of shade out of the way of the field staff and television crews readying to broadcast the game. “But I was lucky, I had a big fat ironclad contract, thanks to my agent. Some of my teammates aren’t as lucky.”
Her cool fingers brush the hair behind my ear, and I can feel her gaze on the side of my face. “It’s a lot to put up with. I guess that’s why you guys get paid the big bucks.”
She’s making a joke, but this is a super sore subject with me. “It’s worse for college athletes. If you’re a scholarship player, then they own you. You play and do as they say because they hold all the cards. The university makes millions off what you’re doing.” We step out of the way of a big cable some guys with a sports network logo on their black T-shirts drag past us. “That’s why there should be some kind of monetary compensation for collegiate athletes. It’s the only way to balance the power dynamic.”
“I’ve heard people talk about this, but I guess I thought that the players are getting their education paid for, so that’s their compensation.”
“It’s so much trickier than that. If you’re like me, you can’t work because school and football take all your time, but then my mom didn’t have money to throw my way to live on. Sure, they provide room, meals, and books, but most players are asked to move out of the dorms after their freshman year, so the expense of an apartment falls on the athlete. Also, if practice goes past dining hall hours, then you’re responsible for feeding yourself, and believe me, that happens more than you would think. Then there’s the extras that a normal college student would need to function, and I’m not talking about partying money.”
“Sounds like you’d make a great advocate for those players. Have you done anything to advance that cause?”
I laugh and step away from her, resisting the urge to pull at the neck of my shirt that’s suddenly too tight. “No. As you might imagine, it’s not a very popular opinion. There are people spearheading the cause, and I can privately support them without putting my ass on the line for something that’s probably not going to change.”
“But who better than someone who’s lived that life to speak to the issue? Not to mention you’re one of the NFL’s premier players. It seems like your opinion would go a long way to furthering the cause.”
Her confused expression aggravates me. “Not all of us are willing to throw away everything for a cause, Tiger.” The words are out, and I can’t call them back. “Shit. I’m sorry.”
To my surprise, she laughs and shakes her hair back. “That’s fair.”
Her complete confidence in her decision only irritates me more, but thankfully I’m stopped from replying by the sight of a sportscaster headed our way. “Oh, I’m going to have to do an interview or two while we’re here. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” She steps back with her arm extended as if ushering me into place. “I’m going to find the ladies’ room.”
“It’s just up the tunnel to the left.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Her expression is relaxed and sweet, but I swear I see a hint of disappointment hiding behind her pleasant air. Before I can think too much about it, the sports reporter steps into my space.
“Bullet, do you have a minute?”
“Sure, Jill.”
She looks at her cameraman and makes a rolling motion with the hand that’s holding the mic. He nods, the red light on the camera comes on, and she turns to me. “Cash, how’s the shoulder?”
“Good, Jill, getting better every day.”
“Glad to hear it, but I suppose the pressure to return is off, given how well McKay is playing these days.”
It takes every bit of the iron will I possess to keep my face placid. “Not at all. I want to be available to help my team any way I can. Also—”
“Thank you for speaking with me, Cash.” She makes a cutting motion with her hand below the camera level. “There’s McKay. Let’s see if we can catch him before kickoff.” She barely glances my way when she says, “Thanks for the interview, Cash.” Then she’s gone.
I’m left alone and looking like a fool in front of the whole stadium. I smooth down my tie and fight to keep my confident appearance on my face like it’s an everyday occurrence that I get tossed aside for a younger, healthier,