Page 17 of How To Tackle A Crush
I was not supposed to have a question.
My brain offers several useless options includingNone thank youandPlease continue.
None of which feel appropriate when thirty journalists have turned to look at me like I am an unexpected plot twist.
Chapter 4
Jack
Press conferences have arhythm.
You learn it early. When to answer. When to deflect. When to let silence do the work. Most of it isn’t about football. It’s about reading people.
I answer another question automatically while the rest of my attention does something more useful.
Scanning the room.
Same skill as reading a dressing room. Who wants something. Who’s bluffing. Who’s already decided what they think before you even opened your mouth.
Most are predictable.
One wants a headline.
One wants a mistake.
A few are already typing before I finish speaking.
Then my eyes land on her.
Back row.
Notebook instead of a laptop. Pen instead of a keyboard.
She only writes at certain moments. Not constantly like the others. Listens first. Then writes.
That stands out.
She isn’t trying to get my attention. Not leaning forward. Not nodding along. If anything, she seems to be trying to take up less space.
Shoulders slightly drawn in. Sitting back rather than forward.
Could be nerves.
Could be habit.
Could just be someone who prefers watching to talking.
I answer another question while keeping half an eye on her.
She doesn’t react much to the tactical talk. No sudden bursts of writing. No recognition signals. But when I mention people, she stops.
Looks up.
Then writes.
That’s different.
Someone asks about long-term plans. I answer without thinking about the words.
