Olivia Baker and Spencer James grew up as best friends in Crenshaw. They can contribute much of their bond to their love of football and sports. Now, years later, Olivia is a revered sports journalist and Spencer is a successful, though unfulfilled...
"Damn, you look like shit," my assistant coach Jon says and I sigh because I didn't get an ounce of sleep last night. ________________
I stayed up hoping Olivia would respond to my three phone calls and text messages, but she didn't.
And my heart has been in my stomach, ever since I came to the realization she may never call me back.
Now, I'm starting to think this whole thing was a mistake. Because I just want my friend back. Even if it does mean we can't be together. _________________
"You do realize you have the Coach of the Year interview in about an hour, right?" My assistant Joel follows up as we walk down the stairs into the lobby for a team breakfast.
"I'm fine," I answer plainly as I watch my team enjoy each other and their families just days before the big game.
It's hard to believe at the beginning of the season, I was coaching the Giants with a toxic CEO looming over me. And now I'm just days away from a Super Bowl appearance with the Jets and an incredibly supportive organization behind my coaching.
So even though, I have my relationship with Liv looming in the back of my mind, I'm relishing in the fact that I've overcome much adversity.
From pictures to high fives to hugs, I do it all for the next forty-five minutes, just to show my appreciation to everyone who has helped us get here along the way.
After a picture with a fan, I notice the eyes of my assistant as he taps his watch to indicate I have to go do that interview with the random guy, Olivia handed her assignment to.
"Let's do this," I say calmly as we walk into the elevator. "Hopefully, this is quick and easy."
I step off of the elevator and follow the signs to the interview room.
"Hi Mr. James. I'm Jacob. I'm the head Editorial Manager over at Sports Illustrated. And we're honored to have you." He says as if he's reading a script off of a piece of paper. "So let's get you all mic'd up. And your interviewer should be here any minute now."
"Good. Because I have a Super Bowl team to coach." I say seriously and he laughs as a young lady comes over to attach a few wires to my shirt.
I sit down in the chair behind me and watch as they focus the cameras.
It seems like they're doing everything but starting the interview. And my impatience heightens, before I decide to occupy my mind with a few text messages I received from friends and family who wished me luck on the upcoming game.
"Can we hurry this up?" I ask without taking my eyes off of my phone.
I hear movement and I hope this means we're about to begin.
"Why? You have somewhere else better to be?" A familiar voice questions me and my eyes instantly connect with my best friend.
"Olivia," I say as I stand to hug her. "What are you—-"
"—-I'm here to interview you," she finishes my thought with her words and I'm slightly shocked. "Plus, I couldn't fathom missing the biggest day of my best friend's life."
We hug again and I feel myself melting in her arms.
"I thought you—-" I begin to say as we let go, but she stops me.
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