Page 32 of Penalty Shot

Elise:All I could think about was that I would let all of them down.

Randall:You will not let anyone down. This is your play.

Elise:Not anymore. That’s the thing about plays. Once it’s on the stage, it belongs to everyone.

Randall:How can it belong to everyone and yet all the pressure is on you?

Elise:I didn’t make the rules, Haughland.

Randall:Maybe it’s like being the captain. You speak for the team and inspire people, but everyone else has to do their part. Working together as a group takes time. If things were perfect right away, why would you need months of rehearsal?

Elise:You must think I sound ridiculous.

Randall:You’re nervous and that doesn’t make you ridiculous. Everyone gets nervous before an exciting project. That’s a good sign.

Elise:Why is it a good sign?

Randall:A friend once told me that when something is fueled by raw nerves it’s charged with unimaginable energy.

Elise:Are you recycling my pep talk?

Randall:It was a good pep talk. Maybe your boss has a shitty resting face. Don’t look at him next time. You’ve got this.

Elise:Hey, thanks for hearing me out. You’re right. I just need to work harder.

Randall:I was leaning toward “be yourself” but I couldn’t stop you from working harder if I tried.

Elise:I mean it. Thanks Randall. No one around here wants to see or hear about a nervous director.

Randall:Here’s the real question. Do you have a brooding man with daddy issues and an unfaithful mother? Because that jig is already taken.

Elise:No.

Randall:Then you’re good. If people can watch Hamlet for 500 years, they are gonna get blown away by your work Elise.

Elise:I know I should be confident or cool or whatever, but I’m tired of pretending I’m not in over my head.

Randall:You never have to pretend with me.

April 17

Randall:Hey, I won’t be on my phone much while I prep for the playoffs. Newsfeed and social media are intense now that Jeremy is out and I’m in. Coach is “suggesting” we limit access to the outside world.

Elise:That’s not a bad idea. So, you’re off the grid for a while?

Randall:I guess, yeah. Didn’t want you to think I was ignoring your texts.

Elise:Do what you must, Randall! Kick ass! Save the day! Or whatever people say to goalies instead of break a leg? Don’t do THAT!

Randall:Wow. You could have a second job in motivational speaking.

Elise:Not sure I’m going to miss your sarcasm.

Randall:I’ll miss yours.

April 18

Elise:I know you probably can’t write back but I watched the first game. Kaden, my housemate, is a huge hockey fan. Although he cheers for Tampa Bay which was playing another team from—can you believe it—also Florida. How are there two ice hockey teams by the beach?