as the title suggests...this will be for goings  on, out side the  Dragon organization.

  The College  game m will be here, though it will be a  'quaerter  by quarter' thing.

  Max  and Lindsey can   run   their stuff there... any   text from them  should    start and be answered here.( Durning the game)

..........

 'Elsewhere ' will still be used   for Lindsey , Max  ect  for running  around Indy until the Game is over, and whatever   tie up they need before they get back  home

...........

 Sage   can  run around in any thread  she  can be in, that makes sense for her to be in. 'off  duty' will be a catch all for her.

 The   domed  stadium  was already Buzzing.  the  school bands   seated  and were  tuning in their   instruments.

  At the   sidelines were the two Booth Guys and  the  woman sideline  reporter  with some  Coffees  talkign to other    people , while the sound  guys  did  cjhecks  for   the   parabolas Mica  and the   Mics    the  sidlines  folks used.

It was close to 10 by the time they got to the stadium. Lindsey and group went straight to the box to meet the announcers and for Bob to set up his feeds. The announcers were already there, getting ready. Lindsey recognized the three of them from their online profiles. Baily Moddy, Vic Thomas,  and Colleen  Vibe.

"Good morning," Lindsey greeted them as she came in with her team. "I'm Lindsey Garret. Nice to meet you."

 Meeting  them at the  base of the stands on the   'home team' side of the stadium.

 Baily  smiled,ahhh yes, The  Girl from  New Jack.  I didn't see you on the
 First  roster .but some one penciled you in...and...Mindy Lacey?

Mindy  raises  her hand..That's Me. I am working out of New JAck ESPN studios now/ I don't officially start, until Wednesday, sorta doing this Freelance to  keep me  fresh..

 Colleen gave a smile to them, it was clear  she  felt   'above them' . but was nice.  doing the national feed . There  has been some  request  come through  the Network from the   Auburn AD. What we can do here, is  funnel things from the Booth
 to you. There  are dozens of the smaller  market  people, like you here. , they are mostly sending thier own feeds  home?, We'll see how much  we can get to you.

Mindy rasied  an eyebrow.

 Vic Thomas  nodded to both Ladies  and Bob,Keep your ear pieces in, and  we'll cue y0u in., when you cued , your Camera feed    will be adjusted  when the newtork opens the feed, when the close it, you'll still have the feed to your local.

The booth announcers were nice, though Colleen had that 'air' of snootiness. Mindy seemed less amused by her attitude, but held her tongue. What was with these network women? Smaller market people?  She was an NFL reporter, notionally aired, and Mindy was on ESPN. After a moment of reflection, Lindsey didn't care, as long as they got cut in once a quarter at least. Vic and Baily were straight up though.

"We'll pay attention to the cues. Thanks for getting us in." As annoying as Colleen might be, Lindsey wasn't about to burn that bridge.

    The Prodcution manager  Called  them  and told them it was time  to  egt to where they were going to be.

 The teams left the  field , getting ready to   finish gearing up for the  game.

  Baily and  Vic  shook thier Hands  again and made thier  way to the Booth.   volunteer assistants  were    setting up  cups of  water  for   the team and  the   Powerade containers.

 Mindy looked at Colleen..Where  should  we be?

  I'll be on this sidline for the 1st half, then on SC's sidline the  2nd half... you can go anyhtwhere you want, just stay out of my shots..This is   1st string , ladies. You have to pay your dues...

 her camera man  smiled a Bob.....You build that yourself? he grinned.

 I've used this  for the last 2  years.. takes  as good   a look as your machine.. Bon growled

 yeah...Ok....  and he  followed   Colleen to the other end of the sidline, where  the tigers would come out.

To Lindsey, Colleen seemed like another Winnie, but just a tiny bit less of a bitch. The difference here was that Lindsey was kind of guest depending on favors. Telling Colleen to fuck off might feel good, but it would get her nowhere. She would be better served  playing nice and getting her spots.

"Okay, Min. " She pulled Mindy aside. "I think we run this like any other game. Walk the sidelines and report.I'll take this one and you... well damn. We only have the one camera. I guess we can stick together. Make it like a Duet.What do you think?"

 Mindy   looked  around as the teams  came out onto the field. being announced  by the   stadium  Announcer.

 we're  here, we'll get   some  cut in, but other then that, I  guess were doing this for New Jack, She  pointed  to   the   section  , just  at the end of the  Coaching  Box/players  bow.  with  the Big screen   behind them showing   players on  the Vid screen.

 this will be the   best shot  we'll get. see what we can  find  as we move around.

...............................

    The  Kickoff  went to SC, they brought it  out  from 4 yards  deep to setlle in at the 29. The SC band  kicked in while the  TV  time  out played and the Offesne  went on the  field

1-10 T=29

   SC went with their traditional  power   Runs,   three headed  monster in the back field  boasted    2 speeders and  one battering Ram.

 What  was the dangerous  thing about SC  was thier  wideouts and TE... 4 WRs   who could start ofany other Progran, and a  TE  that has been compared to Ben Hope ( of course all 'good' TEs  were  compared to Ben) on the   6th play of thier first drive, #5  Buster Runns broke  free of the    LB  he   crashed  into  and   out  raced the converging  Safeties   for the next 30  yards,

  SC  was   excited, Though thier Quarterback  smiles a bit, he was still pretty level headed. and went to the tablets  to  lok over what they saw on  from the first 9 plays

 The Crowed  OHHHHHH..some cheered  as the PAT  was blacked

  USC 6  Auburn 0..9:59  1st quarter.

The ensuing kickoff was fielded three yards deep in the Tigers end zone by Woodson. He galloped past the well-blocked gunners, then accelerated to full speed as he crossed the twenty. He slipped a tackle just before crossing the thirty, then broke a pair of ankles with a juke near the forty. He was finally surrounded and pulled down at the forty-eight.

The Auburn offense came out in their standard 11 personnel, spreading the defense out. They started with two strong runs to get a first down at the SC thirty-five. The next two runs were stuffed, and SC brought a blitz on third and long. However, Auburn was ready for it and had a screen called. Just like that they were first and goal at the eight.

A short pass got them to the four, and then a inside trap looked like it would hit paydirt, but a holding call pushed them back. A draw play got them back to the five, and on third and goal, a fade to the wide side was pulled in for a Tigers Touchdown!

But there was more laundry on the field. OPI was called, setting the Tigers back and forcing a mid-range field goal try. The kick was good, but the three points weren’t what the Tigers wanted from a goal to go situation.

With 6:31 left in the quarter, the score was USC 6, Auburn 3.

  They Play  by play Guy and his color man  were  moving through the game  with the players. It was  clear they have  done this  100's of times together.

  Colleen  would be asked  what insights she had, and she always had  something about a Player who transferred...who grew up with the grandparents..who was a  5 star recruit. never seemed to Mis a beat

 Mindy watched the  game from their   spot  near the  25, they would hustle down  to  the far end  of, whichever  way the ball was Moving, and Bob got his own, view of  plays, using his own  , expertise  from covering    Jacksonville  and  FSU.

after the Trojan's  Touchdown. Baily   waited  for  Colleen's  piece  on Buster Runns  2 state championships  as a  Jr and Sr at Braddock High in pittsburgh, and how he had to make a Choice between   USC and Pitt. In the  end, the acting  program , and the sun and Fun won him over.

Then , seemlessly  he  Cut to Lindsey and  Mindy. So  smoothly it was just as if   it was part of thier broadcast team for years.

 .....

 Mindy Told   Lindsey,Look..we have to play this  by the Book? My Contract with ESPN doesn't  start until Wendensday morning.... I won't  break any  Union Rules. So i have to be your 'guest' here and i'll try to  add to anything  you say, if /when you cue me. You're on the clock for New Jack.

about that time  they saw Runns break through  for a big Touchdown run... the SC  band broke it no the fight  song as the far   sidleine   looked like a sea of cardinal as the players Jumped up and down..The PAT was Blocked..and SC  was leading 6-0.

 after Colleens  bit on Runns, Baily said,As  some people  may know  we have a guest  announcer   on the field level...Ms Lindsey Garret of the  New Jack Studios, doing some  work down there, as  The Dragons have  rooting  intertest of sorts   in this  GAme.... Lindsey?

one of the  Network  Cams ( with Colleen standing  , well back of the Shot aimed at them. the light came on to let Lindsey know...behind her   Tigers were  either shaking  their heads,  or excited by the Blocked PAT.

...............................

...................................

 The ebb and flow of the Tigers possession, ended bittersweet  as a push off  by the WR, negated  at TD, and the  FG, was salvaged  after a promising drive.

  Once More Colleen came up m with a story of  the WR who pushed off, having  stepped into a starter  roll after their  #2  wideout went  down in the  last regular season game. With her  explaining, the  Head Coach  shook off the  loss of points  saying, the  Wideout was -playing hard, and he doesn't mind , mistakes of aggression.

 Once more, and Just as smoothly, Baily asked Lindsey and Mindy for what they might have   picked up, on the Tigars  sideline.

When Baily cut over to Lindsey, She was ready on feed. "Thanks for the intro Baily. This is Lindsey Garret and with me is Mindy Lacy." "Yeah so, that was a great run by Running Back Buster Runns. Did you see how he broke the stop by the Linebacker then crashed through safeties for the touchdown. From where I'm standing, and you can bring that up on the replay, I also noticed the USC Center Bass Master cut against the defensive tackle making that hole for Runns to get some momentum. I talked to Master yesterday and he explained how he ad to read the defensive plays to direct the offensive line. With that cut he showed how everyone on the offense is involved in every touchdown. No hole, no score."

"Mindy, did you want to add anything?"

After Mindy's comments, Lindsey kicked it back. "Back to you Baily."

------

The Tigers got their chance with a fantastic drive, but penalties held them back. When Baily cued her in Lindsey had her say:

"That was a great drive, starting with a fantastic midfield return by Max Woodson. Of course I have to point out that Max is the younger brother of Rock Woodson, an Auburn Alumnus and new defensive back to my New Jack Dragons. Auburn Quarterback Jack Dempsey did everything right moving the ball with a series of short passes. They knew this was going to be a tough game and came ready to fight for every yard. Like Colleen said, that OPI was simply Wide Receiver Davis Calder showing the Trojans defensive back that they're here to play hard. I'll say this, though: while that touchdown was pulled back, the Trojan defense can't feel good about the face that it was the Tigers that stopped that touchdown. This is already shaping up to be a great game just ahead of the holidays. Baily?"

  For the First Touch Down, Mindy used  a head  set, leaving the  'Logo' mic in Lindsey's hands.

 Looks like the safeties  as  cheating to the sidelines. Giving the Corners some Help with the SC   wideouts? there's alot of room to roam in that middle.


..............

After the Tigers  score. Mindy nodded,USC's secondary coach, said they made sure to lay it out  for the Refs  during the  Meet and greets. that  the   push offs were a staple?... Tall Long armed   receiver, he's going to have to learn to get open with out  extension.. Too many eyes on this  game.

 .................
..................

 The   Kick came  back,  it was high and not  quite  as long , fielded at the   1...the   Retuen ma didn't  even Mess  around, he  Shot  forward,  a  missed  tackle  at the 14, ended up  with the Ball on the   28.


   while the TV  time out happened  Colleen addressed the two Ladies.You were a bit free with you  judgments..we're you?

 I will say this, as  Nice  as i am abloe. I have  done Pro Football for a bit over t wo years. and  covered the  Spring football league team in  Nashville ,  and there is a differance.., You got  kids out therer, playing thier eharts out   for thier  school..some?  for thier  draft status....but i get a chance to call it as i see it...I am... People change the station because of something i said? they don't care about the GAme..

Her  eyes shifted to Mindy..I've  done studio abd  sideline  for  10 years....

  Keep your hopes up... the NFL  may call on day.

 Colleen   gave  Lindsey a  shift6y look the   moved off  to watch the Trojans  next drive.

....................

  Oncenmore the  Trojans  ran a  hurry up, with  people holding up placards  with all manner of cartoons  and  giant letters.  Olson would Look at his   wrist and  call out the  play  from the  choices they gave him.. More then  Once he held  up both hands , meaning he had his own Play call

...

# 6 Callen Sticks m was  finding  holes  as he leaned  and weaved  to the line. almost every hit he took was  hard.. but he was  cracking off    6 yards a pop.

 after their  first , first down, Olsen  watched the play clock, he  waved   Sticks  back to the sidecar.., the  Fake to  Sticks  Brought the Line  backers  and safeties into the Middle.. Olsen   lobbed  a rainbow  down the right side line..Sid  Gains  was out pacing the Corner, who turned to see that the Safeties had Bite on the fake   run...  Sid  Gains #88    brought the ball in, and coasted the last 8 yards .

 The Band  struck up the song as the Refs arms went up... once it was  confirmed, the  Trojans  blockers the   crashers and the Kick was  good.

  there  was  3:46  left in the first  quarter.  SC 13..Tigers  3

 ...............

  I wonder if  Coach  Sims  would draft any of those  running backs, or  that Gains guy?... They'll never get to   touch Olsen. she  said to  Lindsey as she watched the replay on the Board.

  Baily Cut  down to them, as soon as Colleen did her Piece..

When Collen came to make a comment about their insights, Lindsey was actually confused s to what she was getting at. That's what insight commentary was suppose to be. It was great to drop bits of backstory on the players. Lindsey even liked that and planned to emulate it after a fashion, but still people liked extra insight on the game and the plays. She didn't think they were overly judgemental or whatever Colleen meant. Mindy, seemed to take it differently. After letting Colleen know that they were going to call it as they saw it and a bit of a catty jab, Colleen went her merry way.

"I guess she thought we would just repeat what had already been said and smile?" She shrugged.

----------------

For USC's next possession, they moved the ball methodically down the field. In the end, Olson tossed one to Gains who brought it home. The extra kick was good, cementing a solid lead for the Trojans. 13-6

"Well, they have a second round pick now." Lindsey responded. "I think you're right. Olson will go in the first round, but if he can grab Runns or Sticks, we could use a guy that hits through like he does."

Baily went through the rounds after the PAT, Colleen again first then Lindsey after.

"That was a heck of a drive. Callen Sticks is giving as good as he gets and racking up some great yardage at the same time. almost six yards a carry is amazing. He's fast and he's tough. That was why he was so successful as a line backer in high school. That said, it's only the first quarter and he's taking some good shots. We'll see how long he can keep this up. But still, with the running game bring it down the field, it's no wonder the Tigers' defensive backs bought the fake run, giving Sid Gains the sideline for the six. Mindy. how did you see it?"

"And back to you, Baily."

  Mindy only added, Its  early? There's  still a  few minutes  left in the   1st Quarter. We have seen people say through the years of   a QB, trying to do 'too much'. It works for other Positions  as well. Those Backers  were having  fun , dishing out  hits,  and the safeties' didn't like the Sticks giving  some Punishment back... I'm sure the  Tigers   Coaches  we'll settle  the team  down, and have players  worry about their  own responsibilities.

 Colleen  watched from out of the picture. Only a  tiny smile on the outside of Mindy's lips, betrayed that Mindy knew Colleen watched.

The kickoff from USC was a short bouncing kick. Seemed they didn't want to kick it deep to Auburn's #2 and instead opted for an early squib to keep Woodson from hurting them with a big return. The play sort of worked - there was no way Max was getting the squibber. But it was fielded cleanly by the up-back around the twenty, and he had plenty of room to roam, making his way across the thirty-five without resistance. He picked up a block and ran over a would-be tackler and again gave the Tigers great field position at their own forty-four with 3:40 to play in the first.

Max had started to jog off when his coach pointed back at the field, so instead he joined the offensive huddle. Given the avoidance of giving him a touch on the kickoff, it was unsurprising that his presence in the slot to the wide side of the field drew the slot corner and caused a safety to roll over the top on first down. At the snap, Max took a jab step, then dropped back to receive a screen pass. SC was all over it, knowing that was one of Auburn's pet plays when Max was out there for an offensive play. In this case, it was all just so much window dressing as the pass never came that direction. The USC safeties had to get some credit for adjusting on the fly, as one covered the outside receiver to the wide side who was sprinting down the field, and the other found the tight end who had broken off and was dragging across toward the boundary cleared out by the wide-side receiver. It helped that Dempsey was looking over at the wide side the whole time. Or at least that's how he used his eyes to move the safeties. The split end that had started on the short side of the field had been going on a post the entire time. With the safeties vacated, it was an easy pitch and catch to Calder. The Tigers coaches had decided to go right back to him after the OPI, and their man delivered a huge gainer. He was tripped up as he crossed the Trojans' fifteen, but it was a huge play to get Auburn immediately into the Red Zone.

Max subbed out as the Tigers went back to their standard 11 personnel as they settled into their red zone possession. The first play after the big pass was an outside zone run back to the left side of the field, which picked up modest yardage, but it set up play action on second down. The SC linebackers bit hard, but the secondary did their job. Still, the separation between the defensive layers was exploited by the Auburn TE, who caught the ball at the seven, got hit at the five and fell forward to the four, setting up another first and goal-to-go situation.

The Tigers sent in the heavies, going with 23 personnel on first down. SC was largely ready for it as they shot every gap they could. However, Lamont Carver was not to be denied. He smashed into the line on first down and got a hard-earned yard. On second down, they ran a power play off-tackle to the right, and Carver pulled guys toward the stripe, though came up half a yard short. On third and goal from the half yardline, Auburn motioned the TE next to the QB and again handed to Carver. The Auburn back took the handoff in stride, got close to the pile of bodies forming around the one yard line and leaped over the top. He was met in the air by the USC MLB, but momentum was all on Carver's side and both Carver and the ball ended up in the end zone. Touchdown, Auburn!

This time there was no laundry on the field and Aubie raced up and down the sideline with an AU flag to celebrate the score. The Auburn band started playing the fight song, quieted for the extra point (which was perfect) and then started up the fight song again after the XP.

USC 13 Auburn 10 with 0:14 showing on the first quarter clock.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:59, Wed 26 Oct 2022.

  With the score  USC 13 Tigers 10, the  Kick off  was  sent  high, and looked like it would be long, The  return man ( Runns)  snagged it   6 yards  deep, , but   brought the BAll out, he  weaved his  way passed   the contain men as the closed in, when it  was certain he  wasn't goign anywhere  , he lowered his shoulder into the Tackler ,   The  retrun took them out to the 30.

 2nd Quarter.

............

   Olsen  started out  well again, he hit   outs on each side,  for  5  and 8. Sticks  and Runns picked up   some nice  runs,  a holding call brought them back, but a  20 yard  Slant to Gains set them up nicely,

  a motion  flag  stalled them, even after  another Out   for 8  By gains.The trojan Kicker, a  'wunderkinder' from England who  first went there  as a soccer layer, , sent a  42 yarder through the Up rights.

  Though the   trojans    waved  and Cheered, Olsen stoped to talk with the O-line,  giving them some  whacks on the pads, 3 points was 3 points, but he knew they should have had more.

 USC 16 Tigers 10  10:14 left, 2nd Q

  Baily and Vic talked  about the   mistakes  that caused the flags,

 Colleen  mentioned    the trojans  might be slowing down after a Fast start.

 the door was Opened to  Lindsey after   Mindy  took a step back to make sure everyone  new Lindsey was the lead.

As the game went on, Lindsey tried to follow the action up and down the sideline. Both teams were good at moving the ball, but she stayed with them as much as she was allowed. As much as she could she took extra video and images with her phone, especially capturing Max in action so she could send those to Rock and his parents. If she got any good action shots of anyone that she thought Adam would like, she forwarded those as well. To that end, she kept an eye on the USC receivers and backs. Though she did get a fantastic shot of Olsen dropping back to throw. She showed that one to Mindy.

"This one cold be a cover shot for SI." She grinned, proud of that image she captured. "What do you think?"

After the Field goal, and Colleen's bit, Lindsey was cued up.

"USC came out of the gate strong, but it looks like Auburn has given them some pause. It was a another strong drive by Nick Olson, but again it was the penalties that held them to the Field goal. That said, Tigers Defensive Tackle Derek Shaw is a powerhouse. He was in range for the sack, so when he was about to break that block by Lim Hall, it was probably just instinct to grab his jersey. If the Trojans are slowing down, it's because the Tigers are giving them more of a game than they might have expected. But it's only second quarter and the game is still settling. These teams are looking pretty evenly matched right now. I predict the second half be a very different looking game."

"Now that said, I want to commend Trojans Kicker, Liam Mooreland. 42 yards and clean through the uprights. He was a soccer champion in England, and he thought that that was what he would do here in the US. But after he got here, he said he was just drawn to the grid iron. I'm sure Alexander gravis was glad he made that choice."

"Baily?"

The ensuing kickoff was high and deep. Very, very deep. Max drifted back and fielded it eight yards deep in his end zone. He took a quick peek at the coverage, then did the smart thing and downed the ball, putting it in the hands of his offense.

The Tigers offense jogged back on the field in their standard 11 personnel. On the first play, the RB motioned to the wide side and received a quick pitch at the snap. Blocking by the wideouts was pretty good, but the DBs kept contain and Carver was swarmed by the USC LBs that flowed quickly to the play. The loss of three was difficult to overcome, and after a seven yard pickup on second down, the third down pass was batted down by the safety as the slot received hooked up. On fourth and seven the Tigers punted. The kick was high enough to require a fair catch, but USC took over on their 25 yardline up by six with nine minutes left.

The USC machine went back to work, going no huddle and pressuring the Tigers defense with an array of short passes and interior traps. When they got into the red zone, it was looking a little grim for Auburn. USC ran play action and the QB zipped a pass toward Gains. But the pass was one yard behind Gains, and he was testing the Tiger wearing #2.

Max stepped smoothly across the body of the receiver, got both hands on the ball, and pulled it in at the Tigers' two yard line. Now, most defenders love the chance to get to run with the ball, and they get a little giddy. But most defenders aren't punt returners, and Max immediately went into punt return mode. "Bingo, bingo, bingo!" First he called out the pick to let his boys know they were turning this thing around.

If you think defenders get a little giddy when the ball is in their hands, they also get a similar feeling when they get a chance to block offensive players. And then some. Suddenly, all bets are off (though the QB has a little protection) and the Tigers' defenders made strong blocks as Max swung through the end zone and emerged on the other side. He put a juke on the TE, who wasn't much of a tackler, threw a stiff arm in the chest of the wideout, picked up a block on the OT as he crossed the twenty, and then was gone. There wasn't anyone on the field that had any shot at catching the DB once he was at full speed, and anyone that looked like they wanted to try were shielded off by Auburn defenders.

Max zoomed through the end zone with his arms wide and flipped the ball to ref before leaving the field of play and pointing to the Auburn faithful in the crowd who had made the trip. Half the crowd roared at the display, the other half suddenly quiet as the XP went through the pipes. A very emphatic version of the fight song reverberated throughout the building as the broadcast went to commercial break.

Before fading to commercial, the broadcast showed the score and time:

Tigers 17, Trojans 16 with 7:14 remaining in the half.

    Olsen got up from the  Black  and   snapped his    chins strap.  The Camer  was on his  face , he  said something   to the Ref  about   the 'tug' on Gains's  jersey, but he didn't argue, he  just made sure the ref knew, he saw it.

  He took a drink  bottle  and sipped  it as  the   Coach    came over  and they  flipped through the   tablet, Olsen's  hand  moving  at points  that he  saw, and what points  of  what he wanted.

  the  game  went to TV  time out.

 Baily  went through  all the bombastic thrill that  play by play guys  do  on big plays.

 That was  a remarkable play,....

Vic  smiled  and said,Yea he got away with that tug,  and he made up  for getting beat on that long one in the first  quarter. This  has the    makings of  a classic!

 they cut to Colleen

 I can tell you the  Tiger  fans  are going crazy  right now....but, we have seen this  before  USC   Has a   reputation for not  laying down.

 The Bailey   cued in Lindsey.

"Yeah, guys, what an upset. You have to hand it to Max Woodson. He read that all the way and did you see how he brought it back. Like most interceptions, the defender has the entire opposing team to evade, so they go for as many yards and hope for the best. In this case, Woodson had 98 yards ahead of him. He treated it like a kick return, finding his best route then signalling his blockers. He didn't get lucky on that. He played it all the way to the endzone. I don't think the Trojans are going to lay down either. They're a championship team and Olson has been playing like a pro, but they will have to adjust yet again as Auburn throws another surprise at them."

"Mindy, I know you have something to add to that."

After Mindy has a say, Lindsey sends it back to Baily "Back up to you Baily"

  Mindy just nodded  as she too a  quick look at the screen.well?  The trojans  are one for two there. There  must be a reason they're going there.. I'm sure we'll see how it plays out.

  The  kickoff  came  down,  the   return mad  was the  3rd head of  the  three headed   monster, Frank Pells,  he  broke     an arm tackle  at the 9,  and  found the fence, he  was  ..barely..pushed out by the kicker  at the  189...but an illegal block in the back set them back at their  own 35.

    Olsen  came out onto the  Filed,  , the trojans Lined up  , looking over at the placards. Olsen didn't  even need to check his  Wrist chart. the Called the  Play and Pells   took the pitch   heading for  the right side again,      The RB  sliced through the    tackles of   the LB  and Corner  but hit the turf for a Gain  Of   8...then the machine began to roll once more.. runs   with  an out  or  quick slat. to keep the backers Honest.  They seemed to Like attacking  that side, and it was  working , except  for one play.

 Then the  3rd and 6  came,  Gains   cut his post again, once more  it would be there if the ball was on the money,  But Olsen  faked the  pump, turned his shoulder  and Let the  ball  loose  down the opposite  side. Pells   was  tearing  down the sideline where he wheeled  as the defense shifted  to  the otherside   to try and cover  the  pressure being put  there. Pells  caught the   ball over his shoulder, The Safety could only trail...

  Olsen     gave a Nod to the  sidelines  and jogged off appearing  no more  excited  about the Touchdown, then he was upset about the Pic.

 The PAt was good.

  USC 23  Tigers  17  3;16   2nd Q

Since halftime was approaching, the network didn’t get another commercial break before the kickoff. The USC place kicker sent the pigskin high into the still air of the domed stadium, and Max fielded it four yards deep. This time he brought it out, though the gunner to his right had already slipped a block by the time Woodson crossed the ten. The return man evaded him with a burst of speed to his left, but there was no crease to be found there, either. He slipped between two Trojans, but they sandwiched Max and brought him down at the seventeen. When the bodies cleared, Max didn’t rise.

The talking heads quickly queued up a replay, and pointed out how a body landed right on Max’s lower leg at just the wrong time causing his ankle to bend a little more than it should. #2 waited for the trainers on the field, but then eventually was helped up and curled arms around shoulders of two of his teammates to get off the field to light applause from everyone. They didn’t stop at the small medical tent on the sideline, but rather went straight to the locker room with Max.

In his absence the Tigers’ offense got to work. They started with a heavy 22 look, and pounded three runs between the tackles, exerting their will on the middle of the USC defense, pushing out over the thirty-five as the clock rolled under two minutes. They didn’t seem to be in a great deal of hurry knowing they would get the ball to start the second half. They also didn’t want USC scoring again, and both teams had a full complement of timeouts.

With the clock rolling under two, Auburn sent out Zipper Willis and Scooter McGee to man double slots in 10 personnel. SC brought in their dime package, which was up to the task on first down, pushing Scooter OB after only a three yard gain on a little bubble screen. On second down from the 38, the Tigers dropped back and had their four wideouts all heading on outs and flags, but the call was for a wrap-around draw. The dime LB read it perfectly, but with the pass rush heading upfield, the lone LB got two guys in his face and had no chance. Carver broke through the line like he was leaving a burning building and was off to the races! The two USC safeties converged on him eventually, toppling the big man as he crossed the SC twenty.

The clock briefly stopped, but still no timeout from Auburn as the clock ticked under a minute. The next play was very well covered by SC, so Dempsey evaded the DE, sidestepped the DT, and then looked downfield again for an open receiver. He faked a pass to the left side and then tucked the ball and barreled ahead. His receivers had started blocking, so he crossed the ten before he met resistance. The Auburn QB lowered his left shoulder as the dime back came up to meet him, and Dempsey dragged the smaller defender a couple yards before hitting the turf at the five. Finally, Auburn called timeout with 24 seconds left.

The Tigers brought all the fatties in again, going with their 23 goal line look. This time, though, Derek Shaw came out to play fullback. The Tigers occasionally brought their all-conference DT in on offense, and did so again here. On first down, Carver pushed the pile to the three. Auburn burned its second timeout. On second and goal it was more of the same. USC didn’t allow even a crease of daylight, so Carver just pushed as hard as he could and got a yard down to the two. Timeout, Auburn, their third and last.

The Tigers came out with the same personnel, but this time went to hand the ball to Shaw. The big man barreled into the line, but he didn’t have the ball! Dempsey had pulled it and looked up for one of his three TE, but couldn’t find anyone. The pass rush got to him immediately for a sack, ending the half!

Or it would have if there weren’t laundry on the field. Two instances of defensive holding were called, and on replay it looked like you could have chosen three. Apparently the SC defense had been instructed to intentionally hold any receivers given the clock situation. Auburn was now faced with first and goal from the one, but with 2 seconds left. SC coaches wanted the Tigers to have to think about this one. But the same 23 personnel stayed on the field and the place kicker stopped practicing, choosing instead to watch.

Auburn faked the dive to the fullback, then pitched the ball out to Carver, hoping to get the edge. But SC was ready for it. Carver had nowhere to go, but he turned and threw back to Dempsey at the ten! The QB seemed to be expecting it, found the laces, and floated a high rainbow toward the corner of the end zone. The only person there was one Derek Shaw. The big man did have one interception to his name, but never a reception.

Until now. He bobbled it once, but then clutched it with both hands and fell backwards onto his prodigious backside. Touchdown! Auburn! The XP was good! 24-23 Tigers as the clock showed all zeroes and the teams headed to the tunnels!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Thu 27 Oct 2022.

Lindsey cringed when Max was taken down and didn't get up. From where she was, it wasn't obvious what happened but max was conscious and the medic on the field was only interested in his ankle. She blew out a breath of relief when he got up, but it was concerning that he had to be helped to the tunnel.

Concern for Max aside, the offense was taking the field and the game went on. Lindsey was getting in her workout as she chased the Tigers offense up the field, mostly thanks to Lamont Carver picking up big yards in the initial drives. But that out all the action close to the SC endzone, giving her the opportunity to camp out where she could see the action at the line. She took note as Coach Frye sent in the heavies. These were the guys that made the inches matter and who also got so little credit in the sensationalized media. Unfortunately it wasn't enough, as the Trojans swarmed in for a sack.

But the whistles weren't signaling the end of the half. Defensive holding wasn't a common penalty and with two called and three seen in the replay, it was obvious that it was by direction. Who called that, no one would ever know for sure, but Lindsey would make sure to ask Alexander Gravis when she spoke to him next. What everyone knew, however was that Auburn would get another chance.

It was a trick play with multiple tricks. Lindsey noticed Shaw breaking into the end zone instead of blocking after the fake. She had a feeling somehow the ball would get out to him. But first it went to Carver, then back to Dempsey, then finally to Shaw in the corner of the endzone. Of course, he had to had a bit of drama by almost dropping it, but what a play to end the half on.  She was already doing some quick research on the heavies for when Baily called her up.

 Baily  went  on to talk  after the TD, about the Impact  that  the Injury,

 Vic stated, that it   mustn't be too bad, since  he walked off  with  some help, they'll tape him  up and see how it goes. Regardless, the  young man's speed would be reduced.   and he  may lose a closing set..TheGuys  behind him  were pretty good, But there was a reason Max  was  on the filed instead of them

.............

 Colleen, used her   time to  talk abut the  drive, and  USC defense. The Tigers  were movign the  ball, but they  had to work for it....she  said 'I'll get information on  Woodson  when they  came back to the filed.

.........

 Lindsey's  turn came.

"Thanks. Well I can say that this game has something for everyone watching. Both USC and Auburn are playing like champions. What's impressive is that both sides are keeping their cool. They're playing hard but the few penalties we've seen have been mistakes rather than anyone acting out. We did just have the first injury though, and I hope you're right Vic when you say that Max Woodson will be back on the field in the second half. His brother, Rock was probably out of his seat on that. You know Max's Dad was in the NFL and his mother was a big name in Soccer in the UK. He comes from a sports family and they would hate to see him out so early. That said, Auburn came back hard this last drive. Carver reliably moved the ball up field despite a fierce Trojan defense. Carver's total yards this year may not be that high, but he can move. Did you know that he's actually a pretty accomplished dancer, appearing in a couple Auburn stage productions? That's part of why he's so good on his feet.

And did you notice how Auburn kept switching up their tactics. They ran Carver for consistent gains, but that drew Southern Cal in opening up the pass. Once they got close they brought in Tackle Derek Shaw as Full Back to batter it in. Shaw, for all his size, can still run a 4.7 forty, so he's a double threat. And it was that element of surprise that put Shaw in the endzone for the last touchdown and the lead. Once the pitch went to Carver, Shaw was left by himself. And you could tell Dempsey was hoping for that as he relayed the pass. The strategies at play here are just fascinating and it's exciting to watch."

"So, now it's half time, and both teams will probably come out of that tunnel with a revised approach. Baily?"

After sending it back up to the booth, Lindsey sent a text to Michelle O.

[Hi Michelle. Are you in a place to know how Max is doing?]

The response from Michelle was quick and lacking details.

 the looonnggg halftime was fianlly over. a headliner  trying to keep her  name 'out there' andsome  folks on thier way out, trying to  get a shot in the arm


 Olsen came out with the others, he looked  determined.. the threehead  monster   were geting  ready,  and the  wideout  were playing Picth and  catch with  Olsen and  the other two QB

 The refs  signaled for the  return teams to  come out.

"So here we are at the beginning of the second half. The first half was like a rollercoaster. Both the Trojans and the Tigers had no problems moving the ball, but the defenses of both teams made the other work for their two scores per quarter. A penalty called back a Tigers touchdown keeping them to a field goal on that drive. The Trojan defense blunted a drive by Auburn only to give up a touchdown to an intercepted pass. Both teams are playing hard and the score of 24-23 shows it."

"So, what I see is USC quarterback Nick Olson is as relaxed as he can be. The Trojan machine is executing like the championship team they are. But on the other side of the scrimmage line, Auburn came ready. A couple of USC players told me yesterday that they thought Auburn had never faced an opponent like them, and that may have been true yesterday, but today they have and so far they're going toe to toe."

"So the second half is getting started here in a few minutes. It will be interesting to watch. Both teams have no taken a measure of the other and I expect there will be some adjustment. Max Woodson's injury is probably going to be a factor. If he comes back out to play, he might have lost a step which will slow down the defense overall. I know Coach Frye and Auburn defensive coordinator Mike Elsley will make the right adjustments. On the USC side, I see Nick Olson coming out to play as unflappable as ever. Alexander Gravis, whom some call Alexander the Great, he'll have to throw some new tricks out there though if he wants to upset the so far successful Auburn preparation. If it sounds like I think it's USC's game to lose, it's because that's how it's looked so far. Auburn is beating USC's game right now, but USC can change it which will test the creativity of the Tigers' tacticians."

"Mindy, how do you see it?"

There had been a lot of speculation about whether Max would even come back out of the locker room to start the second half, but the Tigers #2 was linked arm-in-arm with the other three captains as the four of them led the team out of the tunnel before the brief warmups preceding the second half kickoff. Walking out of the tunnel was one thing, but the cameras also caught Max doing some of his agility work and taking cuts. One of those cameras thought the might have seen a little wince on the cornerback's face.

The Tigers were all huddled together as the Trojan kicker was handed the ball by the referee, and they sprinted to their return spot as the Tigers' Special Teams prepared to start the second half with the ball. Max ran back to receive the kick. The kicker looked over to his sideline and received a series of signals from the ST coach, to which the kicker nodded. His kick was very high, but not terribly deep. Max fielded it on his five yard-line at a dead run.

He split the gunners who had been pushed to the outside, then picked up a nice series of blocks from his wedge before bursting toward the right sideline. He outraced the contain man who had shed a block, then only had the safety to beat. He stutter-stepped near the boundary, looking like he wanted to cut back inside, but then he simply lowered his left shoulder to pick up a few more yards before being ridden out of bounds at the SC thirty-five.

Max shook his head over at the trainer and headed over to the temporary medical tent they had on the sideline while the offense took the field.

It was a short field again for the Auburn offense, and they came out with yet another personnel grouping. This time they went with a 12 grouping, and ran a series of outside zone runs and bootlegs off the outside zone runs. They weren't picking up huge yardage, but marched down to the fifteen with relative ease. However, an illegal chop block and a holding call put them way behind the sticks and forced a fifty-three yard FG attempt. The Auburn kicker was completely still except for his twitching fingers as he stared at what would be the place kick spot. The snap was good, the hold was good, and the kick...sailed through the uprights!

With 11:20 on the clock in the third period, the score was Auburn 27, USC 23.

Just before the telecast cut to break, the cameras again found Max emerging from the tent with an ASO ankle stabilizer. He was jumping around testing it out and nodded at the trainer providing a thumbs-up. Seemed like he was going to get on the field for the next defensive series.

Mindy,  only added,USC haven't used thier kicker well on Lickoffs, I imagine they go  for touchbacks now, and make Auburn work the field. they have been giving too many free yards  on returns?

   SC's  coach talked to  the  return man who nodded.  went the  BAll came down, the returner let it  bounce  into and out of the endzone.

 The   Trojans  set up shop on the 25.  The  first Play was a sweep to   Max's side, Testing him if was there... going after the 'new guy' if he wasn't..

 The  Next play.sn made the signal  'call his own" The   Coached    waved as    Olsen    called the play  in the Huddle.  He  shifted   Runns into the  side  car, the   Ball  came  Back as   Pells  came    from  the  other side   , looking like he was going to  take a Jet sweep to Max's side ( whether he was there or not).

 the  Fake  worked, Runns  cut  down the  DE. Pells Slammed into the OLB,  Olsen set up like a  siege  engine  and  let the BAll   fly, deep   down the Middle..

 Gains took  off  to fake a block on the Corner, splitting the safeties ,  with nothing   but  green in front of him Olens  was standing On the  25, the effortless throw   came into Gains   Hands  at   the  15, and the  Trojan   ran into the Endzone,  Handing the   ball to the  Line Judge  who came running in with his hands up,

   Olsen Pointed down Field at Gains,  half the team   ran down to congratulate  the  receiver, the others, Olsen    gave  high fives  to each and  every one, while waiting at the sidelines at the  Auburn 40 to   give High fives to those  who came  back.

 The head Coach smiled, he was  Happy,  but already  waiting for the PAT to go through,  as the TV break   came up, he   went to his  QB and  Gains  whacking thier Backs , Olsen  smiled  and ni=nodded, but he wasn't overly   excited.

USC 30 Tigars 27

Louie Alston went out to Kick the  Ball through the   Endzone this  time.. as the   game returned.

Once More  Baily went through his  'play by play schtick'  being overly  excited  but the  Rainbow the speedster  hauled in .

Vic analyzed  the play, and the Play before it,  saying  that  USC  went  after the  injury area.  whether it was a Guy who had been watching most of the first half  or Max. he  finished his analysis  by saying.

 sometimes , when you play hurt, you  hurt the team...and if you don't  play you feel badly. Olsen is noted  for  being  an 'assassin', he finds  the   weak spots  and  attacks them. This comes from  hours  in the  film rom, and  Reps on the practice  filed...but?  we have 9:29  left in the  3rd  quarter...its  anyone's game!

 Colleen tried to do the   'family' aspect of the   short series  saying,This has to be hard  for  Max  Woodson. You  get hurt, but you feel you can play, Your family is here..you have a Brother in the NFL , most  likely watching.. if you sit out,  he'll feel like he let them down..if he stays  in,  it can only get worse? This is where the Coach needs to weigh the affect on the player, as well as the team?

 Vic  nodded on the split screen,...Its  always tough, The Kid's  a  starter  for a reason, and you don't want to pull the plu on him, in a game like this. maybe if this  was a regular season game, you sit him... But as you say, The Coach   was it in his hands.... if he ignores it , altogether, there could be  some ripples through the team depending on the effect it has.

 Lindsey? what have you got...

9:29  3rd quarter.

Before the half started, Lindsey brought the team around to the USC sideline. She really was rooting for the Tigers, but she was also there to do a job and she wasn't the beat reporter for Auburn. She was the sports reporter for New Jack and there would be fans of both teams back home. Being on the Trojans' estate would let her get close to them also, see their sideline and report on it and get a different perspective.

The Tigers received the second half kick. Max had come out with the team, and managed a return to the thirty-five but right after went straight to the medical tent. That wasn't a good sign. But while he was getting a better brace than tape, Auburn's Offense turned the drive into a field goal. Right after that, the Trojans attacked Max's side of the field ultimately putting up six and then the extra point.

During the commentary, the focus was on Max. Should he be in there or not, and the impact of playing injured. It was a worthy conversation, but when the camera went to Lindsey she would broaden the discussion.

"Last week, Max and his parents were watching the Dragons war with the Titans from the owners' box. I was there with them when Rock Woodson fumbled the ball. I was expecting them to be heartbroken but sympathetic to the situation. Rock was a rookie and the Titans played a perfect counterplay to his return. But instead all three of them pointed out how Rock should have expected that play and said that he had a lot to make up for. So Colleen mentioned feeling the pressure? I can tell you that he has to. That said, he's pragmatic as well. If he played while being an obvious liability, that pressure would go the other way. If Woodson knows he shouldn't play, he won't, because those consequences would be far worse than a little disappointment."

"But Max Woodson aside, I want to go back to Nick Olson. I am still so impressed by how capably he's leading this SC offense. He's going after his advantage, directing the plays, and getting results. The professionalism shows in the little things like how he just took that big touchdown in stride. No celebrating, no big high fives. He's just focused on the next play. The game's not over, and like you said this can still go either way. I expect Nick Olson won't celebrate until the last whistle."

"All yours, Baily"

Max trotted back out for the kickoff, but this one was again very deep. They'd tested him on the last return and gotten burned. Back to avoiding letting #2 beat them, and Max jogged out of the end zone with fists extended away from his body letting the refs know he was taking the touchback.

The Tigers started the drive down by three, and went with their four wides look, though this time Max was in there. On first down he flared out for a bubble screen, but it was a fake his direction and a draw play that picked up three. USC didn't appear to be fooled by the action toward Max. On second down, he started in the slot on the left and came all the way across the formation before sliding out into the flat. USC again didn't increase coverage on him, but that allowed for an easy pitch and catch to Max for a gain of 8. He stepped out of bounds without making any cuts, and appeared to come up a little lame. He jogged back to the huddle gingerly, then jumped up and down a few times.

The next play was another dive into the line that picked up two to the thirty-eight yardline. Max looked to make a feeble attempt at blocking, but didn't look quite right. On second down, he again went in motion across the formation to give a trips look to the wide side of the field. The other slot man ran a shallow cross, the split end went to the post and Max ran his out to the sideline again. Only this time he suddenly planted and burst upfield. The momentary surprise gave Max a step or two that he never ceded. Dempsey uncorked a long one down the sideline. Max dove for it, and came up with the catch! Fifty-four yards down the sideline for first and ten at the nineteen!

Max subbed out after the long play to catch his breath with a little knowing smile on his face. He did yank off his shoe and retie the brace, but he nodded to the trainer and gave a thumbs-up when he was finished.

The drive continued with the same 10 personnel. On first down, Scooter came in motion and took the handoff, but the DE completely blew up the play, causing a loss of two. The next play was a draw, but Carver was swarmed in the backfield to bring up third and fifteen. With third and long, down by three Dempsey chose not to test the Dime coverage that dropped back into a thick zone. He tucked and ran, sliding to a stop after a seven yard pickup down to the seventeen.

The ensuing thirty-five yard field goal attempt split the uprights, tying the game with 5:05 to play in the third.

Trojans 30, Tigers 30

 In the Booth, the talk  has turned to  the way the tigers seemed to be desperate.

 what do you think Vic?  Woodson's hurt, and they bring him out  for returns and play him on offense

 Every team has the  guys who get plugged in anywhere. But in a game  like this, when you're using a hurt guy , over  your normal starters? Its  not going to sit  well.. No matter how this game  goes. My The Coaching staff  what to just 'use him up' and hope  he recovers   for the title?  or...has a long offseason to heal up. But  , The transfer Portals  may be getting alot of action from Auburn  after this  season end for them.

Colleen   jumped  on the band wagon,I just asked  a USC  Coach what he thought  about  the use  of Woodson, after the injury.  he  said, and i'll paraphrase. "... they are  trying to win the game, , right now , their plan is out the window and their scrambling. The kid is a good ball player, but  laying a  kid  hurt like that on both sides of the ball, not  only sends a message to the  fans, about to the players  on that bench over there. They are well coached, they'll do what Coach tells them. But  you can't help wonder  how  healthy guys feel, after working all year  to  watch an injured  guy step in?....

she then added,He  added more, but  when asked  if they have  ever  done that, he  acknowledged  they have packages for some DLine and  LBs  in short yardage, but they would never use an injured player. This could impact his draft status, should he decide to come out for this years draft. That  injury  were be the focal points of any Pro days they set up.

 Baily asked Lindsey what she had.

"I have to say, it's curious. It seems to me that putting Max Woodson in on offense after his injury is kind of a stunt. I really don't think Coach Frye is desperate. He has no reason to be. We're in the third quarter and the score is tied. And I don't think they're using him up either. If they think he's too injured to play normally on defense then it's a risk putting him on offense when the regular offense has been doing just fine. The score is even. Both teams are playing well. No. I think they were just showing that Auburn is up to the challenge. Is it an odd way of doing that? Only because of the injury. If Max Woodson wasn't injured, then we'd be talking about how versatile a player he was. Seriously, he just outran his coverage and caught a 54yard pass! I honestly think THAT is what Auburn is trying to do. Injuries not withstanding, they're here to win."

"But now the score is tied. This game is still literally a tossup. and we have a lot of clock remaining. Mindy, Gravis thinks Auburn is desperate and without a plan. With all due respect to him, I think I would hold off on that kind of judgement and continue to play like I could lose if I don't bring my very best game. What do you think?"

 Mindy  gave a shake of her head  as she loked at the USC players  getting  ready to return thier  kick.

 I played  sports..i played at a high level. I've been the starter, i've been on the bench when you get  to a game this  big, and you use  an injured player to play in place of  a healthy  starter? that..well.. that can't  sit well . We're not talking  a Goal line package, or a wildcat package . we're talking  one injured player  in for a healthy player. I don't agree? But I don't have a  1 million dollar job to lose, if  i lose this game...

  she  looks   away from the camera  for a bit as she says,The kid  is going to do what the coach says... the kid  that  has to watcy  instead of  getting his PT..he'll do that as well..  that's the nature of the beast. But a few months from now. one of those gys  will be  smiling   and getting  drinks on his story of how he played  hurt on the opposite side of the ball. The other  guy will be a nameless player, thinking  of the time he lost  in a very short career, and no one, not even him, will be able  to  know what would have happened, had he got to play.

  The  Kick  sent  Runns   1  yard  deep, he caught the BAll  and   took a knee. trojans on the 25

     jogging straight out to the   Ball, the Trojans  swung  their blade,  The Three  headed monster  was on the filed Pells lined in the  slots, Runns and Sticks    , split backs  with Gains  on the Trojan sideline,  the TE on the left.

  The  backs   carried  5  straight  times,  the short run was  4  yards, the  Long  12. The Auburn backer shouted  something to Olsen  as the   trojans   always lined up and watched the placards  Pells  split out  a bit   further, The TE  shifted   two yards , the formation was spread.. Olsen merely looked  at the  Linebacker  and game him  the  'come here' wiggle  Fingers .

 the  Ball was snapped, and the Linebacker  came, clean through.  Runns  Picked him  up with a devastating  block, and the TE  was  running down the Hash   with    safeties  trying to catch him clutching the  ball he  caught.

The Line backer  was shouting something to Olsen, but Olsen  didn't care he was  already moving players   around  as they reached  the Tigar 30, The defense   dug in with short runs of  3 yards it came down to  4th and  1..with  15 seconds left on the clock.

 They chose to kick from the 22.

The Kicker  punched  it through easily.  end  of  3rd  quarter

 USC  33  Auburn 30

"Well, if Auburn loses, this will come up a lot in the next few days. If they win, this won't be the conversation unless Max Woodson can't continue on to the next game. All I can say is that Coach Frye is going to be questioned on this controversial decision by a lot of people. For now, though, we have just over a quarter to go in this game and apparently anything can happen. Back at ya Baily"
-----

After the Booth took it back, Lindsey turned to Mindy and Bob. "That was really weird, right?"

The Trojans took their turn and came up with a field goal by the end of the quarter.

"This is going to go to the wire, isn't it?"

 Mindy   looked around  as she said ,Look, ..That Woodson kick  is  a good  DB.. he could go in the   2nd or  3rd  round..higher if that   Kid from LSU and the other  one  from  Utah sya in school..they have been making  noise  about    declaring.

 her  Voice was  a harsh whisper,it was all fun and games  when they put him out there before?  But  Injured? Its not  just this   Game  for Woodson..its his career.. yeah yeah..big stories  about  toughing it out..but you do that  on your side of the ball....and how does the Coach say in , 40 minutes from now when we're in the   Press room?..." I was using  my Best players".. so the kid that busted his ass  all year on office, is   'told", you're not  as  good  as  an Injured  DB?

 I was  hinging On  rooting  for USC, Mostly because of your BF...but this? I dunno... I wouldn't want to be that kid who sat out  those plays.

 as far as the Game goes. SC is making them earn their yards   now, starting at the  25. Thier kicker is better..and Olsen doesn't  seem to give one  damn how hot the spotlight is..i guess me you and  Millions of   other  folks have to wait  15 more minutes.

  Lindsey ( whenever his gets a chance to look)

 hey!, Just so you know, I tried to get  bronk to come to my Hotel to watch the Game  one the  Monster screen  with the  pats?.... after he said  no, i told him he  could come to my room and we  could  watch it there..and  he said  no!!!..then he said stuff  about me  , being a Pats  person  and ...i was Blonde!..that  boy needs  help!

Mindy certainly had strong feelings about Frye putting Max in while injured. Maybe it wasn't fair to the receiver who would have been in if Max wasn't, but for all they knew Max was always supposed to be in. Frye would have to answer that question more than once in the aftermath. The risk to Max's career was the bigger concern, and it was something else Frye would have to explain. For her part, Lindsey agreed but like anything else that happened in a game, all she could do is report.

"Yeap." Lindsey responded to Mindy's last statement. "We still have a quarter to go and I don't think I can be surprised by anything at this point."

As the quarter changeover got underway, Lindsey noticed a text from Lacy. Lindsey really liked Lacy, but it was things like this that really challenged that. It was just baffling. Lacy admits that she tried to get Adam to her room, and knowing Lacy, Lindsey understood what she wanted. Lacy must really think that sex with players was just a game and that Lindsey was playing also. What the actual fuck was wrong with her. And all that to complain about how he needed help? For sure there was more to the story, but Lindsey certainly hoped that the reason he rejected her wasn't just because she was blonde and a Patriots person.

[I told you he didn't like blondes. But also I hope his rejection was because of me and not you.]

yeah..whatever.. it  could be, but he's a guy right? all kinds of cameras  flashing...who sits in their  damn  townhouse and watches  games  when  a chick offers  him  a Night....i almost  called Steele, but that would be like..slumming...

she  ended the  text with   a 'bummed out' emoji

As the commercial ended and the telecast returned to the fourth quarter, Max again jogged out for the kick return. This time, the kicker put it high and toward the sidelines, but Max easily ranged over to be in position to catch it. However, the return man let the ball bounce at the three, and took a sideways carom out of bounds! When you play with fire...

The white hat signaled 'illegal procedure' and set the ball out at the 40. Having gone 12 and 10 personnel on their two third quarter possessions, the Tigers now went with a 21 grouping, showing the Trojans yet another look. The defense seemed to be in a nickel on first down with the Tigers in a classic I-formation. They ran power-iso over the right side, and the linebackers were overwhelmed. Carver easily danced into the secondary before he was dragged down after a gain of fourteen.

The SC defensive co-ordinator looked chagrined as he subbed out a nickel back for another linebacker, and that made the difference. The Tigers went off-tackle on first down, ran a sweep with pulling guards on second, and then did a quick pitch on third down. They gained four, two, and three yards bringing up fourth and one from the thirty-seven. There was no hesitation as the Tigers sent in the elephant personnel grouping again, but this time not on the goal line. The wing TE went in motion again, and stopped right next to Dempsey, just like they had done on the goal line previously. Only this time, it was a fake to Carver and Dempsey rolled to his right. SC was wise to the tactic and the well-coached OLB kept contain and got right in Dempsey's face in a flash. But the Auburn QB saw it and seemed to completely expect it as he coolly pitched the ball forward to the wingback who had trailed the rollout along the line of scrimmage. The TE put his shoulder down and carried two tacklers across the line to gain, setting up first and ten on the thirty-five.

Auburn went back to their pro-style 21 grouping, this time splitting the backs. SC properly settled into their base D as Auburn ran an iso to the right for four. On second and six, they finally ran the counter trap, looping the right side guard and tackle through the hole on the left side. Carver again found daylight and galloped for twelve before being sandwiched by two guys in the secondary just inside the red zone. After the hit, Carver was slow to get up, and as he stayed down the telecast cut to commercial.

When they came back, the telecast mentioned that it looked like it might be a knee sprain, and Carver was in the medical tent. Auburn left Sammy Duff, their fullback in and went to 11 personnel, with Dempsey settling back into the shotgun. Duff blocked well as Auburn started slinging the ball all over the field, getting completions of four, five, and seven to set up first and goal at the three. They went heavy again, handing off to Duff a pair of times, but he didn't get much. On third and goal from the two, a false start pushed Auburn back to the seven, and then Dempsey was incomplete in the back of the end zone. Replays showed that SC had blanket coverage...nobody was open and throwing it away was a much better choice than trying to force something. The Tigers kicked a short FG to even the score at 33 with just over ten minutes left in the game.

 at the TV  time out, both   crowds were shouting  and  chanting , whatever they chanted..  SC's  Coach talked to Olsen and   The  QB  Coach, holding  up a  finger  as he  nodded to both of them, and they  nodded back.

 the whistle that the  break was over, Sent Olsen and the Offense up to the Line.after the Kick was  permitted to go into the endzone.

   The Three headed  Monster  came  back out. The #2  Wide out   was running up and down the side line , but every time he stopped   it  took him a few limping  steps. The Other  wideout  waited near the  HC in case the package   was changed.

   a Surpris  was  a  Fake  Jet sweep to Pells  , heading to the  Trojans  side line  with  the  Gains  , Runns and sticks  setting  a wall..maybe should have  given it to him!.. But the TE  Snacked  another pass   down the Hashes  for a  gain of  14.... then the machine churned,   wrap around draws rb Runns, Pitches to Sticks   with  Pells  coming in Motin  to seal the edge.  and   Gain Hitting what ever   DB was lined up on  him, regardless of where the ball went. Gains, finally  did an arrow  route where he caught the ball  as he broke back to the sidelines .  A Flag at the   15 brought it back..'block in the back' that really wasn't needed. The  TE raised his  hand to the  SC  Bench, patted his chest and shook his head.
 Gains  Just  gave him a slap on the back, Olsen acted like it never happened.

 the spot   foul only gave them 8 yards on  the  big play.  The  placards  started  going up in two areas   now, and they went Up  fast, the headset  told  Olsen where to look, and he called the  pay at the Line, Runs  with a  a quick Screen to Gains, before a holding called help kill the drive. Olsen took the  ball  and ran up the  Middle, taking the hit  to get the ball 8 yards  closer  for his  kicker.

  the FG  team came on, kicking  a 37 yarder  to set the score  at  SC 36  Tigers  33  7:08 minutes  left
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Sat 29 Oct 2022.

  Baily   shook his head,It appears that the  Trojans  have issues  with the  #2  wideout , Damian Smart.,and appears to be happy with bringing in the  'Thre headed  Monster'

 Vic  agreed,The thing is? teams like this  around the country , that have   capable backs, will just  go to ground and pound, but all three of these kids  can  catch the ball and run with i, something Coach  scouts for ,when he  talks to scholarship recruits

........

Baily got people excited on Gains TD, but the  block in the back brought it   , most of the way back.

 That might have been it, right there?

 Yeah.. that young man will be thinking about that  the rest of the offseason, if  they don't win!. But He took ownership , raised his hand to his teammates and coaches. Olesen
 didn't even acted phased , just went  back to work.

Colleen's  spot ..

 The SC  Bench  here was about  to erupt? but they saw the Flag, Coaches  are moving up  and down the sideline  preaching '  The game isn't over   until the zeros  hit!"..there are some  coaches  talking to the  Defense.. players   , for the Most
 part  are focused, though you can see some  anxious  looks.

The FG  was kicked  and   she added.You said it before, Baily..this is going to be a classic.

 the  cut to Lindsey....

"Thanks Baily. I think what we're seeing here is two teams that recalculating every drive. This is now a battle of tactics on the ground. It's clear that both coaches and their respective quarterbacks understand that if they don't treat the other team as mortal threat, they will lose this game. Blow outs and big plays make for great television and emotional highs, but this is turning out to be a fascinating show of skill. Not just athletic skill, but also in terms of strategy and how to play the field."

"Now down to the nuts and bolts.  Olson, still as cool as Christmas snow, continues to execute without any real show of emotion good or bad. Dempsey seems to be in the zone, moving the ball and the team down to the last few yards. There seems to be some trepidation when the field gets short. They're taking the field goals to keep from falling too far behind. This is not just a game of inches, it's also a game of taking smaller scores because neither side can count on the big plays. And on that note, Auburn is going to have to work even harder with the possible loss of Carver and with Woodson still in less than top shape."

"This is not just going to be a classic, this will be a beautiful example of how two teams play to win without getting ugly. Bravo to USC and Bravo to Auburn. I'm going to continue to hold my breath until the very end."

"Back to you guys"

-------

After her broadcast, Lindsey went back to her phone to see what Lacy was throwing at her. She was so conflicted on how sh should feel about it. On teh one hand Lacy had the gall to say to Lindsey;s face that she was trying to seduce her boyfriend. Lindsey wasn't the jealous type but she felt like she should be offended by Lacy's overtures. But she wasn't offended. She knew how Lacy was and she knew that no matter what she said to the contrary, Lacy and so many others continued to believe that Lindsey's relationship with Adam was more showmance than romance. In the end, Adam would do what Adam would do, and she felt quite secure about how he would handle the likes of Lacy Owens. As for her text, Lindsey fired back a quick consolation.

[Hey, I think you're overlooking Mik. He's single, he's cute, and he's be thrilled to play ball with you. Def stay away from Steele. No amount of scrubbing would remove that stain.]

This kick was again high and deep, and a much safer distance from the sideline than the last one. Max caught it seven yards deep in the end zone, again looked at the coverage, but took the touchback after seeing that the coverage had no significant holes.

The Tigers switched back into their 11 personnel grouping, but Carver didn't answer the bell for this drive with the clock just outside of seven minutes. Instead they rolled with a combination of Whisper Stevens and Sammy Duff as the rotating setbacks. The former was more of a scatback, who was a good change-of-pace from Carver. Duff was an excellent blocker who excelled at picking up blitzes.

The Tigers went to the short passing game, with draw plays to both backs interspersed throughout the drive to keep the defense honest. It took them seven plays to cross the fifty as the clock rolled under four minutes. On second and seven from the USC 48, the Tigers ran play-action. Dempsey looked downfield, but the Trojans were in a deep zone, so Dempsey dumped it off to Stevens in flat. The scatback had just enough wiggle to evade the first defender, picked up a pair of blocks from his receivers, and turned a dump off into a seventeen yard gain as the clock went under two minutes.

On first down, the Tigers handed off up the middle, but there wasn't much there. SC used their first timeout to kill the clock with 1:37 remaining. Second down was an outside zone run to the wide side, but SC's LB's were equal to the task, holding Duff to only two more yards bringing up third and seven from the twenty-eight. SC took another timeout.

Auburn was in a position where a first down would allow them to bleed clock and at worst force overtime. All they needed was seven yards. Dempsey settled into the shotgun with Duff in the sidecar, and his TE and flanker to the short side. He sent the flanker in motion to get a trips look to the right. Auburn went with a zone flood, putting several guys at various levels near the right sideline. The TE also dragged across the field, and it was him that Dempsey hit with pass.

Or he tried to. The pass was a little low, and a sliding attempt by the intended receiver resulted in no joy for the Tigers. On fourth and seven with 1:23 left, Auburn sent out their placekicker for a forty-six yard FG attempt. He again stared at the spot where the holder would set the ball, gave a nod, and then took a quick run up and sent the pigskin sailing high into the air.

The kicker pushed the kick a bit to the right, and all the Tigers that were on the field started leaning to the left, trying to will the ball to hook. In the end, it did!

The three points were met with jubilation from the Tigers' sideline as the game was all tied up with 1:18 to play and only one timeout for SC to use.

Tigers 36, Trojans 36

  The  Kick  came  down to  Sticks, who signal  for the fair catch to get the ball at the  25.

  75 yards  away from  home, but they didn't need  75. Olsen  , again talked   with the coaches   during the TV  time out, he   would Nod  as he looked around, like he was  in a hurry to go some    where. The  Coach whapped him  on the head  gear,   and he ran to the Huddle. In the Huddle, his head jerked  as  he gave the Commands of what they were going to  Do. Once more the Auburn LB   was shouting something to him,  This time  Olsen just sneered, the  Ball   came   Back,  , Olsen when to fire the out, but the Tigers DB  jumped it!...the sad thing, Olsen  still had the  ball, reloaded  and let it go down the Auburn sideline where  2nd  team WR  Bennie  Neil hauled it  in before   getting knocked out of  Bounds at the  Tiger  33..

 Bennie  Jumped up  and Down  as he ran off the field  and the three headed monster  came in.
 Olsen , since the clock stop. took the  Tine   to give   Niel a   whap on the shoulder as he went by.

:58 left to play..the auburn fans   were Mixed..half  sat down, stunned, the other have screamed their brains out.. the  player s  waved    towels and arms. On the other  side  the  Trojan Band played the fight song while everyone stood .. pounding thier Feet

  when they began to line up once More,  Olsen gave the signal  for  quiet,,, and   SC fans  went to a whisper and the band stopped..

  Runns  took a    simple   dive for  6,  they hustled to line up as the  clock ticked  and the ball was  snapped.  Sticks  took the  pitch  and went  wide  diving out of bounds  for a  gain of  5 The  1st down and Out of Bounds  stopped the Clock with  ....:36 s One time out.

 Olsen and three trojans  huddled  Auburn brought in more Line, SC didn't change a    Thing.

 The   fake to Runns  was  carried all the way into the Line, Olsen   poped up and  hit the TE for his third  catch of the game..he  had 10 coming into this game.

 Oslen took a  Hit  as he Let the Ball go,  But   pushed the   DE off him as he  Jumped  up to motion the team forward. they Hustled to the  line  and he clocked it , after they set.

   3  and  2 at the  Tiger  19  :23 s

    Olsen stood there   looking to the  sidleines, the coach talked into the  head set,, three  sets of placards  went up,

  Gunns  took the Dive  towards the   right hashmark  Gained  4  yards,  Olsen stood right next to the Ref, and  called the Time out   with 4 seconds  left.

 Louie  Alton came on  to kick with the ball spotted at the 15, it would be another 32 yarder...but the biggest one of the  year.

  Auburn coach was  taking off his headset and handing it to the  Intern as did the USC coach. a whole season rested on the foot of  an English soccer playerm who played a total for  14  American football games.

 The  stadium was   rocking,,Tiger  fans  trying to shake  the   Englishman...Trojans  trying to support him, then..half of the feeling went  quiet... the Thump of the  ball was  solid  and  it   cut in the  the pipes, the Refs  arms went Up and the cardinal side of the stadium went   crazy.

 Olsen  and His coach  Hugged, and the QM  smiled  handing out high fives  and  fist  bumps, the teams moved out on to the Field looking for  opponents to  greet.


USC 39 Tiger  36

On the last play, Max was in on the field goal block unit. He was lined up so that all the pressure would be on his good ankle - it was the one that was away from the center of the field. He turned the corner, dove, and extended, but the ball was away.

Max skidded across the turf and didn't need to look at the referees to tell that the kick had been good. He pushed himself up on one knee, and looked up at the scoreboard to see the final score. The cornerback heaved a deep breath, then pushed himself to his feet and looked for his opposite numbers to congratulate and wish well when they played in the Championship game in January.

Losses hurt. Playoff losses hurt worse. The guys that were hurting the most were the seniors that would never play football again. Most of them would eventually break down crying and stay on the field for a while. Because once they were off the field, they would never, ever experience anything like this again.

Max still had high level football in his future, but he'd wanted this one. He'd wanted it bad.

After he offered congratulations and well wishes to the Trojans, Max found where his family was sitting and lifted a fist to them. Parents and sisters waved and all looked proud of his effort.

 The head Coaches  met  at  Midfield  and   wrapped each other in , back pounding hugs The trojan Coach was   Smiling, but  did not gloat,  The Auburn Coach  had a thin lipped  smile  of  understanding, they greeted Asst. Coaches  before  talking to opposing QBs  and  Backs.

 Newtwork folks were all over Olsen. Colleen was gushing as she asked him questions.

It was almost as soon as the ball split the uprights, the two teams were coming out to meet midfield. As expected, the Trojans were upbeat and the Tigers were somber but, but they met with high fives and respectful tidings. Even before that ended, the mad scramble for interviews commenced with the vast majority of reporters swarming Nick Olsen. He deserved the limelight. Lindsey was determined to get some words from him, but there were other voices to consult while he was forced to answer the banal and predictable post game questions that usually came from swarm reporting. The Auburn players were of less interest to the post-game press, and would be the first to quit the field. There were some obvious questions people would want answers to from them, so Lindsey made her rounds there. Coach Frye was busy with an interview, but Jack Dempsey was standing nearby almost like a sidecar. He looked engaged but really wasn't so Lindsey swooped in.

"Hey, Jack Dempsey. It's Lindsey Garret. In case you forgot me already." She gave him a knowing grin. "I know this wasn't the outcome you wanted, but what are your thoughts about how the game went?"

"No, Ma'am. How could I forget you?" She gave her subdued smile. "Well, you're right, this didn't go our way. We planned and trained and practiced, but still, here we are. I mean, I'm proud of our game and of every Auburn player. It was close and slight misstep could have had us as the winners. So what are my thoughts? Congratulations to USC, and for us I wouldn't change anything."

"You say you wouldn't change anything, but does that mean USC gave you exactly what you expected?"

"Yes and no. They played as we expected, but they ended making adjustments as the game went on. Their defense was tough but they still didn't stop us from moving the ball. The tough part was when the field got short and there was less room to work. They're good or else they wouldn't be here. We didn't win this one, but I think we gave a championship performance."

"So about that short field game. Could you have used your fullbacks more to take pressure off the receivers and Lamont Carver?"

"Maybe, but this wasn't about any specific plays. The Fullbacks might have pushed us closer, but that would have just shortened the field some more. I think the receivers did a great job as did Lamont. There are so many things that could have went differently, but second guessing doesn't get you anywhere."

"So, you're a senior and this was your last game. What's next for Jack Dempsey?"

He laughed. "Next I take a shower, go back to home and enjoy my Christmas with my family. After that, we'll see."

"Awesome. So any last words or shout outs."

"Hi Mon, Hi Dad. I love you. To my fiancee, Christina, I love you. Merry Christmas everyone."

"Thank you, Jack."

From that interview, Lindsey noticed Coach Frye extricating himself from the last of the gaggle of reporters. She was right there, so she turned to him.

"Hi Coach. Looks like I caught you at an opportune time."

"Ah, Miss Garret. You seem to be very good at that."

Lindsey's eyes flashed with her grin. "Great game. You didn't pull it out but it was a horse race all the way to the end. Thoughts?"

"I think my team played a hell of a game. The execution was fantastic and we continued to score. You just talked to Jack Dempsey. He was a great leader and no one will ever be able to say we didn't deserve to be here. We were putting points up all game long, but so was USC. In the end we came up short, but it easily could have gone the other way."

"For sure. In the first quarter you had a touchdown called back for Offensive interference. There are some who could say that that might have been the difference between winning and losing."

"Nope. Every game is full of mistakes and penalties are part of that. We scored but if not for that push off would we have? What I'm saying is that no one mistake was the thing that changed the outcome. That score is the result of every second of game play, good and bad. That penalty didn't cost us the game."

"So tell us about Max Woodson. He was injured, but in the third quarter he comes back out to play. There was a lot of commentary about whether he should have even been on the field, but not only did he return, you played him on offense. That caused a firestorm of commentary. Can you explain why you did that?"

"There was a lot of in the moment discussions about how play it. He's a top player in what could have been and turned out to be the last game of the year. He's leader and we wanted him on the field. The Docs said he could play, so he played. That was a no-brainer. Playing him on offense was a tactical decision. He trains to play both ways and that was always in the playbook. On offense he cuts off the other ankle so we all made the decision to go with the configuration as planned. It worked. He gave us a 56yrd reception and put us in position for the next points. As far as I'm concerned it was a good play."

"So this turned out to be the last game this season for you. What's next? And then give me you last thoughts and shout outs."

"Like you said, this was the last game, so what's next is my team gets a well deserved break. My seniors will go on to the draft or whatever carer choices they made. for those coming back next year, spring training is not far away. This was a close game. A lot of people predicted a blowout on the part of USC, but we came and made a good showing. it could easily have gone our way, and they know it. I'm going to recognize the team and all the support staff that put us here. Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year."

"Coach Chance Frye, thank you."

To be continued

Keeping her eye on Nick Olson, Lindsey chased down and got interviews from Sammy Duff, Scooter McGee on the Auburn side. Lamont Carver was MIA and again, Max was nowhere to be seen, but she knew how to catch up to him. On the USC side, she snagged Buster Runns, DC Riley Yott, and Alexander Gravis for a few questions before she was crowded out. But when Gravis was swarmed, Olson made a stealth run at the tunnel, and Lindsey was ready in her tennis shoes. In reality, it was a good thing that Olson's run was really a fast walk.

Lindsey caught him just as he passed the cover of the medical tent and there was no other reporter in sight.

"Hey Nick," She said as she came up alongside him. "Lindsey Garret. We talked yesterday."

"Yes, Ma'am. How could I forget. You seem to be an expert at getting players alone for one on one's."

"Yeah, it's better than shouting out questions over everyone else. So, on that, can I get some comments?"

"Sure thing, Ma'am. I'd be happy to. Shoot." He stopped walking and Bob came around to get them framed.

"So first, congratulation on the win. When we spoke yesterday, you were confident, and today you're vindicated. But you also made some comments about how Auburn's schedule wasn't as tough as yours. They gave you a run for your money today. Did this go the way you thought it would?"

"Yes. We won." He laughed. "Okay, seriously. It's never a good idea to predict how a game is going to go. Not in detail anyway. The Tigers played a great game and they deserved their shot. We came out on top because we executed according to our coaching and our strategy."

"I noticed more than a couple times how focused you were. Whether you score or even when you threw that interception, you never even flinched. You just kept playing as if every play was the same. How do you stay so calm?"

"Well, it's just discipline. There are going to be ups and downs, but the game isn't won until the end. Every down is the most important down in it's own moment and it won't succeed or fail because of what happened before. It will succeed or fail based on our execution. Staying calm and focused means I will execute based my training and according to the demands of the play. Not karma or streaks of luck, good or bad. Keeping it steady and consistent is how we prevail more times than not."

"So impressive. On that interception though. You did go have some words with the official. It didn't go your way, and you just let it go. Can you tell me about it?"

"You're an eagle-eye aren't you? Right well, there was a tug on the jersey which let Max Woodson get that pick. I think it was a penalty and should have been called back. The ref disagreed. I wasn't going to argue and Coach Gravis didn't pursue it, so I turned my attention on to the next play. It's frustrating, but like I said, there are ups and downs. In the end, if I had thrown it better even that tug wouldn't have mattered, so it was on me. I'm not going to cry over spilled milk."

"Wow, I know professional quarterbacks who could learn a thing or two from you. Speaking of that, though. What about your future. There are going to be quite a few teams interested in signing you."

"Right now, I'm focused on winning the next game. We still have finals. After that, yeah I'll go into the draft and we'll see what happens."

"Have you considered Free Agency? The NFL is changing and there are more options."

Olson laughed. "No. That's not how it's usually done. And I guess you would know. I don't even know how that would work, but I suppose I could look into that. Thanks for the tip."

"You're welcome. I know you want to get cleaned up and start your holiday. Nick Olson, thank you for giving me this one on one. Congratulations again, and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Lindsey."

With a wave, Lindsey saw Olson off to the tunnel and she turned her attention back to see who was left on the field. She sent out a text to Mindy

[Hey, where are you at? Let me know if you see Max Woodson.]

To be continued

  Mindy  texted,  , Last time a saw him , he was headed to the Auburn Sidelines, I guess  looking for   family ior friends... I don;'t know, i was tracking SC folks.

Lindsey walked back out to the field to have a look around. It was entirely possible that Max had gone in to have his ankle dealt with, but she wasn't ready to give up and go marching into the Auburn locker room. The field was still quite active and seeing through the crowd of players and reporters was a challenge in itself.

Finally after skirting along the sideline, Lindsey spotted Max midfield among some of his teammates. There were no reporters around, which in and of itself was interesting. The losing team didn't get as much attention for sure, but given how much controversy there was with playing Max after his injury, she would have guessed many would have some questions. but it was good for her that he was frees.

"Max!" She called out when she got within earshot. She didn't want to risk him disappearing into the throngs. "Hey Max, it's me." She waved, catching his attention. "Wow, you were hard to find for some reason."

"Are you up for some questions?" Assuming he was she went ahead into it.

"Well, my condolences in the loss. I have some specific questions, but can you tell me how your feeling right now?"

"You made some really big returns in the first half, and you had the only interception of the game, which you ran in for a touchdown. Aside from the end score, you had a great game. Is there anything you think you could have done differently?"

"On that interception, Trojans quarterback Nick Olson thinks you never would have had that if not for the tug on the jersey. What do you say to that?"

"So the big controversy was when you came back in the second half. After your kickoff return, it looked like you indicated your ankle wasn't doing as well as you wanted. What happened there?"

"And after you had them put a better support on it, Coach Frye played you on offense. That set off a firestorm of criticism. Coach Fry said you were always slotted to play on offense and that the injury didn't change that plan. With a full slate of players, most of whom only play one way, why would you play both ways and why do it at that point in the game, especially considering the risk of your injury affecting the game and maybe your career?"

"So, despite that criticism, you did haul in a fifty-six yard pass. It was one of the few big plays of the game. Tell us about it."

"Given how much of the game was played withing thirty yards of the opponents endzone on both sides, and how many drives ended with field goals instead of touchdowns, would you say that this was a good showing of the effectiveness of the defensive backs?"

"Well, I'm sorry this game didn't go your way. What's next?"

"Do you have any final thoughts on you want to share, and of course, any shoutouts?"

Max smiled broadly at the reporter as she approached. "Yeah, I always have time for your questions, Lindsey. Shoot."

Max responded to each of her queries in turn. "How do I feel? Absolutely gutted. We worked all season for a shot at the title and came up short. Unlike in the pros, there is a much shorter clock that ticks for us in college. Once time is up, you never get another shot."


His lips pressed together at the question about what he could have done differently. "At some point I could have knocked a ball down? We are a team that prides ourselves on our defense and got here because our defense shut down some of the best teams in the country. And USC punted exactly zero times. Our offensive guys played their tails off and scored far more than anyone expected. And I'm the captain of the one unit that underperformed today. It's a tough pill to swallow."

His face clouded at the question about the pick, and then he chuckled. "That throw was behind the receiver, Lindsey, you saw that. So what he said to you is entirely nonsensical. If the throw was out in front of the receiver where it should have been, maybe he gets that call. And I'm sure everyone saw what was and wasn't being called out there for both teams. The refs were pretty consistent over the sixty minutes, which you'd expect of the crews that make it this far."

He nodded. "After the first kick return of the second half, the tape wasn't quite doing what I hoped. Once I got my ASO brace, I was doing much better. Still couldn't cut quite like I can when healthy, but my straight-ahead speed didn't suffer at all."

He tipped his head to the side at the mention of criticism. "That's our Flash package, Lindsey, same one that came out last week. This time of year, coach wants to put us in the best position to win that he can. That particular personnel grouping usually gets one series a game, either second or third quarter. We put our four fastest guys on the edges, and have Carver as a single setback. The overall speed on the field in that package can create matchup problems for the other team. Coach usually wants to see how other teams react to our personnel changes to see if he can create mismatches. It's all part of the chess match between the guys pulling the strings, ya know?" He shrugged. "If anyone was confused, it's because they didn't bother watching the tape from last week."

He looked out on the field and pointed to the numbers right around where he made the catch. "I had been doing a little bit of acting on the plays leading up to the big catch. A bit of gamesmanship to see if the defender might let his guard down under the assumption I lost a step. To his credit, he didn't miss more than a single step, but that was enough. The line protected against a fearsome pass rush and Dempsey put the ball right where it needed to be for me to snag it."

He frowned at the question about the defensive backs. "Sorry, but I don't think any of my defensive backfield mates are going to be happy with today's results given the lack of punts. I can only speak for us - SC will have their own take on their guys. My fellow Tigers all played hard and did their best, but they're not happy about the results."

He raised an eyebrow and smirked at the final questions. "What's next is I huddle with my family and talk about my options. As far as shoutouts, most everyone knows my parents and brother. But my sisters probably haven't gotten too many shoutouts. So to the best footballers I know - Malia, Tasha, I love you guys. Keep kicking, uh, butt." He grinned broadly at the end.

"Thanks Max. I appreciate your perspective. Merry Christmas." Lindsey called for the cut. "Have a safe flight back home, Max. Maybe I'll see you in New Jack during your stay. Take care."

After a wave Lindsey looked around. There were so many players. She sent a text to Mindy again.

[Hi Mindy. I've hit all the bigs. If you're ready, meet me at the entrance of the home tunnel. Otherwise, I'll get more comments from whoever I can grab.]

After she and Mindy gathered were done, they met at the tunnel and got ready to go. Their bags were being held at the hotel, so they would have to go by there on the way to the airport.

To Travel Times

 Mindy came over  with a bit of a smile,I got  some names, Got  Alston's  take on his FG. he was fun

 I'm done  with Indy ,  I'm ready to go.

(( Fashion Show, Friday before Chiefs game))


From Dragon Den

Lindsey arrived at the Dragon Arts Building at about 9:10. There was already a fair amount of activity, indicating that the show prep was already underway. Marta had told her that they would provide the wardrobe, presumably from the sponsoring labels. Still unsure of what to expect otherwise decided to leave her bags in the car, taking only her phone and purse.

Inside the building the stage was already up, and a dozen men and women were running about with decorations and setting up chairs and tables. Lindsey spotted Marta consulting another woman with a clipboard.

"Hi Marta," She greeted after the other woman walked away. "So nice to see you again. I came early to get instructions."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:42, Sat 11 Feb 2023.

  Marta  smiled   and   waved to the dressing room  area,I am soooo glad you made it. Now, befoe we go on, i want to say, it was an Interesting   choice you made,  not to slime  that Lana person? But  it is being talked  about  with you being  praised , bashed, or questioned on the choice. Either way.. the news is more about you, then Lana.

 reaching the dressing area, there were a couple Models there  already, they were  'staging' their outfits  for the 'theme' of the segments

 Evening wear,...  fancy dressed and panst suits

  Daily wear... clothing for 'on the go' and normal activities

 Business  wear... for office  work

 Swimsuits,...two runs.. one piece and  2 piece

  Marta  smiles  as she  shows  Lindsey the  order.we purposely put the swimsuits last, to keep the men here longer, they tend to spend more  at the bar  and  snack area.

Lindsey gripped Marta hands in greeting. And she was rather surprised that the first thing Marta mentioned was the slime thing with Lana. But Marta had a point. If Lindsey had slimed Lana, everyone would be talking about Lana, some sympathizing, some cheering. But by not doing it, Lindsey was focus of the conversation. Was she right or wrong? Why didn't she?  "I wish I could take credit for planning it that way, but I like how it turned out."

Marta led Lindsey to the dressing area where she explained the sequence. It seemed logical. "Okay, so do you want me to pick out my outfits or will someone assign them?" She looked around to see if the other models were people she recognized

she  saw names on  printed   cards by dressing tables,  Two Girls she knew...HAD..to be pro models, or  have  done modeling.

 others  were Business  women  of the area, who had ( or thought they had) the body for the runway. Of course this  was Minor league Modeling, But pics  would be on  the   local news, and   in the Sunday Magazine , that came with the Sunday paper.

 Though  , Lindsey didn't seem to know any of them, they all seemed to know her, giving  her    small smiles  , and Hellos

 a   fellow, who would be a good  match for Francis,  came over. Tape measure  around his   neck. a pick cushion wrist band

 Hi?   I am Pedro?..   let  us take a walk back to the clothes they   sorted out   for this  'gala'  hmmmm?

  Now...   here is the card  that says  what to wear... they are grouped  by  those lists?.. Mosey around  and se what you think you like

To anyone who engaged Lindsey, be it with a smile, wave or 'hello', got a greeting back. She would at least try to get names and introduce herself as the opportunity allowed.

When Pedro came to get her prepped, Lindsey took his lead. "Hi Pedro. Nice to meet you." She followed him to were the outfits were laid out. Lindsey picked through them, checking with Pedro on her selections.

For the evening wear she chose a couple party dresses. One more formal and one flirty. Both in Dragon Green.

For the Day wear. I like this because it would look good on the runway and it has that Florida Appeal

Business suit:
One or both of these:

And the Swim suits

"What do you think of these, Pedro"

 Pedro nods,good choices,  we may have to  so something  with  that  white pants  thing  with  Butt?.. but they should work, for this Gig, hmmm? Now, go  get into the evening gown thing...

Lindsey smiled at Pedro's approval, but was interested in why he didn't like the one business suit. "You don't like the wide leg romper pants? I just loved the top. It's probably too sexy for a real business environment, but for a runway it's perfect. The ladies will like those pants, but I can keep the top but grab a pair of white slacks to go with it instead."

When Pedro istraucted her to put on the evening gown, she went right to it. "Yeap, on it. Did you want formal or flirty first?"

Predo put one hand on  his  him, and flipped the other hand around.I'm not   walking out there , Honey.   Put on what makes you feel all  'gril power' or something. I'm just here to make sure none of you embarrass the program!

Lindsey held back a giggle at Pedro's animated indifference. "Alright, I'll go with the formal dress. It's flashier."

Stepping over to the Evening gowns, Lindsey strips off her day clothes and changed into the dress in the mirror. What she didn't count on was the cut. The off shoulder drapes would reveal her bra straps, so she removed the bra and adjusted the shoulders to sit low. It looked great, but looking good was only part of it. She had to show it off with her walk and her turn and the way she addressed the crowd with her look. She'd seen it done once at a fashion show she went to with Tyler, and seen it on television, but she'd never done it herself. She would make a point to watch the pros go first. If she had to go first, then at least she had her viewing experiences to draw on.

"Okay, ready." She found Pedro and stood with the other models

  Pedro was  fussing with  each woman,  when he  came to Lindey, he expertly, tucked some fabric and  slipped in a  pin,

 there,  sweetie, he can bounce around all you want.

The woman in front of her looked older,  maybe, late 40s, her  hair was a bit  darker  red then should be naturally possible, He  skin  showed , she may have had  'work done"

 You are  Lindsey... Garret?   I am Pamla Bix? My husband  owns  a chain of  Rocket Burgers, and  Frosting Fun bakeries? she looked peeved,

 some of our  Burger places  are  starting ti struggle, and  Bik King Burgers  are starting to take off.

 she points out to those who have gathered, there are a few older men in a bunch, buying drinks  at the barMy Husband is the tall one there with the   white-yellow hair.. You want a side   job? those  guys will hook up with you.some of them are even single.

After Pedro adjusted her gown, Lindsey felt more secure. "Thank you Pedro."

The woman in front of her introduced herself as Pamela Bix. "Hi Pamela, nice to meet you." She started off nice enough, explaining the businesses she had with her husband. "Oh, yeah I'm very familiar with both. I love Rocket Burgers." Then Pamela lamented the competition that Big King was bringing to the New Jack market. There was nothing Lindsey could say to make her feel better about that, and she definitely wasn't going to bring up how Adam held an interest in Big King. The older woman then shifted focus and pointed out her husband at the bar with some of associates. Lindsey was going to compliment Mr.Bix, but then the next thing out of Pamela's mouth was to suggest hooking up with one of Bix's older associates. Lindsey was aghast, her eyes widening and her jaw hanging slack.

"I..." She just closed her mouth and looked away. "I'll leave that to you. Thanks."

  Pamela  smiled at her,Ahh well, child? You'll see  how the   world moves if you rise   high enough. But those  men right there, know alot of people, everywhere.

 there   as a sudden  stop  to the strings out  in the  Room as MArta  walked   out , Pople clapped .

  Thank you all for coming  and  pumping  some, much needed finances into our program.. especially the  men at the bar? Who knows , we may make more money on cocktails! people laughed


 So? for those new here? You have your  cell phones  set to the Bid station... There will be a  5 minute  stopwatch    right  above me... it will show the  time  ticking down, and the current  bid.. This is done my  the computer, so there will be  no  contesting the Bids..now, the  bids start  at  100.00.. the winder will  get that  dress, or whatever  after the  show as out people will package it up, after your  card, or check  passes ...

 Now.. I will say the name of the Model, and the  maker of the dress... we also have  some   of the stores in the area  that send good  over...Now..let us  begin..

soft music  played   as the  1st of the real Models   strutted  out.. Lindsey would be last, so she could hear  the names  and walk the walks... The  Girls  would stand next to Marta, until the Bidding was  down, then the model walked in to get ready for the next one...half way through, the first  walk, the  hid bid was 3000,00. The low bid  had been 1900.00

Lindsey wasn't even going to acknowledge Pamela's insistence. When the woman persisted with the idea of prostituting to wealthy men, Lindsey simply kept a silent and tight lipped smile. She may have even shaken her head in disgust.

Watching the pro Models strut and pose, Lindsey planned in her head how she would do the walk. As they stood next to Marta at the front, they continually posed as if for a photographer. In actuality, there were dozens of cameras snapping, so it wasn't an as-if. Having just done that the day before, she felt better about it already. It was almost like acting. For the evening gown, she would have to enter with some Cinderella elegance and then pose with some sex appeal.

Though she was focused on how to do the best job she could, she was very interested to see how Pamela strutted her aging stuff and how it would be received by the audience.

   when Pamela  went out, she moved  rather well, people clapped  and when it was over, her  dress   went  for 3100... but, the Younger woman before her, in a  bright  yellow   dress, had  scoreds  3700

 Nest is Lindsey Garrat, of New  Jack Studios ..Lidnsey is the  Beat reporter for the Dragons, and a reporter  for the New Jack Times. Is   is  currently Single, but has  been seen with  Adam Bronk , of the New JAck Dragons. She is a  Jacksonville  native, and her  parents live in work in our area.. She is  wearing a  Marc  Manny Number...

people  clapped  as she walked...

Lindsey had some insecurities about some important things in her life. Her reporting was strong but she continued to learn from people like Mindy and even Winnie or Lacy. She was a good public speaker, but Bill was a natural, and she knew football but she continually worried she didn't know enough. But  when it came to showing off, she knew she was beautiful, she was graceful, and absolutely knew how to draw every admiring gaze in a room.

Like she imagined in her head, she glided onto the stage like a beloved princess arriving for a royal party in her honor. She beamed at the crowd, feeling a thrill from every click and flash. The bids ticked up like the Dragons side of the scoreboard. She didn't expect to beat the pros. Even if the room fell madly in love with her, they had the edge. But to her surprise the numbers kept rising. She allowed the delight to show on her face as the total sailed passed $3000, then Pamela's $3100 until it finally stopped

"And the final winning bid is Thirty-five hundred dollars! Thank you. Your generosity is amazing. And thank you Lindsey. Let's hear it for our home town sports reporter. We'll see more of her very soon."

Lindsey mouthed thank yous and finger waved randomly to the crowd as she strutted he way back behind the curtain.

 There was  an Asian  woman, who clocked in at 2100..she smiled, You did  very well!..this is  my second year doing this, it gives me a chance to  have fun and hlep others.. I am  Chi Sune, My Husband  and I orun three Hjewerly stores in   North Florida...

 Pedro   was hustling, giving  bitchy snaps to woman who dawdled.

 lte's go!!   come on!..there  are women who want your dresses  and men who want your bodies!..next Item!

Back in the dressing area, Lindsey was greeted by a friendly face. Chi Sune introduced herself with a congratulations. "It's a pleasure to meet you Chi. I'm Lindsey." It was all se had a chance to say before Pedro whipped them on to get out of their current dresses and into the day wear. While she loved the idea that men appreciated her, she wished Pedro would have phrased his last statement better.

The Day Wear walk was one she was really looking forward to. The outfit was so beautiful and she had half a mind to bid on it herself. In fact, she would be looking to buy one just like it after someone in the crowd cut a check for many times what the outfit might actually go for. After slipping out of the evening gown, she pulled on the white pants. This top was another one that wasn't bra compatible. It was also one that would hint a little more of how bare she was underneath. With luck, that would drive up the price. When she was happy with the Lindsey in the mirror, she queued up at the stage.

 They Lined up again, the  Pro Models  had some slinky  stuff,  others were   on  either wide of  Lindsey's
 Pam had a morse  conservitive  , Jest, that was cut like a  suit, though the cleavage might have been a bit deep for the office.

 They went out again, The Models  each pled in over  3000, with  the taller Blonde pulling in  in 3300, and the shorter brunette  pulling  in 3000

 Pam  got some Hoots  fro her  husbands   gang, the price settled for her  at 2900

When it was her turn, Lindsey walked with sass out onto the catwalk. The cameras flashed and clicked, as Marta introduced her. She loved this outfit, but the crowd didn't seem to love it as much as Marta had to cajole the price upward. Or maybe it was just that people were starting to realize that there were three more outfit categories and multi-thousand dollar bids.

Though, it was hard not to take it personally, Lindsey kept up her beaming smile and changing poses to show off the outfit. Between her and Marta they got the final bid up to $1500. It was amazing for an outfit she could probably buy for $300 including the shoes, but it was still a bit of a letdown from the previous highs. But the show must go on, and she waved and smiled her way back behind the curtain.

Once in the dressing area, Lindsey was keen to move on to the next walk. She carefully folded the Day wear and let the attendant take it, then put on her chosen Business suit.

  There was  some   music  played  and   Marta  was showing some  vids of the  athletes that have been helped,  at least a dozen DI  girls  and one girl who was archery  in the Olympics  fro  , just down the road  from New jack.


  The   ladies were  ready for the Business wear... though them men waited for the swimsuits!

  The  models came back  with  2900 each... others were a bit lower.  Pam  only peaked at 1600

 Then it was Lindsey's  turn.

The all-white outfit Lindsey chose wasn't traditional business attire by any measure. But there it was as an option. The blazer top featured a bared midriff, with The sharp lapels came together at the only two buttons fastened below the bust line.  The slacks hugged the hips with a wide band that needed no belt and flowed down the legs to wide flared bottoms just above the ankles. It was a sharp suit though, but she felt sure that it would be one that the boss men in the room would imagine their secretaries wearing.

Fresh with the new look, Lindsey walked out like she was on the red carpet, projecting a business-woman allure that's both strong and sexy. With the swimsuits coming next, she didn't expect as much from this walk, but the number shot up to $2800 by the time she made to Marta. To coax it up a little, she spun, walked half way back, and then down again where she smiled and posed the bid to a high of $3500. With big thank you, she added some extra hip sway on her way back behind the curtains.

In the back, She high-fived Chi, but Pedro's expectant stare prodded her to change into her one-piece swim suit.

  Pedro, didn't seem to mind  catching a woman getting into her swit, but  neither  did he leer, perhaps it was  just 'perks of the profession'.

  Pedro  told the ladies... abrefoot..sandles  or heels.. its  up to you, just sell it!

The suit Lindsey selected was a handsome black number with white stripes clawed across the front. She loved it, but it was also modest. Maybe too modest for this show. It was hard to say at this point. But the other ladies ahead of her clearly opted for more skin.

Once more they went out,  the Pros  garnered 3500  and  3200 for their one pieces... the   business woman  were in the   1500, to 2000  range.. Pam, crested  1600, but   it was plain that one of her husbands  friends  bid on that.

 Then  Lindsey came out..with her outfit.

The bids were all over the place, but it was clear what was happening. The models who were professionally beautiful got more than the other women. There was no question.  The pro models were stunning, but Lindsey decided she had nothing to lose. She was sure she could get bids in the middle of the range and no one would think anything of of it.

Maybe there was more anxiety than she thought though. When her name was called, she rushed to step and almost stumbled. She was still behind the curtain but to those who did see, it just looked like a stutter step. By the time she made it out in front of the audience she had regained her poise and even bit of a swagger. The bids were over $3000 by the time she did her first turn. Hands on hips, she threw her hips withe puckering smirks until the bids peaked at $3500.

Thrilled with the reception, she strode off stage with waves and kisses.

Wasting no time, Lindsey stripped off the one piece and laced herself into her finale.

 Pedro was hustling around as  women pacaged the    sutis for the Bidders.

   Let's goi Girlies!! This  is the  money shot!

 Pam   smiled a bit sadly,I'll pass on the two piece. i do not want to be comedy relief

 Once more the Ladies  went out,  there was alot of action. The   two pros   had 4000, and the Brunette  got  4200, the difference might have been the brunette  was stacked a bit more.

The other Ladies    were in  the 2200 -to 300  range, lackey the   'show of" or perhaps the  equiptment, but the men seemed to still send in  bids.

 Pedro  said,Last one!..go get them.

With the last showcase beginning, Pedro was herding the ladies into place. Lindsey  half laughed, half rolled her eyes, His metaphors were colorful to say the least. The countdown this time was was tense. As Pedro indicated in his cleverly vulgar way, it was the show everyone had been waiting for. The professional models didn't disappoint. They looked like goddesses in their bikinis, and to prove that they were appreciated, each earned over $4000 for the cause. The local business women did not do as well, but they each made a respectable showing averaging near $3000. Bouncing on her toes, Lindsey waited until the last of them returned to her side of the curtain. The moment Pedro swatted her forward, sauntered out, dancing a little to the background music.

Instead of the angst she expected, Lindsey came out with real electricity, putting a bounce in her step and a sexy sway on her hips. Looking out at the audience, she found eyes and made each man feel that this was all for them. She was so in the zone that she forgot to even pay attention to the bid until Marta virtually cheered for the $5000 posted at the end. Lindsey bounced and clapped excitedly, but then remembered she was a model, and made her exit with a couple extra pinup poses on the way back.

Once she was beyond the curtain, she bounced and cheered, giving high fives to Pedro, Chi and even one of the models, Chloe. She was thrilled and could hardly contain her triumph until Pedro reminded her that a buyer was expecting the suit on her body. Hurry back to her changing station, she removed the suit and put on a green evening dress she had as an alternate.

Finding Pedro, she asked. "Hey Pedro. What do I do now?"

  he  waves her  out with both hands  like  some one  chasing chickens..

  you have to go out  with the orders  to wave  and smile..Go!

 all the Ladies  , including Marta and the Pro Models.. they  stood  and bowed  waved  and smiled  as people  started to smoosh with them as they all walked to the Buffet for snacks  and  drinks.

Following Pedro's instructions, Lindsey went out join the others to greet and thank the guests. Sticking close to Marta, she watched and listened for any cues that she should do something to advance the event.  In the mean time, she chatted and shook hands, trying to get names of community members and business leaders.

Pam showed up  with her  husband, a rather good looking  man, and he had  another   fellow who was olde  who eyed  Lindsey up..

 Ahhh,, Lindsey..yes..your  are friends with the   football player..short  guy , right? I am Sonny Wonnt  I  run the east coast  Media  switches  for  companies? Maybe you and I should have Dinner tonight?

Hearing her name called, Lindsey turned to see Pamela. She had approached with the man she pointed out earlier as her husband along with another older man. Pam's husband was quite handsome for a man probably in his mid fifties. The gray in his hair blended with the blonde rather well, with his age showing mostly around his light blue eyes. Wanting to be gracious, Lindsey smiled and greeted her, though she suspected this wasn't just a friendly hello.

"Hi, Mr.Bix, so nice to meet you." She offered a hand "You were very generous tonight. The charity thanks you, I'm sure."

"Hi lindsey. Call me Sam." Bix shook her hand. "Pam told me that you hit it off backstage. This is my friend Sonny." He indicated the older gentleman.

Sonny introduced himself, explaining that he ran a business for the East Coast Media. Something about switches for companies. Sonny was rather tall at somewhere near 6'3". He looked to be in his early sixties with more salt than pepper in his hair, but he also had the deepest blue eyes. Like Sam, Sonny was quite handsome for his age. For any age, really. Because his company had something to do with the Media, she wasn't sure if his dinner proposition was social or business. Either way, his not so flattering description of Adam wasn't a good way to start.

"Nice to meet you Sonny." she smiled politely. "Adam Bronk is not short. He's five-ten, but he's a giant among men. And he's not just my friend. He's my boyfriend. I'd appreciate it if you're going to bring him up, you show some respect. Thank you. So, what would you want to talk about at this dinner meeting?" As if she didn't know.

 Pam smiled at Lindsey and Nodded her hed with   her  eyebrows up.

 Sonny  gave a mock  'stand back'Oh!..Excuse me?  well I'm a Houston man, born and Bred, we  do think much fo the  Little... Up... fella. But to each thier own right?

 what to talk about? well.. we'll start  with New Kack Studios, i'm sure the would love to  be in the pipe line  wit some of the other  cities   in out  group... the rest? well.. we can see where  Dinner  leads  to?

Lindsey gave Sonny a skeptical look. He was dangling a good deal for New Jack Studios out there to entice her, playing upon her attachment to her employer. Even if he was the slightest bit sincere about putting New Jack Studios into the national pipeline, his offer was BS. She didn't believe he had any say in that. If NJS was going to go national, his company would only execute orders dictated by the national nets. As far as she could tell, this was all just bait. All he wanted was the opportunity at sleeping with her.

And what made it more disgusting, he stabbed at Adam again right before he explained his intentions.

"Wow. You're really bad at this." She said flatly. "You're trying to persuade me to go out with you, and you couldn't even restrain your petty contempt long enough to at least pretend to respect my wishes. How did you ever get to be head of anything? No thanks, Mr.Wonnt. But if you still need a date, I suggest Grande Avenue. The street walkers come out after eight. They don't care how stupid you are."

She waved to Pam. "Had fun. I hope to see you again. Maybe next event."

Walking off with purpose, Lindsey was proud that she didn't just beat on the guy like she did when Eddie basically called her a whore. That reminded her though that she hadn't seen Bob. He was supposed to be taking the pictures. She checked her texts to see if he tried to contact her about not being there. If he wasn't she would have to beg one of the photographers there for one or two images to go with her story.

  Bob  sent a text...I'm with the Camera guys in the next room, we're having a beer
 and talking football.

 Chi  waved for Lindsey and made her  way over..hey!... My husband  is  a big Dragon Fan. here is  my  cell number?  If you and your boyfriend  would want to have dinner somewhere,  I think My husband would    go crazy!

Lindsey chirped out a yay when she read that Bob was there. She considered going to find him in the next room, when Chi came over. "Hi Chi! Great show." She accepted her card. "Sure. I'll talk to Adam about that. Maybe next week sometime? They will have a week off for the the wild card. I'll warn Adam that your husband is might come in Dragon drag." She laughed.

Ok..that sounds like  fun... I hope you  come   for  our   Christmas   in July  fundraiser... that  goes  collecting Money for the   poor kids and such to have a decent  Christmas,    You Adam started   a dare, for other host cities,,it worked out well. maybe there could even  be a partnership?...we have to Ask Marta  thought, she is queen of  everything

"A charity for disadvantaged kids? Adam would love that. Especially when it comes to Christmas." Lindsey looked around. "Marta did a wonderful job with this. She'd be great to get involved. Here's my number." She handed her a card. "Drop me a text and we'll coordinate for next week."

After saying good bye to Chi, Lindsey went by the bar looking for this 'next room' Bib was hiding in. Even for her, it was too early for a drink, but there were plenty of men and women there sipping away at cocktails. One of them was a man who had a box containing the one-piece swim suit she wore. Lindsey went over to him.

"Hi there." She stepped up besides him. "I'm Lindsey. I wore that up on stage. That was really generous of you to bid so much. The charity appreciates it. Is that going to be a gift for your wife or girlfriend?"

"Oh hey." The man stammered setting aside his drink. "Nice to meet you in person, Lindsey. I'm Mark. Mark Feton. I, ugh, am between relationships. This may sound weird, but I bought it as a collectible. I got some great pictures of you, so I'll hand this in a shadow box with the picture. You're a rising star. At least locally. In fact you were great on US last night. I thought you'd be a great addition to my collection. I have all of Adam Bronk and his women on my wall now. I have a T-Shirt signed by Lana from her last concert, and a pair of gloves Linda Flame wore as part of her costume for Captain Lighting. but this..." His eyes lit up as he tapped the box. "This is the best one yet. I can see what he sees in you. Adam is awesome. He deserves a woman like you."

 "Ooooo-KAY!" Lindsey's smile pursed. She wasn't sure if this guy was for real or just pulling her leg. It was weird bordering on obsessive and creepy. "Well, I hope that looks great on your wall, Mark. Umm. Good luck." She retreated into the crowd.

 Bob was   Writing  down names  and Bets... he was covering  any one  who bet 100 dollars or less , on the  Cheifs  , not  getting 100 hung on them.

 It seems  the  bettors  were getting the info that Jim Steele wasn't  going to play.

Of course. Bob  was  pushing the limit..shoud he  win, he'd  win 5000, should he lose..he would lose  5000

( and counting)
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:44, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

After a couple doors, and dodging some over-zealous admirers, Lindsey finally found Bob in the "Next room".  When she entered, he was busy taking bets on the Dragons game, and it sounded like he was into some serious cash if he lost.

"There you are." She looked around at the other men in the room. "Hi guys. How do you think the show went?"

Back to Bob "Are you betting on the game?"

  The   Guys ( and One Girl)   just waved it off..

 one guy said,Got some good shot. but we all saved out time for the swimsuits.. that's what  everyone will be lookighnat  on the websites, and Sunda6y's Newszine.

 Bob just shrugged,Just the 'hang a Hundred' thing.

Lindsey nodded to the guy who answered her about the event. "Yeap. I figured that would be the big draw. But we did raise a lot of money in an hour."

She laughed at Bob's comment. "I guess that's the only question, right? The only bet to make is whether the Dragons will hang a hundred or beat a spread. I guess you could bet on how much over a hundred." She shrugged. "I guess football is interesting on many levels. So are you going to hang in here a while? I'm going to go find Marta. Text me if you plan to leave. Oh, and send me the shots you got. Thanks, Bob. You're the best."

Turning around, Lindsey paused before opening the door. The longer the after party wore on the more people drank, the more 'interesting' it would get. She went ahead and tugged the door open, and went out looking for Marta.

Back among the after-partiers, Lindsey skirted by the food table. Though she had a decent breakfast, she was feeling quite hungry and the food here looked absolutely delicious. She grabbed some shrimp and some fruit, then went ahead and got a glass of wine. It was a little early, but it was calling to her.

Nibbling and sipping away, she stood off to the side on the lookout for Marta. The show organizer was nowhere to be seen, but she did spot Pedro speaking animatedly to a small group of men who seemed interested in what he was saying. Sonny was still lingering with Pamela and Sam. Despite Lindsey shutting him down, he still occasionally met her eyes and gave her a knowing smile. The pig. But Sonny wasn't the only one who noticed her.

"Hi Lindsey, great show." A deep male voice to her left literally vibrated in her ribs. She looked over to see a striking looking black man. He was about 6'1", broad shouldered, square jawed and with soulful dark eyes. He was dressed in a tan blazer, but his white shirt was untucked and he had no tie. His trousers were navy and fit him well enough to pronounce his assets. "You really killed it up there. $5000 for that lace bikini? Good job. You really know how to sell it."

"Thank you." Lindsey smiled politely. He had charm, but she felt that he was about to hit on her. Normally she wouldn't mind the banter if the guy wasn't a jerk about it, but something about this one made her nervous. He was dangerous because she already thought he was charming. He spoke slowly and had an easy manner. And that voice... It resonated in her physically. It was hypnotic. Instead of thinking of anything else to say, she simply continued looking around for Marta.

"My name is Marcelus. Marcelus Brooks." He smiled as he offered his hand.

Lindsey accepted the handshake, giving him a mile and a curt nod before looking anywhere but at him.

"I can see that you don't want to be disturbed." He continued, clearly undeterred. "I understand. I get it. A stunning woman like you in that sexy green dress among all us sharks. It can get old. I feel ya. I often feel the same way when I'm working at the club."

Lindsey glanced over at him finally, wondering what the hell he was talking about.

"But I'm not here to hit on you. I was just interested in meeting you. You seem different from the others on that stage. It's intriguing. I know this sounds like flattery, but you have such a unique assurance about you. The models? They're just trained performers with nice bodies. They're pretty, but also plastic. The other ladies were so far out of their element it was.. well they did their best and raised some cash for the charity. Which is awesome. But you? Sleek, elegant, graceful, beautiful, and obviously confident. But the most attractive thing about you is that your intelligence just shines through it all."

"I'm sorry, Mr.Brooks" She finally looked at him, breaking her patient silence. "I-"

"Marcelus." He cut her off, but somehow it wasn't rude. "I insist."

"I'm sorry, Marcelus..." She tilted her head, accepting the terms. "I thought you said you weren't here to hit on me."

"I'm not." He set his wine glass to the side. "I was just giving the lady her due. I'm good at recognizing talent. It's actually my job. You see, I have an agency." He produced a card. "I admit, I'm the only agent there, but I am very selective about who I represent and if you don't already have representation, I'd like to be your man."

Before she thought about it, Lindsey accepted the card and looked it over. It looked like he did it all: Modeling, Acting, Music... She did need an agent, but she wondered if he could really represent in all those areas. Being an agent required contacts in the industries. But something told her that if anyone could pull it off, Marcelus could. He just had the manner about him.

"Ah, you are looking for an agent. I knew it." He smiled broadly. "You should look me up. My website is there. I'm sure you have resources. How about you do your research and think about it. I can contact you next week some time. Maybe we can talk about it over dinner."

"Dinner?" Lindsey's face hardened. "You said-"

"Just business. I assure you." He really did sound assuring.

"Look... maybe? I have a boyfriend-"

"I know. Everyone knows. You're with Adam Bronk. He seems like a great guy. I know I root for him every game. I think he got robbed on that All Star vote. But the stadium making him their All Star, that was priceless. He deserved it. Honestly, he deserves you."

"Well..." Her face flushed. Marcelus really sounded... no, he felt sincere. "I don't know about dinner, but I wouldn't mind hearing your pitch for representation."

"That's awesome. You won't regret it. I mean, what's the harm, right? If you don't think I can help you, then we can just part friends. Do you have a card?"

"Not on me, but here." She scanned his card with her phone and dialed him. "I'm always running around, so just send me a text to remind me after the game on Sunday."

"I will," He put her name to the number on his phone with a smile. "I have $500 riding on the Dragons hanging a hundred. You can bet I'll be watching. Oh, and I'll do this for you. When we meet, I'll have some prospects for you. Do you mind if I drop your name to see what interest I get?"

"Hmmm. I think I prefer we wait on that."

"You're right. I was just getting ahead of myself. See, I knew you were smart. You're one of a kind, Lindsey. I'll contact you after you guys blow out the Chiefs. Thanks for the opportunity." After shaking her hand. Marcelus went off and disappeared into the crowd.

Watching him go, she found herself with an empty wine glass. A moment later, Marta found her.

"Who was that?"

"Marcelus Brooks. He might be my agent?"

  People  moved  around, a  shorter  older man with a very  bad hair piece  came  up to Lindsey.

 Hey there...  Miss  Garret..right..yeah...of course its  right. hey look..  I'm Harvey.. Harvey  Winters? Yeah... i have these casinos  in Miami. How would you like to report on  our ,  Black   Jack champinships? be close to the end of February... there will be   6  contestants, over  two  day,  the one who piles up   the most  winnings  gets a 1 million dollar price, plus, what ever  they earned..

Marta   looked at  Harvey with an even smile. But  didn'[t  interupt his  spiel .

Lindsey listened to Harvey's pitch. She wondered why he would want her to cover the Black Jack tournament. She wondered how a Black Jack tournament would even be covered.

"Mr.Winters." She greeted him politely like she greeted everyone. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't know anything about blackjack. I'm not even sure how to cover it." She thought about late February. The season would be over, but she also had no idea how busy she'd be with the draft. To be honest, it sounded weirdly interesting for some reason, and Harvey probably thought people would watch the coverage for her, and give his tournament some extra eyes. "I'll tell you what. I'm not sure what my schedule will be with the NFL post season activity, but I'm not against the idea. Give EG a call at New Jack Studios and talk to him about it. He would have the final say."

  I will do that, Miss  Garret.. Thank you for your time... he offers  a right hand, she notices a  rather larg , jewel encrusted  ring.    Harvey  smiles and goes off to the  food   tables.

  Marta  says,Harvey Winters... Punter  for the  Detroit Lions for  16  season from2045?   to 2064..  He tied   Steve O'neals 99 yard punt record , two times, never had a punt blocked, and  scored  17 Touchdowns  on   fake  punts or. as a holder on  FGs, He wone  3  Super  bowls with the Lions... his   post football life  was as  good, he and his wife  were sick, she passed, he made it through.. He  got into  casinos . ESPN  carried  alot of their Torneys..Blck Jack..texas  hold em... he does  some community good

 Marta  shruggedhe's  trying to get  a few casions  by  Aomta  International  Airport. but   the  Amotas refuse to   sel him land for that.

"Really?" Lindsey was astonished. She would never have guess that man was such an athlete in his day. And teh story of what he had overcome moved her. She suddenly felt more inclined to help him, but the Combines in Indianapolis were at the same time. Both were still possible. The Black Jack tournament was a single night, and she could always fly back and forth. "That's an amazing story. I'm going to try and make it work for him." She resisted an urge to chase him down and tell him that.

"So, Marta. This went so well, right?" She popped the last bit of fruit into her mouth. "I really can't believe how much those outfits generated. I'm kind of bummed about the Day Wear outfit though. That was my favorite one."

  Marta  smiled  a knowing smile,well? you have a  name, right?   NJS  , beat reporter for the Dragons. Lets face it, the Dragoons  are hot  across the country now. play offs  are elevating them and your face shows  up with them. With the Models  at the  front, and you at the   end of the  runs? that loosened up alot of dollars people where holding back.

She  gave a shrug and a bit of a laugh,and..let's face it, there  isn't  un;limited  dollars for this  kind of thing, but  its  all relavant..right? Out cause  is a small one.  so money generated  helps   move  dreams.

"Well it worked." Lindsey shrugged. "Marta, I have to say, you did a fabulous job with this. It went off without a hitch. Everyone here looks to have enjoyed it, and you raised a lot of money." She applauded her. "Well done. I'm so impressed."

After ordering two more glasses of wine, she handed one to Marta. "And this after party. It's fun. I love meeting people. Even the ones I don't like particularly much." She laughed. "But I'm probably going to have to curb my enthusiasm. My schedule is getting tighter and tighter."

"So, tell me, what do you do when you're not running charity events? And do you have an other events on the schedule?" Lindsey realized as she asked these questions, this was like an informal interview. "And by the way, I will be writing an article for this. So, you're on the record." She grinned.

  Marta   took the wine with a slight  smile and sipped a tiny bit.well..lets  see, this is  the last week of december.. there is a gala  for new years even, 1000.00 a plate..there are alot of people coming to that , because we have the Mariott  housing them them after the party. There are games of chance  where they can win donated  prizes, and the Money goes   Womens's Care Assoicates. WCA  has  helped  Ladies    who are not  wealthy, to get the type of care they need.

 For Easter, we have   Spring  Male  Auction.  We get  big name men with put thenselevs on the block, for women to bid on for a 'long date"... The Men come up with something , and the Lades go along...sometimes there are married  Guys  on the Black, or married  women  bid  and winn, we make sure the spouses sign off on it. The Money there? goes int  cancer research.

 we are trying to works somehtign infor the Olympics   as well..

As Marta rattled off the events, Lindsey took notes on her phone. They all sounded fun, especially the male auction. But she wasn't sure if she could go to them all. Even if not, Jenny could still cover them. It would get the word out and be entertaining at the same time. Win win.

"That all sounds amazing, Marta. Is there anything else in general that you want to tell me or get out there?"

well..if  i was  going to say anything, I have to Thank the Amotas, for all they have   done for the community. There are other    Families out there who  have joined forces with him, and   New Jack  is   the  gem of the South. I was here when  there were  more closed
  doors , then opened ones, down town... shops, food places, stores all have  grown and Blossomed  as the  factories  flourish, a the money flows back into the coffers of the
 town and it outlying areas.

Lindsey put away her phone. "This is going to be a great story, Marta. Thank you so much. And I'm sure the Amotas will be pleased with your kind words. But for the record, I completely agree with you." She popped her eyebrows and smiled.

---

Lindsey stayed around until the after party started to thin. It was getting close to 2:30. The Dragons would be done with practice by the time she got there. Still, the Chiefs would be starting soon, and she wanted to be there for that. She looked for Bob, but he wasn't in that room, so she texted him.

To Bob: Hey. Going to the stadium for the Chiefs part of practice.

Lindsey to Practice
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Tue 14 Feb 2023.

(( Lindsey's  cruise  shoot))

  Benson  drove the  Van Sally ha d  shotgun  while  Jem and Lindsey  sat in the  back in 'jump seats' because  the   rest  had   a workbench and shelves  with  cameras  in gear , stowed   with  loving  car.

 so..the football thing?.. You guys gonna  win>

 Sally  said..OMG!.. its the AFC title game..you know how long its  been...let alone , we get to host it!

The excitement built as Benson drove north up the coast. It felt like she was going on a field trip, which in a way, she was. A field trip to a day on a cruise, taking pictures and having fun. She sat besides Jem in the back seat making some small talk that came around to football.

"Well, the appropriate answer is we are favored to win, but anything can happen. And that's true, but the Dragons aren't the usual team. I mean, it's totally possible that the jets could surprise us, but really no. The Dragons are totally going to win. They're scoring over a hundred points a game while the Jets had been averaging less than twenty. And Sally's right. It's a big deal. This is the first title game for Jacksonville in over 50 years, and it'll be here. It's totally historic."

"So, Jem, where are you going to school and what are you studying?"

  Jem  nodded...well.. I root for the Dragons of course. .. and Payne..OMG...The   small guy that gets  if   fights.. he's  fun to watch....I like that lady kicking Girl..That Tall score  a  bounch of  Touchdown..

 Sally  laughed , Benson was smiling.. Sally says,That's Ok  Jem..at least you're pretty..

  she  crossed her  arms and pouted,just because  i don't watch  football much?

 This  year!..My god  chica..there are people who died , wishing they would live  long ebough to see a season like this

Lindsey gazed out the window, watching the city pass by as they drove.

"It's alright Jem. You can watch on Sunday, and in two weeks will be the Superbowl. You can catch up"

  Benson said,Lem is  in  her  first year at Tallie JC.. she's taking..what again?

   Film  and art... i'm the  only  girl in my class who has been getting paying jobs..i turn down a couple because    of the  pervs  running them

Lindsey looked at Jem. First year? So this girl was only like eighteen. Jeez, that made her feel old.

"Yeah, there are pervs in any business. You don't want to hear about my last boss, and he was a news editor. But you're lucky you you found a professional like Benson. He's awesome. His whole team and his other photographers were great. I've enjoyed every thing I've done with him."

  Jem  nodded,I heard  some stuff, Im sorry  you broke up with that football guy. He seemed nice, guess you can't tell.

 she got a bit  more  comfortable  as she said.I was  lucky, one of my friends  works in the talent office at TJC.she got  be  an interview  with Benson..I th9ught that was it, but he called me a month later to do a shoot  for SI? I didn't get in the mag, but i got  paid, so my name was out there. Then this  Swimsuit  catalogue  had be join a shoot with them, I think it was just like a try out , you know?But  i'm stacked a bit more then  the  older women who were there..and? Lets face it? I was the only Black Girl.so i had a bunch of shots, they used, like half of them, I banked 5,000. Benson tried to get me more.

 Yeah?  well..i told them Jem  had more pics in then the other ladies,,I could only squeeze another 1000, out of them.. But it was  a win...

he smiled awkwardly,I sent head shots  and  some of the swimsuit pics to  Dragon Studios, they said  about useing  alot of  homegrown talent for  smaller roles  and walk ons.. She's  set to see them  On Friday Morning.

 we'll see how that goes, but  anything i get with them? goes  on my resumé.

"Thank you." Lindsey smiled politely. "I'm sorry about that too."

"Oh, yeah, we just opened the studio. The projects are going to be run by the director, Paulo Sancho. He likes to use lesser known but hungry talent. He's a good guy. There are already a few actors in the troupe. Me, Sage Sinclair, Cole Hamilton, and Harley Donovan. I heard more are coming. They have a really aggressive filming plan too. A science fiction and a fantasy franchise, with the first two installments of each filmed concurrently. Don't ask me why it's so aggressive. I assume Paulo has a plan. I mean, I get the sequels being filmed concurrently. That makes sense. Everyone is in character, the sets and costumes are all there. There's less chance that an actor's look will change."

"As exciting as all that is, I still really get pumped for these modelling shoots. The money is great, but what motivates me is just doing them. They're so fun and rewarding."

  Jem    shrugged,I like them ok?  But  all we  are, are hangers for the clothes...80% of the woman see the clothes..right? and then try to match up if  it will fit  them like it does us.    some guys will be looking  at us, with barely a flicker to the clothes, and the guys who look at the clothes, wouldn't  be hitting on Benson, instead of us!

 Benson  shook his head with a chuckle, Lem  Grinned.

Lindsey shook her head. "No, I disagree. The reason they choose models that look like us is because we make the clothes look good. Otherwise the would use hangers. I guess maybe you do it differently, but I see the whole look, and if I like it - if I find it attractive, then I want those clothes so I can be that attractive. And it's the same for the guys. Sure, some are looking at pretty girls. That's what guys do. But some are shopping for their girlfriend-wives-sisters etc. An attractive model makes them think they'd like the woman they're shopping for to look like that. We light up their imagination and their fantasies."

Lindsey chuckled. "You're already too cynical. Or you're listening to people who don't like modeling for some reason. There's reason companies shell out tens of thousands of dollars to a guy like Benson. He has the eye and the resources to make their products look good, and that's by hiring you. We're effectively selling their clothes. My last job I was modelling mostly hoodies, but a hood on me looks better than on some random sales person."

 Jem just gave a  shrug,I just go out there and  smile, try to make the clothes  look  like some one , wants them. I have  doing a   full page  age   for Vouge last Month, we were
 doing coats and gloves and had a snowball fight..That was  fun, because   i was doing  something. I mean? its  a Good  Gig, smiling  and   trying to  make guys  thing the clothes are sexy, and ladies thing the clothes  will make the  sexy. But it  pays the bils...

Sally  sighed,did your  father  run off  with a Model?  Sheesh...

 something  like that.. I don't want to talk about it.

 benson piped  up,Then? Don't. whatever happened , happened  right You  are doing ok...Let him look back and see what he missed.yeah...he's not missing anything..

 Look there.. The Masts  for the   1st  ship... If  i understand it right the  ships  pass each other , so there is  always one ship  at the   restaurant  docks.

   they entered the Lot and  parked in the employees  lot. Bring your  day bags,  and   extra shoes...Sally  you   fill  one   camera  bag  with   Film and camera  3  and 4... I'll  get lenses in  and  camera's  1 and  2. take  chargers   for the  battery  packs.

 A tall , hawk faced  woman with a tad too much  make up, met them.Helo..You Must  be Benson and his  team.. I  and   Henna's Sister, I  will  over see the shoot and   show your the  clothing we want..there is a stateroom?its a bit crowed with the racks of clothing, once we get there.. I would like to start off  with 'morning wear" with the ladies
wearing  the  lounge  wear , one  might wear on a cruise while they have their  coffee

 Benson  was  Loading   while he  listened, Sally signaled she was ready   and the doors  were locked . and  the  followed the tall woman    up the  gangway and onto the ship.

Jem was being a Debbie Downer. Lindsey wasn't going to press and was happy when Benson changed the topic by pointing at masts. After parking, Lindsey grabbed her bags and waited as Sally and Benson loaded up their equipment. As they prepared the woman running the shoot appeared. She identified herself as Henna's sister, but never gave her own name. She did get right into what they'd be doing first.

As they headed up the ramp, Lindsey just followed along. It was nice to not have to be part of running anything or making decisions. It was for Benson and Henna's sister to worry about. All she had to do was her part, which was dressing up and looking good for the cameras.

 In the  Stateroom  Ms  Henna , who revealed  her name a Nadine,  showed the   girls the  lines  of racks.The  ship is about  to Pull out.. You lades  pick from the  racks that are  marked  with Number cards?  #1  is the 'morning leisure'   Mr Benson can  get you   at various places  on the  ship. since its  early,  there should be just enough background people to add to the authenticity

 um...ahh...I'll go   out  and   check the lighting at some spots  i like...

 Nadine  looked at Benson..are you actually leaving, because the girl  will change? Aren't you a professional?

 Benson, for the first time   Lindsey has seen, looked angry..look...Ms Henna..Have  i seen  some of  my models   naked?  Yes.. but that was when it could not be helped.. we're gonna be on this  boat  for the whole day on  sunrise, after non and suset pics.. there is no hurry, and they don't need me here..whatever they do need, Sally is here.. he left, and it was plain to see he  was  angry, if not insulted.

  Jem looked over  the selection of long legs  and shorts  with  the thin covers on tops, some  satin, some lace, all colors.she whispered to Lindsey.THAT's  why  I like working for Benson.

Nadine Henna's surprise at Benson's exit raised all kinds of alarming questions in Lindsey's mind, but she didn't do more than observe the interaction. There really was no reason for him to be there. As he said, Sally was there, just like at the SI shoot. Benson had always been completely respectful.  Even when they did the topless shots, they were only exposed facing away from the camera. It was one of many reasons why she trusted him. He was always a professional. Apparently, though, Nadine had a different idea of what the word professional meant.

"Yep." Lindsey agreed with Jem "Totes." Apparently Jem's experience was different also.

The racks were full of clothes. Lindsey could have had fun all day trying on different outfits, but the clock was ticking. She would have figured that Sally or Nadine would have picked her outfit, but maybe it didn't matter that much. White shorts, matching deck sandals, a sheer over shirt with a splash of summer colors and a light sports bra top. She put on some bangles on her wrists, and grabbed a pair of sunglasses but didn't out them on.

"Okay, I'm ready. Sally, how's this?"

  Jem wore  a  very light green, thing  short sit  that tid, it was realtively se through , but  dark enuygh  to  hide  things, The fact that she was baclk, helps  camo things  as well, her  Top was the matching top with a slight  cover vest, .  you would have to  be , almost, next to her  to say anything   exciting, but that added to  the  shot.

  Sally   was  writing notes in a journal, she  tapped  her  headset and said, we're ready Boss.. where   at?

 Cone to the Bow, the    ships  is starting to sail  we'll have the  sun 3/4  to out  left.. we'll take a  dozen or so pics, of each, and the  can  Run back  for the next set..

 Alright  Ladies.. Show  time. we head to the bow, he'll set you up..  a dozen pics  each then you sury  back here  for another   outfit from  rack #1

 Nadine opened the  door  and th    four  made their  way  down the  side,   Jes short  heads  making  noise   while Sally's sneakers didn't make a sound

Lindsey followed along, looking around at the ship as they went. "That's a nice outfit, Jem. Good choice."

The ship was actually really nice. Lindsey could easily picture herself taking this ship for a leisurely day cruise.

When they reached the bow, Lindsey stood aside and waited for direction.

  Benson   had  two cameras on his,  Sally had  another two.OK , now  here's what we're  doing.   Go to the   sprint?   you can hand on ropes, look over the corean, pretend  to talk  anything.. You'll only know when i shooting if you here the   camera.. I don;'t  want 'poses"  I want 'real"

Nadine said,But the clothes, we  want the customer  to see...

 SHUT UP.... Nadine. your foloks hired  mje..whether it was because in work cheaper then some of those bigger names, or because my  work is damn good... I  know what i'm doing..we're on a god damn ship..havign fun , in your clothes line... you want poses,   we can quit  right now, and go to  a studio and they can si t on stools with fake  smiles...

   Jem Giggled  and held out a fist to Bump  with  Lindsey... Nadine was  red Faced  and  no words came out of her moving mouth.

Sally gave her a Defiant nod. and waved to the Girls..You heard him!..   Have  fun, do what you want, once  we get the pics   for those out fits, we'l gopick out another set..

Lindsey fist bumped Jem. Nadine was going to be a real pain in the ass. It was a good thing the cruise manager wasn't there putting in his or her two cents also.

"Got it. Fun I know how to do."

"Alright, are you ready, Jem?" Taking her hand Lindsey strolled leisurely up to the sprint along the port side rail, swinging here and Jem's hand. The ship was moving, giving them a head wind.  Lindsey smiled into the wing shaking her head so that he hair blew back care-free in the ocean breeze. She stepped out away from Jem holding their arms out so that their outfits were on display as they walked.

When they got to the sprint, Lindsey leaned forward on the rail, pushing her butt back to show off the shorts as she pointed out ahead of the ship. She didn't want it to look like a pose, so she pointed out and explained about the visible Jacksonville points of interest along the water. Then she spun around, leaning back with her elbow propped up on the high rail. Her over0shirt hung open, putting her body and the colorful clothes hugging it on display as she told Jem briefly about her date the night before.

"So yeah, I went out with Wade last night." Her face expressed her excitement about it. She propped a foot on the rail behind her, letting her knee sway back and forth with the subtle motion of her hips. "He's a huge line backer on the team. Oh my God, Jem, his shoulders..." She put her hand up about the height of Wade's shoulder and exaggerated their width..but not by much. "We had a great time. We went to a movie then had a pretty steamy romantic walk" She summoned back some of those lusty emotions to add some allure to her body language without over doing it. "We have another date to pick up where we left off."

Lindsey looked up and around at the scenery

"The breeze is amazing." She turned back around and stood on the lower rail as she leaned forward. Her hands were wide, letting the wind blow her hair and clothes back as the ship cruised forward. After a few moments she hopped down excitedly, adding a couple bounces with laughing some claps. It actually was fun. Speaking of fun, she looked up at the ropes. She wouldn't have thought of those if Benson hadn't mentioned them.

Using the rail, Lindsey jumped up to grab a rope. She missed, instead landing with both feet on the deck. The next try, she had Jem help until she managed to get a grip on it. She let herself hang for a few seconds., twisting back and forth. Then she tried to pull herself up. She rocked and undulated to get herself up, swinging up with her legs. She never quite got up there, and she didn't know what she would do if she did, but it didn't matter. After making a fun go of it, she let herself drop to the deck, landing with both feet, but then fall to the deck on her butt, laughing and pulling Jem with her.

"Okay Jem, your turn to ham it up." She couldn't stop giggling

  Jem  smile d  and was having  fun, ort, she  was  acting really good  at having  fun. He  sounds  Nice, id he as  big as Payne ?

   Jem made sure   the  wind  caught her    in the  right  position, but seemed  very relaxed, she  could have been hanging out  By herself, or when  Benson had them paired,  just having  fun with a friend.

 About 20 Minutes or  so  he   said, switch out , Outfits from  rack one..  Sally  take  camera  one, stick the  roll in the case  and reload,   hang onto camera  4, give  me Camrea  3,, I'll be using  2  Next..

 Nadine spoke up ...we  want to make sure the outfits  are..

 Ms Henna, please.. you have  4  racks  that have   som 20  outfits  each..we   could  dress  ever one on the curies  and have   outfits  left over. Let the girls pick what they want, they'll sell it better, if they like it better...if this doesn't turn  out the  way you and your sister hope? Then you'll never  need  hire me again.... if it works out the way, Most of my shoot work out, You'll be  dying for  me to  shoot  Your  Fall and Holiday outfits.

 Sally went  down the  side of the ship to their stateroom. the  could see people having coffee and   small snacks  as the  watched, some excited they got  to see a 'shoot"  others annoyed that it was happening.

Costume change! Lindsey couldn't figure out Nadine at all. If she wanted them to wear specific things, then why bring racks of clothes? She could have brought very specific outfits. Maybe she just wanted to be a part of it and feel useful. She was probably sent by her sister to oversee the shoot and now didn't know what to do with herself. That had to be an awful feeling. Lindsey had an idea.

When they got to the stateroom, Lindsey hit the racks. It sounded like they would do the same shoot, but with different outfits. Different outfits could mean a different energy, and the cruise line might like different shots than Apparel by Henna. Still it should have a fun daytime vibe, but there all kinds of outfits for that. Which meant, she could execute her plan.

Lindsey pulled a set of sun dresses she liked off the rack and laid them out. for the ones with a lower cleavage cut, she found a set of colorful under tops.

"Nadine?" Lindsey called over the tall woman. "All these clothes are gorgeous. So, I like all these for the next round. They're vibrant and compliment my shape without being over the top. But you seem to have some ideas too. Out of these, which do you think captures your vision the best?" It was a way to include Nadine without compromising Benson's strategy. Lindsey picked her favorite choices, so Nadine could choose from there. Any combination would be great and go well with Lindsey's figure. Hopefully, Nadine would appreciate being asked for her input.

"I..." Nadine looked over. She looked confused at the request, but then stiffened taking on an air of authority. "Well, yes of course." The Henna representative glided over, looking over the selections. She held up each, scanning it up and and own and comparing it against Lindsey's shape. "You do have a tight body, don't you." She set one aside then another, ultimately alternating back and forth between two of them before making a final selection. "Yes, I think this one will do nicely."

"Thank you, Nadine." Lindsey cheerily put it on. "You have great taste."

Once she was dressed, Lindsey smoothed out the thigh length skirt and performed a test twirl. "Perfect." She waited for Jem at the door and they all returned to the set.

On the way by the breakfast bar, Lindsey grabbed a cup of coffee for a herself and Jem to use as props... and to drink.

"Okay, boss. We're ready." She said as she danced onto the set.

 Benson nodded to them,ok...now the  sun is getting higher  and  is   slightly to our   Back.. half the shoot  this   time will be on the port side of the  ship  with the ocean and any random  craft  as  back  round, the  2nd half of these shots  will be on the starboard  side,  so we can get some of  New Jack's  beaches in the  background, and help set up Landmarks  so folks understand  where the cruise is located.

 Lets go... Fun, you love your clothes  all that..make me believe it.

Lindsey started with a leisurely walk down the side rail, sipping coffee and exchanging giggly huddles with Jem talking about the players. especially Payne. "Yeah, so if your going to be around, I'll get you into the pep rally. You can meet Marques Payne. I had such a crush on him before I met Adam. He's bigger in person. Too bad he's married, right."

After some probably inappropriate banter, she set aside the cup, leaning against the rail to chat and show off the outfit, then doing some twirls in the wind. She heard some music from the Ledo deck, and danced, twirling and throwing the dress skirt side to side. She ran up the deck with Jem so they could run back towards the camera smiling and laughing. Then she took one of the life preserver rings from the wall and made some fun faces through it at it.

Repeating a few stunts, Lindsey stood on the rail to play in the wind, and waved and greeted some passengers walking through. Then she used her phone as a prop, taking arm length selfies to show off the clothes and the back drop. At times she lowed down close her eyes and look up into the sun, feeling the warmth on her face and smiling for how good it felt. The whole time she improvised with whatever was nearby to have some girlish fun or take a dignified adult moment.

   Beson cracked out the second  camera  and handed it to Sally getting  the third  camera and  4th  while sally held on to  1st and   was ready  to the  camera back to reload..

 One  more  outift from  rack one..hustle up!

At Benson's prompt, Lindsey and Jem hustled to the stateroom for their next outfit. She'd already been through the rack twice, but there was just so much there. It was getting later in the day and it was warmer, but it was still a day wear situation. But they were on a ship that was basically a country club on the waves. It was still about sun and sea.

This time, Lindsey went with bikinis, light pullovers and sarongs. Again she pulled out the ones she liked the best, and let Nadine pick from among them.  She ended up with a coral-pink bikini with a pastel green poncho pullover. The sarong wrap had a matching green and coral-pink fades, but was somewhat sheer like the poncho. The over-wear only teased a glimpse of her shape at certain angles in the full sun, enticing the viewer's eyes to stay glued to her movements.

The last time they changed, Lindsey assumed they would stay on the bow but she was wrong. This time she made no assumptions about where they would be, waiting until she made it back to Benson before planning her activities.

 when they   returned   Lindsey and  Jem  saw a   table set up, just   to the    bow part of the main =dec , dancefloor. there were some players  , playing  shuffle board, but only about 8 people , all told.

 Benson had them take seats  as  he had  his  back to the forecastle..   he told them to  act as if the  had  orders  something  for   a snack... One od the 'sailors" who were  raly waitoers,  came up  with two Mock tails that  were  red  and fruits,  , placing them   on the table as the Camera  whilred,  The sailot  and the    sign in the  Back Round that said  'Pirate  Crusie' , was one of the first real advertisements  for the  ship.

Lindsey slid into the seat, turning it so that a little of her outfit was hidden by the table as possible. She leaned forward, resting her chin on the tops of the fingers of her right hand as she stared at Jem. "Listening" Intently to whatever she was say with a smile of delight. She changed her position and posture multiple times.  When the sailor-waiter brought the mocktails, she lounged back in her seat accepting the drink with a big gracious smile, then went back to "chatting".

After a few moments, Lindsey and Jem stood continuing their conversation, drinks in hand and laughing periodically. She made a point to turn and greet people nearby, raising her glass and waving as if they were all one big bunch of friends.

  Benson checked the time...then looked at the sky,ok?  lets go to the Wheelhouse, the captain  will be there and we'll get some shots of  you  two with the bridge crew?..which is like  3  people altogether.. but  this  pics, will be  for the  Pirate  Cruise, and  you'll still be hawking those   outfits.., he switched cameras  for the wheel house shoots.

 up in the   wheel hose  the three  bridge crew greeted them with smiles, Captain Danny  Jones, 1st  Mate  Claire  Moggins  and helm Vinnie Close.

  they got pictures  sitting in the Captains  chair, and looking  at the  map table, Both ladies   got to  'steer the ship  for a few pics,

   have the roll was used up,  Benson said...OK..go donw , get some 'lunch Clothes of   rack #2.. we're gonna  sit and eat for real, but  i'll get some  shots  when out food arrives, and after we are done. meet me on the main dec.

 he told    Sally which camera  was which  and she gave him  the  two reloaded Cameras'

Lindsey had never been on a ship's bridge before. It was super cool to meet the crew and play about the bridge. She had fun having the Captain explain how to read the map and wore someone's hat while she steered the ship. It was harder than she thought it would be. They were just going straight, but as she watched the compass, she saw how much the current moved the ship off course for which she had to correct. It was also kind of scary, but she had confidence that if she was in danger of doing anything wrong, the captain or the helmsman would jump in to save the day.


Costume change!! It was time for rack #2.

In the State room, Lindsey browsed through the 'afternoon wear', which was still day wear, but a little less beachy. She let Nadine select from her choices again, a job the Henna exec seemed to be enjoying. While they went through it, they were actually getting friendly making some additional small talk. For Lunch, Lindsey ended up in a body-hugging, soft blue t-shirt type top over the shoulder ties, and white shorts with strappy white wedge sandals. She put on a few strands of wood bead necklaces and matching bangle bracelets. She liked it, as it showed off more of her figure.

When they got up to the lunch table, Lindsey took her seat. She didn't realize how much work she had been doing until she drank down all of her water and then half of the fill up.

"I hope you're getting great shots, Benson, because I'm having a blast. It's almost hard to believe that I can get paid to do this."

 benson and Sally  were   relaxing, Nadine seemed in a much better  mood..Not  to sound   too egotistical , but i always  take great shots. But it comes down to perspective. we have to pick out the slides  we  like , and submit them. the  clients  don't have time to look over  100's of slides.. so? we pick what we like, they pick what they like  , and since they are paying? The ones they pick are the one that get used.

 now, when we're done eating,  we'll do some   more   pick of  you 'after eating, make sure the  food   playes  are in the pics  for the curise  line

Lindsey giggled at Benson's non-egotistical egotistical comment. "Go ahead and brag. If it wasn't true, you wouldn't be as successful as you are. " She gathered her salad bits into a pile with the some chicken then took a big mouthful. After chewing completely and swallowing she continued. "I do love these outfits. I could make ensembles all day and never leave the stateroom. And that would be a tragedy because this is great."

"So after lunch and the food shots, what are we going to do for the afternoon sets?"

"Jem, are you having fun?"

  Jem  nodded  as she ate her Burger and fries.This is a prety fun shot.. i have never been on a shoot, where out  set was moving!

 Nadine   gave a small smile,I think the girls  are doing  fine.. I am aslo interested in the    rest of the   lunch time   shots?

 well...   the   'finish eating  shots" and then. maybe    the Girls fooling around  with the shuffleboard..then were are goig to the Stern...  they have a lounge of  sorts,, with deck chairs  and a  'tiki bar' stall i'll get alot of good shot  for the Ship  and  the lounge chairs  will be  good for the outfits, and the  stalls .. we;'ll see what else is back there... But  first will finish with these outfits, then  stop at the stateroom , on the way to the  Stern

"Right?" Lindsey nodded to Jem. "You would have loved Benson's SI shoot. That was so fun."

"If they have a workout area, I saw some sweet outfits in there for that." Lindsey sipped her water. "Super sexy. For shuffleboard or other actual activities though there was some nice active-wear. Not too sexy for that. We wouldn't want to give the shuffleboard crowd heart palpitations." Her eyebrows popped with a wicked grin.

"But wow, it's a lot more work than I expected. it's fun but we're moving moving moving."

 well  let me get the ;after eating thing' done  and well head back to the stern

 he took some shots and had the Girls  get the  shuffle  board  sticks  and  pretend they knew what they were doing

 a few minutes of that, and    he headed the camera to Sally, took the reloads.. and saidYou  Girls go ahead..I meet you  at the stern.. Maybe a bathing suit   to start. and then we'll work some more pics  with some  of those surfer stay pants and such>

The eating shots, were simple. Lindsey and Jem were seated next to each other with their chairs turned so they could talk wile having the dishes on display between them. To make the conversation naturally delightful, Lindsey told some fun stories about her school days, and Jem did the same. Then they went to the shuffleboard area. Lindsey had never played the game before. It was harder than it looked, but it was still fun. She cheered when she lucked out, and laughed at herself when she made a mistake. She laughed more than she cheered, but as long as the stills looked good it didn't matter. They had fun with it for a few minutes and then it was time to move to the stern.

Costume Change!

Benson called for swim suits to start. Lindsey and Jem both pulled the out suits, looked them over, imagined themselves wearing it, then either kept it out for further consideration or put it back. She whittled it down to three. There was one she really liked that was basically a completely see-through one-piece that covered the modesty by a single wide black stripe twirling around the body like a candy cane. It was super sexy, but probably too sexy for this shoot. With Nadine's input, she finally settled on a scarlet-red two piece. The top was held up by a wide strap on the right shoulder tied off into a big bow. The bottoms had a similar tie-off bow low on the left hip. It was a little low cut in the front, but it covered the butt respectably without being prudish and showed just the right amount of cleavage up top. Lindsey gabbed a wide matching scarlet ribbon to tie a bow in her hair or around her neck as needed. Red strappy sandals completed the set.

Jem ended up with a beautiful blue and white floral two-piece with frills along the the straps under the breasts, over the shoulders and around the hips. Like Lindsey's suit, it was both classy and sexy showing enough without being vulgar or too suggestive.

When they got the stern, the models went over to Benson to get their instructions.

"Okay, we're ready!" Lindsey scanned the deck around the stern. "How are we doing this one?"

 First a couple  fun shots,  You two   sit in the loungers,  I'm gonna have that  big shoudler  guy  come in,.there he is.. Frank?... Ok     Frank , You will holds a bottle of Lotion in each hand.. and stare  at the  Ladies... Ladies... you    both  turn, Look at him as you do the 'lifting the sunglasses' thing....then    another   with  him   taking a knee in between you  while  you, each, offer  him  a leg, turing your  torso  se we get a good shot of the top of your suits.

After that  some 'sunning poses" , then you two walking around the  stern, looking   at the  water  behind us  and , maybe..I dunno? point to the shore for something...make it Up..have  fun with it.

 Jem asked,you want  walking?   and if you do?  towards you, or away from you...

 Both, I think? Guys will like to see both, ladies  will like  to see how the suit reacts...ok? Have  fun with it.. this will be the lion's share of  this section,, we'll have one more change before  we go to  'dinner wear'

Hearing the Benson's directing of the scene, Lindsey looked over at Frank. Damn, Benson had a good eye. Frank did have nice shoulders, and nice everything else too. This would be a sexy shot. Sexier than she thought they'd be doing, but it was a good call to bring in the guy. The women would like it, and the guys would want to believe that they could come up to a pair of models on the cruise and apply lotion to them. Steamy steamy without being overt.

"Good call, Benson. I love it." Lindsey looked over at Jem to see if she was on board. She seemed to be and even asked for some clarifications.

Sauntering over to the lounge, Lindsey tied her red ribbon in her hair, making a pretty bow. Unsure if he was shooting the whole time, she just made a show of casually sitting then reclining in the sun. She first laid back with one knee slightly raised and her arms at her sides, resting on the arms of the lounger. When Frank came into the scene, he stood between them offering the lotion. Lindsey turned to face him, lifting her glasses with an slight appraising smirk, as she drank in his delicious physique. Imagining it was Wade standing there, it wasn't a stretch to summon back some of that charge from the night before. As Frank knelt between the chairs, she lifted her torso, breast forward to show off the top. A mischievous smirk played on her lips as she offered Frank her leg, slightly bent, foot pointed and toes slightly curled. They went through this three times to get different aspects.

After Benson got those shots with Frank applying the dry lotion, they reset. Lindsey wiped way whatever looked shiny, then went back to her earlier sun bathing pose. Then she stretched her arms back over her head as she lifted her toned belly with a sultry arch of her back. She gently rubbed her shin with her foot, then traded lifting each knee slightly as she canted and turned her hips and shoulders. Everything was in slow motion to give Benson plenty of time to choose his shots.

Next came the standing and walking sets. Starting closest to Benson, Lindsey and Jem leaned on the rail both forwards looking out over the ocean and back so he got a good view of the suits from the front. They did a set together, talking and pointing and giggling, then each individually. Next came the walks. First together, strolling, frequently looking at each other to talk like old friends who were catching up, occasionally holding hands. Stopping every so often to chat or look and point out over the rail. When they got about twenty yards away, they turned and did the same coming back towards the camera. Next they repeated the walks solo.

Benson was right. With multiple takes and some improvisational scenes, it took most of the afternoon. When they were done, they gathered by the staging area.

"Whew, that was fun, but I think before we do the evening shots, I should shower to clear my skin. I got a little sweaty in the sun."

  Benson looked at the  Sun, he gave a  guarded  Nod...as h squinted up at the sun,,Go  ahad, Fast showers  thought, I want this  light  for the last  'after noon wear"  outfit,,, This is going , rather  will, everyone I thank you for that, always good not to have  some Divas  around!..Go.. light is bleeding away.

  Jem asked, Shorts  or   skirts?

  I dunno?  maybe  skirts?  if there are any Skorts, used them, i haven';t seen them i  Mags lately, we can tap a whole new  vein,,

Fast meant fast. Lindsey wasn't a photographer herself but she spent plenty of time around cameras and knew the importance of light and angles. She hustled down to the stateroom and jumped right in the shower. It was just sweat and she didn't have oily skin, so the all she needed was a soapy rinse. For her hair she shook it out, only rinsing her scalp by scrubbing water in with her finger tips. She was done in just a few minutes and used two more to blow out her hair.

Wrapped in a towel she went back to rack two looking for skorts. There were a few cute ones. Inspired by Jem's bikini, she picked out a few with floral designs. They were all about the same length, coming down to a couple inches below the crotch, while underneath the shorts were like tight boy shorts just about crotch length. She ended up really loving a white flare with an irregular cherry blossom print. The waistband had a crossover fold that sat right on her hips but angled down to meet lower in the front. For a top she found a low cut hugging string tee of the same color as the pink cherry blossoms but with a white upper trim and second over the shoulder straps. On her feet, she went back to a pair of matching wedges and found matching bangles for her wrists.

Jem came up with a red skort with a white silhouette print of flowers only on the right lower side. Her top was similar to Lindseys but white with red trim. She too wore wedges on her her feet.

Going back up as quickly as they went down, they made it back to Benson in just about fifteen minutes

"Sorry if that took a couple extra minutes, but I look fresher now."

  Benson Nodded,as  Sally handed them ech a cup of coffee that had  the  Pirate ship Logo.we'll kill this light with as many Pics  as i can get of you two     Strolling..now  doe this, you have to be on the Starboard  side. the  suns  Gonna  hit the   trees  and  hills  over to the west, so  we'll steal what light we  can   Get...   you two  Walk down, Chat.. make some  poses to show the Skorts As you bet  near me  you can give  me  better  veiwes of the tops...right?.. onc we get those, You''' walk away  so whe  ge  back shots of the Topsn  and the  way the skorst  fit and all that..

 head down to the   Bow.. when Sally cues you, just walk around the  corner  and head toward same..remember..this isn;t a race..you;re hanging out on a cruise.

 Jem asked,what about that  stairs  that leads  to  the Upper  deck and the bridge. You want  any poses on that, walking up  and down the stairs?

 yeah! yeah..good call  do that when you get there, takes  turns  going up and  down..

"Thank you!" Lindsey accepted the coffee. "Ready Jem?"

Coffee cups in hand, Lindsey and Jem strolled leisurely down the starboard side. They chatted with friendly warm smiles to match the red-yellow glow of the western horizon. It was an animated conversation with each of them leaning in to speak put her ear close to get a discretionary tidbit. Every so often Lindsey would twirl or give her hips a graceful twist to make the skirt flare out. More than once, they stopped to admire the setting sun over the trees.

When they reached the stairs, Lindsey and Jem went up a few steps at a time, then stopping to face each other and chat. Lindsey's hips and shoulders were in near constantly motion to give a get some natural but pretty or sexy poses. When they reached the top, Lindsey went through the door then peeked out with a lean as if she was sneaking a whisper into Jem's ear. And then again to turn her ear towards Jem's mouth with her fingers behind to receive a whisper. Then Jem did the same. After that skit, they slowly descended, holding the rail as they faced eachother to chat. Each step take with a prolonged  reach of the leg. On the deck, the two took turns to ascend and descend the stairs. Lindsey walked up with some dancy sway, stopping to use the elevation to look out at the horizon, sometimes with her hand above her eyes to shield the glare. On the way down she focused on the descent but often pulling the skirt out to the open side with her fingers.

With the stairs scene completed they continued to the front, occasionally waving as if greeting someone off camera. At the front, they paused, for Sally's cue to round the corner and head up to the bow.

   Benson   nodded as he    just wave d  Sally off, they would all return to the state  room/ Benson looked  tired, even though he wasn't the one  doing all the walking.

 Ok..here's the game plan for the next bit... They are going to start  serving    Dinner  below  deck.. Pick out something that you  would  'be going ' to dinner in, pants  suits?   dresses , whatever... we'll ahve  one shoot  on the Bow  with the  stars  to the port side  as a back drop, and the ship's   light  as for ground.. By that time the ship  will be docking   and   we'll   sit  down and have a real dinner , maybe a drink or two.. but stay sober...  when the  ship gets underway  for the return trip.. Port   will face shore , Starboard  will  be  'out to sea'.. we'll get some shots  of you with  another Outfit  change    on the stern   with the tiki bar  as the center piece..... when we  finish there, we'll get the  evening wear and go to the  dance  area.. i get  one round of shots there.. and the the rest of  the Night is 'party Night ' for yo9u all..you deserve it.

 Jem smiled..so  we'll get paid  to dance!..

 T=yes  Ma'am.. take your time  changing, I'll be on the bow  waiting

When they got back to the stateroom, Lindsey used the moment to take a breather. She was probably more tired but with the adrenaline she didn't feel it yet. It was just a moment to clear her head and reset for the evening shoot. Dinner. It was simple. A meeting with friends, but at a nice place to dress up. Not too much, just nice.

When it came to going out, Lindsey preferred dresses to pants. Pants suits were for board rooms or certain interviews. Dresses were for elegance and for casual charm or grace. It was dinner, so something to enhance her natural appearance not be a statement in an of itself. Flipping the hangars from left to right, she searched. Most were nice, some too nice and others not right for the mood. But with all that was there, she found a few choices. After some thinking and mirror trials, she finally found a pretty linen slant hem dress that almost made it to her knees. Vibrant, it had splashes of floral pinks and light greens on a white base. Cross strap supports held around the neck, leaving a teardrop shaped opening to show off a pendant necklace and a hint of cleavage. The natural taper of the dress hugged her waist, making a line breaking belt or sash completely unnecessary. Instead of the fun day bangles, she put on her own rose gold bracelets and a sleek feminine watch. It was dinner, so she went for heels instead of sandals or wedges.

Jem med Lindsey at the door in an off the shoulder baby blue dress that had a built in waist band and a flared skirt that ran to just below mid thigh. She had the same idea for her footwear, sporting three inch heels. The pair was all set, and made their way up to meet Benson.

  They got to the Bow,   and benson hand them to the port, side, to catch the light from the main deck dance floor  , were a few couples were dancing.

 he  used the stars  as a back drop, rthen  waved them  to the  starboard  so he could  catch the   Docks  for the  Southern  building,, as the  ship  blew its  horn and the  docks  answered back- as the    ship  went into its Berth,   Benson smiled  and said,

 well done!.. lets go eat while they excahnge  passangers, and  then we 'll get you changed  for the  Club shots.

 Benson waved of Sally  who took the other  3  women to the Dinning area  while  Benson   put his amera's in the state  room and locked everything up.

 he came  back , was let to their table  and he leaned in, giving Nadine  a wink,Order what you  want, the  Cruise line is paying!

The next set of shots were by starlight and City glow. Benson had Lindsey and Jem get a few night night shots on either side of the ship. These were the casual shots, and they didn't take long. Once her was happy, he sent them ahead to dinner. The ship was exchanging the day cruise passengers for the night crowd. There would too much activity, It was a the best time to take a break. They took seats but waited for him to join.

"Wow. Long day, right?" Lindsey said as Benson took the seat across from her. "I guess we can count on consistent lighting for the rest of the shoot."

They had just been drinking water, but with Benson back, they could make their dinner orders. Lindsey had worked up an appetite, but she didn't want to risk staining her dress with messy food and didn't want to fill up before dancing. She opted for grilled fish on a bed of rice with broccoli. It was plenty of food, but could all be eaten neatly with a fork.

"So, after this, we change into club wear and dance? I swear I'm going to be wearing a smile all the way to the game."

  Benson had   chicken Parm.. Jem had   a creamy soup and small sald. Nadie  had   beef tips

  Take yoru time eating, I don;t  want to shoot  until    we are under way.. get the people to   get the   dance  hall warmed up. We'll  take some shots , You can have  some  fun... then  one more  switch to more Club wear,, take the last shorts,, should give you a good hour or  more , just  to party

 he  dug into  his  food,  people were coming board, Some of them looked like they were  dressed  to party, others  were in normal clothes, but were finding   tables in the dance area.

 Jem,wait?   two months ago we  were in Georgia  at that club and we had  to leave?

 Benson smiled,yes we  did, because of all the people, i didn't think it  safe   for you and the others  to  stay  for a bit, we  al left togther,no one hurt and everyone got paid.... out on this ship? the crowd that is here...is here.. and there isn;'t  any use  wasting a few more rolls  of  film, when we covered, just about  every thing  we could cover on every section of the ship, so? rather then have you do 'make work"..you  get to have  fun...

 Jem  smiles,I'm not complaining? Just wondered why!

As she ate, Lindsey watched the new people filter on board. A lot of them were really dressed to party. It made her wonder if this cruise was one of those 'secret' hot spots. The more she thought about it, the more sense it made. They had a bars, food, dancing and rooms. It was probably a hell of a hookup destination. Oh the stories those stateroom walls could tell.

"Tell me about this club. I'm interested." Lindsey's eyes flashed up at them as she carefully ate her fish. "What kind of shoot and what kind of club?"

 Benson waves to the dance  floor  with the   small tables and the bar was along the starboard side.

  From what i understand  from the brother who own the Cruise Line, they  wanted to have a place where   the  big money folks, couldn't call all the shots.. so the   ships   have  a full day..right?   they art at their  how  port, dock  at the sister port, then cruise back home.. so.. face value you, families   take  a one way cruise, or  they might take a   round trip..but they get to do everything on board  anyone else does... the Club has   dancing in the day?  But.... it isn't as lively  in the day. At night, party folks come   for one way trips, or  , round trips.. half of these people boarding Now. we'll be sleeping  in the staterooms, and then get the morning cruise back

 Jem  Nods,I can see that, there is a guy with  Jens  and a Polo shirt, dancing with that   women in the skirt and the   'wave  ruffle'  blouse..I guess  , you can bribe anyone for better  seats, or exclusive   areas.. everyone pays the same, does the  same stuff. The only money that matters here, is  what drinks or food you buy.

 Benson pointed his fork at her.That's the point..rich folks get bored . so , if the cruise  only catered to them, it would die off... this ships   could   run another pair  of ships, and  still fil them up, because   most people can afford the ride. They are starting to warp the ship out  now.. finish eating, savor your drinks,  we'll be back to work for about  2  hours, and the last hour is yours.

 just visible , they could see  Lng  boats  pulling the ship out of its  berth... the ship could have  just 'backed up' the illusion of the ship not having   engines , helped  with the Ambiance

When Lindsey asked about the club, she was talking about the shoot in Georgia, but apparently Benson didn't understand. but conversation went that way sometimes.

"Yeah, the big money types wouldn't go on a cruise like this. Well, maybe some of the younger ones. Their dating pools are kind of small. But Benson's right. A business like this needs a stead flow of new customers. It's not just that rich people get bored. Everyone gets bored. Lower prices means more people can afford it." Lindsey scanned the crowd of dancers. "People will always spend money on easy fun. Good food and drinks with some dancing? This is perfect."

"Speaking of perfect, the fish was amazing and exactly the right portion." Lindsey set her fork on her plate and pushed it away. "So, are we going to change now for the dancing, or dance like this first, then change for a separate set of shots?"

 Benson signaled  for the   check the  would sign,yes..chcnge   now?   two outfits  for the Night  shoot.. the  2nd one you can wear the rest of the night

 Jem    walked  with Lindsey, I  think  I'm  goign pants  suit for the  frsit   think... then a  shorter  skirt or dress  for the 2nd time, since  we get to wear it  al the way home.

Lindsey looked over at her partner and nodded. "I've never gone out dancing in a pants suit, but leggings would work too, or something with flair like disco pants. Let's see what they have."

When they reached the stateroom, Lindsey went right at the rack wit new eyes. It was her instinct to pick out a dress, but since a dress was called for in the second round, she agreed that maybe something different might come before. It wasn't hard to find. White hip huggers with soft baggy legs and a black v-cut waistband. The matching top was a tight crop with an inverted V black lower band V cut upper band. Black and white strings tied it up on the shoulders with loopy bows. Both pieces had a slight pearlescent sheen to catch the lights. She added a black neck band, and hoop earrings, big gold bangles and square dancing heels completed the outfit. It made a nice modern dance suit with a fun touch of disco flair.

Jem found a purple romper with wide legs and V-shaped neckline. There was sheer rear-only long skirt that tied off around her waist and matching low heels.

After they adjusted each other's outfits for max sass, they went back up to met Benson at the dance floor.

  The  First   part on  the   last shoot  series of the day, was harder then it looked.  People   getting in the Way, a tall black man smiled   and  was hitting on Jem,  He looked to be  30.. Jems    Just gave him a teasing smile and  shook her  head, her finger    taped the indentation on his  ring     finger, and her  smile  went away. The   Guy Looked embarrassed  and moved on,

 A Yonger  man  with his shirt opened to the middle of  his  chest and  some gold chains    sashayed  up to  Lindsey  and began talking to her, Benson  got some  pics  without getting  Guys faces.

   he  would catch their  eyes  and Pointed   to the  Bar  for  some 'lay back shots'..  Sally   blocked for them ,   intercepting   guys who would get in the way...for now.

 a good  25  minutes of this    he  pointed at the  girls.held  up 2 fingers, and pointed towards the stateroom

Lindsey had to laugh. It was so easy to predict that this place would be really popular for the hookup scene. There was plenty of market for that. Both men and women, alone or already paired, seeking adventure would flock to this place. There was nothing wrong with that, but it made for a lively shoot.  Between quick chats with the patrons, Lindsey danced with Jem and indulged some interactions with some of the guests. Jem attracted a good looking guy/ Too bad he was married. Some guy dressed like a Miami cocaine dealer flitted around Lindsey. She wasn't sure what kind of women he hoped to attract dressed like that, but he managed a decent conversation for a few minutes. Regardless of her disinterest, she looked engaged and happy for the camera's sake, They didn't have to do it for long, Benson had them head to the bar where they made a great show of chatting with each other, cheering their own mocktails and chilling at the bar. Before they knew it, they were headed down for a costume change.

When they got down to the stateroom, Lindsey went right to the rack. She had her mind set on a particular dress she found during the previous change. The fact was that the scene above was a party and a club rolled into one. So was her dress. Snug to the bust, the black and green glittered number was supported by thin straps on the shoulders and cut midway down the cleavage and much lower in the back. It hugged her shape down her wait to her hip where it draped elegantly into a soft flair skirt that made it down to mid thigh. It had enough play to flare out on the spins but was just long enough not to reveal what was underneath. She chose some black heels with one strap across the toes and another around the ankle. They were simple, but easy to remove for when the real dancing started. For jewelry, sh had her own diamond stud earrings and a single gold necklace. The gold bangles on her wrist from dinner would stay on for the rest of the night.

Jem had the same idea with a black glittery cocktail dress. It was the same length but was held up by a single strap over the right shoulder and the skirt was huggy to her hips and legs. She also had on a pair of black heels but had only a single gold hoop on her left wrist and hoops in her ears. Again, she and Lindsey helped get eachother adjusted then hurried back up to the club.

When they arrived, Lindsey and Jem huddled with Benson before braving the wilds of the dance floor.

"We're ready for the party, boss. Tell us how you want us to handle it, because there's going to be a lot of bees buzzing about. Should we focus on each other, or do the flirt and fly?"

  Benson  had a stern look as he looked out  towards the floor. well.. the shoot is  about the clothes  and the  cruise ... you have  about   20-30 minutes of  shoots to go  yet  before   i turn you loose to have fun.., if  we have too  much sleaze in there,  none of these pics  will be worth anything to  either patron...so use your heads.

 Sally was dressed, but made sure to  have  chosen  an out fit  that did not  distract from  what Linds  and Jem wore.if you have problems , signal me, i'll hand at the bar.

Nadine  just nodded at Bensons  words.

"Got it."

Lindsey turned to Jem. "Let's keep the dancing to the nearest edge. You and I dance. If any guys try to break in, let's keep them from blocking us. We can wave them off. If you really want to dance with someone, just tell them to come back later. If they're worth it, they will."

Hoping that that plan would hold, Lindsey sauntered out the edge of the floor and danced with Jem. The music was classic nightclub with a lot of heavy beat techno, dance-pop and a bit of Latin. A screen above the DJ showed shifting and rotating designs that followed the rhythm of the music. The idea was to show having fun, so she did with bigger moves, arms going up and wide and a lot of hips, shoulders and fun expressions. Basically, how she usually danced to a good beat with a few extra smiling cheers.

Jem was a pretty good dancer and dance partner. They played off each other pretty well and made it a little sexy without getting heavy. They got close, leaning in almost chest to chest, cheek to cheek with puckering towards the camera but didn't make much contact. For fun they did trade spinning each other and took turns holding each other for deep dips and high kicks. For the most, nobody tried to insert themselves for the first few songs.

At the start of the fourth song, an mismatched couple of guys tried to cut in. They were dressed well and had some moves, but Lindsey waved sent them off with a shake of head. Jem rolled her eyes at the attempt, but then focused back on the current dance. About halfway through a guy appeared between them. With their heels, he was shorter then them, but Lindsey thought he was really cute and he was a fantastic dancer. He didn't try to get close to either one of them for long, instead dancing with both at a respectable distance. Lindsey glanced at Jem. Jem glanced at Lindsey. They both shrugged and let him join them. He did come in to twirl and swing them a couple times, but then went back to his central position. Both Lindsey and Jem made sure that one or both of them were visible to the camera at any time. After two songs, the guy moved off. They didn't really pay attention to where he went off to.

Lindsey completely lost track the time. She figured that Benson would call them in when the time came so she just kept going through the next few songs. She especially cut loose with a bit of Flamenco mixed with modern vibes when a really upbeat Latin number came on. A few other guys attempted to join them. They waved off one and gave the next two who came in a chance. They did okay, but then Lindsey signaled to Jem that she was taking a break. Jem followed.

"That had to be more than thirty minutes." She said as they went back to Benson. "Did you get the shots or should we go back for more?"

  Benson was  struggling to get the  shots he wanted. This wasn't a studio, he  only had  control of his charges  , with    guys   popping up looking for easy targets, the  Flat out  Just lowered the camera a few times  until the  guys got out of the way Nadine  said something to him, but he just waved her off, with a Bit of frown.

when the Ladies   came over ,he was a bit unhappy and   just started to  put the Lense caps on his Camera's..I was  hopping to get alot of  good....Organic  shots.. but the  Guys who came into the shots , I couldn't  cut out, with out defeating the purpose  of  showing the   Club... I'll know more, when Sally and I go through the  slides.. there were a couple  where the   other people  were just silhouettes, those should work Find... That's the sad  part of  doing live location shoots. You have to put  up with the debris

 we're done.everyone, Nadine included , worked hard.. we got  about 50 minutes  before  we dock  for home..go cut loose , have  fun.

"If you're sure."

Lindsey gave Jem a high five, then went and got a real drink. She sipped down about half of it as she went back, but put it on the table with Benson before saunter dancing back to the dance floor. Without the camera to worry about, Lindsey waded into the middle of the floor with Jem hot on her heels.

Though Lindsey and Jem were basically together, they did separate for brief periods. Lindsey wasn't really paying a lot attention to the throngs around her, but the heavy beat echoing in her body and the bumps of other bodies all moving around her to the same rhythm was exciting and intoxicating all by itself. She danced with a pair of guys for a couple songs. They moved pretty good, but after she waved off their attempts to get too close more than a few times, they decided to move on.

The next song was a bit slower and more techno than the last. Lindsey's pace slowed to sinuous sway when a man came up dance along side. He was taller with dark skin and a nice physique. His movements were deliberate and had the control of a very practiced dancer. He wore his gold shirt open about halfway down his ripped torso showing off the detailed tattoos etched into his skin. Rolled up sleeves showed that they extended down both arms to his hands and she could just imagine they covered his legs under his tight black pants. He didn't look her way at first but somehow he managed to follow her moves with expert precision. It was so good that she found herself also taking his lead. They were dancing together as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Before long, he was behind her, his front against her back and his breath on her neck and shoulder. One hand was on her belly and the other holding hers out to the side. They were in lockstep and looking like they had been rehearsing for months. It was measured and graceful and more than sexy. People around them had stopped their own dancing to form a ring.

The dance continued for that song and through the next, which was faster, and then one more which was slow. Lindsey had no idea what his name was but they were dancing like they'd known each other forever and intimately. There was no gap between them and though they had yet to say a word, their movements spoke volumes. It was actually getting pretty steamy, so when the next song came on, she patted his chest and broke the silence.

"Wow. That was fantastic, but I need to take a break." She did, before the heat kicked up another notch. "My drink is over there with my friends. Thank you for the dances."

"No, Chica, it was all my pleasure." He had a slight Cuban accent when he spoke. "You're so hot. And you dance like an angel flying through the clouds."

Lindsey giggled. "I guess that's good."

"What's your name? I'm Victor."

"Nice to meet you Victor. I'm Lindsey. And Lindsey needs to take a break before I get swept up in the next number. See you around."

Lindsey gave him a parting smile then rushed back to the table. Once she got there she swept up her drink and finished it in one long draw on her straw. Benson and Sally were there, looking up at her.

"What?"

  Benson   gave a thin lipped smile,  But didn't  say anything,  Sally just decided  she  needed another  drink.

 Jem was  dancing with another Girl and two guys, they looked like they  were chatting.

 Nadine was dancing with an Older  man. they seemed to be  chatting .

  Benson said, off handedly ,Been a long  day..  we'll be  setting up the slides  tomorrow  and then have to  choose what we  want to send to the patrons..  Your checks  will be in your direct deposit  as son as they  send me the payments in my company  account. should be   sometime monday?

Lindsey nodded to Benson's remarks about getting paid. Getting paid was important, but the money wasn't what was driving her. She was in it for the joy. "Thanks, Benson. One day, I'd like to see that process. I'd be interested to know how you make those decisions." Looking at her glass, then Sally at the bar, she decided she needed another drink also.

"Hey, Sally," Lindsey came up next to her, raising her glass to the bartender. "What's going on. You rushed away from the table. Is everything okay?"

  Sally just  gave her a polite smile,everything is great,from my view this is in the top 10 of  the shoots we have in the last few years. You guys  are off the clock now, so you can have  fun.

 Jem was now sitting  at  Bensons  table  will a  tumbler  of a  drink. they were talking , she was  laughing.

 Nadine  and the older   guy were  sharing , a basket of . pizza  rolls  at a  stand up table.

"We made the top ten?" Lindsey raised her hands and wiggled out a dance. "Whooo-ooooooh. yeah. I love that." The bartender brought her over her drink. She sipped it, but was surprised by the taste. It wasn't what she had before. She realized she should have probably said what she wanted instead of hoping he remembered. She sipped it again. It didn't matter. The one he gave her tasted just fine.

"Yeah, so you kinda rushed off. And Benson.... I don't know. Did I do something wrong?" Lindsey hoped she was just being paranoid.

 Sally  looked  around , then said,There ns nothing 'wrong"..  Benson  told you guys to have  fun. so  have  fun  however you have fun.  Bossman is protective.. so  if he don't  know  folks who are   sniffing around his girls  it worries him. There are Photogs  who  get  blackballed if  bad  stuff  happen to their  models.

 <Goldenrod>he knows  how  tense, boring or stressful shoots  can be, but the  guys in here who thing they are Danny Divito , don't know or care. It comes  down to public  opinion and all that.But? I'm  just a   Photog assistant. My  fun isn't   'the talent's' fun. </Goldenrod she  just shrugged  with an apologetic  smile

Lindsey nodded. "Well, if it's any consolation," She took a sip of the drink, trying to work out what it was. "I didn't find any of it boring. I had a blast. Really. I get that it's a production, but it was great. There was a bit of stress always hoping I picked the right outfit. But neither of you said boo, so I guess it was all good. And so is this drink, whatever it is. Wanna taste?" She offered Sally the straw.

"It's sweet that he's protective, but I was fine. Victor was just a really really good dancer. I kinda got swept up in the moment. It probably looked worse than it was. I was having a good time." She clacked her glass then drank.

After finishing her drink, Lindsey went by the table, patted Benson on the shoulder, "I'll be careful" then went back out to have a bit more fun before they docked.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Mon 18 Sept 2023.

 about  10 minutes  after the girls got lose., Jem was  at the bar  with a woman and  a Guy chatting  and  giggling. The man did place his hand on herm  back, , she gripped it  firmly and put it on the bar  and shook her head. He left/

  A tall lanky guy , about  6'2" looked solid, he broke away from  some friends   and   spotted Lindsey, he  Moved over to her, he had  an accent. perhaps.. Canada?  Maybe   England.Hey there, You look lie  you could  use  some company? Care to dance, or take a walk.. he had  brown eyes , and   dark hair , a bit of 5 oclock shadow  showing.

Lindsey looked at the guy, giving him a quick scan. Tall dark and handsome. So far, not a jerk. "Sure, we can dance." She let him escort her to the dance floor. "So, what made you think I was in need of company?"

  He jerked his head to the floor.My friends  and I came  down the gangway and cuaght yoru show on th flor, but then the guy went away. Have seen any onelse so I figure i would take my shot.

"Your shot?" Lindsey's eyebrows went with an amused smirk. "Well, you got a dance. What else are you shooting for?" She was almost afraid to hear the answer, but he said it so she had to call it out.

 well? the  Night's  young.... the  ship  is supposed to go  to that  Dock way  donw that way?... we have other firend  meetign us there> yiou could   Come  with, see where the night leads?

Ugh. Lindsey groaned in her head. The charm is supposed to come before the proposition. She understood that this cruise had a heavy hookup crowd, but seriously... a little flirtation could go a long way towards at least making her open to even considering it. Oh well. Just like the guy that put his hand on Jem's back, these guys has zero game.

"Right to the point." She chuckled. She tried to imagine a state of mind where such a direct pickup line could actually work. There were a couple of nights the week before when it was possible. And if this guy was so amazingly gorgeous, it was possible. But he wasn't and last week was last week. "Yeah. No thanks on that."

Now it would be interesting to see how much he put into that dance, or if he'd even walk away.

  The fellow looked at Lindsey and Chuckled.Ahhh well... Just as  well I suppose. we have alot   of eager Young ladies with us. and  more of us  down there.. Might have been hard  to keep up..

 Taht's  for the  Dance. Its getting late.. he winked  at her, as he turned to  go back to his friends.. about  5 guys  and  4 girls  were looking and giggling  as  he was turning away.

"Good luck!" Lindsey waved as tall dark and handsome wandered back to his pride. It was interesting how the night was young before and it was getting late after she said no. Still, he didn't seem so bad. She'd met worse, but it was discouraging how easily these guys gave up. Eddie V was doggedly persistent and she hit him with some pretty harsh 'no's. Oh well, she shrugged. Getting picked up wasn't anywhere in her plans anyway.

Deciding to dance for one more song, Lindsey stayed out on the floor. When it was over, she went back to the bar to get a drink and see what Benson and Sally were up to.

"Are you guys having fun?" She said as she sat across from them. "It's really a beautiful night."

"So, tell me... or tell me to mind my own business. Are you guys a couple?"

  Sally smiled,I'm 'funned out".. I'm here because   were on a ship and our van isn;t...

 Benson   chuckled... Sally  and  I are close.. but  I'm not   that lucky   for be 'a couple"..we  spend  some  quaility  time...

"Yeap. I'm ready to call it too. It's a little too hookup out there." Lindsey tossed her head back towards the floor.

"Close." She caught a few key words in Benson's statement. 'Close' and 'quality time' and he's feel 'lucky' to be a couple "Just how close is close? Come on, you can tell me. I swear it's off the record."

  Sally    gives Benson a  comic  frown...He's a  'whole" 5 years  older then me..he thinks  he's too old  for me.. so?  we 'hang out" she sipped her  drink.

   Benson  shrugged,You deserve  someone  more...'vibrant'

"Oh. Now we're getting somewhere." Lindsey was delighted with the revelation. "Benson. Seriously. Leave that to her. It sounds like you guys have a bud of something here. Let it blossom. Women like guys to be a little older. You have the same interests. You work so well together. And you're so cute together. Five years is fine. Give the girl a chance." Lindsey took a long sip as she considered a different tack.

"Alright, I want you to imagine this. Think about Sally finding someone. He comes to pick her up from work. Gives her a big hug and a kiss. But you know, she would rather be with you. How would that make you feel?"

 Sally  giggles.

 Benson  shakes his head,That's  ridicules ? if she  'finds' some one? she's not gonna  be'rather being with me".. so if she's kissing  someone  in front of me?  she's not worried
about me any longer. No one does that.

 Yeah?..well,  I would like a  dinner  and a Movie, instead of  Big King and Netflicks?

  Benson chuckled,we'll see ...what happens tomorrow  as  we  set up the slides.

"Um. It happens." Lindsey shook her head. "If you deny her, because she deserves vibrant - whatever that means - then she has to move on and settle for someone else. Or would you want her waiting around for you?" Looking at Sally "Why are guys so dense."

"Being noble isn't always a virtue. Denying yourself something for the sake of others is virtuous. Denying someone else because you think you know what's best for them isn't." She sipped some more. It wasn't the same as issues she had with Adam, but it was close enough to back away.

"Okay, I'll step off my soap box now."

After Benson made his comment about them going through the slides, Lindsey pointed and nodded. "Alone time in the dark room. I like it."

"So, are there any more shoots coming up? I mean, they aren't always going to be with less than a weeks notice, right?"

  Benson and Sally looked at each other  and smiled.

 The Benson said  to  lindsey.well? there is still that  Jamaca  thing, they wouldn;t be mad if you showed up with us...

 I won't get any calls  until Wednesday or Thursday at best..But  You , Jem..  couple other girls..are   on my  contacts.

"Oh my God,"  Lindsey sighed. "You have no idea how much I want to go to Jamaica. I so wish I could, I just can't this time." She sagged in her chair. "I'll just have to dream about it."

"Yeah, just let me know. Okay, just one thing. The Superbowl is in two weeks. I'll be in Miami. Obviously I can't miss that. If something comes up for that weekend, don't even tell me about it. After that? I'm all yours.  ...well. DS will be cranking up, but I should have some flexibility."

"I have to admit, my life is pretty exciting right now."

  Its like  being on the beach  fishing?  You cast and you cast,,,for days?   nothing.. the a school comes  by and you wish you cans  more  rods

 He  held  up his glass  for another  soda.You can';t ev er  do them all.. you miss osme you wish you had taken,  you'll take some you wish you would have missed. That's out life in a nut shell.

 we truned down a shoot  in Washington State, because  of the weather, and took one in texas... the taxa one  was terrible.. the washing ton  one mand the   Nationals, the the camera group wasn;t near as good  as  ours.. we got  stuck with Rich  Red necks as the posed  with  Cows  trying to hawk thier  steaks.

"Yeah. I get it. Nothing is ever guaranteed." Lindsey finished her drink. "Still a bad shoot in Jamaica is still in Jamaica." She chuckled. "I'm just bitching to entertain myself. It's all good."

"Besides. I'll be broadcasting at the AFC title game. My face will be all over the country. That's a hell of a shoot in itself."

  Benson  Nodded  as his soda  came, the waitress asked  the ladies if they wanted  anything , we will be  docking in about  15 Minutes?

  The  Photog nodded his head in  thanks for the information.

  Nadine arrived   after giving a  quick kiss the to the fellow who danced with her, then we  went   off towards the BAr. she sat   down    flicking her hair over her  shoulder,such a nice  fellow. she  had a half  empty   drink in her  hand.

Jem came over  when she  saw the  gathering. A mock tail in her hand. I can see the lights  of the  other   half of the cruise building..won't be long now.

 Nadine  said,You Ladies, and that includes  Sally... please take  two outfits as  'swag' from the shoot? I left  the  things i wanted to give you at my Hotel,  , The outfits  might be better..hmm? There will be a crew of   men come  aboard  when we  dock to help box  up  the  outfits  and tear down the  racks.

  Benson downed his  soda,lets  go  get our  gear  and things together. we still have a drive to make. he stod, Sally finished hers   and Followed.

Lindsey finished her drink and followed the team down to the stateroom. Nadine offered them two outfits, so she had some deciding to do. She had set aside all the outfits she wore, feeling like they would want them laundered. It was the best place to start. One of them would be the dress she was wearing. It was a beautiful dancing dress in Dragon colors. That was a no-brainer. She wanted that spiral wrap swimsuit, but she could order that online from Henna. Instead she really liked the first ensemble she put together for the shots on the bow. It was already folded up nicely so she put it in her day bag along with the outfit she was wearing. Then she changed back into the outfit she arrived in.

Finished rather quickly, she set her bags by the door.

"Can I help anyone with anything?"

  Sally points to  the chrome cases that have the    shot film in...If you have a free   arm  , Maybe y9ou and Jem can each grab a case... it will save  us a  trip  back.

 Nadine shook hand s with    Everyone,Thank you  for such an easy shoot. I think it wilol do well.  I hope you like the Outfits you  pick for Swag!

Sally  laughed,They look great, and    i can  actually wear two of them now!

   she   had  camera  cases   as  did   Benson, ,  4  Big men  came    into the   room and began to  ...gently..folks the clothes , putting them in the chests  as  were  marked.

The     Bells  rang and the horn sounded from the Building. a few more  minutes they would be docked.

"Sure, no problem." Lindsey picked up the case. "Happy to help"

"Thank you, Nadine. The clothes are amazing. I'm glad you liked how it went. I'm excited to see it all published."

"I guess now we have to brave the mad rush for disembarking."

When the announcement was made, Lindsey followed the team to the gangway. There weren't as many people getting off as she thought there might be. She was surprised, but then remembered that a lot of the passengers had rooms. Disembarking went smoothly. They just followed the flow of people right down to the pier and then to the parking lot. Benson took the lead to the van, which was good because she couldn't remember where it was parked. Once they were loaded up, they were back on the road towards the studio.

"I know it's been a long day and I'm so looking forward to relaxing, but I'm kind of sad that it's over. I had such a good time. Jem, come on, this was way more fun than just being a clothes hanger."

  Lindsey  saw the tall guy who hot on her, he was  walking with, what was  easily , a Local.  There was a  white  Bus with Olympic rings.  There  were   some  people with   white   windbreakers on singing  "walzing Matildia '

 As they filed into the bus.

Sally shook her  head.. about  7 more months of this crap she shook her head.

 Jem settled back,It was pretty much  fun,  doesn';t change that we are clothes  hangers, but the paycheck is  great. she  grinned at   Lindsey.you older gals know how to dance...

Sally   Turned  with an pen mouth, until she saw  Jem's grin.

An Olympian, huh. Lindsey shrugged. Maybe he might have been fun after all. Oh well, he'd probably do fine at the Olympic Village. Sally had a different take on them though

"It's good for New Jack to have them here. Not just the money, but the attention. With Dragon Studio opening and the Dragons doing well, we could see New Jack grow a lot in the next couple months."

---

Lovely, Jem.

"Thank you?" A giggle burst out. "It gets better when you get old enough to drink. You'll see. Just don't tell your mom we kept you out past your curfew." She chuckled again.

"You were dancing pretty well yourself. What formal training have you had?"

 Jem   turned  to look at the Bus  as they went  by.No training, no money for that. just  girls in the gym watching  Youtube and figuring out how the ho's in the vids did it!Some of the girls got pretty good.

"Well, you did good." Lindsey patted her arm.

"I wonder if anything interesting happened at the practice today." She checked her phone. No messages. "That NFL talking head, Jill Janes was coming. She's a big Dragon's fan-girl and another one worshiping at the statue of Bronk. Who knows how she and Sage got on. She's more jealous than I am."

Checking the NJN feed, Lindsey saw Jenny's piece about Harley Donovan. "Holly shit!" He eyes flicked up to everyone staring.

"Harley Donovan was signed to the Dragons as an FA? How the hell did that happen? I'm gone for a day and the twilight zone takes over." She watched the video of Harley performing in the practice. "Oh. My. God. She did really well. So now her name goes on the official roster, and unless she screws up, she'll go to the Superbowl. I wonder how she feels about all that."

  Jem   giggles.That Bronk Guy? people  either love him, he's kinda  cute, for   a shorter guy, I hear  he does good things for  people .. so.. yeah?  Why   That  Jill Lady would be gung ho?  I mean, she had  all those   ex-players  i her studio...

 Benson  said,Sally and I saw a netflix think with her in, she's  Put together..

Sally Punched his  arm...

 OW!!.. you know what I  meant..she   is toned, Not that she isn;t built?

 quit while you're ahead, Boss.. she giggled
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:41, Tue 19 Sept 2023.

Lindsey's eyes drifted over to Jem. "He's not short. If by shorter you mean he's not Payne, then yeah. I mean, he's five-ten. There are more than a couple guys on the team who are the same height.  And believe me, he hits way above his weight."

"Yeah, you should meet her in person." Lindsey pulled up a picture of her, Sage and Harley at the unveiling dinner. She handed it to Sally and let her pass it around. "The chick is impressive. She's like Adam in a way. She's taller that she actually is. I don't know, Sage and I were like... Wow, that is one boss bitch. I really can imagine her doing well on the field. It's going to look weird though. She's maybe an inch taller than me. She'll be the shortest one on the sidelines."

   Sally looked  a bit unease as she said to  Lindsey.Sage is really Pretty..she's your   friends..and..um... dating  Bronk?

 Jem  got the phone last and shook her head,I know guys who don't  have arms like that... That Sage  .. My mom watched  shows  with her, when she could.. the last 6 years or so.. she never had  much time   to watch TV.

"Yes." Lindsey sighed. "Sage and I have been friends since we were eight. She's always been gorgeous. I'm not a hundred percent sure how it happened, but as Adam and I were crumbling, he made some kind of connection to her. I honestly don't want to know the details, but I'm certain that Adam and I were splitting up either way. That's another topic I try really hard not to think about. We were just too different."

She looked at Jem. "Yeah, Sage was in a bunch of stuff. Mostly romance or rom-coms. Some of them were pretty steamy. She's actually done really well getting roles and working her way up."

"She and I are going to do a commercial tomorrow for Big King Burgers. It's going to be cute."

 Jem sorta got  excited,I love  Big King!.. do you now that   they started  having a  fun drive  for  people who need  need things  like clothes  and such. You can 'round up' you   purchase  and the Money goes into their charity and the work with schools to get kids clothes  and meds and  food!.

 Benson  Noddeed..I love the   stuff...

Sally Giigles.he's not  kidding.. we live on that stuff on the road sometimes.

"Ya, they're really good. I don't usually eat hamburgers, but I really like them. Carlton and the Amotas are partnering in all kinds of things. Big King are getting concessions in stadiums all over the country, and he's now the CEO of NJN and Dragon Studios. There's just so much going on. It's super exciting."

Lindsey took out her phone and sent a text

To Mindy: Hey, Just got done with the shoot and headed back now. It went great and I had a lot of fun. Now I'm exhausted. What's the chance you're going to be home tonight?

To Jenny: Hey, saw your report. Good job! It looks like I missed a lot today but I had fun.

For some reason, Lindsey's eyes went blank for a moment and she shuddered. "Oh my God."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:00, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

  Mindy :: Yeah.. Mi k is startign to  get  'game face" so I'll stay  away , I'll  be there  tomorrow might  after the party

  Jenny said...::Thanks  , Boss Lady I'm going home. I   have copies  of the practice  films   one your desk if you  want to see the  whole practice. Bob   was 'coaching these Movie  guys, how to shoot   'football"

  Jem tilted her  head,what's  Up?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:33, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

Gripping the seat in front of her, Lindsey tensed for a moment then suddenly relaxed. It took a moment longer for her to pull her eyeballs from back in her head. It was several more breaths before she could answer Jem.

"OhmyGod." Her voice was almost a breathy moan "Sorry. I just.... Wow. I think I just had a really good day."

After clearing her head, Lindsey responded to her texts

To Mindy: Okay, great. See you at home. Lots to tell

To Jenny: Thanks. I'll look at them. Have a good night and GREAT JOB!

To New Jack Studios
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Wed 20 Sept 2023.