Rules of her Game: A Contemporary Sports Romance

by Karley Campbell

  “Come over.” He said.

  “No way.”

  “I’ll wait at your place.” He sounded determined.

  “I’ve moved. Bye, Cooper.” She hung up, gingerly turning to her friends.

  “What happened with Cooper?” Stacey tearfully asked.

  “He dumped me.” Dani replied, more concerned with her friend right now.

  “Because of that photo?” More tears fell from Stacey’s puffy eyes as she sat at the kitchen table. Dani looked to Marcus with concern.

  “No, he dumped me because I’m horrible to him.”

  Marcus said, “Dani, would you be able to pick Dylan up?”

  “Sure, no problem.” Dani had been with Stacey a couple of times so knew how it worked. “You’ll have to ring and let them know. Is everything okay?”

  “I think Stacey’s getting sick. I’m going to get her looked at right now.” At Dani’s worry Stacey began crying again.

  “It’ll be fine.” Dani said, patting Stacey’s shoulder, too scared to hug her.

  Her friend’s bloodshot eyes were heartbreaking, “I’m so ashamed. How could I ever think you would do that, and now Cooper dumped you because of it.”

  Dani smiled, “Cooper dumped me because I’m a bitch and he’s a fuck up. He knew that photo was bogus. Birgetta Growler won’t let up, will she?”

  “Doesn’t it bother you?” Stacey hiccoughed.

  Shrugging, Dani said, “Only that you’re so upset.” She knelt in front of her friends slumped form, “I would never do anything to hurt you. This is my fault, I’ve been sticking my beak in where it didn’t belong and someone’s trying to chop it off.”

  Stacey peered into Dani’s eyes, a small smile lifted the corner of her lips. “Does Birgetta know what she’s unleashed?”

  “Marcus and I might need to teach that old crone some manners.”

  Stacey rubbed at her tired eyes. “Ruin her like she ruins everyone else.”

  “I’ll try.” Dani laughed, “Then I’m going to find her boss, and it’s not just for Cooper, it’s for all of us.”

  Marcus helped Stacey stand, holding her around the waist, calling instructions over a shoulder. Dani followed them to get Dylan's carseat. Everyone grimaced at Trisha’s tiny car.

  “It was in the driveway.” She said as explanation.

  Marcus wedged Dylan’s seat inside and left with his wife and baby.

  Dani had an hour before needing to collect Dylan but decided to go early so he didn’t freak out when she turned up unannounced. She needn’t have worried, he was delighted to see her, as were the teachers who roped her into cleaning duties. She decided right then and there that she was never having children.

  ◆◆◆

  Dani was unsurprised but still hurt when she didn’t hear from Cooper. Perhaps he had thought about what she had said and agreed that he deserved better than Dani doing him some inexplicable favor.

  She applied for some jobs and resumed a few shifts at Balls & All, much to her mother’s concern and JD’s relief. She never asked how the house was going and he never told her but his exhaustion and ruined hands said things were moving as swiftly as Cooper had predicted.

  Cooper was getting on with his life, which was great. If it didn’t suck so much.

  She kept herself busy by helping Stacey who was better after a few days on antibiotics. Dani wanted to take the kids for walks but worried Birgetta and her manipulative photography would follow. Exploiting little kids was not beneath her.

  Marcus was missing in action, disappearing when Dani arrived. They were a tag team. He was either flying out the door for a story or locked in his home office.

  Andrew was hanging around, gloating that Dani and Cooper were over. Dani didn’t mind, she liked having her goofy brother near, he was a bundle of positive energy and they spent more time laughing these days than fighting.

  Jacob was busy, grumpy enough that everyone left him alone. Dani had to assume Cooper was even busier with increased training, media commitments and the house renovation. She morosely hoped that at least he wouldn’t have time to meet anyone new.

  She was at work, waiting out a lull, wondering how many weeks it had been since she had seen Cooper when he walked in. He was clearly on his way to an event, dressed in a black suit which made Dani groan. The man was hot, and all the eyes that followed him just left her frustrated. He kept his head down so no one sidetracked him, only pausing for a moment when he saw her before carrying on to JD who greeted him warmly. They exchanged some paperwork, JD signing something then Cooper was gone with only a long look in her direction. Dani wanted to weep, it was unfair to want someone so much and not have them.

  “You alright?” JD asked.

  “I’m fine. You look beat. Have a lie down out back, it’s not too busy here.”

  JD enthused, “I’ve never been better. Cooper is a hard-working bastard but this house will look amazing and we should make some good money from it. Agents already have people wanting to come through before we finish. Can you believe it?”

  Dani’s smile was genuine, “That’s great, I’m happy for you, Cooper too.”

  “I guess things didn’t work out with you two?”

  “He’s a nice guy.” Was all Dani could think to say.

  It was a late but uneventful night and Dani planned to sleep in. Whispering outside her bedroom door bought her awake. Glaring at the alarm clock showed it was nine and since she hadn’t left work until three she was not in a great mood.

  Firmly reminding herself she was a guest in her parent’s house she snuck to the bathroom. A hot shower and coffee and she’d be good to go.

  As she brushed her teeth she could hear the phone ringing non-stop, the doorbell and people talking all at once. She idly imagined what had happened. An idiot rugby player had gotten drunk, an idiot rugby player had gotten drunk and beaten someone up, an idiot rugby player had gotten drunk and slept with someone’s wife, or an idiot rugby player had done something stupider than getting drunk. Thankfully it had nothing to do with her, she would only need to be supportive of her father.

  She was surprised when she entered the living area to find most of the team management. She waved to them in general, noting Cooper was absent. Her mother smiled brightly, closing in to hug her.

  “Isn’t it wonderful?” Trisha enthused.

  “Sure, rugby, wonderful.” Dani grimaced.

  “Here she is!” Jacob was strangely delighted. This was getting unsettling.

  “What’s going on?” She asked. “Am I in the news again?”

  Jacob laughed, “We all are. Your mate Marcus Gold is slaying a dragon.” He laughed and everyone whooped with delight.

  “You are so vague sometimes, Dani.” Her mother was annoyed. “With all the time you’ve spent at his house lately you must have noticed Marcus was busy.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t try to speak to him, I’ve been too busy with Stacey.”

  “While you were looking after his wife he took care of Birgetta Growler.”

  Jacob sighed happily, “Marcus didn’t take care of her, he went on a rampage in his column. This should shut her up for a long time.”

  Trisha handed Dani the paper and left her to read it in silence.

  COINCIDENCE OR CORRUPTION?

  Reporter Marcus Gold

  After years of reading the titillating gossip and allegations of New World News reporter Birgetta Growler, I, like most of you, thought there always had to be some truth behind her writing. She is a reporter, like me, we report the facts. However, when the questionable talents of Ms. Growler turned to me I decided this 'reporter' needed some investigation. As you may be aware, last week a photo of myself and Dani Maxwell (daughter of the current rugby head coach, Jacob) was published with an article claiming some illicit relationship. Just to clear this up, Dani Maxwell has been best friends with my wife since high school, she was bridesmaid at our wedding and is a close and invaluable friend to our children. My wife, who recently gave birth wa
s left devastated by these lies. I’ve added the photo below, the circled woman in the background is my wife, watching what really happened that day, a goodbye peck on the cheek from one friend to another.

  This got me thinking, Dani has been in the news lately. She is good friends with Cooper Graves, the infamous ex-All Black who a few years ago was accused of sexually abusing a young woman who later changed her story. Cooper’s career and his life was left in tatters. Since her friendship with Cooper, Dani has been covered in the media, particularly Birgetta Growler’s column, more than any other person, which is interesting when you know that Dani has never been mentioned before.

  So why the interest now? Why the anger?

  Digging a little deeper I have discovered that Birgetta Growler is being paid not only by New World News but by Big Round Fish, a production company that specializes in reality shows. Cooper Graves once turned down a place on one of these shows and not long after was accused of assault. I have been in contact with others who had scandalous or embarrassing ends to their careers, and without fail each one has had some association with Big Round Fish Productions or Birgetta Growler. Coincidence?

  I managed to locate the woman who accused Cooper of assaulting her two years ago. I am unable to go into all the details as she is currently talking with police in her home country of New Zealand, but importantly she freely admits Cooper Graves never touched her, that she was paid to drug him and sell her story. Why is she talking now? Her life has changed dramatically, she has found God and who am I to stop her. She claims she was paid by, and originally met with the owner of Big Round Fish, a woman who was born in New Zealand but now lives in London with her powerful husband, a woman who pays Birgetta weekly for unknown services.

  Drugging and manipulating people to make news is corruption and must be stamped out to ensure the validity of true reporting.

  If you have information please contact me at the email address below or Detective Franks at central police.

  Dani sat back and stared around the room. Cooper never did touch that girl.

  Dani smiled. “I fucking knew it.” Her father scowled at her language but said nothing. “Has Cooper seen this?” She asked.

  Trisha sat at the table, “He’s talking with police.”

  “Why? It should be all over.”

  “Cooper has rights. Those lies ruined his life. Personally, I think he should make an example of this girl so anyone else thinks twice.”

  “Wow.” Dani puffed out a breath. “I might go and see Stacey and Marcus.”

  “She called to talk to you. Everyone’s called.”

  “Did Cooper call?” She quietly asked.

  “No, honey, but he’s busy.”

  Unable to stay with all the men crowding close, Dani drove to Stacey’s.

  Her friend was delighted, “What did you think?”

  “Remind me to never piss your husband off.”

  “I know.” She grinned, rocking the baby absently, “Isn’t he a dream.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far. Is he here? I want to thank him.”

  “Yes, he’s in his sanctum. Just go in, he said he wanted to see you anyway.”

  Marcus’s office door was wide open, the first time in weeks but Dani still knocked tentatively before entering. Marcus was hunched over his computer groaning loudly, and Dani’s stomach plummeted.

  “Is Birgetta getting revenge already?” She asked.

  He turned in surprise, “No, I’ve opened the floodgates, the amount of people emailing me with stories is terrifying. How nobody discovered this before blows my mind. Anyway, what do you think?”

  Dani gave Marcus a hug, “Thank you.”

  “Yeah, well, it wasn’t just for you or Cooper, it was for me and Stacey too and all those other poor bastards that have suffered over the years. My bosses want more, mostly to prove they had nothing to do with it, they know their credibility is on the line. This is going to change my career.”

  “I hope this isn’t dangerous.”

  “What can happen?” He paused, “Finding that girl was a stroke of genius, once I got her talking she wouldn’t shut up. Said she had prayed hard for someone, that I’m a gift from God.” He laughed at Dani’s expression. “I bet it’s not what Birgetta or Michelle are saying. Anyway, Cooper must be relieved it’s over?”

  “I haven’t heard from him. We don’t see each other anymore, remember?”

  “Can I get a quote saying the pressure on your relationship was too much?”

  “I thought you hated manipulating the media?”

  “Whatever. He called earlier and I’m meeting up with him for a direct interview about what he’s had to deal with and how much he lost.” He turned back to the screen, “With the amount of information I’m getting this is going to take forever to wade through. Hope you feel like hanging out with my wife some more.”

  “What is everyone saying?” Dani wanted to steer the conversation away from Cooper, she wasn’t ready to think about him getting his old life back and how he would celebrate, probably nights out with beautiful women. She felt mean and bitter.

  Marcus became animated, “It’s phenomenal, all these people Birgetta targeted with the promise of photos in her column. Most of them can’t remember how the night ended but woke up to a mess. One girl threatened to go to the police and Birgetta threatened her right back with evidence about her family.”

  “This sounds serious. The police must be able to do something?”

  “Depends what Michelle Brink and her husband say for now. Michelle’s having a press conference soon.”

  Dani smiled at her friend’s excitement, “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

  “I became a reporter to uncover the big stuff.”

  “And the rugby angle is helpful, figuring you’re supposedly a sport reporter.”

  He shrugged, “I knew there had to be a story around you one day. I’m certain Michelle is the brains but I have no idea what she'll say about Birgetta. Do you want to come and face Michelle, the big bad bitch?”

  “No.” Dani sighed, “I think my job here is done.”

  Marcus led her from his study and she hugged Stacey goodbye, promising to return the next day to help. With nothing better to do she then ended up sitting in her car near the Thames, overlooking the water, not far from her parent’s place. She felt like the understudy in someone else’s play. She had no real job, the bar didn’t count since it was her father’s business, she was back living at her folks. Most of her friends were married with kids or great careers while Dani had two degrees that counted for little. Her phone beeped but she ignored it while deciding what she wanted to do with her future. This was one of those fork-in-the-road moments yet Dani was struggling to see any road at all.

  She missed Cooper, even his annoying accent. She didn’t blame him for moving on without her, she didn’t even feel particularly dumped. His life had been in flux for the past two years and now he had the chance to put it behind him and move on. Good on him, he deserved it and would want to revel in his innocence. It was amazing that he made it as far as he did all alone with such awful lies against him.

  Why would someone accuse a person like that? Was notoriety worth it? Dani had never craved the spotlight but had a family that had endured the downside of such a life. Most people only saw the glamour.

  It was starting to rain again but Dani needed fresh air, all this drama left her feeling dirty. Scrambling in her car she found her raincoat and one of her brother’s old sweatshirts which had been worn home from his place after dinner once. She hit the jackpot with an English team woolly hat, she couldn’t even remember where it had come from, it didn’t smell great but it was warm so she pulled it onto her head. Dani walked down to the water and stared out wondering where she fit into the world. What did she have to offer? The only thing Dani had been good at when she was younger was sports, mostly rugby, and that was logical with her family.

  She thought about the Grammar job and was hit with sudden
clarity. She said the dreaded word out loud, the one word she had fought against her entire adult life, “Rugby.” She then clarified exactly what she meant, “Coaching rugby for girls.” She began walking, trying to be objective, imagining what her father would say about her to another coach. She was feisty, determined and analytical, exactly like him.

  Fully surrendering to the idea she mulled over her long-held hatred of the sport. She had tried to push the jaded memory away for such a long time, tried to convince herself it didn’t upset her any longer, that what had happened was simply part of life. Everyone went through tragedy. Her mind returned to that one high school match, it was always there waiting to be prodded at like an ulcer.

  Her phone chirped in her pocket and Dani turned out of the wind to answer it, grateful for the distraction, not wanting to plough through all this old crap again, it was dead and gone and there was nothing she could do about it.

  Seeing Cooper’s number she thought of not answering. She pushed the button, her hand pulled the phone to her ear and she robotically said hello.

  “Where the hell are you?”

  “I’m busy trying to find a road for life.”

  Cooper paused, “Sounds serious. Big plans?”

  “I think so. My family is going to hate it.”

  “Am I going to hate it?”

  “If I remember correctly, you don’t want me to know you.”

  Sighing, Cooper changed the subject. “I’m not a predator.”

  “For the record, I never thought you were.”

  “You were the only one, even I wasn’t sure.”

  “Are you going to the conference with Michelle Brink? It would probably stir her up if you were there, she may say something stupid.”

  “No, I don’t care anymore, I’m in the clear.”

  Dani wanted to talk to him, ask his opinion on her future but he was out of her grasp. She felt like she was waiting for him to say goodbye so said it first.

  “I have to go.” She felt alone but didn’t want to ruin his happiness with her stupid emotions. “Good luck, Cooper. I hope Birgetta and Michelle get everything they deserve for what they did to you.”