Chapter 6
Maren
There are very few things that rattle my nerves this much, but applying to work with the biggest team in Mango Ball in the town where it originated is definitely one of them. My stomach turns in knots and my brain starts to spiral.
So much so that as I sit and doom scroll on social media, I feel my heart race. My hands are clammy, my phone shakes in my grip. I’m not even focused on the videos passing by in rapid succession on my screen. Instead, my brain is a vulture latching on to every shred of doubt I hold.
Am I ready for this?
What if I fuck up?
Will they take one look at me and think I’m not good enough?
I close my eyes and try to focus on the concrete things around me.
I feel the beads of sweat start to roll down my neck.
I hear the clinking of the wind chimes on the small patio outside, serving their purpose. A simple sound to recenter me, even if the sound comes from my creation when I run my fingers across it on windless days.
I take a small sip of my iced latte and let the flavor roll over my tongue.
I breathe in and out. Slow deep breaths until my body starts to respond.
“You’ve stepped into Boss Kicker Chronicles where if it’s bold, badass, and worth the breath, you’ll hear it here.” The voice is muffled under a pillow on my couch, but I know it well. I pull my phone out. Obviously in my spiral I left it playing.
Sloan Barrett is my idol. Tall, tan, sexy, and takes life by the horns. To say she doesn’t take shit from anyone or anything is the understatement of the year. In a realm long ruled by men, she entered football not as a guest, but as a force and made it hers.
Deciding I need the distraction, I click on the link attached to the video which takes me to the latest podcast episode she recorded today.
“What are you most excited about for tomorrow’s game?” Her question is directed at Oscar Rodriguez, and I’m honestly surprised to see him in an interview, on her show nonetheless, so soon.
“Well, my favorite part of the game is always the trick plays. But what I look forward to the most is what calls the fans will overturn in our favor. It’s the best part of Mango Ball. It’s a game truly for the fans.”
There is something about the way he winks at her when he finishes his answer that makes me perk up.
I don’t really follow the team, but I have tuned in enough to know that Ozzie is a fan favorite.
The face of the team… shit, the face of Mango Bay.
It’s everywhere. I’ve seen his face enough to recognize the cocky shift that has taken place this week, and I can’t say I like it.
“Can the fans expect anything special from you tonight?” she asks, playing into his charm a little more than I thought she ever would.
“Well… true to tradition, my number will be painted on my back, not on a jersey. But tonight, we are mixing things up. We’ve stashed a paintbrush under one lucky stadium seat, and whoever finds it gets to be the artist.” He smiles.
“Orbit, the mascot, is going to be so jealous that someone is taking his job,” she jokes in response, and the entire interaction has my face in a scrunch.
Are they playing into his debut into the dating world? Are they going to be announced as the next hot couple?
The thought causes me to scrunch my nose.
Wait, why do I care?
“What are you watching? Oooh. He’s so hot,” Sadie croons. “His girlfriend was an idiot.”
“Yeah, well, he’s a little more confident than I remember him being in other interviews. Maybe that has something to do with his recent relationship status.” I huff.
“Aren’t we a ball of sunshine today?” she says with a slight vein of annoyance in her voice, until she takes a closer look in my direction. “Don’t spiral, you’ll hear from them soon.”
“Too late. I’ve been in a spiral all morning. I’m going to go take a quick shower,” I respond knowing the best thing for me at the moment is warm water on my skin, and to just escape reality.
“Mare,” Sadie calls from the living room. “When you’re done getting ready, let’s head over to Base & Bean. They have a new iced matcha with agave and Himalayan salt I want to try.”
“Damn. That sounds amazing,” I say, opening the door, and the steam from the bathroom engulfs Sadie, making me chuckle. I’m already in a better mood.
“Hurry! I have a Love Island marathon calling my name,” she laughs.
“How many times are you going to binge that show?” I tease.
She laughs in response, opting not to answer.
Our walk to Base & Bean is a short one, just up the street from our apartment. Though short, it’s steep, so we are both parched when we reach the top of the hill leading to the quaint little coffee shop.
Mango Bay is a smaller version of San Francisco, with every street seeming to move uphill. But the view, shit. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
This particular street is lined on both sides with small buildings, each resembling a house covered in various shades of berry, blue, and cream shiplap mimicking traditional baseball colors.
But the way the sun is peeking over the hill makes the colors warm and inviting.
As far as Sadie and I are concerned, it’s never too late for a caffeine hit.
“Hi ladies,” Arabella, the barista, calls to us when we open the door. “New matcha?” she asks, already knowing what brought us in.
“You know us too well,” Sadie laughs. “We can’t resist a new drink.”
“You and everyone else in Mango Bay.” I can hear the smile in her voice.
“Can we also get a croissant?” I add, pulling my phone out of my purse as it vibrates for the second time in the last few seconds.
“Well… fuck my tits…” I whisper to myself.
Sadie and Arabella both snort a laugh.
“Mare. You can’t just say that every time something surprises you. Someone is going to misunderstand your intention and get the wrong idea.” Sadie likes to sound serious, but after 10 years of friendship, she knows it’s a habit I won’t kick anytime soon.
“What’s the news?” Arabella asks as she hands us our drinks.
“I got a second interview. Tomorrow morning.”
“Shit. Isn’t the game tomorrow night?” Sadie asks.
“Yup. Guess I’ll be getting on the job training… with Jax Calder and Oscar Rodriguez.” Their names fall from my mouth and cause an instant increase in my heart rate, and not only because they’re hot as fuck, but because I have a feeling working with Oscar right now could be a nightmare.
Scared, but deciding to do it anyway, I turn to Arabella, “Thanks for the drinks and treats, but apparently I have a shit ton of work to do tonight.” I smile and turn towards the door.
“Good luck babe.” She offers me a wave and a smile in return and it reminds me why I love this place so much. Coming in here feels like an extension of home.
“What do you have to prepare beforehand?” Sadie asks.
“Oh you know… all I have to come up with are three ideas for skits for tomorrow night’s game. One batter walk-up, one crowd game, and one video idea for Jax and Oscar to do for social media.” I laugh sarcastically so I don’t panic.
“I’ll help you,” Sadie offers.
“You have a date with Love Island.” I eye her, knowing how much she looks forward to her time alone on the couch. “I already have a few ideas.”
Surprisingly, that’s not a lie. My brain started firing idea after idea as I read the email. Just when I expected myself to freeze and panic, a fire was lit and I’ve never been more thankful.
“Apparently working in high pressure situations is my new strength. I thought after 26 years with myself I knew all there was to know,” I shrug, putting my hands in the air.
As soon as we get back home, I run to my room and scroll for old videos of Jax and Oscar together. I need to get a sense of their dance abilities. It only takes a few minutes to find one that tells me everything I need to know.
“What’s up everybody, meet the dance crew for the day,” Jax’s voice is wild and cheery.
“Don’t leave me out of it,” Oscar says, moving the phone in Jax’s hand so he’s also on camera.
“My bad, let me show everyone.” Jax pans the phone across three of the Mango Men.
Oscar walks over and high fives all three of them and then leans in and gives Jax a bro hug. His smile is so bright. His eyes are happy, and he messes around before they get started like he’s the life of the party. He pulls his shirt off, revealing tight abs and dark tattoos, and I audibly wince.
I’m not sure what music is playing as they dance, because they covered it with a voice over of Jax narrating their moves. They wanted the song to be a surprise for fans that night at the game.
I’m pleasantly surprised by their skills. They both have great flexibility, seem to be able to hold pace and beat, and have quick feet.
I can work with this.
I put my phone away and get to work. I am going to be the new choreographer for the Moonshots. I just know it.