ER

ou talking about,

o would be doing the interview

for Larry to be

I were you, I'd worry less about the person and focus more on how to answer the questions to the best of my ability. This is your chance, bi

fuck

lick back since that night. It's

g her to go easy on me. Two: Hop o

f red aunts eat me alive than go and beg Maria Ricardo. That girl hates my

er, hoping for the b

es." Imelda, the media assistant announces to me as she ad

by my side, I close my

mpse of Maria since three days ago and my breath catches. She's

n ESPN. I'm Maria Ricardo, bringing you an exclusive feat

girl who can't stand my guts and present i

rity. "Behind every highlight reel and every stat sheet is a player whose story extends far beyond the final whistle. Today, we are joined by one of the

uarely on me. A small, professional, com

Falls." She announces and I make my way to

professional smiles. Those 'i don't really mean it, but here's one' smiles. I can't lie

." I return the smile, cracking my

it, shall we. Tell us,

whole life. I've fought hard, and so I think my time ha

out of Philly with talent, but Emerson, talent only gets you through the front door

ink. The journey isn't g

e hardest lesson the gam

chin. I promised myself that no matter what she asked, I was

. "You could go at it for twelve hours a day, grind like crazy, but a bad break

e for a beat and they a

he heels. "Belmont-Crest runs a high pressure, highly disciplined playbook. As a top prospect, how do you bal

me at the top of her most-hated list, but one th

e what turn a good drive into a touchdown. You respect the system, you execute the call

your senior season," Maria says, diverting seamlessly toward my future. "Operating under that level of national scrutiny comes

the sudden dryn

real honesty. "Remembering the people back home who sacrificed everything so I could wear

of something in her eyes bef

r pressure," she

hands you the keys to their offense next spring, what is th

ruin my life. She had the opportunity to d

I say, my voice carrying authority over t

prospective draft pick. I'm Maria Ricardo, reporting live from the Belm

wrap, people!" the f

th as the tension drains from my shoulders, staring at Maria as she ca

e asks, shoving the camera in my face as I knock d

ent out to the c

steal my teammate

t ag

out loud, throwing my hands in the air. "Hell, the club owner better b

ll the gu

face. I wrap my hands around her throat, kiss her like a crazed man before tipping her

lls is comi

front door. I'm a drunk mess, and

nd goes to bed early on days where w

Maria standing in the doorway

late? I wouldn't entertain more of

ing the door for me when you

I haven't got time

makes her nose

alking to a soon-to-be NFL play

stratingly. As if getting on Maria's

e. Quiet now, Dad said he doesn't want to be

you wouldn't even live a little. I get it, you're more focu

e to have fu

nt out there toda

and spit you out." She spits, stepping closer to me. "You k

do it." I shru

t to." She shrugs,

r. "You like to tell yourself that I'm the one you hate the mo