Chapter 5 #2
He was right. I didn’t pull any punches. I made a career for myself by not letting players off the hook too easily. And while I didn’t usually wear my ‘kid gloves,’ it was essential that he trusted me. I had to play things right down the middle.
I shifted forward. “You have my word that I will be as fair and honest as I can while respecting boundaries. This is a chance for you to talk about what this season means to you. The stuff fans don’t usually get to hear.”
He smiled a little. “That sounds more like counseling than interviewing.”
I laughed. “I can assure you I’m not qualified to be a counselor.”
I could feel the weight of his hesitation. His instinct to protect himself. Nate kept things close to the vest. In a way, I couldn’t blame him. When you played at his level, every word he spoke became a soundbite. Everything he did was dissected and picked apart.
“If we do this, it’s on my terms.”
I nodded, trying not to act too excited. “Okay. What are your terms?”
He exhaled and leaned back in his chair. “One interview a week at a neutral location of my choosing.”
I raised an eyebrow. “I guess that could work.”
“I would like to review everything before it goes to print, and no ‘gotcha’ questions.”
That was reasonable. “Deal. When can we start?”
His eyes narrowed, like he wasn’t expecting me to agree so fast. “Let’s meet in one of the pressrooms here. I’ll make sure we have a room where we can meet in private, if that’s okay with you.”
I opened my notebook and started scribbling down some notes. “Would you be open to video footage?”
“Let’s get through the first interview and go from there.”
This wasn’t ideal, but he was meeting me halfway, so I needed to go along with it. “Okay, that’s fair. When did you want to meet?”
He looked at the clock on the wall. “Practice ends early on Thursday. You can meet me here at four.”
“Four it is,” I said, jotting it down in my calendar.
Nate watched me, like he was trying to figure me out.
I set my pen down, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “What?”
He shrugged, taking a sip from his water bottle. “Didn’t expect you to agree so easily.”
I softened my tone. “This isn’t a trap. It’s your story, Nate. I want it told right. But don’t confuse tough questions with bad intentions. It’s not the same thing.”
His mouth curved. “I knew there was a catch.”
I leaned forward to meet his eyes. “I promise, you have nothing to worry about and will have the final say before anything goes to print,” I said, sliding my notebook into my bag.
“I know this isn’t easy for you. And I want you to know that I appreciate the opportunity.
My word is my bond. You can take that to the bank. ”
He stood, still looking guarded but not as closed off as before. “I’ll send you my schedule for the rest of the interviews.”
He was about to walk me to the door when Ryder Holbrook stuck his head in. “Whoa, I didn’t realize you were in a private meeting.”
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Jaxson smirked, slinging a towel around his neck. “I guess this explains why you skipped out on us after practice. Are we interrupting anything interesting?”
I pushed my chair in. “We just finished. He’s all yours.”
Ryder held his hand out. “I don’t think we have officially met. Ry Holbrook, this guy’s number one tight end.”
His grip was warm and friendly. “I know who you are.”
There was an amused look on his face. “Yeah? How come you never call on me for interviews?”
“Because you’re not nearly as exciting as me?” Jaxson folded his arms across his massive chest.
Nate rolled his eyes. “Jax, she roasted you after that loss to Denver last year.”
“She did.” His voice was teasing as he ran a hand along his buzz-cut. “And for the record, I stand by my answer that I gave you. I did not drop that pass from Ross. It was an illegal hit that caused me to lose control of the ball.”
I found myself fighting back a smile. “That play was pinned to the highlighted Reels on Denver’s page all season.”
Jax laughed under his breath. “It sure was. Just so you know, I’m not mad that you called me out on live TV.”
“Good, because you’re too nice to be mad.”
His lips curved. “You think I’m nice?”
Nate blew out a frustrated breath. “Don’t you two have somewhere to be?’’
There was a smile playing on Jax’s lips. “Relax. We’re just getting to know your new friend here.”
“She is not my friend. She is a reporter, and she’s here on an assignment,” he said, flattening his lips together.
I pretended not to notice how Nate’s shoulders went tight. Or how his jaw went hard, and his eyes grew sharper. But let’s just say that he looked one second away from tackling his teammate to the ground.
“Whatever.” Jax gave me a mock salute. “Maybe now that you think I’m a nice guy, you’ll ask me some softer questions next time.”
“You think I was hard on you? You ain’t seen nothing yet, buddy.”
Ryder laughed. “She’s got bite. I like it.”
“That’s enough.” Nate stepped in front of me. “You are both done. Say goodbye to Ms. Hendrix.”
Ryder waved. “Bye, Ms. Hendrix.”
“I look forward to seeing you again.” Jax grinned as he walked backward. “Let me know when you want to schedule my interview. I’ll even give you my personal cell number.”
Nate pushed on his chest. “Bye.”
Jax raised his hands in surrender. “Good luck with him. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
As soon as the door closed, Nate ran a hand along the back of his neck. “Sorry about those two goofballs. They don’t know when to shut up.”
Jax and Ryder were harmless flirts, but they were as subtle as a bullhorn. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find them entertaining. Nate, on the other hand, looked irritated.
I glanced at him, trying not to read too much into his reaction. “Don’t be annoyed with them. I think they add some levity to the pressers we have.”
He stepped forward like he was about to say something, but laughter in the hallway stopped him. “I’ll take a look at my schedule and follow up in a few days.”
“Sounds good.”
I headed for the door and glanced back at him. He seemed fine, but there was something in his expression that gave me pause. I tried not to overthink it. But I couldn’t quite let go of the feeling that there was some type of tension between us that stretched beyond professional.
I shook my head. It didn’t matter. He was a work assignment. Nothing more.
The sooner I could get this interview over, the sooner I could move on.
Right?