by Yvette Hines
“What ever happened to brains over beauty?” Jo’el stood and stepped into her pants.
“I think that was brains over brawn,” Marcy corrected. “I don’t think that saying was ever meant about women. Sorry smarty pants.”
Her looks hadn’t seemed to matter to Donovan. Hell he’d made her say she agreed with him that she was beautiful. But you’re not trying to manage him.
She wasn’t sure what he did at the Thunder Dome. He’d been on the corporate level of the arena so she figured he was a general manager or maybe one of the coaches. By his place he definitely got paid well. She didn’t think he was a player, because he seemed too low key from how they always appeared in the news—flashy and loud. Attention grabbers.
“That’s crazy. Anyway, I need to get into work. I’ll call you this afternoon and see when you’re free Saturday. My next meeting is Monday morning.”
“Great. I have some calls to make to set some things up.”
“Marcy…don’t go overboard.” She warned her older sister.
“Too late I’m already in the water and backstroking.”
Laughing at her sister, Jo’el expressed her love and hung up.
Dressed, she was in the bathroom again running a brush through her hair before looking for a clip. Her black one was her go to hair accessory, but she’d forgotten it at Donovan’s so she grab a bronze one out the drawer then put it in place. Lip gloss and a quick swipe of mascara finished it for her. Giving herself a once over, she realized that Ian had been right, her look left a lot to be desired. It worked for the corporate finance setting, but she was stepping into a completely different arena now.
No it didn’t fit with the corporate types, she was telling herself an hour later when she rode one of the elevators to the ninth floor. She couldn’t help but pay attention to one woman after another that got on or off. None of them were dressed like her. They paraded around in skirts, heels and pastel colored blouses that showed a hint of cleavage through the tailored fit or the vee collar. Every man, nerdy, young or old looked, not long enough to be inappropriate, but a notable glance or two accompanied by a smile. Sometimes they even started a general brief conversation. “Thank God it’s Friday” or “Nice weather we are having”.
They didn’t notice her standing in the back corner. How long have I been ignoring what was going on around me or been ignored?
Too happy when her floor came up, she excused herself from the bodies and went to her office and shut the door.
~YH~
“Look, Tank, you know it’s not personal. This is a business. We’re in the business of winning.”
Eyeing the GM, Tank shook his head. “Two seasons ago when Rep’s right knee got injured and he was able to return he was dropped right back on the roster in his slot.”
“That’s because Bartlett the second string wide receiver sucked ass. Everyone knew it. Hell, I’d have put my grandmother in a jersey to get Bartlett out.” The GM tossed his hands up and leaned back in his office chair.
“You could have traded me if you thought someone else was a better fit.” Tank shook his head, as he sat with his elbows rested on his knees.
“Your contracts not up.” The GM went quite for a moment then began, “I’d hate to lose you. However, if that’s something you want you’ve been more than loyal to this team so I would see it happen.”
Donovan stared down between his feet for a moment at the plush gold carpet, one of the Thunder colors. He thought about the man’s question. Did he see himself suiting up for another team? His agent would love it, if it meant a chance to negotiate him for higher pay. No.
Straightening up, he shook head. “I don’t want to be traded.” He rose. “I don’t want to fight for my spot into the preseason either, but I’m staying.”
The General Manager of the Thunders rose then rounded the desk. “We’re being fair, Tank. However, if you had asked me to trade you I’d have kicked your ass.” He patted him on the back. “I know you have what it takes to show that rookie whose boss.”
Donovan offered a thanks before heading out of the door. Before the GM’s office was a big frame with his picture in it from when he won his first MVP trophy. That trophy and all his other awards were in a room at his sister’s house in Iowa just like everything since his Pop Warner league certificate. He moved passed it. Being in the corporate level of the Dome always made him itchy. It was either good or bad if a player was there. Headed down the hall he passed the conference room, more offices then a smiling Gail who sat before the president’s office.
Soon he was rounding a corner and spotting the exit sign over the back door. He recalled what had transpired yesterday. How he’d seen Jo’el and followed her into the stairwell and what had inevitably followed. The night with her had changed something inside him. He’d always been a loner. Enjoying his own solitude instead of the rowdy life like some of his teammates. However, being with Jo’el was supposed to have been a moment to scratch a mutual itch. Get her out of his system, but it had ended up being more than that.
He knew the moment he had her in his bed curled along his side. They’d dozed off after their third session. She’d still been asleep and he’d seen her glasses resting on his nightstand. For a moment he’d desired to see them every night in that place. The thought had rocked him to his core. Scaring him so bad, he’d slipped out of bed, careful not to awaken her as he went downstairs to make them sandwiches.
He’d needed space. However, even while he’d moved around his kitchen he could smell her soft musk on him, it made him yearn to crawl back in the bed beside her. It had been exactly what he’d done. Once he carried the tray of water, hoagies and apples to the room, he’d woken her with loving. Slipping between her thighs he’d entered her slowly. She’d awakened with a low sigh calling out his name. He’d rocked gently in and out of her pussy as he whispered things in her ear, some naughty, others endearments he couldn’t hold back.
The elevator dinged and broke into his thoughts. Moving inside, he reminded himself, that was yesterday and today he had to face the obstacles in his world.
~YH~
“Hi, I’m here to meet with Mr. Dare.”
Gail looked up from her computer, and Jo’el didn’t miss the shocked twice over the woman gave her.
“Well, good morning, Ms. Gifford. You look amazing. I’ll let the boss know you’re here.” The woman gave her a wide smile as Gail reached for the receiver.
Jo’el thanked her and moved over to the waiting area where she’d sat the last time she was here a few days ago. She held herself with a different confidence. Over the weekend she hadn’t only finalized her angle of presentation, put together a short PowerPoint, she’d also gone out shopping.
Well, technically, her sister Marcy had assigned the help of Avery Dare, a successful fashion blogger, as well as Ella, Avery’s best friend, who was an assistant to a designer. Between the two mid-twenty year olds and Marcy they had transformed her into a totally new person from her smooth layered waves to the toes of her three inch pumps. A little on the low side the fashion experts had told Jo’el, however, she’d let them know higher ones would land her on her ass after three steps. As a thick girl falling in front of people was her worst nightmare.
Marcy knew Avery because the girl volunteered at Miami’s Children’s Hospital where Marcy worked. Avery was also a younger sister of Ian’s. Jo’el had not told the girl, nor did her sister, tell her that she was going to be meeting with Ian, Madison and Avery’s half-brother, Alex today. It wasn’t a secret, but telling the girl would have led to questions, those questions would have led Jo’el into answers about the source of her embarrassment of her dowdy look. Besides her sister, Jo’el was going to take it to the grave.
“Jo’el, it is great to see you again.”
She glanced up to see Ian approaching her with an assuring smile. Rising, she offered him a confident smile of her own. “Mr. Dare.” She stepped forward and shook his hand.
“Ian please. Yo
u look ready to enthrall an audience.”
“Well, good, because I’m more than ready.” She’d never felt so assured of doing anything, besides jumping into the sack with Donovan, in her life. “The first time I was here it was because my boss wanted me to take the lead on it. Now I want this.” That was the truth. All of her changes and hard work had brought about a determination in her blood.
“Perfect. This way to the conference room, you have a few moments to get set up before Madison and Alex come in.”
“Thank you.” She kept pace with him as they moved down hall. In her peripheral she saw more player photos but didn’t pay them much attention as she made small talk with Ian about the weather, it was currently a flash downpour, not strange for the area or season. Some tropical depression was always rolling in from the Caribbean.
When they arrived at the conference room Ian left her with the I.T. staff member that was there to assist her with getting her presentation loaded and offered her the basics of working the small remote.
Ten minutes later the door opened with the glowing face of Madison and her husband the now retired Tampa Bay Breakers’ quarterback. She’d been shocked to discover he had played for the Thunders rival, but now worked as the co-program director of the Thunders. She was sure nepotism was in effect since his brother was president of the team. Ian had been direct and tough on her, so she couldn’t see him as someone that would put someone in a position because of family relations if they weren’t qualified.
“Hi, Jo’el, it’s good to see you again.” Madison walked up to her and gave her a hug.
Taken aback, she hesitated before embracing the elegant blonde.
Madison chuckled, picking up on the hesitancy. “We’re professional here, but we don’t stand on formalities.”
She nodded as they broke apart. “Congratulations on your marriage, Madison. You’re practically radiant with joy.”
“Thank you. It’s due to this guy.” Madison rested her hand on her husband’s side as he stepped forward with his hand extended.
“Nice to meet you, Jo’el. We heard a lot of good things about you from Ian this morning.” The man was imposing in his physique and stature. Jo’el didn’t have to stretch her imagination to see the brown haired and dark eyed man as leader of a team.
“You’re the face of the program.” Jo’el stated as she recognized him from the flyer Mr. Stosch had given her, the only item to start her preparation.
“Good to know marketing is on their job and our advertisement is getting around.” Alex offered her a charming smile.
Jo’el noted how striking a pair Madison and Alex made. “It is. Whenever you all are ready to get started, I am.”
“Eager, I like that.” Madison nodded. “Once our liaison from Fine PR Firm gets here you can begin.”
Just as the other woman said it, the door opened and two people entered.
“Perfect timing.” Alex stepped to the older of the two men and shook his hand first then went to the next guy.
The two additions to the meeting greeted Madison with handshakes as well.
“Derek Fine this is Jo’el Gifford.” Alex led the man to her and made the introductions. “As we spoke on the phone, she is looking to head the financial training and management for the players who enlist in the program.”
Derek introduced the young associate with him.
“Nice to meet you both.” Jo’el said.
Once everyone had their seats, Madison inclined a hand to her. “We’re ready to get started when you are, Jo’el.” She sat beside Alex on one side of the table while the PR members were across from them.
Taking her place at the front of the room Jo’el began. She started off with the first slide that listed her credentials—education and experience in the financial field. “Currently, I am the top financial analyst at Stosch, Morgan and Stosch. Knowing numbers and being able to read and project changes in the financial market is my forte. That alone will make me a damn great manager for those enrolled in your program.” She clicked to the next screen and their slogan popped up.
“You all desire to assist current and past players in protecting, educating as well as ensuring they succeed in life for the future beyond the field.” She looked around the room meeting each gaze before stopping at Alex as she took a step closer away from the screen and closer to the table. “I will admit. I knew absolutely nothing about the sport of football prior to taking on this assignment. I never understood how grown men could put their body in such danger.” She clicked the remote several times and now the slides were showing multiple players limping, being carried or driven away from the field during a game. She didn’t place one of Alex up there because his picture was already part of Fine’s marketing.
“But, I studied and learned and watched games and training camp films and understood that passion. You want to know what enlightened me?”
“What?” Alex rested back in his chair meeting her gaze steadily.
“Pop Warner.” She smiled breaking the tension as she glanced at everyone. Jo’el laughed at the bewildered expressions of those before her. She was fully in the zone and enjoying herself. Another click and she turned and pointed to a group picture of the smiling faces of boys and one girl in football uniforms. “Ninety percent of football players start here. Learning to love the game. Going to bed with dreams of playing in the NFL. They want to do it for the excitement, thrill, for their parents, the admiration of the fans and success.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Alex nodding, whether in approval or remembrance she wasn’t sure.
She brought up a few slides of big homes, flashy cars, boats, jets and beautiful, sexy women and allowed the photos to speak for themselves. “However most of them end up closer to this by the time the stadium lights fade on their careers.” Her screen now displayed a clip of an ex-NFL linebacker and the article about his Super Bowl ring being bought. It had thankfully been returned to him. The next article and photo presented information on another linebacker who had wound up living below a bridge on the west coast, homeless. The man had also been a player and winner in Super Bowls.
“Most athletes are unprepared for the financial pressures when the big checks stop rolling in. Their houses and cars get repossessed, bankruptcy becomes their only way to tread water, however soon their continual poor investments by those preying on them and miss management of their own funds leads to heartache, depression and ruin. I can help them succeed. I want to help them keep their finances working for them and their families well into the future and after they’re gone. I want to facilitate them keeping their pride.”
Jo’el continued into various money management strategies and investments that would appeal to players based around their personal interests. The observers began to ask questions of her at this point. She remained calm and steady as she answered each of them. Financial questions she could handle in her sleep. She reminded herself not to get too technical or heavy in the information. Most people began to get crossed eyed when it came to financial management principles.
When she was done, she placed the remote on the table.
“Thank you, Jo’el. We enjoyed the presentation and it was highly informative.” Madison rose and approached her. The woman’s face was a mask, not giving anything away. “We’ll take some time to discuss this and get back with you by the end of the day.”
“Understandable. Thank you all for your time.” She gathered her things and walked out.
No matter what decision the program organizers came to she felt proud of herself. She’d been honest when she told them she’d been directed to do this, but it was now in her blood. If she didn’t get the position and it led to her losing her job, she knew she would go into sport financial management somewhere else. Players needed the expertise she could offer.
Two hours later, she sat at her desk writing a financial report of her examination of some audited financial statements and corollary data that would present her assessment of lending risks f
or one of the corporations they managed who were looking into acquiring a smaller company that was headed for collapse. The ringing of her phone barely took away her train of thought as she reached for it at the corner of her desk.
“Jo’el Gifford, how can I help you?” Her fingers continued tapping away at the keys as the phone sat wedged between her shoulder and ear.
“Jo’el, this is Madison.”
She stopped typing, giving the other woman her full attention. “Hi.”
“I’m headed to a meeting so I’ll cut to the chase. We were all very taken with your presentation and the smooth efficiency in which you handled the line of questions. We are interested in you. ”
“Ohmygod…are you serious?” She leaped to her feet wanting to scream but keeping her composure so as not to lead Madison into believing they would be working with a nut case.
“Yes. However, there is a caveat to the preliminary offer.”
“That is?” At the moment she didn’t care, she had made it this far and would do anything to actually get the official nod into the program.
“Alex had a great suggestion. Because you convincing members of the team is one thing. However, you getting the players to buy in is another.”
She moved from behind her desk and walked the carpet as she listened. “So, do you all want me to put together a briefing for the Thunders?”
“No. The rookies are already at orientation week of training camp and the vets show up in the next of couple days. We are not even doing much with them at the moment. But, we would like to arrange a meeting with you and a player. Have you talk with him and see if he would agree to work with you.”
Another test. Another hoop. “Okay, I can do that. When?”
“Tonight. We all can meet for dinner. Something social and none official. If we bring him to the corporate side of the Dome, it would seem mandatory for him to be in the program and it is not.”
“Understandable. Let me know the time and place and I’ll be there.”