the media, say hello, do the polite arrival part, then I’ll disappear. Locker room. Gear. Helmet. By the time anyone’s actually looking, I’ll be in a jersey and skates and sweating through whatever dignity I thought I had.
So this outfit? This is for maybe ten minutes. Fifteen, if traffic’s bad.
Which somehow makes me more nervous.
I shove the suit back. Too stiff. Too corporate. I don’t want tolook like I’m trying to impress anyone. Except I am. Just one person who matters most.
I grab my phone.
What’s your favorite color?
A beat.
Juliette:
lol what
I’m serious.
Juliette:
I don’t know. Green? I sell plants.
That tracks.
Three dots appear. Then, the same three dots simply disappear.
Then:
Juliette:
…why?
Humor me.
Another pause.
Juliette:
Navy. I really like navy.
I smile.
That’s good, because it’s one of the Dominion colors. I can get you all the merch you want.
Juliette:
I’m good, thank you. But I do have a son who might be interested inthat offer.
Oh yeah. Him. I almost forgot.
Juliette:
Liar.
Okay fine. I forgot for exactly half a second. Then I remembered he’s the most important person in this whole operation.
