Page 11 of Kicked in the Heart

“What about the nay-sayers who are saying the Legends lost because of you?”

Rocky smiled, she’d been waiting for this question. “I will put my kicking up against any of the other kickers in the Gridiron Warriors Football League. The missed field goal was something that happens to every kicker.”

“Maybe someone needs to put on a competition,” the reporter commented.

Coach Albertson motioned for her to board the bus.

“I’ve got to go.”

“Thanks for answering my questions.”

“Anytime.”

After stowing her bag in the cargo area, she walked down the aisle looking for an empty seat. Spying one about three rows from the back she dropped into it and sighed.

“I can’t believe they’re making us ride back with her,” she heard someone say behind her.

She turned and peeked between the seats. Figures, it was the asshole. He just didn’t know when to shut up. She stood and turned around making sure she had his attention.

“You worry about your blocking. I’ll worry about my kicking.”

“What do you know about blocking?” he asked.

“I grew up watching football with my dad. He taught me everything I know about it,” she said with a smirk.

He looked up at her. “And that means something why?”

She put her knees up on the seat so she could lean over the back. “Because my dad is James Masterson, the best tight end in the league until he blew out his knee.”

“Your dad is James Masterson?” Trey asked? “Man, I’d give anything to meet him.”

She smiled huge. “He’d love that. I’ll set something up.”

“Awesome, can’t wait!” Trey said excitedly.

Butch scowled. “So, your dad was a player back in the day. So what?”

She sat back down, not letting him spoil her mood.

Chapter Six

After checking her lipstick in the mirror, Rocky snapped it closed and pushed the visor up out of the way. This was her first meet and greet with fans and she was nervous. What if no one wanted to meet her? They probably hated her after they lost her first game as the kicker, missing an easy field goal. She’d made one extra point that game but the missed one haunted her. With a sigh she got out of the car and headed toward the stadium. They were holding the meet and greet in the conference hall.

“Rocky, glad you’re here early,” Coach Albertson said as he steered her toward a row of tables set up along the side of the room. “We’ve got you set up at this table,” he said. He pointed to the stack of prints sitting on the table. “Each fan gets a signed photo. If you need anything just let one of the staff know.”

“Thanks, Coach.”

She hoped at least some of the fans would want her autograph. What if they all ignored her? Butch walked past her table, sitting at the table next to hers. Just great, she’d have to spend the entire time listening to him as he greeted and talkedto his fans. He sat and looked over at her and grumbled, “Wow, what did I do to deserve being next to you? Can’t even make an easy field goal.”

Her temper flared until the staff opened the doors to the hall and fans trooped in, rushing to meet their favorite players.

Rocky looked down at her phone as people avoided her table. She took a selfie with the crowd behind her and posted it to her social media. With a sigh she set her phone back on the table. Then she heard someone say, “Hi! You’re my favorite player!”

She looked up to find a girl standing in front of her table, a jersey clutched tightly in her hand.

“Thank you. What’s your name?” Rocky asked.

“C… C… Cynthia,” she stammered, her eyes huge. “Will you sign my shirt?”