You’ve been caught
You’ve been caught
Practice was scorching today. Since the preseason games have begun, once a week our practices have been in the stadium, which isn’t domed, to prepare us for playing in the heat.
Here in Florida, it’s like we get a double whammy with being on the East Coast and being in the South.
Our games should be later in the day, but no, when we’re at home they are always at one o’clock, and it’s brutal.
Walking into the shade of the tunnel, I see Danica before I see the sign.
If we spot any of the marketing team, we are required to stop and participate in whatever it is they’ve got planned.
Fortunately, one of their new segments, “You’ve been caught,” is easy enough.
Today, she has a large rolling whiteboard, and on it the question is, “Did you make your bed today?” Next to it, she is standing with Ross, her partner, and he has a camera recording.
Several of my teammates are already standing there, deep in discussion.
“I make my bed every day,” Sully says proudly.
“You do? Why?” Titan recoils.
“Because there is nothing better at the end of the day than sliding into a well-made bed with smooth sheets. I recently bought bamboo sheets, and I love them too. They’re soft and cool.”
“My sheets are smooth even though I don’t make my bed,” he argues.
“Not true,” Sully disagrees, running the back of his arm over his forehead. We’re all sweating, and I have to imagine that we smell.
“I get into bed, pull up the covers, and instantly they are smooth,” Titan tells him.
“It’s not the same.”
I look at the camera, needing to stop wherever the two of them are headed and answer, “Sometimes.” I shrug my shoulders. “Usually during the summer. In the winter, there are a lot of blankets on the bed.”
“What does summer have to do with it? Don’t you keep your house about the same temperature year-round?” Tyler asks, joining the conversation.
“No. In the winter, I sleep with the windows open. I like it cold. So in the summer, fewer blankets. It’s easier to pull them up to the corner.”
“My wife makes our bed. She’s usually still in it when I leave,” Darius answers. He glances at me and waggles his eyebrows.
“I make my bed every day,” Rico tells Danica, grinning from ear to ear. “Want to come over and see it?”
Sully smacks him on the back of the head. “You can’t ask her things like that.” He scowls.
“What? Why not? She asked first. Besides . . .” He gives her a slow, lazy smile. “I’m allowing her the opportunity to fact-check.”
“I swear to God. One day, you’re going to get what’s coming to you. You do realize what you’re implying is not only fraternization but also can be misconstrued as sexual harassment? I know you’ve read the handbook. ”
“I’m not harassing her. I’m expanding her options for some research on her question here.” He tilts his head up as a challenge to Sully.
“Thanks for the offer, Rico, but I’ll pass.” She winks at him.
“I once read that Oprah has her people iron her sheets daily,” Tyler tells us.
“She would. She seems like the bougie type,” Rico offers.
“I make mine every day,” Camden tells her.
“Superman, no one is surprised by this.” Bryan laughs, joining our group. Even he’s sweaty, and he runs the least of all of us. Well, maybe outside of the kicker.
“Making your bed has been linked to overall success in individuals. It boosts productivity by setting the tone for the day, it reduces stress by being aesthetically pleasing and creating a calmer environment, and it enhances sleep quality. Data shows that people are nineteen percent more likely to sleep better, which boosts immune systems, allows fatigue recovery, and recharges the brain,” he says with a straight face.
While everyone stares at him, I clap him on the shoulder and smile. This is why I love him.
“Lexi always says the same thing,” Bryan backs him up. “She’s diligent about making our bed.”
“She isn’t trying to improve productivity. She’s trying to keep the pie crumbs out,” Sully says.
“What about you?” Bryan asks her, ignoring Sully.
Ross swings the camera around to catch Danica’s response.
“Oh.” She’s surprised. “Well, I’m pretty particular, and I always make mine. I don’t like it when the bottom sheet has wrinkles.”
I know what she’s talking about. It’s annoying when you stretch your leg out, and the bottom sheet is bumpy.
“This is what I’m saying,” Sully chimes in. “Must be smooth. There’s no eating, no pets, and no shoes. Prevents all crumbs and keeps them cool and fresh. If you haven’t already, you should get the bamboo sheets,” he tells her.
“No eating, no pets, no shoes, sounds a lot like no women, too,” Rico mocks. “It’s okay, bro. We still love you.”
“You gonna love me tomorrow when I have you running suicides?”
All humor drops from Rico’s face, while the rest of us laugh.