“You haven’t said much, Haven,” Felicia said. “I hope we’re not boring you.”
“Quite the contrary, actually. I was listening to all of you talk about football. I don’t know how many of you know this about me, but I’m actually a sports reporter for a network. I’m working with Trevor doing an extensive interview about his life and career.”
Tania raised a brow. “Really? That should be interesting. And informative. And a ton of fun.”
Haven laughed. “It has been—all of those things. Anyway, as I’ve been listening to all of you, it occurred to me that there’s so much about the wives and girlfriends of the players that’s unknown—or possibly misrepresented. You really know your football. All the teams and all the players. I’d love to do a story about all of you.”
Sally frowned. “A story about us? Why?”
“I think you’re all fascinating. Kind of a behind-the-player—or the-woman-behind-the-player type of feature. Even the coaches’ wives as well. I don’t really have it all figured out yet, but you all know so much about football. Not just what your guy does, but you have an in-depth knowledge about the other players on the team, and the other teams Tampa plays. It’s impressive.”
Amanda laughed. “If you’re going to date or marry a football player—or in my case, a coach—you’d better know football. We don’t just go to the mall when our guys are playing football. I love football. I loved the sport before I met George. Having someone involved in football was just icing.”
“That’s true,” Tania said. “I love that Rodney plays football, but I was a sports nut before he and I ever met. My dad played college football, too. It was ingrained in me from childhood.”
And it was those types of human interest stories that would make for a great piece. “If you all are interested, when I’m done with Trevor’s story, I’ll take down your numbers and get back to you.”
They all looked to each other, and she got an immediate positive response.
She thought about the Rivers team as well. Liz, who was a sports agent. Alicia, who also worked for the Rivers. Tara, who owned her own company. So many women rich with experience on their own, but who also knew their players and the team so well.
This could be a great interview.
TREVOR WAS DEEP IN CONVERSATION WITH LARRY, George, and the other receivers, talking strategy and potential plans of attack, when Sally came in with the women.
“Okay, gentlemen. Dinner is ready, so it’s time to take a break. We want to eat before the Thursday night game starts, don’t we?”
Larry raised his head. “Yeah, we sure do, honey. Come on, guys.”
Trevor found Haven in the kitchen. She handed him a plate.
“How’s it going?” he asked.
Her lips tilted. “Very well, actually. How about you?”
“Great. We don’t get a chance during practice to have intense meetings like this. It’s helpful to get away from the field and just talk about how we’re going to approach it.”
“Good to know.”
They found a seat at the dining room table. Trevor ate steak, potatoes, and broccoli. And then went back for more.
“Hungry?” Haven asked.
“A little. Worked up an appetite at practice today.”
“And it’s a good thing you burn it all off at practice, too.”
“It’s how I keep my figure.”
She laughed.
“This is all so delicious,” Haven said to Sally, who was sitting on the other side of her.
“Thank you. We try to do this a couple times a season. It’s good for George to have a sit-down with his receivers. And of course, for all of us women to get together somewhere besides the stadium.”
“I told Sally I wanted to do a piece on the women of football,” Haven said to Trevor.
“The women of football? You mean there aren’t enough guys?” Rodney asked her.
“Oh, there are plenty of you. But your women have interesting stories to tell.”
“Indeed we do,” Tania said with a smile.
“That could be a great angle,” Trevor said.
“I think so,” Haven said. “And speaking of interesting stories, when I was reviewing your bio I noticed you have the Greater Tampa literacy project as one of your charities.”
“I do.”
“I made arrangements for you to do a reading with some of their kids next week as part of the interview. You’ll go in and read to a few of the kids. I think it’ll make for a great human interest piece.”
Trevor’s fork stilled on its way to his mouth. “What?”
“Oh, that’s a wonderful idea, Haven,” Allison said. “Several of our guys are invested in this project.”