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“You need something with a little more pizazz.Poker Face? Can’t read minds, can’t read minds,” I sing off-key while he listens unaffected. “It’s fitting with all the deadpan you’ve got going on, but it might just be a little too…pop-y.”
I scroll in silence for a minute and then gasp. “I’ve got it, grumpy pants! Your new jam. Are you ready? It’s smooth and soulful and just completely perfect. From now on, this in your ears before each game will have you playing like never before. So long solitary gloom, hello potency and sunshine!”
I look at him wide-eyed with anticipation, knowing I’m getting under his skin, but I Just. Can’t. Stop. It’s like a bug bite that itches so bad you have to scratch it raw. This guy needs to get off his high horse and settle down here on earth with the rest of us.
I wiggle my eyebrows at him, waiting for him to ask me. His cool stare doesn’t weaken my excitement.
“Ok, sunshine. I can tell happiness is your truth. Are you ready to clap along? Your new pregame jam.” I let the song play, and Pharrell’sHappyfills our tiny space. I start moving, and he continues to ignore me.
I turn it down and look at him, lip-singing the lyrics.
I bop my shoulders up and down for effect. “Can’t bring me down, baby. It’s perfect.”
I let the song play for a bit and then turn it off just as the ceiling lights flicker. We both look around, waiting. Nothing.
His cool exterior suddenly doesn’t look so calm. He’s pale, knees to chest, and gripping the railing like at any moment we’re going to be in for a ride.
“You alright, big stuff?” I sit forward a little, trying to get a better look at his face.
Like he forgot I was here, his head snaps in my direction, and I watch him morph back to calm and collected like a plastic shield melting into place.Huh?He stretches his legs out again, reaches into his bag, and pulls out a water bottle.
I rest back while he takes a long drink. “Careful, there won’t be any tinkling in here.” He eyes me, twisting the cap back on. “I don’t care if you own this stadium. I draw the line in your entitlement there.”
“Shouldn’t you be saving your voice for the big performance?” His voice is filled with agitation.
His previous disinterest is suddenly full of tender care.Not. “I don’t need to save my voice. It’s my sanity I’m concerned about at the moment.”
“So you’re seriously here to sing the anthem, then what?” He picks up his phone again and starts tapping away.
What in the hell is his problem?I shrug, pulling my knees to my chest. “Oh, you know, dance a little jig, strip down to nothing, and hit on as many players as I can in hopes that one will see the real me and bring life full circle. The usual.”
He rolls his neck like he’s trying to loosen up. “Does the bitterness ever get tiring?”
I let out a laugh filled with sarcasm. “Ugh, we’ve been here so long we’re starting to think alike. Scary. I was just thinking how the helmet and pads are probably a good buffer for all that narcissistic arrogance.”
He groans. “This is ridiculous,” he says, resting his head against the wall, one leg bent and bouncing. In the next second, he pulls his hoodie over his head and tosses it on top of his bag. The t-shirt he’s left in confirms my previous assumptions about his muscular physique.
His phone vibrates. He looks at it and tosses it down, creating a soft thud in our tiny space. He tips his head back again and closes his eyes. I hear him breathe in and push it out, likely getting antsy about game time.
I’m just as ready to spring this pendulous joint so I can get on with what I came here to do and go back home where it’s safe and sound. Where I can hide and ignore the fact that life is going on around me–where nothing has to change.
Even though this likely famous football star has been a little prickly and a whole lot self-absorbed, he did provide one insightful nugget of input. Maybe I can be grateful for that tiny portion of our captive time together.
My eyes square in on him again while he sits stiffly, jaw clenched, brow beaded with sweat, and looking like he’s about to come unglued. I know I should just keep my mouth shut, but it’s never been very good at listening.
“What you said earlier about it being my choice to move forward and see what’s out there. That’s actually pretty good advice. I wasn’t sure you had that kind of depth.”
His head turns in my direction, his eyes full of tension and something else I can’t identify. Surprise maybe. But after a moment, I see him relax just slightly, his eyes softening.
I bite my lip as his intense stare causes the air around me to suddenly feel thick. When he continues to say nothing, my mouth takes over. “I’m so glad you were able to come down to my level for that brief moment. I was certain we’d leave this experience, never really knowing each other.”
There’s a sudden jolt as the lights pop on, and the elevator starts to move. We both stand, and there’s a ding that has the doors opening.
As I reach down for my backpack, my cordial bestie flees our holding space and disappears. No goodbye or nice meeting you, although we bypassed introductions. No, have a nice life. Nothing.What-ever.
I step out onto solid ground and into a group of waiting people, thankful this little mishap is over. A couple of custodians stand waiting.
“Welcome out in the fresh air.” One of them smiles, holding out his arms.
