The Greyhounds | Jamie Tartt

Chapter 5

As Jamie left Keeley's office with a newfound determination, he couldn't shake off the realization that he might indeed have a crush on Ashley. He scoffed at the idea, attempting to convince himself otherwise, but deep down, he couldn't ignore the subtle warmth that crept into his thoughts whenever Ashley's name came up.

                                                                                           ***

Going into work early was not Ashley's thing. But Keeley had told her she needed to be there for some team thing, so in the spirit of teamwork and cooperation, Ashley obliged. After all, she had been loving getting to know all of her teammates. They had formed a little sisterhood. Ashley was never in a sorority in college but she imagined this is what it was like. Everyone had each other's backs and was so supportive of each other. Although Ashley went into contract with this team to be the best, she felt the team had made her an even better player and person. And because of that, she didn't care about being the best anymore. She knew that no matter what, Richmond was the best, because of the bonds they were forming. 

The sun hung high over the Richmond training grounds. Ashley scanned the grass, and she found there were obstacles set up, cones, ropes, and tiny goals everywhere. It looked like a put-put golf course on a soccer field. 

"What could this be?" she asked Shannon, who she had become closest with due to the proximity of their positions. 

"Beats me, but I think it might have something to do with-"

The Richmond Men's team stepped out of the locker room, their coaches and Keeley following behind them. Lining up alongside the girls, they awaited further instruction with eager faces after seeing the seemingly obstacle course set up in front of them. 

"Good Morning everyone!" Keeley shouted, "Since we're still a ways out from regular play, Roy and Amy have allowed me to borrow you all for the morning. Somebody suggested we do some more inter-team bonding," she shot Jamie a look that was imperceptible to everyone but him, "So this morning we're playing a 'Footgolf!' tournament!"

Some half hearted "woos!" shot out from the crowd. 

"WHAT IS FOOTGOLF?" somebody shouted.

"Right so let me lay the rules out for you. Footgolf is the perfect blend of soccer and golf. Here's how it works," Keeley began, holding up a soccer ball for emphasis.

"First things first, you're all in pairs. Teammates, partners, buddies – call it what you want. The game is simple. Each pair takes turns kicking the soccer ball into the specially designed footgolf holes scattered throughout the course. The team with the fewest kicks at the end wins."

She pointed to a colorful map displaying the Footgolf course layout.

"You'll start at the tee area and aim for the hole in the least number of kicks possible. But, we've added some challenging obstacles along the way – think of it as the soccer version of a sand trap or water hazard. Your kicks should be strategic and skillful!"

Keeley's excitement was contagious, and the players listened attentively.

"The teams will play against each other in a series of rounds. The pair with the highest number of kicks in each round will be eliminated. So, you want to keep those kicks to a minimum to stay in the game!" Keeley explained, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament, "The last team standing will be crowned the footgolf champions!"

She paused, looking around at the eager faces.

"Each pair will now have 5 minutes to come up with a team name. The best team name gets 2 shots taken off of their score at the end of the first round."

Jamie shot a look to Ashley. 

"Oh, and one more thing – have fun! It's not just about winning; it's about building friendships and having a blast with your teammates. Now, go out there, show off your footwork, and may the best team win!"

Jamie made his way over to Ashley as she stood floored. Having to come into work early to play a game with Jamie Tartt? That was definitely not Ashley's thing. 

"Well, looks like we should have a team name. I'm thinking..."

"Screw what you're thinking Tartt, you haven't had a good idea since you went on Lust Conquers All. I'm thinking..."

"Hey, you can't just write me off like that. I have good ideas all the time! And how do you know about Lust Conquers All?"

"British people have come up with only a few real good exports," she said, "One Direction, the dress that Taylor Swift wore during the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show that had Union Jacks all over it, Pride & Prejudice, and Lust Conquers All. Which I happen to love watching and you happened to be on a couple years back." Ashley reminisced on that season, how she wanted him to stay on the show because of the drama he brought and because she thought he had a nice body and she liked to look at it. 

"That's barely true. Name 3 real good exports that are better than that that come from America. You can't."

"That's easy. Taylor Swift. Goodfellas. And..." she ruminated, "Me." She gave Jamie a closed-mouth smile and started laughing. She could tell Jamie was trying not to laugh too. He eventually gave in and they giggled together. 

"Oy! You two!" A gruff voice yelled at them. "I'm supposed to be taking everyone's fucking team names. What's yours?" Coach Roy projected.

"Shit. We don't have one! This is your fault!" Ashley sneered at Jamie as she playfully hit his chest.

"My fault? How about just our last names?" Jamie suggested.

"Ugh, I wanted a funnier one but I guess that will work." Ashley replied.

"Just our last names then, Roy!" Jamie relayed to Coach Kent. 

"That's fucking terrible! I'm putting you down as 'Dumb and Dumber'", he said. 

"You're Dumber." Ashley told Jamie as they laughed and made their way to the first station. This might actually be fun, Ashley thought to herself.