Page 8 of Face Off

“Got it,” he bit back.

There was a history between them I couldn't wait to uncover. They seemed to mutually annoy one another while simultaneously respecting each other. It was entertaining to watch.

“Taylor and Cam, you will be over the dogs.” Chloe checked her notes. “Matt, you’ll make sure the guys are in appropriate clothes. I swear, last year Olli tried to show up in sweats and flip-flops. I don’t mind casual, but minimal effort would be appreciated.”

“I’ll send them a reminder,” Matt confirmed.

“We have a rough outline to follow,” Chloe spoke to me, “but I’ll let you take the lead on the actual photoshoot. Like making sure we have all the shots we need and answering any questions that the guys may have, but I’ll be there as backup.”

“What kind of questions should I prepare for?” I asked.

“What the dog’s name is,” Cam offered.

“Whether or not they’re done yet,” George added.

“If they really do have to smile, or if they can scowl like normal.” Taylor rested her elbows on the table.

“If they get to keep the dog,” Matt finished.

I laughed. “Okay, so I’ll be dealing with children?”

Chloe nodded. “That’s a very appropriate comparison. Be prepared for anything, and remember that you can always say no, and if they press, say because you said so. It works every time.”

“I definitely know how to do that.” Even though this was a huge project and I only had two days to prepare, I knew my new team would have my back. They made me feel comfortable so quickly.

The perfect idea came to mind as I stood to leave. I knew exactly how to make this shoot go smoothly.

4

Mikey

Being around the rest of the guys right now sounded terrible, so instead of heading down to the training room where I knew most of them would be, I went to the garage and got in my car. On the way over I sent a text to Mitch, making sure he was there. When he confirmed, I hit the accelerator.

The boxing gym, known simply as the box, had been Mitch’s private sanctuary up until recently when he invited me, Lance, and Parker to come to a session with him. Not only was it great cardio training, but it was a new outlet for our aggression. Lifting weights and skating could only do so much to relieve some of the pent-up stress that accumulated throughout the season. I used to let go at clubs and bars with Lance, but now that he was basically a married man, they lacked their usual appeal. Going out alone ended in bad decisions. I might step into a bar alone, but I rarely left that way.

Once people recognized me, they bought me drinks, asked for photos and autographs, and then the women flaunted their interest.

That had been enough for years. I didn’t mind that shallow existence. It had been the biggest perk of being a professional athlete. Then one by one, the guys on the team traded their bachelor pads for McMansions in the hills. Sure, there were still some young guys on the team that partied and lived for the nightlife, but I was over that.

No one would believe me if I told them, but I wanted what my friends had. I wanted someone I loved cheering for me at the games and waiting for me when I came home from road trips. I was ready for the next step in life, but getting anyone else to take me seriously was proving impossible.

“There you are.” Mitch stood outside, drinking a bottle of water. With his long red beard and hair and broad build, he was an intimidating figure, but he was also one of the kindest, most genuine people I’d ever met.

He mostly kept to himself, staying away from the team parties and socializing that went on. Well, up until recently. Once Parker became his roommate, he seemed to be around more and more.

“Hey, man.” I greeted him with a fist bump.

His green eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“Can I get a round in before we talk?”

He twisted the lid back on and led the way inside. “Warm up, and I’ll wait for a ring to open.”

The gym was surprisingly busy for late Monday morning. Sure, Mitch and I had odd schedules compared to the normal eight to five, but I always wondered what the rest of the men and women did that allowed them to work out in the middle of the day.

I wrapped my hands and then did jumping jacks for a minute to get my blood moving. I stretched, then went through several reps of ducking and weaving before falling into a shadow boxing routine, so by the time Mitch called me over, my body was ready for sparring.

“Let’s start with pad work,” he said, holding up his hands with the two thick pads. “I don’t want you to take whatever’s on your mind out on me.”