Between the Lines

Press and Pressure

*Alex*

The press room was buzzing with the usual mix of reporters, their laptops open and fingers ready to tap out the latest headlines. Coach Brian stood at the podium, answering questions with the same calm authority he always had. He was discussing Burnley's performance this season, especially how they'd managed to stay in the top three of the league. I'd heard him give speeches like this a hundred times, but today, my mind was elsewhere.

Sitting next to Jamie and Coach, I should have been focused. But all I could think about was whether Brianna would actually show up. The press room had always made me a bit uneasy, ever since I was drafted. Too many eyes on me, too many chances to screw up. But today, there was this added layer of tension because of her. I kept glancing at the door, wondering if she'd stroll in, late and composed, just like I'd imagined.

Coach was mid-sentence, talking about our strategies for the upcoming finals. "The team's been consistent," he said, "and we're focusing on maintaining that momentum as we head into the final games. Burnley's  strong, we've prepared well, and I'm confident in our approach."

That's when she walked in. I noticed her instantly, coffee in hand, looking like she'd just woken up but somehow still managing to pull off that effortless look. Her hair was neatly tied back, highlighting those chocolate eyes that seemed to pierce right through me whenever she looked my way. I felt a smirk tug at my lips when she noticed me watching her.
She caught my eye and, without missing a beat, she flipped me off with the hand holding the coffee cup, a subtle gesture that was more playful than rude. I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head slightly.

"Alex," a voice snapped me back to the moment. I blinked, realizing a question had been directed at me.

"Uh, sorry, what was that?" I leaned forward slightly, fixing the tie around my neck, trying to focus on the reporter in front of me.

"Coach mentioned that you were benched at the start of the match. Was that part of the strategy, or was it more of a...disciplinary action?"

My jaw clenched. I knew this was coming, but it still hit a nerve. "It was strategic," I said, keeping my voice even. "Coach knows what he's doing, and we needed fresh legs in the second half. It worked out, didn't it?"

The reporter didn't seem entirely convinced, but Coach Brian nodded in agreement and he moved on. Then, another one spoke up, a woman this time, her voice a little too curious for my liking.

"Alex, how's your sister handling all the attention that comes with your fame? We've seen her on your social media a few times—"

I froze. The question hit me like a ton of bricks. It wasn't about the game, wasn't about football—it was about my family, the one thing I tried to keep separate from all this. I didn't know what to say. All the noise around me faded, and for a split second, I couldn't breathe. The room was suddenly too small, too bright.

"Ah.. I" I tried answering, fighting the knot on my throat "This shouldn't..."

Before I could stammer out a proper answer, Brianna's voice cut through me.

" Since personal questions during the after-match press are against the rules, I believe it's my turn now."

I blinked slowly, still not believing who had intervened. She stood there waiting for my approval to ask the question and I after several seconds I was able to speak again.

"Yes, Ms. Carry on"

Her tone was casual yet purposeful. "Alex, can you walk us through what was going through your mind when you assisted that second goal? It was a pivotal moment in the match."

She was throwing me a lifeline. I grabbed it with both hands, turning to her with a look of relief. I shot her a grateful look, her timely intervention pulling me back to solid ground.
"Yeah, it was one of those moments where everything just clicks," I said, easing into the response. "The team was pushing hard, and when the ball came to me, I knew I had to make it count. It's not just about scoring; it's about making sure we all get the result we're working for."

Coach chimed in, reinforcing my words, "Alex's contribution was crucial, and it's exactly why we have so much faith in him on and off the pitch."

The press seemed satisfied with the shift in focus, and the tension in the room eased. I glanced over at Brianna, as I caught her eye, and she mouthed, "You're welcome."
I couldn't help the smirk that tugged at my lips with her copying my message from earlier.

After the press conference ended, I felt the weight of the room pressing in on me, the air thick with questions and expectations. I needed to get out, to clear my head. I excused myself from Coach and Jamie, who were still wrapping up with some of the media, and slipped out the back before the reporters could swarm me.

The moment I stepped outside, the fresh air hit me, crisp and cool against my skin. It was a relief after the stuffiness of the press room, a space that always felt a little too tight, a little too suffocating. I took a deep breath, letting the tension ease off my shoulders as I scanned the parking lot.

And then I saw her.

Brianna was standing near the edge of the lot, her phone in hand as she seemed to be texting someone. The late morning sun caught in her hair, making it glow a little, and she looked more relaxed out here than she had inside. She was beautiful.
For a moment, I just watched her, debating whether to approach.

But like I had no control over my legs, I was already getting close to her.

"Hey," I called out, jogging up to her. "Wait up!"

She looked up, clearly surprised to see me. "Alex?"

"Yeah," I said, catching my breath as I stopped in front of her. "I just wanted to say thanks. For what you did in there."

She waved it off, her expression indifferent. "Don't mention it. That other reporter was totally unprofessional."

I smiled, a bit thrown by how easily she brushed it off. She wasn't making this easy. "Still, I owe you one."

She shrugged, clearly not wanting to dwell on it.

"So, what are you doing after this?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "I'm working."

"Perfect," I shot back, not missing a beat. "What's better than having the player himself next to you while you write an article?"

She rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile. "What if I write shit about you?"

I leaned in slightly, my grin widening. "I'm a big boy. I can take it."

She sighed, clearly debating with herself, and I could see that she was close to giving in. "Alex, it's really not a good idea. People could get the wrong impression."

"So what?" I countered, more determined now. "It's just an interview, right? Or are you worried I'll charm you too much?"

She shook her head, finally letting out a small laugh. "You're impossible."

"C'mon, Brianna," I said, lowering my voice a bit. "It's just lunch. I promise I'll behave."

She glanced around, as if considering who might be watching, then sighed again. "Fine. An extremely professional lunch."

Victory. I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. "Great. I'll be right behind you."

As we headed out, I noticed a few reporters glancing our way, but I didn't care. I was just glad she hadn't shot me down completely. We walked side by side, the banter between us still light, but I could tell she was keeping her guard up. Fine by me—I liked a challenge.