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“True.” I uncharacteristically giggled.
“What do you want to do now?”
Before I had a chance to answer, both of our phones pinged with text messages. Collin’s finger slid up and down his screen. “Social media is blowing up.”
“Yeah, Sally congratulated me, then sent me some links. This is unbelievable.”
“It’ll be fine, Charlie… just different.”
“I’m stressing out. What if I fail?”
“Then you fail. But I have a feeling you won’t. Do you want to get out of here? Grab some fresh air?”
“Sure. Can we bring a football with us?”
“You keep talking like that and I may just fall in love with you.” I would have laughed, but I felt my jaw go lax, and all I could do was stare at him. “You know what I mean.”
I didn’t, but I nodded anyway.
###
The following morning, we headed to Sam Jasper’s office. The man knew the business inside and out. And after Reese’s announcements, it didn’t take long for companies to contact him. Everything from sporting goods companies, beverage companies, and a couple of magazines wanted me for their covers.
“I realize it can be very overwhelming,” Sam said, sifting through paperwork. “Would you like some water?”
“I’ll get it,” Collin said, striding over to the credenza in the conference room. Grabbing a bottle for himself and one for me, he twisted off the plastic cap and handed me mine. After giving him an appreciative smile, he asked Sam, “What magazines?”
“Women in Sports,Sparta Fashion Magazine,andScoredso far.”
“No way is she doingScored’s cover.” Sam laughed, and Charlie glared at me. “Their cover models are nude or almost-nude athletes. If you think you’d like to do it, then—”
“Oh, okay, you’re right. I’ll pass on that one.”
Sam started tapping on his tablet. “Okay, then let’s get down to brass tacks…”
For the next hour he went over all the endorsement deals that were being offered to me. I’d never seen so many zeros in my life. “Who needs all that money?”
Collin and Sam exchanged a look. “Charlie, there’s nothing wrong with making money.”
“I’d like to do something for girls in sports.”
Sam nodded. “I can set that up.”
“Thank you. As far as endorsements, I don’t want anything that promotes any type of supplement. Even if they’re approved by the FDA, I can’t be tied to any. It could hurt my future as a physician.” When they both remained silent, I added, “I won’t be playing football forever. I need to be smart about this.”
“I agree,” Collin said, bringing a smile to my face. “Are we done?”
“Yes, I’ll sift through these and send you my recommendations.”
We all stood. I thanked Sam with a handshake and walked out of his office. For the next few hours, I began researching certain charities that could benefit from me taking a picture with a sneaker brand. I didn’t care what anyone said—no one needed all those zeros in their bank account.
Finally finding one that seemed perfect, I got up and walked into the family room. Collin was stretched out on the sofa, his legs crossed at his ankles, and his arm leisurely resting above his head. Spotting me, he sat up.
“I thought you went to sleep.”
“My mind was spinning too much. I think I’ve decided on the deals I like. Would you mind looking over them?”
Collin muted the television and took the notebook from me. I watched as he read all my notes, and then he smiled. “What’s that look for?”
