Page 92 of Never Say Never
“Nothing that’s real. Jim says it’s just a ‘stir the pot’ session. They know your name will drive clicks when they snip it for their other social sites.”
Landon starts to speak, but I beat him to it. “Aiden, when is this going to stop? Enough is enough already.”
“The good news is the gossip magazine and social media pieces about you and Avery are overwhelmingly positive, and most of the sports media will report straightforwardly once there’s actual football for them to observe.”
The OTAs aren’t open to the press, but much of training camp and preseason games will be. So I just need to be able to show I’m ready to play NFL football then to finally quiet the remaining noise. Six weeks to go until training camp starts.
“All right, thanks.” I must sound a little down, because when Aiden hangs up, Landon tries to reassure me.
“You’re in good hands.”
“It’s just exhausting.”
“I know, Rawls, I know.”
THE NEXT NIGHT
RAWLEY: Nice win.
AVERY: Thanks! You watched?
RAWLEY: Yeah, with Landon. It was perfect after getting home from practice.
AVERY: Cool. Connor’s not a fan LOL?
RAWLEY: No, he’s not here. He’s visiting his girlfriend during our OTAs. In Miami.
AVERY: That’s nice.
RAWLEY: Yeah, he’s being weird though. He disappeared twice during the last week. Like while he was here.
AVERY: You could just ask him what’s up?
RAWLEY: I did. But then he distracted me and I forgot
RAWLEY: You’re back in a couple days? How about the day after for our next date?
AVERY: Sure. I’ll have time off before my next home game.
AVERY: We should probably talk about this with Taylor, right?
RAWLEY: Or we can just tell her what we decide?
AVERY: Yeah, that works.
RAWLEY: It’ll be a Tuesday. There’s not a lot going on Tuesday nights around here.
RAWLEY: Do you like bowling?
AVERY: I haven’t tried it more than twice, maybe?
RAWLEY: Something I can beat you in then. Done.
AVERY:
AVERY: Okay, I’m good with whatever honestly. Let’s tell Taylor and she can sort out the photo moments.
RAWLEY: I’ll pick you up at six from Sarah’s?
