26. Chapter 23
Jax
It’s been about two weeks since Sloan surprised Tanner at his office, and Ali finally got all of the details ironed out with Horner.
We’ve never done an interview from the Juice Box, the team’s suite, it’s usually reserved for the families of players.
Fitting three chairs into the press area was too tight, and they were having a hard time fitting us comfortably in the frame with fans literally in the next seat.
The press area is intimate and fun for the fans, but it would be impossible to set up for more than a one-on-one interview.
When I climbed into the passenger seat of Sloan’s mustang earlier, she was nervous, but the second we stepped out of the car, she was confident as hell. Her game time face is on, and armor is in place as she mics up. I watch her in awe.
A few seconds later, Ali signals that we’re ready to go.
I’ve heard Sloan’s podcast introduction more times than I can count, but today, all I hear is my heart thumping in my chest. I hope this doesn’t cost her everything. We’ve made a few changes to the original plan over the past two weeks, but I think we nailed it.
“Jax and Anderson are here to give us the lowdown on all the exciting things we can expect from them next season.”
The words next season roll off her tongue, and it hits me that the next season is going to be so drastically different from this one.
Oscar is leaving the Moonshots. I’ve known for a while now.
I found out the same day he busted in on Sloan and I in the locker room, but with this…
I locked it in the back of my mind. But, hearing the mention of next season stirred something inside me, and I miss the question.
“Huh?” I ask, giving her an apologetic look.
“What can we expect from the draft?”
“You know, I’m not really sure. No one is. There has never been a draft like this in any sport. Fans make all the rules. There will be three rounds that take place over several weeks."
I glance down at the screen and see excitement flooding in.
Moonshot#1fan: This is the coolest thing in sports.
Fan12345: I wish all teams did this!
I beam with pride for this organization as I continue,
“The first round is Fan’s Pick. Voting will be open in the app for fans to vote on their top three picks to have full fan immunity.
They stay on their respective teams no matter what.
They also get to pick three players from the organization to move to another team.
There is also a fan certification round.
All of the initial immunities and trades are posted, and anyone who is a part of the exclusive Golden Slice fan club has the opportunity to certify the fan selections. ”
“Wow! That’s so cool,” Sloan says in surprise.
I chuckle. “Yeah it is! They can make one immunity swap if they feel it necessary. There will also be a round where the coaches are up. They can place their immunity on two players from their team. After that the only players added to rosters are filled through tryouts.”
“That’s quite the process. The NFL draft is intense, but nothing like this. I bet the fans are so excited.”
“I’m excited to see what happens, but the unknown is a little scary,” I admit.
“Anderson, what can fans expect from you in your first Mango Ball season?”
Again I don’t really hear his response. My mind keeps shooting back to Ozzie playing on a team thousands of miles away. The fans are going to be shocked. It’s not until I hear Sloan say my name that I snap back into the moment.
“Jax, what do you think will be the hardest part of the process?”
This is the magic question, the one we practiced, the one we knew would lead to Tanner’s meltdown.
“I mean, you probably know better than most how hard it is to have the future you planned ripped out of your hands,” I say, in awe of all the strength she’s shown redefining her career. “What was it like when you had to redefine yourself?”
And just like that, the conversation turned. Sloan shared her struggles with taking on a new career, how she had to redefine herself. The self doubt, the doubt she experienced from her team, and fans. It was raw and emotional, and the first time I think fans have really seen her.
Question after question, and comments of support come flooding in the chat, and Anderson and I read as many of them as we can to keep the conversation going. Anderson didn’t know this was the plan, but he naturally wanted to know the answers too.
“I felt like I lost everything,” her voice cracks, “but I think the thing that got me through was being here in Mango Nation. I needed time to step away from the NFL to heal, and there is no better place to rediscover yourself than right here. You can’t help but be happy.”
She says this just as Orbit and the dancing ump break out in a breakdancing contest on the field to “It’s Tricky” by Run D.M.C.
She breaks out in a laugh that lights up her entire face, and I love it so much more than the pain she just inflicted on herself in an effort to piss off Tanner.
As soon as the two of them conclude their shenanigans on the field, Sloan wraps up the interview.
Anderson stays with Sloan to watch the game from the suite, and I head to the field for the start of the game.
Despite my newfound realization that I’m going to be playing for the first time on this field without Ozzie next season, I pitched a hell of a game.
It doesn’t secure us a win, but I feel good about the loss.
The only ones that get me are the ones that are a result of one of us not showing up with our heart in it.
As I finish up in the locker room after the game, I ask Horner if I can lock everything up. I told him I wanted to hang out and use the sauna, when in reality, I wanted to surprise Sloan with a little picnic on the field.
It’s not the first time I’ve asked to hang back, so he was quick to agree.
Me: I have a surprise for you, will you come back here in an hour?
My Brilliant Girl: That feels creepy. Isn’t it dark and shit?
I laugh, not surprised that she’s skeptical.
Me: I’m trying to be romantic.
My Brilliant Girl: Ever try flowers? Lining the room with rose petals? A massage?
Me: That shit’s lame and overdone.
My Brilliant Girl: Fine, but if I go missing, that’s on you.
Me: I’ll keep a tight grip on you so the bleacher dwellers don’t get you.
My Brilliant Girl: I’m not coming.
Me: Yes you are.
My Brilliant Girl: I know.
My Brilliant Girl: Don’t make me wait outside the gates.
Me: I’ll be there waiting.
She responds with a nervous emoji face and it makes me chuckle.
I spent the next hour setting up all the things I packed in my bag. A blanket, snacks, and a bottle of wine.
And then, just as promised, I’m waiting at the gate when I hear the pitter patter of her feet running towards the gate.