start here..wedensday  people title game  =Jeta))

"Hmmmm" Lindsey hesitated. "It's hard to know if anyone is really genuine, actor or not. I guess you just have to watch someone over time. I mean, I go by feel, but I've been fooled. You've been fooled. And sometimes people can be genuine in one moment but change their minds or feelings in different circumstances. She might have been totally genuine to you, but might act differently for someone else. I suppose if you care enough, you could get her drunk. You'd get a glimpse then. But I'm guessing you don't care that much"

"Anyway. These people are going to be around. You learn to get along."

  Adam   chuckled  it  was  a good laugh.i would have  to care enough, to sit down   with her , long enough to get her   drunk!.. besides..I don't  work that way..I just go by 'tells'. You can dance around words  all you like, but every one has tells...

 he   chuckles  again..besides?  She a Blonde... I have no interest there? and the Only interest she had, was  trying to Show up Sage.. i should be insulted that she  would think i could be swayed...or?Maybe it was  just the simple  act of her  taking a swing.I'll be  anxious to see, if there is  any of the New folks, are real people or not.

Then he holds  up a 'wait a moment" finger,..but it  doesn't matter  much to me , right? They have  no effect on my world, i have  no effect on theirs. I only have to be nice  around them if  i'm at some  sorta  of 'thing' as a Plus One.

  Then his eyes  went back to the screen...There is something there, beyond what we   usually do,... I can feel it... what can't  i see it..

"Are you talking about the Jets now?" Lindsey looked at the screen "I'm sure you'll figure it out. You always do. Anyway, I'm distracting you. I'll leave you to it." She went and found a seat at a nearby table and ate her breakfast as she did her own Jets research

  Adam nodded  as he  began to tap away like a mad man, bringing up  dozens of windows,  throwing out a dozen more..

 a sip of  coffee now  and again. he didn't  even notice  others  started   to trickle in, unless they  let him know they were there.

  Wheeler, Cruz  and Salcedo came in  together.. they stopped at  Adam's table...Hey, Bomb.. before  we go into the meetings,  we need   to take with You , Duke, heather , Payne and  Coach..and Cal..

   Adam popped the last bit of raisin Muffin in his mouth.Me?  why me.. sound like you got  all  the Important folks there.

 Caoch   will liie your Input..he always does...

 For  Film?  Yeah..for  plays , once in a while..If Coach asks me  to come over,, sure.. I sure  in the hell, not volunteering...

 The  Linebackers  Nodded  and moved off..  Wade   moved to Lindsey  table  and  signaled   Cruz  to get him a coffee..Hey, Linds!...um... Today is  wedensday.....took long  enough for it to get here.!

Lindsey smiled up at him. "Good things come to those who wait. Am I right? I've been looking forward to it. Do you want to have dinner first or after?"

  Wade    looked out the window   in thought,well...at best... practice ends  at  3:30..Jets  are coming  in  right about them, straight from the airport..  me leaving the gate?  about  4:15 at best. So? if  we eat first..we're Looking at the 8:00  film.., we  could
 got to the  6:00, and  then have time to eat after?  its up to you.. I'm just glad
 Movie date  day is here!

Ben came into the Den and got himself a coffee. Adam was analysing films on his laptop. Lindsey was on hers as well, and chatting with Wade. Several other folk were milling around, snacking and talking.

He went over to the window and stared out. A year ago he'd been preparing for the Combine and dreaming of playing in the NFL. Now here he was living that dream, and with a wedding and a new home... not madly religious, he still offered up a prayer of thanks to a God Who had smiled upon him so warmly.

Mjk and  Mindy came  in..  They saw Wade  Talking to Lindsey.. Mindy was bee-lining, But   Mik  grabberd her, closed his eyes  for a second  as he shook his  head  'no' and Pulled her over to  Adam'stable  as Mindy  looked  'put out'  As they  sat  Down, Mindt  sat on one side of Adam, Mik next to her..she crossed her   arms..

 I just wanted to   talk to Lindsey!

 sure   ya  did, Moppet.  An' right when she's talkin' to  a Guy she  spent some time with... Leave  her alone, Yah? You can chat her  up at Practice  when all them  Actor  folks are  coming in...

 get me a  Coffee  and  Cream donut then.. I'll have to  eat my lack of Gossip..

  she Looked at Adam, as Mik  was ready to get up..how did you liie  meetign those people   yesterday?

  what  you might  expect.  they come at you  smile and says  stuff  so   you take your clothes off......Directors   good.. His  Assistant  is great...I think they are going to be a force.. Hollywood   won't see them  coming.

 How did they fee  about you, mate?

  Don't  know and  couldn't care.. The  Guy  sniffed around Linds and Sage..The  chick tried her  best 'linda/lark' thing..i sorta stepped on her, . they a have a few more  coming in, that were finishing up projects, they should be here at the end of the Month//Linds  and Sage  Like them, But Sage  is used to them, and Lindsey will...fit
 right in, I should think.

 Mik went off on his Mission. Mik elbowed  Adam  as he   clicked  the next  down and distance set.what do you think of Wade  and  Linds?

 he looked up as he  sipped his coffee..well? he has the right kind of  smile, You know? He  enjoys being by her,.. he's  not 'hungry'..he's  happy.. I don't  think i'll be punching him out...

 wht did you do  that...punch  Hall, i mean?

 two reasons..one?  no one else  would have, to afraid to get into trouble... the bigger reason was, it wasn't true, he  was  trying to foster   a thing were he scored...now?  Had he screwed Lindsey..i wouldn't have done a thing, because , I wouldn't  have been 'right'?  I mean..if he got lucky, but had to be a dick about it,  what am i going to say?..but Lying about it...and  getting  some of his  bodies to believe it...yeah...not cool..I guess there is another reason...

What's that....

  He  brusied ..or ..maybve, cracked a rib, because he was 'punishing  me' for   being the bad guy... I got to return the favor.. say what you want?..but  a tasty bot of Revenge  can make your day!

 Mindy  giggled  as  Mik  came with a fresh coffee for Adam, and coffee for he and  Mindy as well as a pair of doughnuts.. Mindy  Grabbed the cream one, Both  guys looked at her...

 she huffed....FINE..... and  she licked   the  icing   that was  sticking out of the end, and   swallowed it,,,

 Adam chuckled    and  went back  to his  screen...Bloody hell, now I'll be thinkin' things  all meeting long...

  Your  fault! all three chuckled  , but Adam's giggle faded  as he   compared   sceens    like he was a  machine, flash frames of the  same DB in the  same  down and distance..it was calling to him...where the hell was it.,..

In reply to den (msg # 8):

Lindsey considered the times. The curfew was the limiting factor and a meal was the most flexible. "Yeah, let's do the earlier showing. We can decide about food after that. Make sure you have a good lunch." She wagged her finger at him. "I've been looking forward to it."

"Have a seat, you don't have to stand there."

------>>>>>>> From Complex

 Heather walked into the Den, got a bowl of fruit and a black coffee. Heather then saw Adam, Ben, Mil and Mindy laughing she headed over, " Hey guys whats up?" Heather saw Adam pull up films, she adds," Yeah I have been watching the defense a lot, trying to think like you as I look at it."

Ben came over.

"Hello, everybody. Any insights, Adam?"

He sat down at the end of the table, still sipping his coffee.

  Wade  sat down,  Cruz  put his coffee  down, he  put a  paper plate with two  sugar  doughnuts  in between hm and   Lindsey as he and Salcedo  moved off to another  table.

 I was thnking that too? and we can't  control the Movie..but we can pick where we want to go eat.

....

Adam    shrugged as he shook his head, clicking through frames  with baIts thgere...somewhere,,,, I'll find it.. somethig they haven;'t used   for a while,,, right now, we have that new release to use, and  the  'Dip and go' pattern, even if they can cover us, that takes the  defense out of the picture to  cover on screens  and  run plays.rely a hesitation..

 He   grinned   for a second at heather,that would be scary , i you thought like me..

Lindsey waved to Cruz and Salcido, "Good morning guys. Thanks!"

"So, we had our unveiling yesterday. New jack Films is now Dragon Studios. That's probably better than Big King Films. Anyway, I met the director and some of the other actors. Carlton Cross took us all out for dinner and drinks. We had a good night. What did you do last night?"

"Who can I block?"

Ben had rediscovered the delight in flattening defenders during the last game.

"As for what you are missing... is there a play they used early in the season that they haven't used for a while. Do you have all this season's film on there?"

  Adam Nodded  as Ben asked.I got  the last  5   game films from Coach Fry, he  emailed  me the files... I have ourt last game o on dics,..  Theybhave to attack our Corners, ,  That's   the weakest part, since its mostly one  on one... they'll  try to unload in the middle, but our people tackle   hard, hardly ever do we have some on slip a tackle..Thier  runnign game isn't bad, but   Cal  will just take the Holes away?. Make them Bounce out side..

 For Us?   we  Just need to  catch the ball and Run...and? if you have a  chance  for a  Block, take it. Now , Unless  they have  one of  those newer  guys  that wants to shoot thier Mouth off?.. I'll be hitting  folks  Hard, If   they have a guy  who presses  Buttons..then    I make sure he gets to watch  the rest of the game

 Mindy  says...well?  I mean?  who is this havers  Guy covering.. he's  just sirt of standing there?

  what?   He gets like  15-18 tackles   a game, i think he has..like  8  sacks, three picks?

 Mindy  looked  around the table...But he isn't  activie....

Adam looked annoyed  but the  ran  back play , after play...after Ply...and sure  enough.. there it  was... On Run plays  Havers  would be there  to clean up the runners,  or  knock them out of bounds, , On pass  plays he   stood  in the Middle  with his head  on a swivel. passing receivers off  as he  then made  hits  on the player  who  caught the ball..

 Adamm say back  and sipped the fress  coffee...and there it is!!!...he's  'all over the place'..because he doesn;t go anywhere!!.. he cahses  down screens and  sweeps.. he meets  giuys  who get passed the Laine, and he  'owns the Middle' because he sets up shop there...I didn't  notcie it? everythime i looked at  the screen he was takign his  steps, then  he was making a tackle

 he grinned at Mik  and Ben,,,Yhat's who we hit.. we  can  feed the Ball into the  middle  as  Long as  we  have  another  reciver   comign in to block him.. 6-8 yard pass plays  gcould go for  2-30..Mik and th Back can   run me and Bens  way, I can cut down the Corner, and Ben can take on Havers.., the Guard  can get the OLB..on crosses  it will be the same, except  Ben  and I switch targets!!

 Mik?  take her  anywhere she wants to go tonight,  send me the bill!

 Mindy stood  up  and  did  a hip sway Victory dance. Giggling

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

  The  other  LBs   msiled ,,but moved on. Eade  took a bite of the sugar  donut...I went for a run on the  beach..its becoming a thing  now.. bronk used to do that all the  Time, if it can help a  smaller guy like him, it was to  help us?..  my legs   do feel stronger. we'll see  sunday...after that, I grabbed a couple Big King Bomb Burgers  and watched  film, before  killing the Night off   that   sci-fi thing ' Ghost Contain '..its a little goofy, but the action is worth it.

Complex ---->>

Bronko got a healthy breakfast of fruit juice and oatmeal.  He added a bit of honey and cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg.

Taking a seat near a window, he ate while contemplating the change his life had taken over the last month.

"Oh yeah, speaking of those..." Lindsey put tapped the air with her finger tip "Sage and I will be doing a commercial Friday for the Bomb Burger. There's a new one with bacon. Adam will be in it also. The deets are fuzzy, but It sounds like a fun concept."

"I guess you don't like the goofiness in the action movies?"

 Wade shrugged,Comic  relief is fine. we do it on the field al the time in realife..but, don't screw up a good action flix  with over use of stupidness..i hate that.

 somehtign funny, ot w twist of some words  as the   unti goes ihto battle is  fine. but  don't make  a action show a comdey, unless you label it that way.

"Yep. I hear you. Excessive comedy can be jarring when you don't expect it. Hopefully we won't see that tonight."

  Sims, and the Coaching Staff  came out of the  VIP room, Eva  with them  as well, Hall followed  them  walking  next to Eva.. he  had  metal brace on his    jaw.. he glared  at Adam, Adam Just waved  with a  Smile , he held up a Donut as if to offer it to him..  Hall tried to talk but couldn't.

  Tracy came from the coffee machine,you can be a real Jerk, You know that?

 Adam began to   fold up his computer, he  just  gave Tracy a  slight  smile and  went back to   packing the , back pack for the trip to the Big room,Yeah?   A bastard  too, or so I am told..I'm pretty good at it, if the motivation is there.

  As they walked Out of the  Den.. Wade, ( who excused himself  and chased  After Sims), Cruz  and Salcido   had  Sims, Cal,  , Duke and   Payne there. They waited for heather  as well,, and Wade shouted  for Adam.. who looked at the  ground  , but  went over.

 Adam  frowned.Look..if this is what I think its  about.. You don't need me here, I wasn't even there.

 Heather packed up her stuff and headed over to where Wade was calling a group together. " Hey everyone whats up, did I miss something?"

  Wade   was 'the spokesman' and went into the watchparty, and   Rock causing  Cruz  and Salcedo , to not only leave..but he stayed!  and continued  with  rmarks, . he said  he had to wait for Lindsey to leave, before He  Told  Rock to leave.. ending with 'the whole night was ruined"..Cruz  asked how are they supposed to play with a  guy on the field like that, who doesn't have  faith in his teammates..

 Sims grabbed the bridge of his  nose,  Cal scowled, everyone looked at Adam..WTF?  I'm not a Captain...

  Sims  sighed,you're  like our Moral officer...

  so? No one listens to me... If people Listened to me, Steele  would have been punished after his first curfew violation.. and I wouldn't have  been punished  after my first while steel was on his 3rd!.. If people listened to  me, two of the receivers who are out of football now, might still be on the team..and Hall wouldn't have had his face rearranged!

 He Looked  at Wade.. You were the Host? You should have told him to leave, rather then let two guys you  fought  along side since may, to leave!.. I'm sorry...The guy doesn't have manners, outside  what he can show off, Sadly? there isn't  any team violations  mixed in there... So Me?... I'm going to the Meeting room.. You guys handle this..but i don;t see how  you can 'OURIGHT' punish him. he nodded  and left, and not smiling.

 Sims nodded as he saw Adam look him in the eyes  and say 'OUTRIGHT"

 well..so much  for  help..right?  So what do you folks think? Cal asked/

  Payne was   unhappy,Don't like it.. My  guys here, don't get riled too often,  They are Upset  right now.

   if it was an Offensive Player, I'd have   apologize,  don't know how that works   for  Defensive guys though..

 Heather listened then responded," Well he didnt break any rules other than being a dick to teammates, I say the leaders of the defense have a talk with hm and discuss the issues and go from there, I mean I can talk to him since he is a returner which falls under Special Teams, but I think it should come from you guys." Heather got her gear and then headed for the meetings.

In reply to goihg (msg # 22):

When Lindsey saw that specific mix of people huddling off, she had a pretty good idea of what it was about. The whole episode made her sad. The guys were already riled up about Rock harping on the schedule, though why they even cared about that was a mystery. It was odd for Dragons to defend the league. So, while she could see how Rock's  criticism of the practice schedule would sound out of bounds to those who have been winning with the way things were done, she didn't think it warranted so much anger.

The real issue was the statement he made before that about the team being untested. She felt like she understood what he meant: that the Dragons had yet to face a team that was really their equal, but she also understood how it had to sound to those who endured the doubt and even ridicule all season. At the heart of it, it was a misunderstanding between people with completely different experiences. It would be a shame if Rock were punished for his inexperience.

The most unfortunate thing was that while she was there to witness it, she couldn't do much about it. And worse, the episode as news and she'd have to report on it in some way. It was one of those tough positions that arise when you're too close or too embedded in your topic. She was allowed to be biased for the team, but this was the team on different sides of the line with itself. She really needed guidance, but she'd have to wait until she could get Bart alone. Maybe after the meeting.

After gathering up her things, Lindsey topped off her coffee and headed to the meeting.

To Meetings

Bronko finished his breakfast and made his way to the meeting room.

---->> Meetings

(( after    Gym workouts))

  entering  the Den,   some guys  still  had  towels  around their  necks , but all sported    White Dragon T-shirts  and  Dragon green shorts,

 Adam  got two club sandwich's  and  fries , with a large soda, and sat down his lap top opened  once, more, now he concentrated on  Havers..

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

 The Actors   and  most of the crew showed up, Lead  Ny   Carlson  and Yuto,  Bob  and Echo Bill  walked with the   crews  explain  some of the  Buildings  and , they would be  permitted  to be on the Track with Bob and Bill as practice took place.  The actors  and  Director and such would be in the stands, near the 'home' press corps.

The actors  and shut  were permitted to  get  something to eat ( on the amotas ) and  free to mingle with whom they wished.

Ben came in and checked the food on offer before choosing a cheeseburger, slaw, and fries with some lemonade to wash it down. He settled at a window table, keeping an eye out for Lu-Ti as he began to eat. Guests got a friendly smile if they looked or came his way.

From Dragon Gym

Lindsey got to the Den after the team was already there. She nudged Mindy. "The party continues, right?" They weren't too far behind as most of the guys were still up getting their lunch. She was just deciding on what she wanted to eat when Carlton and Yuto came with Paulo and the Dragon Studios people. Bob and Bill were there, but hanging back with the behind the camera crews

"Hey there, good afternoon." Lindsey lit up, giving hello hugs to Carlton, Yuto and the rest. "Glad you all could make it. Hey, this is Mindy Lacey. She's the Director of Sports content at NJN, and one of my dearest friends." She turned to Mindy

"So, this is Paulo Santos, he's the director extraordinaire. Cole Hamilton and Harley Donovan are actors, and Lizzy Boone here is Paulo's P.A."

"Nice to meet you, Mindy." Cole offered his hand. "Didn't I see you on the ESPN desk?"

"Hi," Harley likewise offered her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"The team is in there. Why don't you all grab some lunch and mingle. I'll help break the ice if you want."

"That'd be great. I'd love and introduction to Duke Fillings."

"Sure, no problem." She looked around. "Um. Where's Sage?" Seeing all the blank stares, she pulled out her phone. "I'll join you all in a minute. Grab some lunch and then we can make intros."

To Sage: Yo, Chica. Where are you? The whole DS crew is here for lunch.

 yeah, but   well some  are nice to look at, others   ..well.. turn me off..., because of their  actions... The group approached.

Mindy  Smiled and  greeted  them, She   Pointed to the table  next to  Adam's ,That Player there Is  Mik, next to Adam's  table? He's  a running back, and   one of Adam's best friends on the team she gave a  bit of a smile,Yeah , I have the desk  here.. i haunt the sidelines   during games. when i can. Lindsey and Jenny do the heavy lifting there.

 Paulo was looking over the  people seated,  and walking in, or standing in line, They all look  so big,even with out the Pads. Bronk  looked  solid  yesterday, but some of these  men are monsters. he looks  small!

well... i like a  smaller   , solid guy. Lizzy looked  at    Mik who was talking  Stalls,  Adam  was taking a bite of  a sandwich  and  tapping away  at his laptop, as he took a note..

 You want to have  some fun?  Pull up   the  last  few games and see how many 'big guy"... Adam and Mik destroyed   with Block., they can take hits  and dish them out.. Mindy said in her  ESPN   voice.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:06, Fri 08 Sept 2023.

 The Coaches  were  by the   table, just out side the VIP  room.

  carlton   ( after getting Hungs  from Mindy and  Lindsey, tuned to Lizzy,Both of these Ladies, and NMik were in our last Commercial we shot.. it  was rated  in the Top   five commercials, and top 3 in food  commercials

 he    went over   and    patted Mik on the back, Mik smiled  and  shook his hand   and Chatted,   he walked around to then other  Tbale  and said  Adam   Name.. Adam  stood,  wiped  his hand   and Lips from the  clubsandwich,  while  taking Carlton's hand.

 Nice to see you  so soon again?.. You get to see  us at  our  Office, in about  30 Minutes or so.. we'll be going down to get our ankles tapped..Its  semi-Light  today..  shorts , shoulder  pads  and Head  gear... we have some things  to work on, but nmost of it
 is skil drills, hitting  sleds and  such, and then we'll finish  with a  10 play scrimmage..
  he gave   The Man a grin...

 Jest should be here  by the time  we   are in the last bit of practice... when we share the place, we  like to   show them  what they have to  face.. so me a Duke have some  fun with the opposing  team  for 1  'play'

 Heather finished up and joined the others for lunch in the Den, she got a burger and a large salad and fruit. She smiled at everyone then took a seat got her laptop out and worked on the Jets defense and Special teams.

To Lindsey: Running late. No one told me we were supposed to be there for lunch

After Sage's mostly immediate response, Lindsey followed the group into the Den. She ran through and god a chicken Caesar's salad, then joined Cole and Harley at a table. Cole had Harley each had burgers and were already into their meals.

"Hey guys, making sure to leave some room for dessert, I hope?" Lindsey teased, joining Cole and Harley at the table with her salad in tow.

"Absolutely, I always have room for dessert." Cole said with a broad grin, making some room for Lindsey to sit. "Especially if they're as good as these burgers. Damn!"

"Speaking of Damn, I couldn't help but notice the, uh, ‘scenery’ around here." Harley chimed in with a smirk, her gaze drifting off towards the group of linebackers at the next table. Wade was there glancing over, but mostly eyeing Lindsey

"Oh, enjoying the view, are we?" Lindsey chuckled, following Harley's gaze. "You should have seen the view I had in the gym this morning." Her eyebrows popped a couple times. "I'll introduce you to some of the guys in a bit. Too many of them are single, so if you see anyone especially interesting, just let me know."

"It was cool meeting the Bomb last night, but I guess he's just one of many in here." Cole commented, his eyes drifting around the Den with evident fascination. "You used to date him, right? What happened?"

"Oh, about last night, thanks again for the ride home, Cole." Lindsey gave Cole a warm smile, her gratitude genuine. "Yeah, Adam and I were a big thing, but I guess we weren't really compatible. Let's just leave it there."

"Okay." He took a huge bite of his burger, snatching up his napkin to catch the drip from his lip.

"So, Lindsey, now your single and surrounded by..." She swept her arms "This. Are they, uh... keeping you busy?"

Lindsey shot Harley a look, wondering if the blonde was suggesting something or just making playful banter. "I've only been single a week, and... well there are moments my mind wanders to some very happy places, but nah. They are all very respectful... well mostly all. I do have a date later though with Wade." She pointed to him at the next table.

"Oh God. That guy is huge. I'll visit you in the hospital after you get fitted for a body cast. I'll definitely be wanting juicy details." She eyed Cole with some mischief in her eyes. "Yeah, so I'm interested in their training. What’s the daily regimen here like?" Harley's curiosity piqued as she momentarily tore her gaze away from the players to look at Lindsey.

"They get here for strategy meetings that start at 6:30 AM. This morning they hit the gym just before lunch. That was a treat to watch. Nut then after lunch they have practice where they stretch, then perform position drills. At the end they usually do a scrimmage and then run a mile. It's tougher than it sounds, but you'll see."

"So they plan out their routines and then rehearse. Sounds familiar"

"Yeah except they play live once a week. And if they get it wrong, they get beat up."

"Still familiar."

From Sage's Apartment

When Sage entered the Den, she stopped at the door to scan where everyone was. She saw Carlton and Yuto off to the side chatting together, Adam was with Mik and Mindy reviewing something on his laptop, Lindsey was there with Cole and Harley eating lunch, and Paulo was having a conversation with Coach Sims. There were a bunch of other non-players in the room, but she didn't know who any of them were. They could have been associated with the studio, or support staff for the team. She shrugged with her eyebrows.

"Hey!" Sage popped up behind Adam, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Are you guys reviewing best-ofs from my filmography?" She looked at the the screen. "Oh.... game films. Who would've believed that old games were so re-watchable."

"Anyway, I see that the studio crew is all here. I'm going to go say hi." She patted his chest and was off.

Circling around behind, Sage covered Lindsey's eyes "Guess who!"

 Adam smiled broadly when she arrived, he gave  her a  quick  Kiss on the  cheek,yep..study time..hey? you get to see me  work to do..this  stuff is class room,  we  got out on the   field  in a bit.. see you later..

Mindy and Mik smiled  and gave little waves  as Sage hustled off.

  tracy  came  marching over to  Adam.. alright hero..stand up...

  Now  what?

How's the Rib...Lift your shirt.

 Now ? See that Mik.. if  we said that to her....

 Blody unfair world, Mate..Bloody Unfair..

 Tracy  looked at the greenish  yellow  mark.,,,,she pressed it.. Adam's  eyebrow furrowed.shut up you two... Tell me that doesn't hurt...

 That doesn't  hurt...

 she  whacked him..  and  He  frowned...Liar!

 You just told me  to say that!..didn;t she tell me to say that...

 Me  mate's  right...you said that...

 Mindy  shrugged,you did say that  tracy?
 she glared...alright  dammit, I have to list you as  'Full participant'... Don't
 do anything stupid today...

Adam looked at her...

 yeah...right....  she went off in the  direction to the coaches  table where Eva  was  sitting with  Sims and the staff.

 Mindy  says...she  likes you.,,she worries   so much about you?

 Adam  tucked his shirt back in is shorts,yeah.. the whole pain thing tells be  , she just adores  me..

he spins the screen around...look here..last time  we played.. You were open in the flat.. same thing happened  with the Chargers, but they didn't get the ball off soon enough..

 we're  gonna eat big, if  Coach don't  throw water on the fire ...

Lindsey was about to take another bite when the word went dark and two familiar hands pressed against her eyes.



"Skymist body wash and Fresh Linen perfume." Lindsey patted Sage's hand. "It must be Tara Dunn."

"Pfft." Sage removed her hands and took the seat on Lindsey's right, opposite Cole and Harley who were on her left. "Tara Dunn bathed in Victoria Crown. The chick never understood the concept of subtle scents."

"She never understood the concept of subtlety in general." Lindsey looked over at Cole and Harley. "Tara was in our sorority in college. She used perfume like it was body wash. You always knew when she was approaching."

"And you always knew who she slept with. That's why I broke up with Ricardo Perez."

"He told me it from a hug."

"Then they were hugging naked, which was still a problem for me."

"I didn't like Ricardo anyway. Tara did you a favor."

"Anyway, what did i miss?"

"Nothing yet. Lindsey was going to introduce us to some of the players"

"Well, the burgers are good. You should grab one"

"I ate before I came over. No one told me we were having lunch here. Well, let me take that back. Lizzy sent me a text this morning, which I didn't get until I was sitting down to lunch. It's okay. I'm here now. I already know a lot of these guys, so you all go ahead. I'm going to go say hi to Paulo and Carlton. Are these other guys from the studio? That guy in pink doesn't look like a Dragon."

"That's Bruno Amacci. He's our-"

"Bruno Amacci!?" "Bruno Amacci?!" Sage and Lindsey exclaimed it in perfect stereo.

"So you've heard of him."

"Ya, of course we've heard of him."

"He's a legend. The Rembrandt of makeup artists." Sage turned to look at him. "He had the hottest salon in Los Angeles for like eight years before he got bored and came over to movies."

"he actually started in movies, then opened the salon. His idea was that all makeup was a kind of costume. He's brilliant."

"That's who I want to meet next."

"Okay, you break the ice then we'll come over."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Fri 08 Sept 2023.

As Sage ran over to Bruno, Lindsey stood, motioning for Cole and Harley to join her. While Harley wasn't particular about meeting anyone, Cole had someone very specific in mind. Lindsey decided to start there. Escorting her new associates across the room, she stopped at Duke's table as he was reading through the same playbook that he had long since memorized.

"Hi, Duke, can I get a moment?"

Duke's head turned in her direction well before his eyes finally tore away from the page. "Hi Lindsey, what's up"

"I'm sure you heard that the new team from Dragon Studios was coming today." She stepped aside to present the two actors with her. "This is Cole Hamilton and Harley Donovan. They're both actors helping to get the studio off the ground. Cole wanted to meet you specifically"

"Hi Duke," Cole stepped forward, eagerly presenting his hand. "I'm a huge fan. It's awesome to meet you."

"Hi Cole" Duke stood to shake his hand "Yeah, it's a pleasure." He turned to Harley who shook his hand. "Wow, nice grip there Harley. So, you guys are actors, huh? What movies have you been in."

"My last movie was A Bolt from the Black-"

"Oh yeah," Duke pointed to him, snapping his finger a couple times until he remembered the character name. "Mason! No, Meson. Karl Meson. You were the engineering guy. I swear, I was shocked when they killed you off. I thought you were going to make it to the end of that."

"Yeah, it was setup so the characters were all fleshed out. The director wanted the audience invested so when they died it had more impact. Hey, tell me about the last Jets game..."

Harley pulled Lindsey back a couple steps. "Let them chat. Otherwise we'll be here all day."

Lindsey nodded and brought Harley to the next table with the offensive linemen

  Adam  looked  at the cell phoneI'm gonna head   down, I met the actors and such yesterday, , Beat the Rush  getting taped up.. folks are  doing the meet and greet   anyway.. see you on the field. 

 he gave  Mindy a   hand squeeze on the shoulder  and headed Out .only a couple other players  had left,, Adam thought better of  interrupting  Sage with the...had to be..make up guy.. He
 waved  if she  looked,

Lizzy  waved   and tilted her head  with a  Big smile and gave him a  wink.. Adam  smiled because he figured he knew why/

Echo Bill was  talking  to two guys and a Girl who were  sound   artists. Bill got Adam to  autograph some cards they   hand  and they made a big deal, he   just smiled  and  said,Make  My Girl sound extra good!.. and they laughed   as he  wend  down the ramp way to the Locker room

Adam  locker  roooms>>>>>>>>>>>

"So you've met the Linemen, offensive and defensive - I think Kane was little hot on you... And you met some of the special teams guys." Lindsey looked around the room  "We have the linebackers over there with Wade, and the defensive backs over there. I'm sure Santos will like meeting you. He's a corner back. That's like a cross between-"

"I know what a corner back is, Lindsey."

"Oh! Okay, great! Let's go meet them. Remind me, I want you to meet Heather and Smokey also."

"Heather Montomery? Yes. She's the one kicking ass for all of us. I def want to meet her."

"Yeap, We'll come around to her." Lindsey walked Harley over to where Santos was sitting with Tibbs, Jers and Heart. Lindsey introduced her to them and them to her. "Guys, this is Harley Donovan, she's an actress I'll be working with at the new Dragon Studios."

"An actress, huh. Sweet" Tibbs eyes scanned up and down from from her yoga pants to her crop top. "What were you in?"

"I've been in a lot of movies as as stunt woman, but as an actress the big ones were Dragon's Keep, Street Labyrinth, and Echoes in the Void."

All four of them pointed and said "Dragons Keep!"

"Arya" Heart threw his finger at her a few more times. "You didn't say a lot but damn those fight scenes were amazing."

"How did you learn to swing a sword like that? And the kicks!" Jers got animated about it

"HEMA. It's European martial arts. It's mostly weapons. The hand to hand if from my kick-boxing training."

"Badass!" Tibbs interjected. "And you were a stunt woman, so I bet you can take some knocks too."

"Oh yeah." She left it at that.

"And you were the villain in Street Labyrinth" Santos finally found a way into the discussion "I hated Maya. She was so evil. I have to say, you look way prettier in person. Maya was a bit too dark for me."

"Wonders of the makeup room, guys. Everything is meant to provoke a reaction. If you hated her, that means I did a good job"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Fri 08 Sept 2023.

"Bruno Amacci?" Sage went up to the tall slender man wearing a pink vest and bow tie.

The man look down at her. "Sage Sinclair?"

"Oh!" Sage looked shocked "You recognize me?"

"It seems the feeling is mutual, cream puff. I've seen all your movies. You are a sexy thing aren't you? Call me a fan. But I'm pretty sure I've never had the honor of you in any of my salons or even at a movie set"

"Well, first, thank you." Bruno's very direct personality her a bit off balance "I've never been to your salons or worked with you, but I'm a fan based on your reputation. Lindsey too." She pointed. "She'll be a long in a moment"

Bruno turned his head to look, lowering his glasses. "Another hot little thing. You two... three - I love the blonde too. She's a bit Brunhilde for my tastes, but still on fire. You three are going to burn up the sets. I'm just glad to be a part of it." He turned back to Sage. "So which one of you is sleeping with the football player. The angry one. Or is it both of you. I heard something or another."

"That would be me." She raised a finger. "Lindsey was with him but they broke up."

"He's an interesting character." Bruno looked over her head and pointed. "Yes, that one. The one leaving. He's one lucky boy."

Sage turned in time to give Adam a wave.

"Well, I must say," Bruno combed his ling fingers through her hair. "I can't wait to get my hands on this hair. It's beautiful."

 Babs came   through the door  she saw Lindsey and  handed her the  note..... Lindsey?  Adam  gave me this,  for you he said I'm not supposed to leave  until you say>....  she  loked toweard s Tracy who  notcied her  but was talkign witht he staff.

 The Note was simple

...

  Linds,  tracy made  Babs  stay in the locker room to tape.. I know how to tape a damn ankle..Intro duce  her  around, she felt left out.. if tracy says  anyhting, send  her down to see me... Adam.

..

After some more Harley movie trivia, Lindsey thanked the defensive backs and moved on to the Linebackers at Wade's table. Lindsey introduced Wade, Salcido, Cruz and Payne. They all shook Harley's hand but Cruz held it and stood to greet her.

"Madre de Dios, he muerto y he ido al cielo." He looked right into her eyes, grinning

"Um," Harley smiled, but leaned her head towards Lindsey and asked from the side of her mouth. "What did he just say?"

"Holy mother of God." Lindsey tried to parse what he said in her head while trying to remember her Spanish. "He.... died and... Oh, he died went to Heaven?"

"Si, buenos. Good Job Lindsey." He focused on Harley, stepping back and holding her hand out so he could see all of her. "Tall, built, and I bet you're a tough one. I heard your were a stunt woman. You're coming out to watch the practice too, Si?"

"Um,. Yeah. That's really why we're here." Harley was taken a bit aback at first, but was clearly warming to him. She returned the favor by looking over the mountain of muscle.

"Buenos. Keep an eye on me. I'll show you some stunts. Dragon style"

Lindsey looked at Payne who was shaking his head.

"I.... will." She smiled.

"Okay! Making new friends. Awesome." Lindsey, tugged Harley away and pointed her at Heather. "Thanks Guys. We'll see you on the field." As they walked away, Cruz said something to Salcido that she would not translate out loud in public.

"Heather!" Time was getting short, so Lindsey rushed over. "I have someone who wants to meet you. Heather this is Harley Donovan. She's an actress with Dragon Studios. Harley, heather Montomery"

"Heather Montomery," Harley extended her hand. "You are one badass bitch. I am so proud of you for what you do for women. Represent."

Babs came over and slipped Lindsey a note. After reading it, she looked up and nodded at Babs. "I gotcha, chica."

"Babs, this is Harley Donovan. She's one of the actresses and a big Heather fan. Guys, I'll leave you two to talk while I introduce Babs around."

 Heather had finished her lunch and saw the movie stars roaming around meeting players. Heather than heard Lindsey call her, Heather smiled and headed over.

 Lindsey introduced her to Harley, Heather smiled and replied,Hi nice to meet you, you are a stunt woman too right, I seen a few movies you where in, you are great. I just go out and do what the Coaches need me to do. Like I kept telling everyone I am a football player who kicks and does a lot more. Thank you, hey you represent as well Harley.

 Lindsey left with Babs, and Heather smiled at Harley,You will be out there for practice, I will be running routes most likely and of course kicking.  I would love to see the new Dragon Studios sometime.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Sat 09 Sept 2023.

"Yep. I'll be out there." Harley nodded. "So, yeah, I've been doing stunt work for like almost nine years. You can't even tell it's me in a lot of the movies, especially the earlier ones. But in the last few years, I went from stunt extra to stun actress to just actress. It's a blast."

"So, yeah, I'm sure since your bosses own part of the studio, you guys can come around and check it out. We won't be starting any filming until after the Superbowl though"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Sat 09 Sept 2023.

"Okay Babs," Lindsey lead her over to Paulo. "This is Paulo Sancho. He's the mastermind that will put New Jack on the map for major films production. And with him is his assistant, Lizzy Boone"

After they greeted her, Lindsey took her over to meet Sage. "Sage, this is Babs. She's an assistant trainer here. Babs, this is Sage Sinclair, actress and my closest friend in the world."

"Hi there Babs. Nice to meet you." After some light conversation, Lindsey brought her to meet Cole

"Hi Cole, having fun. This is Babs. Babs is an assistant trainer for the Dragons. She wanted to meet everyone."

"Hi Babs. Assistant trainer for the Dragons, huh. Wow, that's got to be some pressure. You must be pretty tough to keep this machine working smoothly. And so pretty too. It's nice to meet you."

Lindsey rounded out the introductions by bringing her to meet Bruno and then Carlton.

"I'm afraid I don't know who the rest of those people are yet, but I'm told they're part of the production staff. If you want to meet anyone else, let me know."

With introductions handled, Lindsey gathered the actors and lead them to the bleachers as practice was starting.

To Practices

Heather smiled Harley looked awesome, and she was nice too, but Heather liked Megan and wanted to go that route for now, but she would love to be Haley's friend. " Awesome you get to watch us practice. Wow congrats that is so cool, and I loved you in Dragons Keep, did you really learn too sword fight like that, that was amazing, I just play football."

 Heather smiled and then added," Oh great maybe we can set something up after the Superbowl Harley. Well I have to go, it has been amazing meeting you, enjoy practice." Heather gave Harley a hug and smiled at her.

 Heather than made her way to the locker room to get taped and then to Practice.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Sat 09 Sept 2023.

 Babs  looked  in  awe...wow.. Those last  two  pictures you made... They  rise  above  what some of the studios  put out!

 Lizzy smiles,Hey! I know what its like to be an assistant!  We  help make the  big folks look good.

Babs  giggled, Paulo  gave a bit of a smile

Babs   nodded to Sage,I  saw you last game get the touchdown  ball, and you were on the  field  while i got the transmitter out of  Adam's helmet

 Thank yoiu  Mr  Cole.. I just  get powerade and  tape  for guys..I'll be moving up to trainer In OTAs, I'll have my certificates   then.

 Carlton n greeted  the  young woman warmly.You keep those  guys  hydrated, and those   ankles  safe

she greeted  Bruno   with a big smile, she never n=met anyone like him.

   they stopped  fora Moment, and   Babs  gave Lindsey a  hug..Thank you Lindsey..I know  none of them will remember  my nmae, i i will always remember this...  and she  went off in a hurry to pass the   player  who were headed to the locker  room, so she  could help with the taping

Ben finished his meal and tidied his things away. None of these movie folks had come his way. No matter, he was there to practice football.

No sign of Lu-Ti either. She must have been busy, not like her to miss visitors to the Den.

He went off to the locker rooms to get ready.

after practice

Having showered and changed into street clothes, Ben came into the Den and sat down with a coffee. He got his phone out and texted Lu-Ti.

:: When do you get free? Anything you'd like to do? I'm done for the day ::

 LU-TI  Texted...I am In my Offcie with Carlton..we  are  finishing sone  paers . If you wish, come up to offcie, or you wait in Den..yes?

:: On my way!::

Ben finished his coffee and ran upstairs to Lu-Ti's office. He paused outside and made small talk with her secretary whilst waiting for her to finish up.

-------> From Practice.

 Heather walked into the Den, she got a cold soda and looked for Megan wondering who got here first.

  Meagan  was  coming  back from the   food   lines  with a  chocolate/vanilla  pudding  desert and  a coffee

 She saw  Heather  and  Smiled... you want one?

 Heather smiled at Megan and relied," Oh yes I would love one please." Heather then waited for Megan and they got a table together and had a seat. " You looked great out there Megan all you ladies do a great job. Like you said Adam is working me hard but it seems to be paying off, what did you think of practice?"

 she  gave Heather  her   dessert  and they  sat  down.Yeah> the Jets   girls  didn;t come to the building today? so i guess we'll see them tomorrow


 she looked around then said  softly,..Adam..well.. he  isn';t  a coach..right...doesn't it bother you when he  yells at you when  you guys are going over  stuff..he  seems  mean..then a few minutes later he's laughing? Do you like  doing the past Catching thing?

 " Thank you it looks delicious, oh ok that will be good to see them tomorrow."
 Heather listened she smiled and said," Oh he is tough but he knows what he is doing, and yes I love every position I play. I am working hard to be the best I can be and help the team win." Heather then digs into her yummy pudding.

  Megan smiles,well. i have  the rest of the  day off. and have to be back he r by  10  tomorrow, for   the Jets  girls  and   I think actors  people are coming back?  and  The NFL   chick is coming  in to see  Ada,,..we;;..The Dragon. but if you ever  saw their show..she's  coming here to see Adam. I like her though, she's  real big on the Dragons.

 " I am off too but I have to be in a little earlier. Want to do something for dinner I am a pretty good cook or we could go out again?" Heather was all smiles.

  Megan    thought,what can you cook?  Maybe you can tip the scales?

Heather smiled, "I am a pretty good cook, my mom is amazing. I can make American, Asian, Italian, and make a killer clam/potato chowdah and I am good at seafood as well."

 megan  took a   bite of the pudding, dragging the spoon   through her lips, then pointing it  at Heather,

 what  can cook up  tonight?  if you don;t have stuff, we can just go out? But  I'd like to see how you....cook.

 Heather thinks for a minute, she could do pasta, but she didnt have great ingredients to cook up something right now, she wish she did. She did have the stuff for a Asian stir fry with shrimp and chicken cooked in a wok.

 " Right now the only thing I have ready is an Asian stir fry, with chicken and shrimp, with garlic, over rice. I also cook it in a real Wok."

  Megan took another   spoonful of pudding, her's was almost  finished,why don't  we  plan a  home-cook, when you didn't just  bust your butt  in practice.

 what do you feel like  doing, before you turn into a pumpkin?

 Heather gave a caring, loving look, and said," Well that does sound good, plus I have time to pick your brain on what type of foods you like so I can try and make them for you, and if I need help I could always ask my Mom." Heather giggled but it was true her mom was an amazing cook.

 " I would like if you followed me home, we could relax on the sofa, talk, get to know one another even better, you get to choose what we get for delivery and we make it an in date, how does that sound?"

 Sounds  good..... she picked up their   tall  'sundae ' Glasses  and  returned them to the 'used  area"

 Now?  I'm a Dragonette...so yu know  ordered food   has to be Pizza!

 she  would  walk out  with  Heather.

 Heather smiled and replied," That sounds great to me Megan, Pizza relaxing with a gorgeous Dragonette." Heather giggled and followed Megan out checking out her amazing sexy ass.

----->>>>> TO Dragon Complex (Parking lot)

Whatever Lu-Ti's meeting was about, it sure was taking a while. Ben hoped she was OK.

He started to think about the things they'd need to get for their new home. That needed doing, but it also served to pass the time.

  Lu-Ti  entered the Den  By walking with  Carlton  , through the  VIP   Dining room. Thnak you Miss Amota. I will see you at the  Pep rally, I am eager to  see my first one!

  Stopping as ben stood for Lu-TI, he offered his hand  to  Ben,You have a Fine   woman there, Mr  Hope. I consider myself , most fortunate  that  i fell into the circle of influence  that  are the Amota's..

"My darling Lu-Ti is nobody's but her own. Mr. Carlton, isn't it? Yes, I count my blessings every day."

Ben rose and offered a hand.

  he smiled  and shook Bens  had  with a confident shake,Carlton  Cross... You  firend, Adam... he's  become like a  surrate  Son to me.. I like him.. and through him  I have met alot  a good   'dragon'  folks...Sometimes, Mr  Hope? Luck take over one's life.. I  credit myself , smart enough  to grasp  such  times.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr Cross."

Drat, he hated getting someone's name wrong.

"Adam is a fine person. I've been sharing a townhouse with him, but Lu-Ti and I bought a house down by the river yesterday, so I'll be moving out soon. I hear all sorts of exciting things are afoot in the local media scene."

 Carlton smiled  as he Nodded his head.As  I amd  Sure,  Orato, Lu-TIand Yuto  will  tell you.  Business  can be a very dirty arena . the better  business  people  will take advantage of that, and  try to clean things up, while making  money.

 I did that with  Adam. His actions  were purely  to help out  that franchise holder? and it exploded across the country..  I Made certain to both...reward, and Nail down Adam as   Big King's  spokesperson.... Getting the concessions for the   Amota's   stadiums as well as   the  'New JAck  burger"  place is driving sales away well.. we'll get a massive influx  when the people for the Olympics  come

 The  procurement  of  New  Jack Studios was something that  needed  down. Not just to make money, but to wipe a stain from New JAck for  that , very questionable, situations  with  Lindsey.. New  Name..upgrade of   some buildigns , and Most of all, a big change into how  the Movies would be made.... We are Hoping Paulo  will be our  Sims, so-to-speak. The   main thing
 with us? we won't get any of the really big actors  come in, unless they are as Idealistic
 as me and Orato... he  smiled    a bit  embarrassed.

 Lu-Ti  spoke up...what we will get, is the Young bright stars, who  'can't get a break' in Hollywood  or  Atlanta.., yes, we will lsoe some of them  when contracts  run out and they move on to 'bigger and better", but those who want to  build something, make good movies  and work with Paulo...they will f;low in...Younger  actors   will flock her, for the chance to get  into a  Paulo  project..and they will get that 'big break'...and maybe..AStlanta  will  form a partnership with us.. bewteen out two  studios there  is more then enough   sound  stages and back lots, and natural palces to  film, and we have , incredialbe access  to islands. It helps that Amota  Industries   has its  own airlines and  airport..

 well?  I have taken enough of yiour time.. You two enjoy the rest of the  night.. and  congrates on that new house..getting your first house together?.. it is a feeling you only get  once...

 he smiles and walks   through the lower  doors

 he is  odd for businessman.. he is ahrdly on his cell phone, he  hardly ever  has  a PA? he'll makes   acall now  and then or take one..and  'everything  is done"...even with us?   all conversations  were between   Carlton and Father..it sped the process  up by months! As father  would say, this is a hit below the water line, for  Hollywood, they are  goign to be sinking, and they do not know the water is coming in.

Ben nodded.

"Exciting times. What do you want to do this evening? Or shall I pick up some supplies and cook us our first meal in our new home?"

 Let us go to  the Strip mall, I  will buy somehtign  i can wear to work tomorrow, and yu can get food things, yes?.. then we  spend the   night at  the House.. You Must call Caoch fry? so he knows you are your  'new house"

 It will be nice to try out shower... she  loked away with a bit of a smile.

Ben grinned then stole a kiss.

"Sounds like a plan. What would you like me to cook? I'll call Coach Fry now before I forget."

He pulled out his cell and called Fry's number.

"Hey, Coach, Ben here. I'm going food shopping then will be spending the night in our new house. Yes... we bought it yesterday... 3621 Windmoor Drive. Haven't arranged a landline yet but I'll have my cell. Thanks. Bye."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Tue 12 Sept 2023.

  Coach Fry answered...Got it..Thanks  Ben, enjoy that house... you only get one 'first one"

 Lu-Ti stood  after  the  Call...let us be on our  way!....Cook somehtign that taste  good and is  fast....

(( Thursday before  Title  game Vs Jets ))

 entering the  Den, Adam got a large  coffee  with  Milk and sugar and two   filled  donuts.  he settled down  but one of the window  tables  and began  to go through  the films....this time, he looked at the  OLBs   an then overall, how they worked  with the Safeties  when there was a Blitz  or   zone..The  Jets  didn't play much man with their backers, as the group wasn';t the fastest group in the league. The covered that up, but  using Combos  and that worked well...unless you were looking for it.

 it was a bit early yet, he was the only one  in the Den, though he did  see Ben;'s  truck out front..he  saw several cars coming across the lot when he entered the gates.

 Coach Fry peeked out the VIP  door, he spied  Adam  and  moved with a purpose.Hey, Bomb.. You and Mik  are goign to take our  first Kickoff...

 Damn right  we are, we better take the first one  in the Superbowl too...

 Fry  looked little shocked,  but he had seen this face before. Adam was  slipping into his game face.well.. You and  Mik will handle the  1st quarter,,, Lkay and  White  will handle the   2nd  quarter. after  Half time,  we'll see about  getting Rock in the  mix.

 what about  punts?

 its the concenus that  you and Mik stay out of the Punt return business..  White and   Klay will handle the  1st half, then  Coach will seed  Rock in the second half.

 Right..whatever you say, as long as me and Mik  get that first  runback.

Fry smiled , and Hustled back to the VIP  room.

Ben appeared, the damp hair testimony to an early swim.

"Hey, Adam, how are you?"

He got a coffee and a pancake stack, then came over to the window tables.

"May I join you?"

He sat down and started to eat.

  Adam nodded,have  a seat...  I was looking though the  OLBs,  they  don';t  cover? they  are  either Blitzing , or playing Zone, they  only   move  when a  back  is in the   flats?  if they do that every tie,    he     Just  sit  down in the zone,  pick up 10-12 yards  a clip.. if they try to take that away.  the  backs  can take the ball in the flats  and Have us blocking for them

 we  can bleed them slow?  But I hope  coach lets us  run 999s .. nothing in this game  is better, then running under a deep ball and knowing you are going to score.

Ben grinned.

"I certainly enjoy that! But I've renewed my interest in blocking, too."

Ben made the pancakes disappear. They were good, but he preferred his own. He also made his bacon crispier than the cooks here.

  Adam   closed up shope, Finished the   2nd doughnut... Coaches  are  coming out.. Time   to head   down to the Meetings.

Mik  and Stalls cane into the Den,, Mik saw  Adam   getting up..Hey, Hoser?  Big old   NFL network  truck is out there..  I think  That chick  is here for   the  Playoff game..

 Yeah, she was supposed to come in  yesterday or  today..so..i guess its today..  when she talks to you guys  , don't  act like jerks..we're the Dragons.. now  if  she quotes some one else being a Jerk..go ahead and Jerk back..

 yeah , well..we know who the first guy she's  gonna  stick that Mic in front of..

 Yeha? well.. I need some friends out there  , right. Most  folks who aren't egttignpaid by the Amotas. don't  really Like me that much..


Stalls  laughs,Its  that   winning personality  you have with folks we play against

 Naw?  All you have to do is  be a jerk, that's enough for me. the worse you are, the more  fun it is make you look bad.

 Mik chuckles  as the   follow   to the meetings.and you don't  care?

 I used to care a little..  those  booing  fans   at The Son , wiped all that out...Just playing for  folks who like me now...the others  want to jump on the bandwagon..they can.. Jill has  be  touting the  Dragons  since  Ben Signed his contract.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>> meetings

Ben downed the rest of his coffee and, after tidying his stuff away, followed Adam to the meeting rooms.

(( Thursday, Lunch after meetings, before practice. Title game week))


Adam had a   bowl of pasta  salad  and a milkshake.  he was    flicking through the  films.. ,now, just looking at  one DB at  a time, to hone in on 'tells'

 Harley  came in with , whom ever  else  wanted to   Come, Paulo came  , Lizzy went shopping with some of the Camera folks.

 she  sat down... Adam looked at her, she  tried to be calm, but the excitement in her eyes  was there...Get something to  eat, put it on my tab...Coach is going to let you do everything we do.. that means  drills  and all that.. Emma, Heather  and Me  will work with you, but  you'll be  doing   everything  an Offense  player does, except, at the  end of Practice  you'll get to tackle the   Dummies ... when Emma and heather  are ready , you go to the locker  room with the ladies,   Lou has  some gear  for you,  he'll fit your helmet and all that... you WILL..use a mouth Piece.. and you WILL  wear your head gear, all it  takes  is  one   stray hand, or missed  football and you're  face  will need to be  adjusted   before  DS gets  to use you.... now something to eat and drink..go..

Meetings ---->>


Bronko was glad for a good lunch, he got a fish sandwich and salad along with an iced tea.  He grabbed a seat by the windows and looked out as he mentally went through each type of play he would be involved in.

"Wait. I get to do the full practice?" All Harley wanted to do was hit the dummies. What Adam was describing though was way better. "Holy shit." She jumped up and gave Adam a big hug. "Thank you! Yeah, absolutely. I'm not one of those idiots who thinks they do anything without the proper protection. I take the gear seriously. I've seen too many people get permanently fucked up but thinking they were from fucking Krypton."

Per Adam's advice she went and grabbed a healthy but substantial lunch. Not too much. She didn't want to puke if it got too intense. She came back to the table with a full tray.

"So, today you're going to be a Dragonling?" Cole chuckled. "I'll be cheering for you from the stands."

"Well you better cheer loud because I'll be working my ass off."

"Maybe don't work quite that hard. I kinda like your ass where it is." he glanced over his shoulder at the Linebackers. "And I think Cruz agrees. He keeps looking over at it."

"He's been looking at me?" She tucked her hair over her ear and glanced back that way. "Yum."

  Adam    chuckled  as  he flicked through some more slides.Line backer  room has been getting lucky this past week...

 now?  this is a 'light  Contact' pratice.. you may still get hit, but i don't see anyone we have  on the team right now who is gonna hurt you.. if you'd be a guy they might send a message, but they respect Emma and heather.. the Lady QBs  who came through here for a cup of  coffee where  treated  good.

he finished  his pasta salad, and  ships his shake.we  dop  stretches.... then the   warm  up mile... then we go to position drills, that's where  you'll have to put  up with  me  yelling at you..there  will be route   running, me and Duke wil throw, he'll throw post of the
 routes.. Then a  'end  scrimmage,  we'll try to get you in for a  few plays there.. then the end of the  practice  Mile..after that, if you're up for it, you can shag some  Kicks
 with me and the other return guys  from Heather and  Smokey.

  Mik was  walking  by  and  he sat down by Adam... So..  She's the Payer  for a Day?

 Mik?   This is Harley, she   though practice  looked  like   fun,,so  i got  coaches to let her  work out with us. to make it legal  she classified  as a free agent..this  guy here is Cole., they'll be working with Linds  and Sage..

 well darlin'.. if there is  anything you don't  Unde.... dam  shoved   his last breadstick in Miks  Mouth.

 If she doesn't understand  somethign, it  will because   no one explians it.. jesus  Mik? You take to  Hetaher that way?.. you talk to Emma that way..?

 no way. Emma break me in half...

 Harely started off  as a stunt  person...she'll be  fine Turning to   Harley he said, as soon as you're  done,   heather can  walk you to the lockers, I saw  Emma left.. if heather isn't  ready, you can walk down  with me..first thing is  first..Shorts, and t-shirt and  get your  ankles taped.. then  practice  socks and cleats...get your head  gear fitted.. lamp black  for under your eyes,Pads  and practice Jersey , and a  Mouth piece they 'll fit  for you , while your ankles  are  taped..oh?
 and a pair of receiving gloves.. Lou says you get to keep all the  Clothes, the helmet and Pads have to stay though.

Harley listened to the plan, nodding along. She wasn't too afraid of getting hit. She'd crashed cars, jumped off buildings and out of helicopters and had been kicked and punched by men who knew how. "I've never done this before, but I have taken some serious impact before. I'm not scared of getting hit, but if you have any pointers on how to absorb it, I'm all ears."

"I run five miles every morning and fifteen on Sundays. I'm fine with the running, but you'll have to show me how to catch a football the best way."

Cole smirked as he listened to her. He was impressed and amused at how much she got into the rough and tumble stuff. She was the prettiest tom-boy he ever saw. He nodded and offered his hand to Mik when he was introduced. "Hi Mik. Cole Hamilton. Great to meet you."

"Yeap. Nice to meet you Mik." Harley offered her hand. "You're the running back. You really have to drive some power and be nimble. That's fucking awesome."

After Adam explained how to gear up, she nodded. "I'm ready. Now. Let's do this." She looked around for Heather.

------>>>>>> from meetings

 Heather walked into the Den got her good solid healthy lunch and saw Harley sitting with a full tray. " Hi Harley, you can follow Emma and I down to get dressed, I suggest you get taped too. This is going to be fun, you get to see how a Dragon practices, oh we stretch then start out with a mile run." Heather smiled and took a seat next to Harley.

  Adam  gathered up  all the   dead plates and such, took them over t to the trash/wash area.

  Adam waved to heather  and Pointed to the Locker  room...see you later Cole....

 as they headed  down You're and athelete .  you have training in other  areas, the displine wil help with ctaching the Ball.. everyone  i teach?  I impress  on them , the fact that you catches the ball with your  eyes, as much as your hands.. You  look it  in, and put it away, right away..cause  those DBs  will get a kick our of knocking  it out of you hand.. You  put it away  after you look it  it, they'll just look like  dicks..whick will be fun for me...

 like everything   else.. Muscle memory kicks in.. when we  warm up..  your practice    hard on looking nit in and putting it away... you won't have the reps for it to be perfect, but you other skills  will understand  and  shorten that gap.

 You really shouldn't get  Hit  much..but i'll show you how to protect yourself , and the ball

 Damn , its  a shame  Steele isn;t here...

 now?  why would you go and say that, Mate?

 Cause  I don't think Harley would put up with him, and  just punch him out.. i'd  pay money to see that!

 >>>>>>>>>>>>>> to locker  rooms.

When Heather came over to join, Harley scooted her chair over to make room, excited to have Heather there with her. "Yeah, Adam was just telling me about that. I know about getting tapped up. We do that too for fighting and stuntwork. Especially around the ankles and wrists. We use mouth pieces too. But yeah it's going to be fun. I'm so excited I can barely contain myself."

While Heather ate, Harley finished off her meal.

-------

Sage arrived at the Den halfway through the lunch period. When she came in, she saw that Adam was sitting with Mik, Heather, Harley and Cole. Good. She was glad that she didn't have to flit around the place.

"Hey, mister." Sage slid onto Adam's lap, planting a really inappropriate kiss on him. "Did you miss me?"

Almost as soon as she got there. Adam had to go to the locker room. It was fine. She was at his job and he had to do it. After they went off, she made her way to the stands with Cole.

semi-flex-

 ASdam    slipped his   arms around her  and  eagerly took the kiss..Always.... but hello kisses   make up for some of that!

 he got to Hold   Sage  for about  10 minute s  before they had to go,

 Heather had small talk with Harley and when they were done, Heather got up and said," Ok lets go to the woman's locker room and get you all set up, your going to have fun Harley, ask questions ok, now lets go kick some ass."

------>>>>>> To Locker room with Harley

Bronko went to the locker room to get ready for practice.

---->> Locker Room

Ben came in, got a burger, fries, and slaw and, seeing the table where Adam was at looked pretty crowded already, went and took a window seat instead. When he was done eating, he cleared the table then went to the locker room.

(( after   practice , Thursday  before title  game))

<<<<<<<<<<<  Adam from Locker  room

 entering  the  Den, Adam     went to the table  Sage was  sitting, laned in for his 'hello kiss", then sat  down.

  so? Harley is laying   on Sunday..i mean? not alot, but she'll get some   plays in// I'm gonna highlight her  play book here, then we  can go?  You have thoughts of  what you want to do..and?   how do you want to work your  car? Go to you place and leave  from there.. go to my place. leave from there?  Your  call.

From Practices

Sage went and grabbed a Coke, then found a place by the window and waited for Adam. Her thoughts were about how the Studio was kicking off in such a unique way. Not to mention all this stuff with Harley practicing with the team. She wasn't troubled by any of it. It was just so unusual. But her musings were just to fill the time. Before she had to find something else to ponder, Adam came in with a wet head and his usual hairstyle.

"Hey, Coach Bronk." She Saw his kiss and raised him a tongue.

"Yeah, your star pupil did good, but did you say she was playing? As in she's going to suit up and play like any other player? That's... incredible? Did she really do that well?"

"I don't like leaving my car here. I'd rather drive it home and we can go from there. I mean, if that's not too much bother."

  Adam   Nodded  with a chuckle  at 'Coach", She did  good..Coachable, she listen and   did  , or tried to do everything we  asked

 He looked  Sad,Wills's Knee    somehow got worse, i think the  dumbass ran too much on the treadmill. Anyway, Since they signed  Harley as  a FA. they are going to   deactivate Wills for this game, and elevate   Harley to the 53. They asked the Captains and Me..which..is  really getting Old.. I don't wear a 'C"  on my jersey, i shouldn't be pulled into everything... anyway.. I said if she dressed we have to play her, just like everyone esle..somehow that was Good  enough for   Yuto and Sims, Captains agreed, So  Harley gets
 to play for the AFC  title..  they'll stick her on  coverage teams and she'll be part of the Wild cat Package, All the other guys on the  practice  squad  of defensive guys  or
lineman,,so..::poof:: she's   going into live fire.

 he leaned  over the  pull their heads together.Nothing is a  Bother when it comes to you. I just know that car is your baby, We'll  go to your place, then take my car , where ever you feel like going....

------>>>>> From Locker Rooms with Harley

 Heather walks into the Den with Harley and head over to Adam," Ok get your playbook out."

  Adam smiles,see? this  is why i get in  trouble, I'm at a table  with three Hot chicks.!

 He Opened his  back pack and  got out  li,e green  highlighter as he waited for Harley's  plaubook.

"Well, speak of the devil." Sage pointed at the door as Harley and Heather walked in.

"Hello, ladies. You guys looked good out there."

From Locker room

Harley followed Heather over to where Adam and Sage were seated in the Den. Sage was on Adam's left so she slipped into the seat on his right and opened her playbook. In her mind, the playbook was a kind of script, only it detailed actions instead of words. She just needed to learn how to interpret it. Adam was her Coach appointed tutor in all things football, though she expected Heather could teach her more than a thing or two

"Oh the horror." Harley smirked at Adam's hot chick comment. "You should be careful. You might get a reputation." She set her playbook on the table and opened it up.

"Okay. Show me what I need to know."

Ben came into the Den and got himself a coffee. He tried texting Lu-Ti again.

::Practice done, beloved. When do you get free?::

  Lu-Ti answered  Ben I am on Conferance  all with  Mr  Cross  and a person  from Atlanta... I will be   done soon? You may come up to My offcie, or  wait for me at  the GAte?

   Adam  Chuckled  softly, it was a good  natured  chuckle.You can't  cram everything  we  did  since May into 3  days?... But you know what you can do?  You can learn the  basics, and apply what we learned this  week..so..here...

 Route tree....  its  your map for your job... know the names Outs...Ins... Slants , and Posts. then the Out  and Up, that you scored on...

Looking up at Heather,You guys get to your  [place.. Highlight  all her  routes,  she'll be  a wideout

 Don't let the  names scare you.. Dragon  cross?  //  you Just worry what   Harley does.. your  slanting.. the only defiance is , other  guys  are   crossing   with you, in opposite directions..

 'finding the Hole".. al you do  is    cut in to where the Line backer  was, and show the QB your Numbers...if  me or Duke  see it the same time you do? that ball will already be half way to you...

 That ball that game you, hold it  toss it in the  air as you lay on the   floor  and catch  it..staring at the point of the ball... but on the   Field, if you're not going deep, catch the ball, protect it..THEN..worry about a  run.. we need that  5-8 yards you get on the catch,anything  else  after ,is gravy..

 He  highlighted  a couple of the  diagrams .. with the light  green on the   routes that   Harley would   use

 Heathr can work on the snap count with you at home..and  we'll hit the filed  early  tomorrow// I can't stay  after, I'm shooting  a Commercial with Sage and Linds..

Any  quick questions?  Big questions you can ask me tomorrow.

Harley tried to keep up with everything Adam was saying. She kinda knew what most of the routes he said were because they did them earlier. She ran two square out and ups. Finding the hole? She almost giggled.

The home drill laying on her back was a good one. Heather would help with the snap stuff

"I assume we'll practice these more tomorrow? I want to practice catching and getting hit"

 Adam nodded,I want you to  wear   your whole  Unfimor  tomorrow, You and I wil hit the field  early, we'll  eat int eh  special teams meeting, it wil give us  a  got  20  estra  minutes on the  field.... . We''  do some Ball carry  drills. I'll  hit you. not only  can you get used to that armor you have to wear, but you can decide what you want to get rid off...

 There is a chance, they might  keep you on the n practice  squad , all the  way to the super bowl..if  so?   the next two weeks  you'll work harder then you have  ever worked , for 1 specific purpose

    digging through  his   backpack he pulled out a brand New Memory stick...This  is the jets ...Last time we played them,. watched the DBs, watch   the wideouts... what the kickoffs..   It like   watching rushes? and you  you get  hit  when its  your  turn... You can do this.. I told  Coach you can to this..now? Prove me  right...You  looked  Damn good on that Bomb...  Adam Sood   looking at Sage,ready, Cute  Stuff?

"Oh my God! So much homework." Harley gathered up all her stuff.

"Okay, Heather. Ready when you are."

To Townhouses

In reply to Adam (the bomb)Bronk (msg # 109):

Sage remained quiet as Adam instructed Harley about... football stuff. It was neat to be able to see him in action off the field. Harley looked a bit confused. Or maybe overwhelmed was the better word. Either way she had her homework cut out for her.

"Yep." Sage chirped as she got up from the table. "Ready when you are. See you later guys. Go easy on her, Heather. It's her first time." Sage giggled.

"To my place, then... I guess we'll figure it out from there."

To Sage's apartment

 Heather watched and listened as well, she was still working hard on becoming an even better receiver. " If you want Adam I can join as well, I need the extra work as well, never hurts trying to get better does it."

 Heather giggled with Harley's reaction of homework, Heather said," Then we get to work on the snap count so you dont false start." Heather giggled more then added," Ok lets get you to your place pick up your stuff then to our place, while you are on the team that is." Heather giggled and smiled.

---->>>>> To Harley's Hotel then to Townhouses

  Slight  flex

 Yeah,  we'll get  some Hits  in and   a whole  buch of  pass catchign reps... you can even take he rout in the back yards  and throw  some passes to her.

 he  waved  as he and sage left...

Ben responded to Lu-Ti.

:: I'll meet you at the gate, beloved ::

He finished his coffee, returned the mug and wandered outside.

(( Friday, before  Title game with Jets))

<<<<<<<<<<<  Adam from Complex

 he was a lot earlier then normal, he grabbed a  small box of cereal and two donuts, and a large  coffee.

setting up shop, the laptop came to life, and  the films showed the ...now familiar. Jets defense. He could tell who the players  were, with out seeing their numbers, Just by the way they stood in their stance.

 Havers was a bonus. The very fact they set it up for him to make  the plays, could be the very reason why they get crushed. They still had to play the game, of course. But it was going  to be fun, if they stuck with that plan, and if they changed it now? havers  would  not be used to it.

  easting the sugar coated  flakes  he   sipped the  coffee   as he though  of what  they needed to  do with   Harley.

 Sims and  the staff  walked by...Everything  alright? You're here  early?

 Yeah?  wanted to be here when Heather  and Harley  come in. see what she picked up  from Heather's  help?. I'd Like us to leave the special teams  meeting early. so we can  eat and get her suited up, she needs to wear  the    full gear, and see what she wants and doesn;t  want, and get used to moving in it..and?  I waht to have some contact  drills with her..

 Fry Looked at Sims, then Adam,,, don;t you think that's a bit  much?

 Look?  she was busting her ass out there yesterday.  how do you think  she'll feel if she  gets whacked   and loses  the ball..  I mean, she  jumped of  Building  and  wrecked  cars. but she didn't have to hold onto a football while doing that .

 Fry  said,but she's gpoign to be on special teams..at least the Kick cover  team?

 yeah?  that's  something she can pick up tomorrow  in the meetings  and the walk through.. I want her to get some hits in.

 Sims looked at Adam.You know this is crazt=y, right?

 so is  some no-name bastard,  playing at a little  DIII college and   ends up being the  #1  wideout in the league...Look... You guys  got her  here to have  fun at a practice..then you and Yuto  figured  out  some PR thing for her  to Dress out  for the game...She doesn't want to be a barbie  doll dressed in  GI Joe's football stuff.. she wants to play.. You can see it in her eyes.. its almost desperate to  beat this new challenge. ..She's gonna  get jacked up..everyone in the Building knows it, But what happens  after she   gets  Jacked up..is the rest of the story...  By letting her  Hit  me, and Mike  and heather, and  Us  hitting her back, she gets that out of her system

Hebner  shook his head,Man, you put  way too much thought  in this...Its only for  1 game!

 Is it?..What happens  if  will  is still to fucked up to get on the field..what happens if someone else goes  down. Heck?  after Sunday she may say... 'no thanks",, or she might be eager  for another helping of  ass-kicking

 Sims threw up his hands and chucked.,,Remind  me why did i bring you here? he laughed  again.

 Adam wasn't laughing , as he said.to win the goddamn  superbowl.

Sims looked at the other  Coaches, Fry  Shrugged..all right  Knute Rockne  Jr....just don't  break  out  new  player before the game  starts!  The coaches  went into the VIP    room to eat and go over the  day's plans.

Ben cane in to hear the end of the conversation. He grinned at Adam and got himself a plate of bacon and eggs. He always seemed to be hungry these days.

Coming to sit beside Adam he looked at the films.

"What do you recommend for blocking Havers? High or low, or wrap him up?"

     Adam smiled  at Ben when he came over..foe me?  I have to hit Him Low? he's  about 4-5 inches  taller them me. You can  hit him high if your  running a route that brings  you into a block  for  Mik or  Klay. Now? if you are in stance, and your  Blocking  right  from the  Snap, hit him Low, Even  if you can't get a  good  piece of him,you should be able to stop him from  making a tackle .

 I am Highly  surprised, that no one else  saw how they set Havers up to be the  star?  I eman..he's good..he's  real good, , But  if  we did the  same thing  with  any of our Linebackers  they would be gods!

Ben's smile widened and he fuzzed Adam's head.

"Aw, you don't have to point out how monstrously large I am!"

  Adamm   chuckles  as he  eats the first donut, his cereal   done and his head gets fuzzed.well, It works to my advantage , they see you and  think i am harmless.., You're the grizzly bar, I'm the wolverine.

From Townhouses

When Harley entered the Den with Heather she went straight to the food. By her estimation, she probably burned at least six-thousand calories the day before and she was about to do it again. From what she's been told, she'd be on her ass in meetings all morning, so she felt pretty safe in piling her plate with eggs, bacon, toast and fruit. A big glass of orange juice rounded out the fairly balanced breakfast.

"Good morning!" Harley dropped into a seat at the table with Adam and Ben. "Hi Ben. I'm Harley. I don't think we've met formally." Her eyes scanned the parts of him visible above the table. "This is the the guy that should be hitting me today." She looked at Adam but pointed to Ben. "He's like a mountain."

"So, Heather and I went over the routes, watched the films, and then ran routes out in the back yard until it was too dark." She dug into her breakfast, speaking as she devoured it. "When I was watching you guys on the video, I played 'Name that Play' or sometimes the Route if I didn't know the play. You know, just getting used to seeing it and knowing what it is. I'm visual, so that helped me remember everything better. I did see where you highlighted the Jets feet and all that. I know why you did it, but I'm going to need practice seeing that at eye level when the pressure's on." She chewed on a piece of bacon then washed it down with the OJ.

"I was thinking in bed. It was great that I beat Jers yesterday, but it's not always going to be that clean, right. There's a good chance that I'll be focused on catching and then as soon as I touch the ball, some huge motherfucker is going to try and crush me. I know how to take a hit, and I know how to cover the ball, but my attention will be divided every time I reach. I'm tiny compared to everyone here. In Kick Boxing and MMA, they always had us with opponents the same size and gender. Not here. I have to be able to take that hit and keep the ball. I feel like bracing for the hit will be more difficult. I there an easy drill that I can practice that will let me tuck the ball by muscle memory so I can focus on not getting squished."

 Adam Listened , he seemed  pleased  with the effort and progress  she  made. Good Job... Both of you... he  pointed his half  eaten  creme  filled  donut at each of them.

Special teams  meeting is  the last meeting of the day, right  after ' Full offense.' We  are  skipping out  of the   special teams , because. its  more or less simple  for you.. You, Me , Heather and  Mik are going to eat lunch early..then you  , with Heather there  to    help, are going to get dressed in full pads....for three reasons. Yesterday  you had shoulder pads , jersey and shorts... I want you get the  feeling of  all the gear..and. You'll decide  what  pads  you want to  forego... I don't wear knee pads. But i wear the  Thigh  pads, i don't  wear  Hip pads, you may want to.

 the  second reason.., Is , all three of Us   will be  hitting you and You will be  hitting us...There is a  rule , how many padded practices  you  can have... You'll be the noble  one in  full pads and you're  a rookie, so we get some slack..

Sims   walked up  quietly behind  Adam, he  had a carrier  foul of coffees  for the coaches.He held up a finger  for not  one to say anything, as he listened.

 Lastly,  You are going to use  some of the   equipment  out there,  like the    'run through' machine  that is spring loaded.  we'll move   further up the ladder  until  , Me , Mik  and Heather hit you... heather will throw  some passes  to you and  I'll  hit  you when you catch it. Unless you runaway from  me  and score!..  he chuckled.

 The Sims   spoke, Adam jerked a bit in surprise.... Listen to him... I know you're   cramming. But he had to  Help teach a whole team of Japanese players  what its like to
 be hit, and to hit people. We  won the Industrial League title, which is   as close to  Pro football as they have there.

Adam  looked sheepishly at Sims who whacked his back and went back to the coaches  breakfast meeting.

 he shook his head as he said no one thought to  say 'Hi Coach"  so i knew he was there?

Harley knew how to take direction and that involved keeping her mouth shut and her ears open. The only thing that pulled her attention away from Adam's explanation was the approach of Coach Sims. Her eyes did flick up, but his raised finger put them back on Adam. After the amusing moment of Adam getting startled, she took the opportunity for a question.

"You said I could choose what pads to use. Does the equipment have to all be regulation. I mean, can I add my own protection to the usual. I have a body shell that I wear for impacts on hard surfaces. It's expensive, but it's designed to let me move and take a hit. I'm not scared, but I'd be an idiot if I didn't recognize that I'm three inches shorter and 35lbs lighter than even Heather."

  That Body shell, you'll need to see if you can  run catch   and  secure the   ball with out it  squirting out.. They  have Flack jackets to wear  under your   unifrom, but it  makes  protecting the  ball harder, and?... defense folks see a  Flak jacket. they hit you all the harder. couple weeks  ago when I Broke  My Rins  because of Hall.I..

 GODDAMMIT BRONK! tracy got up from the next  table.

  Adam looked around the table  and said,From when i was 12 years old, until a graduated  College, I Thgought  my First name  was 'Goddammit'

 You Lied to me..You said it was bruised..goddamit  i should have  made you get film!

 Did I sau broken..I misspoke,, Obviously  it wasn't  Broke.. who can  play  with a  broken  rib..right?

 about 10 guys in  the league, every  year do it, because they are dumbasses... next time you're getting  Film!  she  stormed off...

 he watched her  go, looked at the people  at the table...So...Like  i was  saying..when a  BRUSIED..my rib, tracy fashioned  a shield out of a Shoulder  pad shell.., it  helped  a bit..but the  shock is  what hurts , not the  damage itself. Oain can be ignored  if you  concentrate enough.. injury..that's  different. The saying in football is.
 You can play hurt, you can't play injured .

 anyway... get the Shell.. and try it out, if you have it at Home,  see  hole it  feels  catching the ball with  heather.. if you like it, wear it to practice   saturday, it will be a walk through, but  i get  have you running routes  and such ..Fumbling..Fumbling gets  all stars  benched, and rookies  cut?.. 5 points of contact, like i showed you yesterday, and  when you know you're going to get hit.  use the  other  arm to  cover the ball and  take the  Blow on your  pads. which...we'll show you out there .

 he finished his  second doughnut  and  frowned , they still had  25 minutes  before  meeting time.not used to being here  this  early.. I'm getting  another  coffee and doughnut. Anyone want anything?

------>>>>>> From Townhouses

 Heather came in with Harley, Heather listened and let Adam take over, Heather sat and ate her breakfast. When Coach came over she smiled when it was over and just smiled at Adam," Harley worked hard, she will be ready, yeah I dont think you will have a problem you have been hit before. Jacking someone up though feels awesome Harley, it is such a rush, but do it legally."

"I've already got it with me in my bag." Harley said triumphantly. "I come prepared. Plus, I like my ribs,"

She gave Heather a wicked grin. "Yeah, usually use my fists and feet, but we'll see if I can turn my 140lbs into a missile."

 Sims and the Coaches  soon ,came out of the VIP) area,  Fry and Hebner had  a cou0le donut boxes  each.

    See you in the Meetign room, about 10 minutes... Sims said  as the passed

  Players started to get u0p to grab fresh coffees  or  addition  donuts.and, It begins...your   first day of school...don't let the Bulies  bother you too much.. he aid  as he packed up his   gear.

 A Voice behind Harley said,  well, she bloody pout up with you all day  yesterday.. she should be used  to it! he grinned  at Ben, Harley and heather.


Adam stood  with his  back  pack

From Lindsey's Apartment

Lindsey entered the Den just before 6:00 and looked around. She didn't see Wade yet, but Adam was holding court with Harley, Heather, Mik and Ben. She swung by, but didn't want to interrupt.

"Hey good morning. I heard I missed quite a practice. I look forward to seeing how you do." She gave Adam his hip bump, then went grabbed a coffee and a muffin and sat down to see if Wade showed up Early.

Ben rose when Heather and Harley arrived. He smiled at them, it turned into a grin at Harley's comments about giants.

"One thing you should know, Harley. Off the field, you are a lady. On the field you are a football player like everyone else. No special treatment."

He then sat quietly and listened to Adam.

  (semi-flex)

 Adam  smiles a bit and  leaned into the hip bump.she did  well, she leveled up.  , we'll be  on the filed a little   earlier  today, to get her  another  20-30 minutes of  field time. I guess you saw the film that Bob took, I heard  Jenny's report  on the way in, on the repeat.

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

Wade came in  he looked around  as players  were milling around  and the Coaches were  beginning their  '2 minute warning walk" to the meeting hall.  wade was approaching  Adam's Table   as  Adam rose and pointed to the front of the  Den where Lindsey was getting    Coffee.There was a grin and a Nod, as Wade  hustled off  to  meet her.

 Hey!..I was late...Bing left and didn't even wake me, he normal comes down to the  Big Kitchen and  wakes up up swearing at the coffee pot.

he pointed to the  Coffee and gave the  and  grabbed a donut, holding it up. The woman smiled  and nodded, putting everything on Wade's tab.

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

as Adam  walked witht he group from his Table, Jenny came in, trying to  carry her tabletbagand Mic.

 Adam stoped  and  held out his hand , Jenny looked embarrassed as she  sorted herself out.Don't know how you made it all the way to the Den, with out losing anything...

she frowned,who said i didn't lose  anything, my coffee and a donut , from Might Mart is laying on the track, one of the grounds  crew is cleaning it up.

 Go get another  Coffee and Donut.. I'll take your stuff and Put it by the door..next time? Use a back pack, you can carry more stuff, and look more professional, then Juggling thing , like an Unpainted mime'

she  got embarrassed some more  and gave a weak smile to everyone

Players ect to Meetings>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Complex ---->>

Bronko got some scrambled eggs, bacon and toast with orange juice.  He didn't have any idea what was happening, as was normal for him.  Not that he didn't care, but he was just not a busy body.

After eating, he made his way to the meetings.

---->> Meetings

Ben ensured the table was cleared down properly and headed off to meetings.

In reply to Den (msg # 129):

"Good morning." Lindsey brightened at seeing Wade approach. "Better late than get chewed out by Sims for not showing up at all. Thanks for breakfast. There's not much time before the meetings though, and you can't exactly play hooky." She patted his shoulder, taking a moment to feel his muscles.

"Let's go to the meeting and I'll see you at practice. I'm interested to see how Harley does. And I'm interested to see how you guys play against someone so tiny."

To Meetings.

<<<<<<<<< adam, Mik, Heather and Harley from meetings.

   Adam  said to them as they entered,Eat something that will keep you going.   you can eat better    after  practice  and  at The Son  later on.. every  minute  we  save here, is  another Minute on the field...and Harley?  this  is where   the ankle tape is a must.  when  folks  are Hitting you  and bringing you down

 he Got a bowel of  pasta  and a couple  rolls, along with a Large  Shake.  Mik got t wo burgers  and  fries and a soda.

From meetings

"Holy shit." Harley said as they entered the Den "I know that all that's important, but that's a lot of time sitting on your ass. You do that every day? I can't believe you you'd have enough to talk about every day."

She went to the food line and got some chicken, vegetables, and potatoes, then followed everyone to the table

Because Adam said if they ate quickly, they could get out to the field sooner, Harley didn't say much. She focused on eating so she could get to the field

  Mik  chuckles,Just like goin' ta  school... ain;'t that right?

  Adam  had a fork full of  pasta  and waited  tom  swallow it.alot of teams  put in 30-40 plays in a week.. they talk  about the different ones,  work though   the plays.. we  might  put one or two new plays in a week, the rest? we  tweak what  we have, for those   we play against. We  know  our plays    and so the  tweaks  come easier.. we have  maybe ..20  core plays, the  rest  are tweaked   into  combos  and  shifting people over to  make the defense show  what coverage  they are using.

 you'll get more of that tomorrow along with the walk through.. Sunday?
 we play 4:30... we'll need to be in the Building  by1:00.. get taped   we'll watch
 games  from the  Meeting rooms, coaches  will go over  stuff,  we'll eat  in teh netettign rooms// then we go out  on the  filed   for pregame   3:30.... kickoff is  at 4:30

"So, you guys are going out early?" Lindsey appeared at the table. She had been in her usual spot working on her columns with Jenny.

"Do you mind if we come out and watch? The regular NFL talking heads are going to have a field day with this. Be prepared, Harley. You can look for mocking headlines. Dragons taunt NFL by playing actress. Or, Move over Bomb, Dragons sign smallest football player ever. They'll be clever, but not complimentary. The fans will be skeptical too. Showing them more will make them feel better about giving the doubters the finger."

   Adam Looked up,oh..yeah?  I talked to coach, about letting  us get some extra  field time... gets some hits in and ball security...

 yeah, have  that  Jill gilr  out here, you bet!.. I think Mins  by  be out there with her  now. Coach told her   not to bother  anyone until after they eat..least ways,
 Mins  said that.

"Okay, we'll see you out there then. This should be gold."

To Mik, Lindsey responded "Oh yeah. Jill." Her eyes rolled. "She's a bit over the top, but it would be good for her to cover it too."

"Jenny and I'll head out there. See you guys soon"

To Bob: Head out to the field. There will be early practice for Harley

Jenny and Lindsey to Practices

----->>>>>> From Meetings

 Heather came into the Den and got pasta, with shrimp om an Alfredo sauce and a salad. She took a seat with the others and listened and she ate, so they could get on the field and work with Harley and get her game ready.

 As  the  others left, Adam Finished. his  food,  and would  gather   things the others  where finished with  and take them to the proper counters

 When he came  back, he said to the  other three.Tine to get  ankles  taped , Heather will help  Harley  with the pads  locations and such... I'll be   waiting on the Field  with Mik... Harley?  don don't    tuck your jersey  in , i have some   adjustments   to make once i see you on the field..then we'll start..right?.. it will be a bit  of a challeneg. but if you stay focused, it will be fun

>>>>>>>>>> to locker  rooms.

It was finally time. Harley gathered her things and followed Heather to the locker room.

to Locker room

Sitting by the window, Bronko watches the action out on the field.

Ben came in after the meetings. Funny, he was starving again after a morning of sitting around.

He got himself a burger with cheese and bacon, with slaw and fries on the side, then found a window seat and ate looking out over the field at Harly, Adam, and the others.

After practice

Ben turned up, hair still damp, to find his beloved sipping a coffee. He got one for himself and sat down beside her.

"Hello beautiful" he said, stealing a quick kiss.

"Hope I didn't keep you waiting. How has your day been?"

 she  smiled, returning the kiss...This week  has  been good thus far. Signing papers
 and  making  sure  things  are  Covered with Various  partnerships  with Mr Cross. He stands
 to be one of the  top  10 Richest men in the world, if all this  works out. Our  Family will fare well. and Our children and grandchildren  will want for nothing..Do we got to your
 place   for you to get ready, or are you going  as you are.. I am changing  to jeans, whether we  go to your   Townhouse, or  our  home..

 However? the jeans  do not  need to go one  right away?  yes? her eyes  smiled over the rim of her  coffee mug

"You spoil me, beloved."

Ben smiled.

"But i need to visit the townhouse to pick up clothes... after the game I'll probably transport the lot to our new home, but some clean shirts and underwear would be useful, wherever we sleep tonight."

  LU-Ti   agrees,As you wish,, as long  as we are not Late, they always  wait for you and I to lead the Stomp!

she finished her  coffee  and picked up her briefcase. after tossing her  cup not the trash

"Right. Where do you want to sleep tonight?"

Ben cleared away the coffee cups and held the door for Lu-Ti to leave the building.

-> Townhouses

Complex ---->>

Bronko came into the den and got a hearty breakfast, eggs, bacon, toast and juice.  He grabbed a spot next to the windows facing out.  He seemed at peace today.

Ben came in and got coffee and a Danish.

"Good morning, Brontislau. How are you today?"

------->>>>>>> From Complex

 Heather walked into the Den, she was smiling ear to ear she couldn't hide the fact she had a great evening with Megan she was glowing. She got a hot black coffee and a bowl of fruit and walked over to Ben and Bronko.

 " Good morning Ben, Good morning Bronko. Bronko how is my mom she texted me yesterday said she pulled a muscle and wouldn't be at the Pep Rally?"

"Morning, Heather. You are looking good today."

Ben sat sipping his coffee. He was unaware that he had the same happy and contented look that Heather had!

<<<<< Adam from Complex

 Adam, Mik and   Mindy  entered. Adam waved to any who noticed.. Midy sat  near   ben and the other, Mik and  Adam went to get donuts  and coffee.

 when they  returned to the Table, Adam opened his Lap top and started  to study the    Special teams

 Miks  and Mindy sat and Looked  around...Mik said , aloud.. am'  'ere we are  Mates!..what srted in May has   us   one day away from the AFC Title.. who'd a Thunk it!

Adam  Raised  as  silent  hand  as his eyes   studied the screen..

"One always has dreams... when I first came here I wrote down three ambitions. To become a starter. To reach ths Superbowl. And to have a succeful career and find someone to settle down with. I think I've made a good stab at all three..."

He sipped his coffee.

"But most important I've found some good friends, a family even, amongst you lot."

 Adam Looked   Up over the edge of his screen,sometimes, the  tightest family bonds, aren't forged in blood.

 He  made a note  of  something on the screen.

 Mik asked..so? me an' you return the first half again?

Adam n9odded  by moving back and forth in his chair.Yep... don't want  any chance of  something big to hapen for the jets   ,e arly in the game., and?  we  increase our chances for something   big to happen.

From Complex

When Lindsey and Wade walked into the Den, it was already full. "It looks like the gang's all here." She scanned the room. "Cpme on, let's go say hi."

Walking over to Adam, Mik, Mindy and Ben, Adam got his hip bump. Mik and Ben got their high fives, Min got a hug. "Hey guys. Good morning. How's my team today?"

 Adam shouldered into the Hip, lightly.  Big Day, right? AFC title   game   just  one  sunrise   and change away.

 Mik  shook his head.don't know  why we hafta  play the 2nd game...

 we're the Big Dogs..who ever  wins the first game is goignto be watching out   game   and taking notes...we  already beat the Eagles... Saints  will  pick up whatever  clues they can get.

 Mins   gave   Lindsey a few eyebrow  raise s as  Wade,  oblivious   munche don his donut.

Harley came in with the Cruz and Crunch. "I already ate, but I'm going to get a bagel and coffee. You guys want anything?" She looked around. "I guess I don't know the routine here yet."

 Heather smiled at Ben and replied," Thank you Ben, I am ready for the game thats for sure."

 Heather took a seat and ate and then everyone started coming in, Heather got up and gave Lindsey a big hug," Morning Lindsey, is it game time yet?"

 Then Harley showed up and Heather smiled, looks like she had a good time last night as well. " Hi Harley, hope you had as much fun as I did last night. Ok after practice we head to the Townhouses and we do some last-minute work on snap count, routes, signals. It wont be as long as the first night, also Megan is coming over to kelp as well. Is that good for you Harley?"

 Heather did have that I just had amazing sex glow to her.

 Adam gave   Harley and  the  Backers, a grin,Hey Harley...Tex  and Mex..  you guys look  ready to practice... Harley,  most folks  come here, grab a  drink and a  donut..maybe a breakfast if they didn't hve one at home?... There will be, as you saw before. Donuts  at the first   Meeting...

he  sips his coffee  as he marks something in his notebooks.we'll have meetings  tomrrow, but they will be hectic   we have a  4:30  kickoff, so he'll what  us  here  at  1:00. We'll  have those  shorter meeting, get taped  and have   lunch in the locker
 room around2:30 or so.. then we'll get , mostly dressed  for  Pregame... and come in to get padded up  and ready for the Kickoff...

 He  Holds up a finger,Don't get Upset  if  Sims picks on you in the meetings..he'll be checking   to see how much you have digested  so far. It will go a long way  to determining  your  reps  you get in the game. But?  With heather You Helping crack the Books, you should be good.

"Morning, Harley," Ben gave her a welcoming grin.

He finished his coffee and went to get another to take into the meetings with him.

In reply to Den (msg # 158):
In reply to Heather Montomery (msg # 160):

Heather got a huge tight hug. "Good morning, Heather." She sang to her. "Almost there, right?" She assumed Heather was talking about the football game tomorrow.

Lindsey gave Mindy a bit of a smirk and returned her eyebrow pops. "Wanna hit the gym after the meeting?"

When Harley arrived, Lindsey gave her a smile, eyeing the fact that she came in with her dance partners. In her head she tried to guess at the odds they just happened to arrive at the same time. "Hi Harley. How are you adjusting to all this?"

Harley gave Heather a sly smirk in response to her reference to the previous night. "Last night was awesome. I had great dance partners. Very attentive. The extra homework sounds great, Heather. The more practice the better."

"Good morning, Ben." She smiled, glad to be included by the legendary receiver. She stepped out of the way to let him by. Lindsey's greeting sounded a more double sided, but she wasn't sure if her fellow actress was jabbing or jabbing.

"I'm doing great. Heather is tutoring me and the guys are doing a good a good job breaking me in. I can't wait to get drilled some more." She looked at Adam. "Although, the idea of having Coach Sims hit me with a pop quiz is kind of nerve wracking."

Mindy   Nodded to Lindsey...I have to be   in the stands  though,   right after  Lunch.  Jill    and  the NFL guys  have a  Booth set up on   the Home   50 yardline, I think  she's going to  get  players  to  come over  and Talk..  she looked at Adam.

Mik  Elbowed  Adam.what? yeah, yeah..no big deal. he  shrugged  as he  ate the last of his donut.She's  Just a   suprerfan who happens  to work for the network. By May  she'll have a New  Crush.

yeah? Well, she never talked  about  a  single  player   like she  does you.. That Bills  guy Gushed  about Bills all the Time..

 Adam   begins to pack his stuff up.and you hit the Nail on the Head.. Right?  Jill is a New York  Chick. But  East  New york.. she a  Jets follower, and a Dragon Fan,   Slapping  him in the face with the dragons who  ...just happened to have..Me and   Payne  and a couple others, she gets to  shut him up after  years  of  Bills  talk.

 Mindy  frowned....I Like her...she's fun.. I just don't trust her  around you...

 no one  trusts  any one  around him... he chuckles.

Adam Rolls His  eyes...I'm getting another Coffee , then headed down...

after  Adam reached  the Counter...Bomb left  his  car   at the Dorms   fer   Sage  ta  use... he walked over!

 Sal shrugged...walking is good for you...

Cruz  looked at Sal and  shook his head, then  said  to Mik..alot of trust there. eh

Adam to  Meetings >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Lindsey just rolled her eyes at the whole conversation about Jill. The NFL reporter was just another bimbo who couldn't contain herself. Adam's denial was interesting, though. She didn't understand why him leaving his car for Sage was surprising to anyone.

Bronko ate alone, as usual.  He then made his way to the meeting room.

---->> Meetings.

 Heather finished up and headed to the morning meetings with Harley.

---->>>>> To Meetings

Ben headed off to the meeting rooms, coffee in hand.

Meetings ---->>

Bronko came into the den and got a light meal of some toasted sandwiches and salad along with some iced tea.  He took a seat by the window.

   Mik and Stalls sat  down  by  Adam.well? Whatcha  Think , hoser... How much  they Gonna use her.

 Adam shrugged,she'll get on the field, they'll be watching her  to day and  at pregame tomorrow... She'll be on the  kick off, you heard  Sims... 3  woman on the
 field at once..that's gonna happen. And  she get in the rotation when i go in for the Wildcat package..so.. she could get alot, she got  get some..but she'll be out there...

 As  soon as your  Done. we'll go get taped , get a few extra  minute son the field  with her.

-------->>>>>>> From meetings

 Heather got in line grabbed a chef salad minus the ham, extra egg and turkey.  She took a seat and ate calmly not rushing but being efficient with her time.

  Adam tapped out a   quick   Text. then got up, clearign away his    stuff  and headed down  to the  locker  room. he waved to  Harley  and pointed     foe when she was ready..

Adam Locker Room.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

After the meetings, Harley followed Adam, Mik and Heather to the Den. She grabbed a sandwich with a small salad and some tea. As with the last couple days, she expected to work hard so she didn't want to weigh herself down with food. Coming out of the line, she found Heather at a table and joined her.

"Hey roomie. How are you doing?" Though she wanted to eat reasonably, it didn't stop her from devouring her meal. "Are ya ready for another rough and tumble day?"

After eating, she waited for Heather to finish. Heather ate more slowly. "Sorry I didn't make it back last night. I was in no condition to do homework anyway. I saw you heading though, this morning."

It looked like Adam was indicating for her get taped. "Looks like it's showtime for us."

To Lockerrooms

 Heather smiled at Harley and replied," We are doing great, it is ruffage day for me. Hell yes always ready to kick some ass." Heather giggled and finished her salad in good pace just not gobbled down wat too fast.

 Heather smiled and replied," No problem Megan spent the night and it was amazing."

 Heather finished up just as Adam motioned for them to go get tapped. " Ok Harley, just relax have fun, learn, pay attention and kick some ass, got it girl." Heather went with Harley to the woman's locker-room to get ready.

----->>>>>>>> To Locker room

Ben came in and looked over the food on offer, and soon was settled with fried chicken, fries, and slaw. That soon disappeared, he cleared his table and went to the locker rooms to get ready for practice.

Bronko finished his meal and went to the locker rooms.

---->> Locker room

Ben came in, got himself a coffee and settled down to wait for his beloved. He preferred to wait down here so as not to crowd her or make her feel she had to rush whatever she was doing.

  Lu-Ti  came in, smiling, but  tired Sucj Brutal changes. Father  is  using his  new  sword to  cut  out  people who have...'other interests'... the peole  who are joining  the administration of the league now..care only for the league , that  will be a good thing.

Ben sprang up as his beloved arrived, glad to see her smiling. He opened his arms wide to embrace her.

"That's good, darling. Having the league run properly by people who actually care about footall is the way to go."

He hugged her and kissed the top of her head.

"What do you want to do tonight?"

  Lu-Ti   tapped her    lips  with a  finger as she tilted her  head to  look coyly up at himI think  we   go to Big King Burgers.  get  food, take  to our home.. eat and then  spend the night in bed, ..... You....need your  rest after all!

Ben grinned.

"But will I get it? OK, home via Big King takeout... and maybe a market. There's something I am itching to try out."

Ben led the way out of the Den, holding the door for Lu-Ti.

(( Game Day  AFC title  game  Vs  Jets, first season ))

 Fans were  already filling  The Den, hoping to catch a glimpse of  Dragoons or  some personalities.  No one was permitted in the VIP  area, though afew 'well heeled ; types were turned away   by the   Security guards.

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

 Inside the  VIP area . Jill  sipped  some Coffee  Talking to Gold. Her  Band  was still doing  Mic  checks.

  Mindy was talking  with  Bob about NJN  cameras  and the    Dragon studio  cams   they had. Jenny was  talking with Echo  Bill on  the sound   sections  and   the Mics   she and Lindsey would be using

Lindsey had to wade through a few fans, but she eventually made it into the VIP area. The only people in there were the journos, except for Gold, who was chatting with Jill.

"Hey Mindy, what's up? Calving said your were looking for me? I was just out in the parking lot tailgating. With some fans. I was headed to the gym, but they enticed me with grilled Italian sausage and cold beer. It was so good."

"Anyway, I'm here now. No one told me about a briefing." She looked at Bob. "Hey, so I have word that there are some big bounties out on Duke, Ben and Adam. I get that's it's BAU, but I want every available camera  Focused on the Jets defensive backs and linebackers. Havers has been identified as having a resentment grudge, but if they are going out to deliberately injure anyone, I want it on film so I can bury them for it. Other than the big stars, keep a close eye on Heather and Harley, and maybe Smokey. I also heard that there may be a reward for knocking any Dragons out of the game so they may come down extra hard on the ladies."

"I have to meet Sonny Smith and tell him what I know. Which reminds me..." She took out her phone

To Sonny Smith: Hi Sonny, it's Lindsey. I'm at the stadium. You said you wanted to meet ahead of the game. Now is a good time.

 Mindy  giggled I saw your car.. i thought you were kidnapped. Glad you had  fun!

   Sonny Text   back.:: I'm in the Oners Box.. there   isn't any one here  But    The onwers,  come up if you are able.::

Bob shakes  his head..That's  crazy.. well  I don't know  about the others. But if  they  try to take out Adam, then better  finish him   with the first shot//he' be a tad  miffed  if they  do that...and  he'll..um..wish to return the gesture.

Kidnapped? The idea of it sounded a bit extreme, but given the conspiracy she thought might be brewing, it really wasn't a stretch. "Yeah, I guess with everything I heard and saw last night, that's not that as crazy as it sounds." She of all people should accept that there are monsters out there that would do almost anything to get what they want. That was why when Bob gushed about how Adam would get even, she felt a spike of ire.

"That's not helpful, Bob. What will be helpful is if we can document proof of targeting and catching intent to harm on film. Getting even after our players are sent to the blue tent is not a consolation. Catching the perpetrators and seeing them properly punished is. Sending a message that this kind of bullshit has consequences would be more enduring justice than the same old eye for an eye. Be on the lookout for that. We're journalists, so let's go after the truth."

She looked at her phone.

"Okay, I have to go talk to Sonny Smith. Bob, tell your guys." She went to the door. "Okay, guys, I'll keep you updated."

Lindsey to Owner's Box

(( Monday after  AFC Title game))

<<<<<<<<<<<  Adam  and friends  from  Locker room.

  it was a wee bit passed noon. CiCi and  Barley were on  the ;inside  wall of the  Den., they Noted  the  Dragons  entering. Mik Pointed to  barely  as the dragons  went to the  window  side that that faced the field.

  Hey Mate!..Ya  owe  me a Coffee!  he  grinned  Barley  gave a hard  smile  and followed them  to the   counter. Inside the  Den, 11 or  so workers  were taking their Lunch break.

 Adam ordered seashells  with  a pale red sauce on, a small salad, two rolls  and  a tall soda,.. he  paid  for  the food, sticking  10 Dolars i8n the tip jar. he had  2 packets  of  French dressing.

  Mik  smiled   , he got a club sandwich,a bowl of chicken soup adn  his 'free' coffee.  The Canak made Barely  pay for the coffee separately.

  Can't  believe  you'd  make me buy you a coffee....  you make more in a day, then i make in a week!

 Mik did not let up. Naw, Mate, Ya  gotta understand your  actions, yah?   That wasn't a bet fer me, it was a sure thing. But if you would have  won I would have  paid  for your  food here? or  gave you what you and the Lady  wanted, to eat elsewhere.

 he  shrugged  as he got his  tray  and   turned to walk back to the  table they picked out.I'd  Bet you on the superbowl as well..But we  ain't supposed to do that...and..that would be flat out stealing.  Barley  Bummed into  Adam as he turned to  go back to CiCi. The wideout glared  at Barley..You're  damn lucky  none of this food hit the ground, because  the  staff would be using   mops   to clean it..and you..up.

 The  Man  snorted  and went back to his   boss... Adam saw  down at the Table.

  when the   sat  down, Lu-Ti entered from the doors that lead  to the VIP  dinning area. she  was talking on he r  phone  as grew near  they last snippet was heard...I...Do not care...Father...does not care... My Brother...does not care... we..had the foresight   to book the  buildings  In early September... If..both Buildings  are not available to us next Wednesday, i will bring a mountain of suits  down on you,and we will own those  buildings... the next message   i get  from you should be  " yes Miss  Amota,  the buildings  are yours.'...she  snapped the   phone off,  she pointed  to the  soups  and  soda. one of the workers  smiled and Nodded, as she took a seat

  as soon as she  sat down, she had a smile  giving Ben a  peck on the cheek.so?  You all  gathered  to get work in?

  Me and Mik  planned on coming over. I had  my..um...mail to get.   we decided to get some running and catching  in..Ben Joined us, as  Did  Wade.

Lu-Ti smiled at   Wade.It is good to see you. I have seen you at the parties, but  we do not get to speak often...  I hope  You are doing well  and  are getting  inline for the  game!

"Hello, beloved," said Ben returning the kiss.

"Never did get a swim, this lot lured me away to throw balls around. How is your day so far? And what do you want for lunch?"

  Lu-Ti bent her   wrist to point at the approaching  waitress. Golden Mushroom soup and  some rolls  to go with a tea.

  The woman placed the  bowl and saucer  down and Bowed to Lu-Ti  with a bright smile  as she went back  to clearing tables.

  Lu-Ti  broke a bit of the roll off to  dunk it in the  bowel and  pop it in her mouth.,Yuto saw how hard it was  to Get  places for the team outside of the  'host  Team's Offerings".. so  he  Booked the best/closest hotels to the   stadiums... he also  purchased blacks of away game tickets for the Dragonettes  to sit together... it is, MOST  distracting. We love it!... out places  in Miami were booked and Paid for.. the  two sites involved  are crying , because   they could make, 5 or 10  times the money , buy gouging  those  who want to go  down to the Game late... Yuto  gambled, had we not made it to the super bowl  he would have sold out  interests there to 'friends of the Dragons" and we would have made much money. But? we are in the  Superbowl.. and if the two Hotels try to renege , there  will be a firestorm of lawsuits.

  one does not  force  intercourse  upon the dragons.

 Adam  coughed... he  had  to recover the  fact he almost  choked on a seashell.what ..the heck was that?

 Lu-t picked up her spok  as her   head titled back  and  forth , with a slight smile,It is not Lady like for  me to say the  colloquial   words...in public  at least...

 Adam dabbed his  lips , then went back to eating.yeah?  I would have never been  a good Japanese...

 This  is  true,,,and you are very unlady like!

  Adam sits  back and sips on his soda   for a moment.

Wade usually only came into the Den with the team. It was a different experience going in on an off day. he spotted the two Saints reporters at the same time as Mik pointed them out. He couldn't think of a reason to care, so he went on get some beef and gravy with mashed potatoes and a chunk of chocolate cake. All he wanted to drink was water, but he bought three bottles.

On the way to the table, there was an amusing altercation between Adam and the Saints camera guy. It seemed a bit unnecessary, but the Cajun guy was a dick. He couldn't muster any sympathy for him.

Soon after, the Amotas came in, as they often did, but with so few players in the room, they seemed to take up a lot more space. Ben was dating Lu-Ti, and Adam had a special relationship with the family. It showed in their interactions, and it made it feel like there was an "in crowd". Wade didn't care, really, but the Amotas were the bosses, and it did feel like there was suddenly a wall between him and the guys he was just sweating with. It was nice though when Lu-Ti broke the ice.

"Hi, Miss Amota. Nice to see you too." Always. She was absolutely gorgeous. And off limits. She was with Ben and he was just starting something with Lindsey. Add to that she was an owner. But still, it was hard not to appreciate her beauty. "Well, I'm getting there. I might need another day to wrap my head around that I'm even going to the Superbowl. When I started, I was just glad to be in the NFL. Now... It's way more than I ever expected. My my head and my body will be right for it come kick off."

"It sounded like the hotels were giving you some trouble. That seems rather short-sighted to me, but I don't run a hotel. Sounded like you have it under control though."

Wade chuckled at how Lu-Ti avoided foul language, but the way she phrased it might have made it sound worse than if she would have just said 'hosed' or 'screwed'.

     Lu-Ti  gave a bit of a huff,It is greed, yes? Just because your city hosts the superbowl, does not mean  they  will sell all their  rooms,  Yuto  grabbed while he could, they  took the   Money, that they know they had, rather then what they might get.

she shrugged,Miami and Tampa Bay do not Like us. we are stealing  all the thunder  in Florida. we  beat Tampa Bay in preseason, we beat Miami  in the regular season... in their house..s o..they do not love us... but there is a better chance of  all the   hotels  selling out  , with Us being there....Yuto was smart... what is even better?.. Yuto has   hotels booked   for next season. the  closing starts  , when the schedule is released.
 here  eyes  dart Back and forth , looking at Adam , wade  and Mik..people think   New Jack is a big deal now?... what they do not grasp yet..is , we have the Olympics  this  year.... We are in the su0erbowl,  this  year..ending  the season.... and ending  next seasons,  The Lair  will host the Superbowl!!  Imagine, We win this  superbowl? and  if  we defend it , in our won building, next year!!

   Adam held up a  hand,whoa, there Sis.... we have to win this  superbowl first..Then we  can worry about  if we can 'defend  the title'.
 I'm not  superstitious  about that..but we have to be  mean and Hungry for this  game, and  we can start to worry about  next year, in May

Hoser's right...Its like  rolling  dice in craps? on bounce the  wrong way, and you ain't winning..

Sis? Wade raised his eyebrows at that. It was surprising for its familiarity, but he knew that Adam was very close to the Amota family. Still, it was jarring to hear in this setting. Lu-Ti didn't seem to mind it, which was interesting in itself. She always seemed so business like to him. It was kinda cool to see her as just a person.

   Luti was almost finished  with he  soup, her  Phone  rang, and  she looked.. the  eyebrows  furrowed..hello? This is Miss  Amota., she opened the speaker  so she could  finish her lunch.

 Miss Amota  This is  Dee Nicks of the Saintsations... I have  to  ask younthis, so it  doesn't  prove to be a very Big Joke?... But
 the  PR guy from the front offcie said,  Mr  Yuto is paying for us to fly out on wednesday next? so we can be at the   Stadium  for the Mig media day?... and..we have a Hotel?...and...and..spending Money?

 Yes? It is something   Yuto and I started  when we were Not permitted  to bring our Ladies to cheer  in the Giants  game...Yuto  bought up seats, there after so  outr girls could  cheer   from the stands  ,,,.. You will have a Plane  from Amotal Lines  pick you up and  take you to Miami..you will have a  bus to take you to your  hotel which is aboit  1 mile  from the Building...

 and the Money?.. 1500 doollars   spending money?

 How much money do you grils make...

 100 dollars  a game....

 our  girls get 1000 dollarsa  week for practice..they  share thelcoker  room wih ladies players.. they use  our  Builing, Gym, pool..all of that, and  they get a 'game check; like the players 500 dollars for   home games   800 for away games... when they do endorsements, they keep they money they earn, the  club does  not  take a Penny...so... If  we can help out  out  fellow  cheerleaders, we  do it...

  Oh my god...Thank You Miss Amota.. I look forward to meeting you next week...
she hung up.. Lu-Ti  smiled...

 No only  will those ladies have a good time... I have a good feeling that some of them will be cheering foe us. I Must go.... she  stood  and gave Ben a Kiss... Mik..Wade? do not let Adam beat  anyone up today!...

 Adam    waggled his fork at her...she giggles  and  went  abck towards the VIP  section to Go out  into the  mezzanine  to the offices.

 who stopped you from beatin' people up whn you was in college?

Adam was finishing his  food,No one..That'swhy they liked me.. Took care of  Yuto,, got him to the point  where he  would hit back...Lu-Ti was  worse then me..and she was trained.. Senior  year was nice and quiet..no one dared shake  down Yuto for money..in fact..in my building, no one dared shake down anyone.. it was amazing how much better the  campus was..

 You every lose  fights  in the streets.. that place  you showed us..that was a wee bit scary...

 Lots  of times.. But the guy who one  never got to celebrate... he chuckles,if it wasn't to bad , i would go home and fix myself up... The lady upstairs, would know when i was home  and bring me  down some food  'she made too much of"..and a Bottle  of  ibuprofen. If  i got  fucked up by a knife or a  nail board..Glass..whatever.. Lou's  Mom  would  sew us  up, and  tell us what dumbasses we
 were...but we always did  good..you know? It wasn't for Money, or Turf..it was  when folks were beating up or stealing from weaker folks.  and he   held  up a finger...snf  disrepect...  I didn';t take that when i was 12 years old..won't take it now.

 he  gathers up  his   bowel and stuff as well as Lu-Ti's ,wade... you still want to  do the Film thing..  I'll be going home now?

 Bleedin' Monday after the  game, and yer  gonna  watch the  Saints   films...

 yeah? Until I see what Sage  wants to do..may as well be  constructive..

"Hell yes, let's do it." It was just a whim when he thought of it, but the idea of it sounded better and better the more he thought about it.

Wade stood and cleaned up his mess. "We might have to order a pizza in a couple hours though."

  Adam nods...That's why the  gods made  phone, to bring   the Ambrosia  to us all

  Mik, was ready....I'm ready Hoser..

the group  headed to the lower  door that lead to the  tunnels and ramp way.Hey Mate..Thnaks  fer the Coffee... Free coffee always tastes  good

 Barley frowned  . CiCi  stared  daggers at Mik..

 everyone who wants to town Houses>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Wade laughed at the reporters "Mik. Making friends wherever he goes"

To Townhouses

Ben sat eating a hamburger and fries, listening to the conversation.

He returned Lu-Ti's kiss as she left.

"See you later, beloved. Any idea when you'll get off tonight?"

So, what to do now? Maybe continue exploring the area around their new home. He wanted to find some activities... maybe take up golf, learn to sail a boat (no point in letting the jetty go to waste!), something like that. And find a good supplier of quality meat for a cookout.

From Complex

Though Lindsey was anxious to get to Lu-Ti, it was still early and she was super curious what this Cici chick was up to. If the Bayou Queen wasn't there, she would just grab some coffee and head up to the offices. If she was, then she'd get to see what was up with her. Passing through the doors of the Den, Lindsey stopped and scanned the room for the New Orleans duo.

  and there they were.  a decent looking Black woman  with Black and Gold Braids coiled  up her  head like a beehive,  Big dangling  Gold  discs,   three or possibly  4 gold  chains.

 her    Black top  and  Black  jeans  with  4 inch Gold heels.... next to her was a man with a  crew  cut.. Tatoos on his neck., shoulders  like Wade.. waist like...jabba  the hut..  T-shirt and  jena s with    Balck  sneakers.

  CiCi was berating a Japanese Girl, who had  waited  on her  and  Adam many many times..look? Honey..maybe ya'll don't know english real good?  But i wanted  baked    Cod...not   breaded.../Brown>

<Lavender>and i tell YOU..Maybe... Maybe  you do not understand..you do not speak it well!  We do not have   'baked' cod.. you want  that, got to the  mall  stroes./Lavender>

 CiCi...<Brown>you little  Tramp?  How dare you!

 The supervisor, a fellow who was also the chef  was   coming around the corner.

Lindsey could not believe what she was witnessing. This woman was outrageous in appearance and attitude. And poor Akiko was trying so hard to stay polite.  Jill was right. This woman was pure bitch. Lindsey narrowed her eyes and marched over.

"That's about enough of that." Lindsey stood between Akiko and Cici. "You must be Cici Brown. I'm going to remind you Ms.Brown, that you are a guest here. You don't get to dictate the menu or anything else. In fact, I don't know why your even here in this city, let alone this stadium. And if you don't temper your bullshit, I'll have you escorted out. And trust me, escorted is a nice way to put it." If Cici had any doubt that she meant it, it should have been clear from the tone of her voice that she wasn't bluffing.

"Akiko, it's fine." Lindsey glanced back at the server, then lifted her eyes to the manager. "If Ms. Brown wants to select from what's actually on the menu, she can get off her oversized butt and get it herself."

"Now, Ms.Brown. In case you didn't recognize me, I'm Lindsey Garret. I heard you were looking for me. What is it you want. And I suggest you convince me that you have a real purpose for being here."

Akiko   gave   Lindsey a slight  smile and slight bow... The   supervisor    stopped  and Nodded  to  Lindsey and walked with  Akiko  to the  service area.

 The Man looked at her ( he didn't  stand  like  most of the dragons would have) Cher?  you needs  to show respect to yer better, yes?..

CiCi looked at   Barley  an smiled.well.. seems like   i almost have the whole set?.. I met your   ignorant Ex on the field  while him and some others   were playing around...and  that Mik  fellow?  he's just as  bad. made a fool of a bet with barely..and Made him buy  him a coffee. 

she huffed a little at the menu,  barely was  still eating  as  Ci Ci slide her  breaded Cod  to  him..he smiles, some food   dropping from his mouth.

 as you , probably don't know, Sugar, is this is the Most important   sports  event in the  ENTIRE  world. Not that you would know , living in this..this...wasteland they call Jacksonville..what i want to do is  set Ground Rule..Our   players  have been in the playoffs  before..we won a super  bowl 2 years ago?  Anyway. we can't have your  little street Urchin and his  friends  making   a spectacle..This  is ..OUR  territory.  you....people... have no idea  how  to act   with the waves  of press that going to be coming at them.. I asked  to Talk to Yuto, he said the had  no time  for me... You and that...that..Mindy person?  she had a thing  with  Coach Sims... quite honestly, I don't see him having control over the likes  of Payne,  and that Cruz  fellow? and  the team raggamuffin and his  canuk  friend.. Now?  Our people..they deserve  to spout off.. the
 'YOUNGEST' player  we have  has  4 years in the league..your team has  dozens of  1 year wonders? I think you understand, that  our people have ...how shall we say 'seniority.. your  people should just ...smile and nod..and when the gaame is over   act  is someway like sportsman when they lose?

Lindsey completely ignored Barley like the sycophant ass-licker that he was. She certainly wasn't going to dignify his comment with a response. Instead she kept her eyes fixed on Cici as she explained about meeting Adam and Mik and some others.

"If your lackey had to buy the coffee, it wasn't Mik who was the fool." She didn't care to get into it, but it probably had something to do with Adam.

Barley looked like a hog shoveling down whatever food was put in front of him. Lindsey couldn't help but wrinkle her nose in distaste, which didn't relax as the Bayou Bitch continued to earn her title by laying out the 'ground rules'. Lindsey could hardly believe what she was hearing. Not only was it complete nonsense, but it was also just dripping in arrogance, entitlement and sanctimony. It was hard to fathom that this woman could believe her own bullshit, much less what she was saying about the Dragons.

"I'm having a really hard time believing," Lindsey put up her hands, closing her eyes as she forced herself to respond without going off. "that you bought a plane ticket and flew here to say.... all that. Do you realize how insane that sounds?" Lindsey shook her head.

"Okay, well here are my ground rules. Actually it's more of a warning. Obviously you haven't been watching the season, but we don't take kindly to disrespect. If you think the Superbowl is your territory, you're going to have to prove it on the field. But until then, we will go where we want, say what we want and do what we want. I will speak to anyone I choose and our players will too. But the more they fire off that disrespect, the worse it will be. we don't have to act any particular way but like ourselves. My street urchin and one-year wonders are going to demolish your team. And you'll be crying and whining like all the other beats who were so deluded to think that their team was somehow anointed when they barely finished the season with a winning record."

"But you've already wasted enough of my time. You can either leave now on your own or I'll have you thrown out for harassing the staff." She pulled out her phone. "You have ten seconds." Lindsey dialed security.

  why, Sugar? aren't you  a pip !. Looks  sweetie? Our Boys  are  the bad Boys of the   NFC...of the league. We have   beat people Up, Honey! Your People , attempting  to life up to your team name?.. Its  is a bit cute, But it ...  Run... finger snap he  twist...its course... Finger snap head  twist pursed lips.

 You  know  our    Middle Linebcker,  henry  Cstor?  Big old Gator  hunting boy  , home grown, Lsu   , All American, Rose Bowl MVP..all that good stuff... he   collects   Trophies.. Boy's got  Mouth   pieces, Bits of visors   and bits of uniforms  in his locker  of  po' folks who go into his territoy .. I think he has  6  goodies   tack up at home... He'll be looking  for  some more this  game.

  she waved  a limp hand   at Lindsey,No put that  cell down? You know you ain't  callig anyone?.. We can discuss  how you can rpaise   the Saints, and start making  excuses   why you  career Back up QB, and  his  rat  catching friend   are gonna have a hard time against the  'Holy Terror" saints defesne?

"Hi Eddie? It's Lindsey Garret." Lindsey looked directly into Cici's eyes. "I'm in the den. Cici Brown and her associate no longer have business here and they're harassing the staff. It's time for them to leave. Thank you." She turned on her voice recorder and crossed her arms holding the phone so she could capture Cici's nonsense.

"We have about one minute." She addressed Cici directly  "I still can't understand what you expected to accomplish by coming here to spout this fantasy of yours, but thanks for the heads up on Henry Castor. I can't wait to see Adam make him wish he'd stuck with molesting alligators. There's really nothing to discuss, sugar. We'll be eulogizing the Saints by the end of the first quarter. The Dragons scored in the last three games more points than your swamp children scored all season. And my backup quarterback? He's thrown for more yards than Blake, and he's received for more than Jackson, Holmes and Clover combined."

"You know, I always go out of my way to be as courteous as I can to my counterparts on the other teams, but you? I can't wait to hear you mooing about how unfair it is when your vaunted defense is lined up on gurneys in the blue tent and the Dragons side of the scoreboard starts spinning like a slot machine."

Lindsey's eyes were momentarily drawn when security entered the room. "Well shame, it looks like your ride's here. I can't say it's been a pleasure, but Thanks for coming by." She looked at the guards. "Hi Nick. Hi Chuck. I'll get their check, just please help them find the door."

 Barley  stood up,  he   wiped  the   breading crumbs  from his lips  with the Back of his hand.Cher?  You be  wishin' you treated  Miss CiCi nicer..  she is  big in  New orleans...  she has friends..

 Chuck    and  Nick  had    tazers  ready... it was  to be noted that their Uniforms  were  'Amotas  Professional  Security INC"..they were not  just   Lair Security.

 Chunk said, from behind Ci CI as she  stood up with Anger in her eyes..don't know  about  all that..but she looks  Big ...here...

Nick Chuckled  and  Barley grabbed his  drink and picked up his  Camera.Gonna  be  a good  day when i get film of yer  boys on the ground..

 CiCI ,  truned  and eyed   Chuck  for his Comment  and the pair  started to walk to the   VIP area.Sorry Lady.. You don't go that way.. you go down the ramp and leabe the way you came in. But  down you would that little Volcano  head of yours... we'll make sure you don't get lost.

Two regular  SEC  opened the   Galss doors   waiting  for them...I wanted to  talk with Yuto  and LU-TI...I...

 yeah?  I want to Talk with  Randi Pool.. she's my favorite actress... bit  I think i'll have the same luck  as you will... You do have an edge on me?...you can try and make an appointment...lets  move  now.. my finger  has the twitch thing going..had to have you on the  ground
 dancing like a puppet.

The pair truned  arounf...One More Glare fro  Ci CI  to  Lindsey  and they were  gone  with her and   Barley talkign in some bastard version of  french abd Creole

Lindsey took an unconscious step back as Barley stood. Nick and Chuck were there, but he was a big man and she was uncomfortably within reach. His threat was unnerving, but not immediate and the security team blunted the feeling of menace.

"Maybe" she replied sounding more courageous than she felt "but you're in my house, and my friends are right here."

Chuck's zing at Cici's heft helped to lighten the moment, bringing a smirk to Lindsey's lips. Barley tried to recover by talking about Dragons on the ground, to which Lindsey huffed a chuckle

"Yeah, well if you get such a picture, you might win a Pulitzer. That's never happened and everyone who's tried ended up on a stretcher. So, good luck with that."

Probably understanding their time was done, the pair from the Big Easy moved to go out but through the VIP. Chuck stopped them, and redirected them to the glass doors where two guards were waiting. Cici protested, complaining that she wanted to speak to Yuto or Lu-Ti. Chuck's response was perfect, giving Lindsey no reason to add to it. The big black woman glared in her direction, but Lindsey couldn't help but smile and finger wave.

"If your staying in town, I recommend heading west. That's where the rest of the cows graze." Arms still crossed, Lindsey was all pride and sass as she watched Cici and Barley perp walked out of the Den. She waited a moment until the guards closed the doors, then turned and went to the manager.

"NJN will cover the charge for their food." She handed him a credit card, then passed a $50 bill to Akiko

To Offices
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Sun 07 Jan.

Ben trotted upstairs to the office area and down the corridor to Lu-Ti's, where he tapped on the door and waited.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ben at   'complex"

From Meeting Rooms

Lindsey went into the den with coffee on her mind. As good she was feeling, she could really use a big sweet fancy mix from Starbucks, but the Den had some really good Lattes that would do in a pinch. Without really looking around the room, she went up to the coffee counter, and ordered one with extra vanilla and a shot of espresso.

 sitting near the  windows  were two  men. One  had a  houndstooth jacket  and matching   hat, looked to be , late  30', the Orther   was a Balck man in a leather jacket. The Hounds tooth man said..

 Miss  Garrat, I Believe? can you spare a Moment   and  have  your coffee  with us?..talk  some   shop , of  sorts?

Stirring her coffee, Lindsey wasn't paying attention too much to where she was going, but she did catch the two men near the window from the corner of her eye. They stood out because the stadium was closed and she had no idea who they were. Both looking to be around 40 years old, she couldn't help but muse that they were dressed like just stepped off the set of the Sopranos. While she didn't recognize them, at least one of them recognized her. His invitation was  somewhat polite, but minus a few magic words like please and thank you.

"Um, sure." Why not. She was perfectly safe in the Den and had a few minutes. Maybe they would be interesting. She changed direction and took a seat at their table. "You have me at a disadvantage. With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

 The Houndstooth said,Ahh  Yea.. well... they both stood up for her to sit, Hounds  tooth  took off his  hat, he was  slightly balding.

  This is a  fellow  writer, he  hails from Philly....

Leather Jacket   reached his  hand out,Lio Jeffers   East Philly Sun...

  and I am Chuck Rees Cleveland Dealer.. we  came down here  early  to get some  fresh stuff, before the Media Blitz

  2 days off in a row? Your  Cioch is   either over confident, or lacks the leadership  the  media  gives him credit  for.

 Chuck said,ahhh?  well..  each Coach has his own  ways...Benn  watching those  two out there... Not quite sure who the big one is.. The  shorter  Guy has to be Bronk.. i saw him run the  mile before he  and the other  guy  started   practicing...something?..never  saw a drill like that

 There  are  lines  of  demarcation here.... Cities  are  picking sides  in the supe bowl. Most cities  are lining up against the Dragons... its like the conservative  owners  do not like the Free wheeling, no mercy  style of  play. The Yo8nger owners, seem to enjoy the Dragon show,  They may never attempt  that style, but they support it...

 Lio  sipped his  coffee  and   took a bite of a  donut.  chewing until he could   talk, somewhat mannrly,we're not the only one  who came  down.. we  ran into  CiCI and her pet orge

 Chuck  nodded a bit,you know why hse's here..right?... way back when my grandfather was a kid, The circus folks  or carnival folks would send people in ahead, posting  Bills, telling story, handing out free tickets... That's what she does...  you see...and, this is why were are here...The Saints  thrive on being  the 'bad  Guys'.. 2 of the games they lost, were at home, because   they were the 'heroes' They have alot of players  who get alot of sound bytes , by  being bad guys

  what  he's  saying, Ma'am? Is , to get an edge, or perhaps  take  one away.. The dragons might waht to be 'the bad  guys"

Lindsey smiled, appreciating that the men stood for her. It indicated that they came with some measure of respect. When they finally introduced themselves, she nodded. Fellow journalists, but from Pennsylvania and Ohio. After a quick sip of her coffee, she reached across the table and shook their hands. "Nice to meet you. You guys must know each other if you're here together. Have you been friends long?"

The pair went on explaining why they were there. Sure, why not. But while they were respectful, Lindsey had to roll her eyes at Lio's comment about the days off.

"You're kidding, right? You're going to sit there and criticize Coach Sims coaching strategy after a thus-far undefeated season, with thousands of points scored. You really think two days off means he's overconfident or not serious? That's your expert analysis?  You know they took two days off in the first week of playoffs too because they had the by? That doesn't matter. None of that matters. It's been a long season, and the players can only benefit from an extra day of rest, especially when the next game is two weeks out. But okay, sure. You go to air with that."  She chuckled, taking another sip of her coffee. Leaning back she let them continue explaining why Cici was there and how the Saints liked to cast themselves as the villains.

"Yeah, that's Bronk. And the other one is Wade Wheeler. That's how they relax, when not studying game films. My question to the Saints is, what are they doing to counter the Dragons? So far, every opposing team I've seen practice has basically ignored what the Dragons' play strategy and tried to compensate by being extra physical, or trying to cause injuries. As you know, that never worked out for them. If the Saints think being the 'Bad Guys' is their magic way to victory, I think they should look at the record. To a lot of people, Sims' no-mercy style is being the bad guy, but really it's just his point of view. It's the Amota's point of view too. They would be given no quarter, so no quarter is offered."

"Look, guys, the Dragons have the edge. They have the talent, they have the stamina, and they have the determination. They might also have destiny on their side. There are no tricks or gimmicks. Just come watch a practice. It will look the same as every other practice. They seldom change it. They work their asses off and prepare to play the best game they can. Other coaches have come and laughed, thinking that they knew better, but they still lost by over a hundred to some low score. And from what I can see, that's going to happen again at the Superbowl."

 Lio  smiled   and   motioned his  cup to one of the servers.she came over  he    gave her a 5 dollar  tip, he always watched her walk away with  some measure of pleasure. Sipping the  fresh  cup, he shook his head.I need a can of this to take  home.



 the saints  have been to the super bowl 2 years ago..they lost in OT, on a  'double Doink ' 50 yard FG..They  feel  its  karma   time... at least half  the roster   was  in that  super  bowl, and half of the other  have  was in playoff  games with other teams

  we....would really like to see the  Dragons win this  game..its good press.. 'expansion Team expands'...a team loader  with Misfits  , casts  offs  and nobodies... Only Steele, Hope, White  and Wheeler  were drafted?.. Steele is   not  even  on the roster. This is the Big show
 now...everyoe in the world  watches this game... I mean..basketball, baseball , football  , hockey.. play   dozens of  games  just  to  play 5 or
 7 more to win thier rings... NFL..one and done..THAT's  why folks love football..there is something risked every  game

 we  wanted  to talk to  young Mr  Amota. he  was cordial .but .. we're not going to be able to see him today... we're hoping  we get  in for practice tomorrow

"Well, there you go." Lindsey gave them a smirk. "The Saints think they're due. Actually, Cici said as much. They think this is their time. But while destiny might have a hand, it isn't the only factor. Hard work. Discipline. Perseverance. And of course, skill. And yeah, it makes for a hell of a story that most of the team are FAs. But if you get to see them practice tomorrow, you will not see a bunch of misfits. You'll see a serious team that is determined to bring their best game. I think you'll get your wish. The Dragons will win the Superbowl."

"I'm sorry, I have to go." Lindsey stood up. "I have to make an appointment. If you want to talk to Yuto, call early tomorrow. He's usually very accommodating to reporters. If you get in, I'll see you guys then. Meanwhile, you can go down and talk Bronk And Wheeler. If you're nice, they'll be nice. Good luck guys."

Taking her coffee, Lindsey left for Lu-Ti's office.

To Offices

<<<<<<<<<<  Wade  , Bronk and friends  from  pratcice.

   entering the  Den,  Adam said,everyone  get what you want, sit by the   lower end  window.

Eve  got   a steak with mash and  corn, a salad  and Soda...Tracy got a stuffed  pork chop..with a cup of  mushroom soup and a  iced  Tea.. The   reporters   saw  what eve  got , and got the same..  Adam  got pasta  with  Re d Sauce  and  small bowl of  Cole slaw. to go with a Soda.

  The Ladies looked  at him..what ? I like Pasta... it was this , or two Bronk Burgers. I don't eat for 'style" i eat what i like.

 When wade   sat  down, Tracy looked at the two Dragons...Ok?  Tell M e how this works.... You are dating  Your  Ex'es  best friend.. He...is  dating  You  Ex..how..how does this work , excatly?

 ..I moved  On.. so  did  she.. Wade  was in the right place at the right time, Poor Sage was in the wrong place at the right time..

Eve  wiggled her  fork  , pointing  from one guy to the other.and you two don't care?

Adam  took a  fork full of pasta,  a shrug  as he reached  for his   glass,we're not  together?  they are , its  not hard to figure out

 Li0o   cleared his throat,as  fasinating  as this  all is.. ,  How  do you to think, those  drills  help you  in a game.

 Chuck nodded,just because they are hard, doesn't  mean they are helpful?

Wade stood back from the lines and thought about what he wanted. Steak was always good, and the Den did everything well, but he felt the call of Big King as well. It was lunchtime, not dinner, so he gave in to the call. The only caveat was that he was really hungry, so he got three Bomb burgers with bacon and two orders of extra-large fries. With a full tray and a 32oz Mountain Dew, he took a seat next to Adam and across from the ladies.

Wade wasn't even into his first burger when Tracy jumped right into their dating lives. He let Adam answer first so he could get his lunch unwrapped, but then chimed in. "Hey, he left a hundred karat diamond laying in the sand. Do I mind that she wasn't fresh and uncut from the mine? Hell no. She's masterpiece, and I feel like the luckiest man alive that I found her first. And I'm glad he found another diamond, so he doesn't come looking to recover his loss."

Strangely, Lio and Chuck actually proved to be useful in redirecting the conversation. Not that he minded talking about Lindsey. He could talk about her a lot more, but Adam seemed annoyed, so it was best to move on.

"To keep it simple, any practice is helpful. As you found out, even the simple things need to be drilled. But adding the dummies makes it so you have to mind your surroundings and focus on the QB. The idea of visualization might go over your heads, but it's hard to perform under pressure unless you've thought about the scenario in advance. The dummies make it easier to visualize, so we're not just practicing our skills, we're rehearsing for the game."

   Both offense and defense , have similar  drills  without the dummies, or sometimes   a  player tries to disrupt...What Wade just did
 out there  for a Half hour.. he  picked up muscle memory and well as insight....he  has a chance to have  gained a  step on reactions  as he sees
 a  receiver  or back  doing what  we  did..and? even though he's not a QB..he knows  ...about..where the ball should go, which gives him a
 jump for a Pick.

 Chuck  laughed  as he tries to swallow his steak,you'e telling  me  that  bit of  work out there, helpe dthat much...

 it should? his a profootball player, he already has a set a skills, this  just help Hone those   skills...look at you guys, you looked like a pardoy  out there, But you  made it through.

 how is your finger...

it  hurts..That's how  it is. Damn Bronk

 Remember how that felt.. and  think about that when you see  some  guy , pull a pass  in ;like that and he gets  jacked up by  a human missile.

Wade was getting more than a little annoyed with these reporters. They were asking questions, but it didn't sound like they were accepting the answers, so that meant they weren't really asking. They were using questions to try and show how smart they were. It wasn't working and it was disrespectful.

"Look, dude, you asked, and we told you." Wade set his burger down, which annoyed him even more. "We're undefeated, and we score a hundred points a game. What we're doing works, and you're acting like you know better. How many owners are coming to you to coach their teams? So do you want answers or are you just trying to show how ignorant you are?"

   Adam nodded when   Wade  got upset..the two ladies looked at the twOk Lilo and Stich...o Dragons..

 Lio and Chuck...

 whatever... You guys  are from up north..you know beter  then to fuck off  some  one who's trying to be nice... we let you play in our Reindeer games ..and i know...somehow.. you two are tying to come up with some '  Ground breaking' tidbit, before  the  1st stringers start pouring into town.

 so? take yiour food   and  go ..wayyyy over there.becuse  all i have to do is called  Securty... they aren';t  'rent a cops" they are partof of   Amota Secuirty..THEY... hire out   guards..all or most of them have served  in some military, some where, those  who didn't , could have..now?  I make that call you  be  escorted from The Lair, and you'll never see the inside  again... or?  you can  go over there..and you can come back tomorrow and watch  the team practice...

 tracy  swallowed her  bite...look you two..I'm not crazy about  this guy..but you should do what he says

  they   looked embarrassed or angry, they took their trays  and  sarcastically  thanked him.

   Adam  looked at   Tracy...I am so wounded...then he chuckled..

Eve shook her  head..You are a piece of  work, Bronk

 Limited  edition.... he looked  at  Wade...so..did you like those  drills?

"Yeah, man. I loved them. Those guys are idiots." With 'Lilo and Stitch' gone, he dug right back into his burger. He devoured one and was opening the second before he spoke again. "I hate being idle, though. What's next? Wanna hit the weights and maybe the heavy bag?"

 Adam   chuckled.Innthe   gym , i left  for  upper  bones, the  rest is   treadmill, and  the speed bag I superstious  baout the   legs. i have to  use the machines instead of free weights.. i was hurt as a  sophomre  in highschool  after 'leg day"  I resuded to  do it anymore..coaches   wouldn't argue.. when i went to mellon  , they had  machines,,,

 Tracy  nodded never  seen  him on the bench with  legs..always the  machines ,

Wade nodded. "Okay, so weights and heavy bag, but no legs for you. Got it." He was already done with his second burger and starting on the third.

  Adam  had   finished  his Cole slaw , the Pasta  was  about  2/3s  gone.Heavy  Bag is god..when i'm workign out inside , i'll lieft. move to the heavy  bag, then the speeds bag, while  my ares  are tired ..Speed back is good, The Eye hand  thing., for  grabbign a Tipped  pass. or beatign  down a guys  arms  or hands  when they try to get on you

 Tracy   giggled  because of that.

 I'm sure  you could  use that...  Tracy   looked at  Adam,

 which part?

 Adam  didn't  say anything s  as he  gathered  his   stuff on the tray, and reached into his  bag and Put a 20 on the table.

Eve  looked at the  20, she  pointed her  fork at it,You leave a tip?  Here?  these  people get  paid ,very, very good!

 You ever  work Tables.. you almost had to have... I did..i was also a bus boy and watched  waitresses get treated  like crap. I have  some money now, I can afford to make them feel  appreciated, rather then  like a servant..

  Both of them  looked at their  dishes  as he stood.neither of you ever  worked tables?  well.. you were very lucky indeed. Now?  Wheels is  going to  show be how be benches  small cars  and houses.. he grins takig his things to the stand  for   used   dishes and such, he would  come back to  grab his Back pack..

 Ready when you are.

>>>>>>>>>>>  Adam, Wade  to Gym  when Ready.

Wade grinned, interested to see how Tracy reacted to Adam's joke about her needing to fight of men grabbing her. Apparently, she didn't get it.

"Yeah, the speed bag shouldn't be underestimated, for sure" Wade was just about done with his last burger but dragged it out by munching fries in between. "But don't undersell the heavy bag either. Fast hits aren't knocking anyone out. Not guys that are used to being hit. You need that heavy bag to work on explosive power. If you want to move that bag, you need to get your whole body into every shot. And the hidden benefit is that it hits back. " He curled his fist up into an upper cut kind of movement, accidentally hitting the edge of the table and rattling everyone's trays and plates. "Shit. Sorry. Anyway, it's heavy and when you hit it, you feel it in your arms and legs. That toughens your body so you can hit harder. But, if you don't use the speed bag too, you get to used to being slower."

When Adam left the tip, Wade eyed it, trying to remember if he even saw a waitress come over. He didn't know what he was tipping for. Eve asked, prompting Adam to clear it up. Wade understood his reasoning. He didn't necessarily agree with it all, but it wasn't the kind of thing that warranted a counterpoint. It made him feel good to do it, so to each their own.

"Yeah, I'm ready. When did they roll in the small cars? I was just thinking how there wasn't enough weight down there." He picked up his tray and dropped it off before heading to the gym.

From Dragon Complex -->

Somehow, Wade was the first of the defensive backs to arrive at the Den. He was in a zone, which made him a bit annoyed that everyone else wasn't as eager as he was, but then his rational mind caught up to remind him that being early to eat doesn't make anyone more excited to get the job done. Since he had the time, he grabbed a plate of eggs and bacon, with a side of breakfast ham and two cartons of milk. He had already had a smoothie, but he needed the protein and the carbs, and it was better to get them early so those nutrients would be available come practice. Once his tray was full, he took a seat that the usual table, calling out to Mik who was at the next table over.

"Hey Mik. Good morning. I'm psyched for this. I can't wait to start." Mike was obviously waiting for a couple of people by the extra coffee and snacks.

  Mik   grinned at Wade.I played   5  years  up north, made the playoff  twice, Never  daw a  Grey Cup, 'cept on TV....Hoser  came  over  from Japan  and  we started  lighting people up.  we woulda  went to the show  , had they brough him in 2  weeks  early!..Now... Lookit  there?

Adam   and Mindy walked in they were  laughing, though Adam's  face looked alot  more stern  then hers.That there Is  me Good Luck charm.. he shows up in Hamilton and  we  almost run the table..  He gets a  call to come  down here.. he drags  me along..and here i am, drinking a coffee and eating a  donut, with the Super  bowl , like 12 days away?.. Then   Ya add  on Mins? I never  meet her if it wasn't  fer Hoser and Lindsey.. so?  that's  another   good luck thing  right there..and?.. in 13  days I'll learn how big  my bonus money is... I gotta  belive  we're  gonna  do good..

.....

They  Come over ,   Mindy  asked,which one is  mine..

 I got you the Jelly Filled,  an' Hoser the  one with  that white icing  stuff..

Mindy pouted,awww? I like the icing too!

Ya  alwqys get the strawberry   jelly  stuff!

 Adam  sighed...Not a Big deal.. I like them Both too ..so.... he  takes a   plastic knife , Cuts  both the  donuts in half,    putting half  of each, on both their plates.. There?..not a problem..

 Mindy  smiled    and  took a bit of the Jelly   one first..

 Now?  See there. Ya   took yer  first bite of donut , from the jelly one! Mik pointed at the Plate..

Mimdy have him an alluring Smile,That's because you got it for me...

 Adam was   already chewing on his  bite of icing stuffed donut.

  There  was a  heavy  hand o  his shoulder,  as  Adam  took a sip of  coffee.. Coach  Sims  was there. he  had a smile. it was  hard and cold, but it was a smile.Going to be   tw9ice, maybe  three times the people out there  watching...and that won't  be anything  like next week.. You guy..just do you  jobs..right?

  Adam  noodded  with his mouth  full of donut.

Ben got himself a coffee and wandered over to Adam.

"Hey, Adam, question for you. Do you have a tux?"

 Adam   smiled at Ben...the  looked  confused..Tux?..no..I have a Nic e suit i wore to   orato's  new year's  eve  party..but no Tux? why?

"Yeah, we're going to kick ass." Wade agreed, starting in on his food. He chuckled. "You're good luck charm? I guess so, given all that. But that girl right there, Lindsey, and Sage? That's what I call inspiration. That and the fact that I want to stand under the lights at the end of the Superbowl as a winner."

  Turning to Wade, he  said, almost  quietly... You lose the  superbowl..no one cares  what y9u did..the bottom line..you didn't  come through?.. 1  game.. to series of games  to get to a series of games   to have that series of games for a title?... y9u show  up  on a sunday in February..and you are  either a god or sewer cleaner... all thos e team that didn't make it.. lets say the top ten teams drafting..thier season was gone..they knew it, they played it out...the teams that made it to the playoffs , had to fight  tooth and nail to   climb the  steepest  slope  to get to the top of the Mountain

  I watched  games.. watched the end. Canera's like drama.. they show   one of the older players on the losing team, his head  down, on the bench while confetti flew.. Guys  crying, because they knew how close they were? Some players know...that its a fact, they'll never be there again... The cameras  show guys   running around,  snow angels.. grabbing their  Kids  , wives and GFs... and  listening to the  announcers   as the   call for the trophy to be brought out.. Players  reaching out to touch it, like it is the Holy Grail...But its  More Holy then the grail...everyone knows  its  there..waiting, for the team to come an claim it...32 teams start out on the quest....this will be  our  19th  game...wil we  bring home  that  hardware..or  wil people start  saying 'same old Jacksonsville'

Mindy looked at   Adam..you make it sound....so....sacred ...

 No one outside of football gives one  damn, they'll never understand... Maybe if  Baseball and  those  other sports played   20 game
 seasons  and had  one game playoffs  and One game  Title? they might underrated.. You saw it In new York when the Jets   won 5 years ago,,they shut the city down for a day...meanwhile The Vikings lost...again..lost their 9th Superbowl with out ever  winning one..they are right up there
 with the Bills  who are 0-14..no one cares how many time you went..only that you won..

"I disagree." Lindsey walked up and took a seat next to Wade. "Your winning season will put everyone on notice. Losing next week would be an upset, but no one is going to say same old Jacksonville. They won't turn their noses up at us when they have to face us on the field, and not a single fan will stop being a fan. All it will do is fuel next season. This business is still about butts in seats and losing the Superbowl won't make anyone in this city want to give up their seats."

 Adam  looked over  and  gave a slight  smile, there was also a snort of  sorts,..The old Jags  fans..will be heart  broken, this is the closest they ever have been...The 'newer' Dragons  fans..we'll lose  some for the 'next new  shiny'...maybe?  to fill some air, or a  few Columns , Contact  the   Vikes  and Bills  networks.. ask them  what its Like to lose, and never have won?

 we're   right there..right now... we lose..we'll have  never have  won, we'll be the   newest members of the  'also ran'  club... we  win? we become members  on the 'superbowl undefeated'

Stalls    was  heading back to the table were some Defensive backs and wide outs  were hanging out.. Backers   were  sitting together  with Manning standing there  with a few boxes of doughnuts..it was almost time .Stalls  saysYpou know what's  another Big thing?.. we shut those  bastard   Fins  Fans  up...19-0  if  we  win...they were 17-0..

 Yeah...  that would make us the Kings of Florida  for  certain  Sims  started  to walked down from the VIP sections..he  and  Fry  carried   another couple  boxes of  donuts. Sims  never  . as long as they  had  been a team, said 'let's go"... it was understood as he walked ,  players  should be following shortly...

"I have orders from on high," Ben grinned.

"All men in the wedding party are to wear a tux, apart from my cousin Warren who may wear his Navy uniform instead. Go to this place and mention account number 109. They will sort you out, and you get to keep the tux. May come in handy when you escort Sage to award ceremonies if nothing else."

Ben passed over a business card from the tailor. He'd written the accound number on the back.

"Go after practice, or as soon as you can. These things take a while to make."

  Adam Took the  card and  nodded,I Have to  do a Thing at NJN after practice, I'll call  at lunchtime  and  see if they  are open later  , if not  i'll set somehting  up  for  Friday..Thursday    Me and the Ladies have  another Commercials to shoot. I'll let you  know what they say at Lunch time

 opening  his backpack,the card was placed in his walled and secured again.

 As   Sims  and the other Coaches  walked  by, Adam  Jammed  the last bit of Jelly doughnut in his mouth/ taking  and Mindy's  cups and plates  to the   counter, he  wiggled  a   finger   around and  as he asked  for some Coffees . when he  came back  with the  women at the counte r  laughing at me  for trying to talk with  his mouth  full of  doughty, he came back to the  table  with  two carries... By this time, most of the  doughnut  was gone,  as he Put  out   a cup before  each of them..

   Mik?  Irish creme.. Mindy  , Cherry chocolate, Ben, Tea  with Honey, get used to drinking that, Wade, nor sure  got you   i creme   two sugars you can mix in,  Linds, Hazel nut with on Pump of that  latte  stuff.. he  took his own , shoulders his backpack and   carried his duffle.

Mik Must be  supoerbowl time..and Mindy grinned...Adam  winked as he swalowed the last bit of doughnut m heading to the  Door.

 Duke had   been on   Sins's heels  as he left,the O-line  and  DBs    not  far  behind. The Linebackers  were getting up as Adam passed Smokey  hurried to  follow Adam.

"Thank you. I've been served that in the mansion a few times... an acquired taste, I think, but I am working on acquiring it!"

Laughing, he picked up the cup and headed off to the meetings with the rest.

In reply to Den (msg # 235):

"Thanks man." Wade accepted the coffee with a smile. "I usually drink it black, but cream and sugar is good too. I'm really not that picky." Not wanting to waste the extras, Wade mixed them in then followed after to the meetings.

 Orato and Yuto entered  the   Den fr4om the VIP   dinning area ..the  followed the players   along. Lettin  them all out of  The Den, as they Trailed.

>>>>>>>>> Folks to  Meetings.

Lindsey smiled, somehow pleased with Adam getting everyone coffee and just the way they liked it. But it was time for meetings, so she gathered her things and followed along next to Wade.

To Meetings

Dragon's Complex ---->>

Bronko got some coffee and a couple of cinnamon rolls and took them to the meeting room with him.

---->> Meetings

    When the players moved off to the meeting rooms,  Mindy looked at Lidnsey, pointing to the  Den.I'm going to be  tight, I'll stay  Until  the team starts its  scrimmage , then  head to NJN. Jill has something special for when Adam  meets Star on the  Video  bitch off.

 I wanted to  text  Sage about it..it  will be live  at 4:00...and  played  at 8pm as well...but?  I don't know how   Sage sleeps...and  such.

From Meetings

Lindsey was just prepping her notes when Mindy came in. Her laptop was already set up she already had her template up to fill in for her column. She had organized it so that she just had to add the content to each section. The consistency proved to be popular as people knew how to read the column, what to expect and where to jump if they were looking for something specific. Since the Dragons were coming off a two day break, this column was just going to cover elements of the party, and how they were prepping for the game. There would be some updates on the known injuries as well. It wouldn't take long to write, and the editors would get it published before lunch.

"Hey Mindy." She moved her laptop so it wouldn't be in the way between them. " Sorry I bolted out of there. I should have waited for you. I love those shoes, by the way. Are those new?"

"I never call Sage before 10 just in case. She likes to sleep late when not on a project. But you should be able to text. Is this going to be both you and Jill on this?"

  I get to be the Mediator  ... Jill is with  Adam  as the Dragon  interviewer, Nate will be  with  Star. They are  supposed to  be  the  'enemies who are alike'  I dunno? I think its  just to  get the pot stirred...Nate and her  talked over  some  parameters , there is going to be introductions... then Nate  and Jill will say  something..then we sorta stand  back ,as  the  two players let loose.

 Jenny dug up some stuff  for Adam...i don't know what he was looking for , But Jenny said she would be there  at the Studio  with  what Adam wanted... she grins.Adam...he  has a dark mind!

 ahhh well, i'll  try to text her, if i forget, she can see it at 8:00 if i forget.

"Have you ever known Adam to follow the format of the interview. Jill needs to take the chain off then back way away so she doesn't the blood splatter." Lindsey shook her head, remembering pretty much every head-to-head she'd seen Adam participate in. "And if Jenny has intel for him, it's going to be a blood bath."

"Just text her now. Or I can do it. I'll have to catch the early one. I'm meeting Benson tonight at 6. I'm not sure when we'll be done. He called me as he was coming back from Jamaica. It sounded like they had a blast. I don't regret my decision to stay one but, but I am sad I missed that. Anyway, he said he needed to talk to me about something. I don't know what, though. He didn't give me any clues. Maybe it's good, maybe it's not good. He wanted to meet at a restaurant though so I'm hoping it's because he has something good he wants to pitch. And hopefully it's something I can do. If it's something during the Superbowl, I'll scream."

"Oh, also, I'm going to LA this weekend. The Big Kind commercial Sage and I did is up for an Emmy. We're going Saturday for the Mixer, then the award show is Sunday and there may be an after party. There always is. Carlton's daughter will be there too, so we'll get to hang with her some if she likes to party. Is there a souvenir you might want?"

  Mindy   made a pouty dace,..sure? they didn't   have  our commerical we made in New York,up for an  Emmy!  Sooooo jealous.

 she  short of slumped.yeah? You text her..I don't know if  Sage likes  me? I mean? too bad  for her if not?  I'm Adam's friend  and  Adam's best friend's  Girl friend..right? she  futtered her  eyes.I have seniority! she held out a  limp hand  like a  diva.

  depending  on what you have to do? You could be in the studio and watch..  might be fun. But  you have  other irons  in the fire.

  well? goign to  an eating palce  is  cool?.. If he  makes you happy, he'll look like  some  grat guy?  If  he  makes you cry,  he'll hope that the  place  will stop you from flipping out!..and?   After this thing  with the title  game? I don't think he would ask you to work on the superbowl

 Parties  huh.... she nudges   Lindsey..Lots of  old  rich  actorw  lookign  for young ladies to warm them  up after  a party!

 If you  see something Little?  like a Magnet...that says LA?

"Sorry, Chica. I didn't get a vote. If I had, you'd be up there with us. He;;, we might not even win. I heard the board likes this dog commercial too."

"Hey, now. What are you talking about? Why would you think that? Sage doesn't dislike anyone. Well... okay, that's not true, but she's never said one bad thing about you. How could anyone. You're awesome. Go ahead and text her. She'd appreciate the heads up. I can try to make the 4:00, but I'd have to go by 5:15."

"And yeah, I don't want to even guess about what Benson might say. I'm actually scared to. So, I'll just find out when he tells me."

Lindsey snort laughed. "Old rich actors? Ha. There'll be young ones too, and I'm sure a lot of them wouldn't mind some after-party company, but it won't be me. I can be a bed warmer or a potential actress for a project. I guess plenty of women have done both, but I'm not that desperate. I have this. I have the modeling.... I think. I have Dragon Studios. Maybe if I was more single I'd be open to some charm, but Wade has me on charm overload. I'm not sure what got into him. He's been amazing. There hasn't been any talk of a commitment, but he has my full attention right now. I don't know what another mortal man could do to drag my eyes away. I suppose it's possible, but I can't imagine it."

"You need to catch me up on how it's going with Mik, but I guess we can talk more about that kind of stuff on Friday. I don't want to spoil that, so let's get back to work topics. Do you have any other big specials this week?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Mon 26 Feb.

   Mindy  got out her  phone.. well.. practice  ends  at  3:30.  Adams  supposed to be there by 4, and we'll have   stuff  to do, makeup and all that? Not that Adam will wear much..The show starts  at 4:oo with Jill and Nate  throwing out  some   build  up..then  I enter...then to two players.  4:30  the filming  will start..it  will be live.. with the tape version at 8

she  taps out the times for Sage.

  Sage   rolls her  eyes,Lolo keep  sticking her nose  in stuff, because there is some kinds  of entertainment thing  going on...I snapped at her  and told her to stay in her  lane... I don't think that entertainment  thing will be  what she  thinks it is, with our  guys down there..

 oh..here...  this list. You won't be able to do much with it, but you can folow  along  , inbetween actors, drinks  and parties... she Giggles.
...............

 NFL Awards ...

MVP... Duke  Fillings ...Ben Hope..Ken Johnson (RB Panthers)   Adam Bronk

OFF POTY   Ben Hope... Duke Fillings.... Adam Bronk..Louie  Rains (  WR  LA Rams)

Deff POTY    Havers  NYJ...  Spade   Bengals.. Marcus Payne LB...

off Rookie.. Ben Hope.... Adam  Bronk..Devon Jackson  (saints )

Def Rookie .. Owen Banks ( pats)..Wade  Wheeler ...Chuck  Lawner ( Vikes)

Spec teams.. K   Heather monotomery    Glen   Jones ( Browns)

Returner   Paul  Gorth (49ers)   Adam  Bronk

 Coach of the year ...Bart  Sims....Lavisk WAsk...  Steve Macker Panthers.

 Owner of the eyar   Orato Amota

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

 Mindy wiggles her   finger at the paper.None of us  we'll  be in New York Saturday,  we'll be   here..Sims isn't sending  anyone to New York. they'll  Get in touch   via   Zoom   if any of  our people  win

"Okay, yeah, It sounds like I should be able to make it there for the live at 4:00 I'll leave right as practice ends. Maybe I can get an interview from the designated bad guy." She shook her head. "Should I bring Sage?"

"What's Lolo going on about? What entertainment thing? She should be creating entertainment, not covering events."

Lindsey took the paper and looked it over. "They're presenting these in New York this weekend? Maybe Lu-Ti should send some Dragonettes to represent and then have the guys by Zoom." she canned the list. "Oh. Wade got an award? That's awesome. Does he know?"

 Mindy shook her head  as she looked down on the list.no one knows? I mean..there is rumors..Ben's the Big Dog..we have so many, and not  alot of people are happy.. i wouldn't be surprised  if the league   just shoved some names in, just so its not  wall to wall dragons

 There's suppsoed to  be  some  Older   guy who does  alot  of   MCEE  stuff?  I think she's trying to get Carlton   to sign him to a  Contract  for MJN.get him a  talk show  or somehting..I dunno..she won't even tell me who it is... The  Superbowl  guys  bill it  as  a 'suprise  master  of celemonies.  The good thing  is  it  starts  aafter  the Media ttacks  on the players, so everyone  will be  looking for   entertaiment.

Lindsey looked over the list again. "Oh, I thought that these might be be nominations, but there's only one name listed for Owner of the Year.Okay well, I guess I'll have to keep an eye on it. There's a three hour difference, so maybe we'll get to watch before the socials begin. There's so much happening all at the same time."

Lindsey shook her head at the idea of a surprise EMCEE. "Nope. I don't like it. There's no way we should have a surprise anything. How can it be good to sign someone when we don't know what we're getting. I've made that mistake. It sounds underhanded to me. I like Lolo, but it wouldn't shock me if she was trying to build her own little empire inside NJN. Entertainment is not news. Sports shows and commentary are not news. It should be scripted, or at least we should know what personalities are cast so know exactly what we're getting. Not some jack in the box clown who might piss off the New Jack fans."

  Mindy  shrugged,from what i understand, we  were  supposed to Have  Josie  Heat, singing and being  the  MCee..but she  waved it off  after   Lonny Bannister got to be the    Half Time show   star for the Superbowl... Then they  tried to   get  Lana's  BF, but he wouldn't do the show without her..and..well..she wasn't doing it with The Dragons there. Pride means more then money   i guess?

 so? the league  got  an entertainer...rather then just a singer... we'll see what happens. Lolo seems  eager though, she won't even hit
 to tell us..

Ben arrived, starving after a morning analysing game films. He waved to Linda and Mindy chatting at one of the tables and went over to see what was on offer, settling on a cheeseburger, fries, and slaw and a glass of lemonade. He went over to his favourite table by the windows where he could look out at the field.

He got his phone out and sent a text to Lu-Ti.

:: Early lunch today. I'm in the Den if you want to join me.::

 Lu-Ti  sent   Ben a message about   5 minutes  later :: I will see you after  practice... i am in  big, bitch out meeting with   Miami  as to who the practice  time on the filed will go..Yuto is in on conversation as well..The Saints are trying  to sue gamesmanship to help win  game?  They do not understand whom they are  dealing with!:;

..........

 When Adma arrived, he had his backpack, but his duffle had  been taken by Babs  to the    locker  room.., he  got  Pasta  with red  sauce, ( seashells)  and a mug of Golden Mushroom soup, to go with  a tall soda. Adam also  went to a table  by the Windows.. as he nodded to ben he pointed out the window...Must be   20 reporters on the Visitors  side...that means they aren't locals or  Nationals..they are  Saints, or   other team   reporters

pointing closer, on our  side..there are like  40?..which means, most of them are from Florida  or Nationals...and? its just starting...

"I guess it will get crazy. Time to keep my head down and concentrate on my game. Work on my tackling and blocking, as coach said."

Ben put away a handful of fries, wiped his fingers on a paper napkin, and tapped out a reply to Lu-Ti.

:: You show'em, beloved. See you later. I'll drop by after practice.::

In reply to Den (msg # 251):

"If the league is picking someone, then it's fine. " Lindsey continued typing as she talked "They're not going to jeopardize ticket sales or viewers. But it's been an adventure so far, so we'll see."

"So, what are you going to be covering after the Superbowl? Are you going on to Basketball?"

     Mindy  looked  around  to see if  any one was near. she leaned in.CiCi is  goign to be   with  Nate  and Star..I guess she is thier  'Mindy?"  or I am.... her   eyes  got  horrified...I am thier   Ci Ci!

she  shivered  and  said,I'll be the 'fill in'  since i  am thier  Football  Girl...  and> me  and Jenny will be  fillign in   for you  with the Freeagent things  and all that's hapenign with the Dragons , while you guys   are working on   movies?

she bit her  lip and looked around  again...Yuto  said we  are to be watching  for  some 'visitors'.  two sports Lawyers from   Switerland  are  comign in, they already talked to Lu-i and Yuto...but....Canada  and   The US can't use  Adam in the Olymics..which...i think..was Adam's plan, to stall until it was too late... But there is  an Avenue, The Swiss guys  found...They threatened   IOC action, because of those tapes? I guess  lark sent them along  and everyone forgot about them.

she looks  around again  and Hushes her words,For the Avenue that is open to him...Adam can   take part?...and  to USOC can't say anyhting  , because if they do..they lose  the 'world  Record"  that Guy  Adam beat holds?..Adam  has  other times,  for other events.. enough for him to  be listed  as  an 'alternate'...once he's listed..it  only a  step into  'active'..I'm not  supposed to have told  anyone... but? if i can't trust you?

  eyes  shift again..Canada  can't use him, he didn't  spend  quite   enough time up there..though  they did  ask the ICO..ICO  told them to get bent? I think.... they way the Swiss  worked it out...might be right down Adam's alley...if  not?  that's the way it goes... but ..boy..would i like to see him run, and Rub the US team's face in it!

 The dors  opened  as   Ben  came in and a  few others..early Lunch?....  Coach  must want more field time.

"Wait." Lindsey was confused. "I thought you were the mediator. What's Cici's role? There are two mediators? That makes no sense. Who programs these things? Cici is going to try and steal the show. And she'll succeed. It's going to be Adam versus Cici. Star won't even matter, and Adam might just walk out."

When Mindy brought up the topic of the Olympics, Lindsey felt a bitter surge of frustration. She let Mindy finish, but then shook her head waving off the entire subject. "I'm the Dragons' beat reporter. That might be worth a mention in my column, but I'm staying out of that. That whole topic just fucked me from every angle. I wanted Adam to run. I did. I wanted him to run for himself, and for the country. I tried to reason with him, I even pleaded with him. But his pride was more important to him than his country or me. I spoke for him in that stupid meeting with Lark. I chewed out the USOC over their responsibility to field the fastest runner, but no one even acknowledged me. When Lark showed us that tape, I was ready to expose it and the corruption that let that happen, but no one was willing to help and I couldn't do it alone. It's a dead topic to me. He said he won't run. I tried every way I could to change that, but he's too stubborn. Why is anyone even still talking about it. It was never a matter of rules, it was battle of egos. The USOC won't budge for whatever reason. As far as I can tell it was corruption and malfeasance. Adam won't budge because some person at the top hurt his feelings. I tried and tried, and I'm sick of caring about it. I can only take so much. If he runs now, then I'll be happy for the United States, even if it's a big fuck you to Lindsey. Not that I matter; the US is more important. If he runs for anyone but the US, then shame on him."

When the doors opened, Lindsey looked up to see Ben enter, followed by some more of the offense. They were early, but it was a reminder for her to send off her columns. "If they're here early that means we have to hit the stands earlier. We better get some lunch."

Mindy shrugged,I only  know , because of the ESPN thing here. Maybe  I shouldn't have said anything?,,it will be interesting   which way he
 goes though.

 I can smell that golden Mushroom soup... i'm having that for  sure maybe  a  BLT with it.

 Adam  had  just sad down and was   working his  computer  and sipping his  soup.

Mik came in  gave  Minds a  wave  as he  went to the food Line,  Mindy joined him.

"No, it's fine. I'm glad you told me. I hate being left out of the loop. I shouldn't have vented like that. Yeah, I'll be surprised if he softens his position after all that resistance."

Lindsey waved as Mindy went off to be with Mik.

From Meetings -->

Wade went to the Den after the defenders meeting adjourned for the morning. He had heard that Coach Sims wanted to hit the field early, which he was all in favor of. The offense was already there, as was Lindsey. On his way to the lunch line, he stopped by her table.

"Hey Gorgeous." He leaned over and gave her a kiss, noticing that she didn't have food. "Aren't you eating? I can grab you something on my way through. I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to hang out with Cruz and Sal and those guys. You can join us if you want."

      Tracy  came  up  with the  6 other  trainers and Eva, they sat  up near the VIP  doors, They had to get   their lunch so they  could get  down   for ankle  taping.

 Babs  waved  at Adam who was  by himself  with his laptop, He grinned  and waved  back, She  saw Lindsey  and  waved

  players  and support folks were  seated  and were  eating, servers   scurried  about  asking people if they wanted refills on there  drinks

Mik and  Mindy saw  with Ben, who, until then  was by himslf..figured we  would  sit with you, so  we  don't   disturb  the   film  guru...

 Mindy pouted,I like  watching him watch  film..even  if  we watch a game   with him, its   a whole new world  seeing him pick up things   in the corner of the screen.

------>>>>>> from Meetings

 Heather walked into the Den, she went and put her stuff and laptop wo seats away from Adam then went up and got chicken, garlic rice and a large chef salad. Heather then took a seat and opened up her laptop and downloaded want Saints Special Teams footage she had access too and begin watching film like Adam told her and showed her. Heather took notes as she watched what she could find.

Meetings ---->>

Bronko was cognizant of the heavier meals he had been eating at Alice's place, not that he was unhappy with it, nor that he wasn't getting in a lot of exercise to burn it off, but he did opt for a lighter meal today.  He got some salad and fruit and water and found a table near the wall.  He spent some time thinking through how to counter the offense of the Saints.  He was used to extra movement from an offense in the CFL, so distractions were a normal thing for him.

Ben smiled at Mindy and Mik.

"Good to have the company. Lu-Ti's busy and won't be able to get down in time... Yes, I learned a lot from sharing a house with Adam. We probably watched more game films than TV shows."

Lindsey had just Sent off her dailies, when she noticed Babs wave to her as she come in with the trainers. Lindsey gave her a big smile and a wave, mouthing "Good morning". She didn't notice Wade came up until he was right there, giving her a kiss.

"Oh hey." She returned he kiss, patting his arm. "Um, you know, I almost forgot about eating. I'll walk through with you and get a grilled chicken salad. That way you can get straight to your team."

She walked with him to the line, grabbing a premade Ceasar on the way to the grill for a fresh chicken breast fillet. "So, how were your meetings? I was impressed with your game film analysis. I thought only Adam dug into those like that."

Wade was glad Lindsey didn't get pouty about him not spending lunch with her. He could do that sometime, but they had spent lots of time together over the weekend, and now team bonding was more important. She seemed to understand that which was not just a huge relief, but a big bonus too. He would, of course, take her company.

"That was pretty cool, wasn't it. Your ex-boyfriend taught me how." He bumped her, teasing. "We actually were working on those together this weekend while you were out enjoying your days off. For now, I have to give him most of the credit. I'm learning though. In the D meeting, Cal walked through the films with us. Basically, the same exercise. I picked out a couple more tells. One was for Blake. It was a big one too. It might lead to a pick or two."

Going through the line, he got a double helping of the salmon with rice and broccoli. "I don't want anything too heavy before practice. I'll eat some red meat later. You have plans tonight, right?" He grabbed a small premade salad in a clamshell container and three packs of Ranch dressing.

"So, I know you have a lot to do this week. Don't feel like you have to come over. I'm going to be pretty focused myself. We can catch up on the weekend." He stopped, turning to her. "Please don't get offended by this, but the Superbowl is the biggest event in my life. You're amazing, but I have to focus, so I may not be very available until we get to the Monday after."

"Oh." Lindsey was caught off guard by Wade's statement. In her mind, she understood, but emotionally it was completely unexpected and harder to reconcile. It was a stinging reminder that they had no commitment between them, and therefore no real responsibility. She had no right to demand anything or even set an expectation and he was being respectful for telling her in advance. It would have been more upsetting if he had simply blown her off over the next two weeks. After a deep breath, she put on a smile, but it was a little on the tight side. "The Superbowl is important. I understand. I guess you have to do what you have to do. To be honest, I'm going to be really busy too. I'm meeting Benson tonight, the commercial is tomorrow, and Friday I'm meeting Mindy. Then this weekend I'll be in LA, right." It occurred to her that he didn't know about LA.

"Oh crap, I forgot to tell you. You kinda had me distracted last night. Um, the last commercial was nominated for an Emmy Award. Sage and I are flying out to LA on Saturday and coming back Monday. We have a mixer and then the award ceremony and possibly an after party. Obviously we don't know if we'll win, but it's going to be an amazing experience either way. I'm really really excited. So, I won't be available this weekend. If nothing else, I'll catch you up Monday, or at least Tuesday here at the Lair." She paused to gauge his reaction.

"Wednesday we're all flying to Miami and the countdown to the Superbowl will begin. So if we're going to find some time it will have to be Monday night or Tuesday." It wasn't fair, putting him on the spot. She wanted to see how he'd react, but then thought better of it. "Um, you know what? I'm sorry. No pressure. Really. You need to focus on the game. That's most important. There will be plenty of time after and I don't want to be a distraction. If there's a moment, then fine, but seriously. Let's just chill for now and pick it up after you win."

  Adam  was   like   some  machine.  fork full of  pasta,  Click on the   mouse... write  something in his  notebook,  Sip of his  soup...repeat.

 he looked at the  time in the lower corner for the screen, he   go his phone and Tapped  out  to Sage,Good  Morning , or  'good whenever  you wake"..  I am leaving  for  the  NJN  studio   after practice..if you want to use the  Beast for tonight, come on over  and    we can drive, and you take take the  care, I get a  ride  home from someone, I'm sure... see  ya later  Cute  Stuff.

 and then the Machine started  again.. Mindy  and  Mil just watched..I wish  I'd   have been as focused  as him when i first got into the CFL... I was  just glad i was getting paid to play  a game...he is bleedin'  Obsessed

 He is... it means  alot to him..he's told you where he came from.... look where he is now. He  could have  fell off the path  years ago... Like Payne?  Payne  did the  something, Same  city..just  about  20 or  30 blocks  away..Saints don't know what  coming at them...we got alot of
 guys on this teaam  with somehting to prove... and?  a couple ggirls

 Babs  was , sorta  on the outside  of the clump of trainers. tracy and Eva  hardly  looked at her, every now and them one of the guy trainers  said something..she  would smile and begin to talk, My tracy would bring  something up  and  focus was  shifted, Babs   went back to eat. She  would  Look around, at some  folks.. she  saw  Mik and Ben with  Mindy, Adam , more or less  alone with heather  a few seats  from him, she  saw Lindsey, and looked  at the trainer  group and  sighed.

In reply to Lindsey Fawn Garret (msg # 267):

It was obvious from Lindsey's tight smile that she didn't like that message. Wade pretty much expected as much. It was one thing to let him focus on work during work hours, but basically staying at arm's length for two-weeks had to be unwelcome news. It sounded like she was fighting with herself to make peace with it, but he wasn't going to change his mind. The Superbowl was the single most important thing in his life at the moment. She was amazing, maybe the most exciting woman he'd ever dated, but his priority was clear, and she would have to understand.

Or not.

From her response, it sounded like she took it harder than it first appeared. In one sense, she was right. It was just easier to back away for the time being. They weren't actually committed, so this wasn't breaking up. But in effect, it was putting a pause on the relationship as far as being a couple was concerned. Not ideal, but probably practical after only a week of dating, no matter how intense the last few days had been.

"It sounds like you have a full plate also. Go ahead and focus on your stuff also. I'm sure juggling your day job with all these extra curriculars is tough. We'll see each other around. It's not like we don't work in the same building." Leaning over, he kissed her on the forehead. "Good luck at the Emmy's. You don't need to be thinking of me during something like that. Have the time of your life. You may never get to do anything like that again. But let's not avoid each other either, okay?"

Kissing her again, he went on ahead, swinging by Adam.

"Hey man. We went over the films in the meeting. I identified two more tells. Arnie clover treats his long routes like a 100m sprint, setting his feet like he was in blocks. And the big one. Blake steps back with the near leg when throwing cross field. Coach Fry validated it, but he's checking back films to see how reliable that is."

  Adam looked up  and  smiles  as  he sipped his  golden Mushroom soup;See?   that's  were  ALL-PROs  are  born....Clover ran
 100 meters  and 400  in college, so   that's where that comes  from.... For Blake , its hard to tell with out me seeing it..but sometime s a guy changes  somehtign when he  gets  hurt...then when he's better, he  doewsn't change back... Like i said the other  day?.. I don't  think those
 guiys  'self  -scout"

  he jerked his head to  the 'backer Table' Go eat... Sims   will run  us hard today, to see  if those  two days off  hurt us.

In reply to Wade Wheeler (msg # 269):

So, that was it. Not the way she expected that conversation to go. Not the place she expected to be emotionally. She'd be lying if she said it didn't hurt, but given the situation, it was for the best. As amicable as her break up with Adam turned out, it almost killed her at the time. She wasn't ready for that kind of intensity again. Wade needed to focus on the game and she didn't want him worrying about her. She could be very demanding. She knew that. This was better. It didn't feel good, but it was just a pause, and they'd see if there was still something to pick up in two weeks. Maybe some perspective would be good for both of them.

After paying for her lunch, she looked around. After that conversation she needed a distraction. There was work she could do, but she also noticed that Babs was looking a bit lost. Maybe they could cheer each other up. Before returning to her table, she swung by the trainers table.

"Hey guys." She said to all the trainers at once. "I hope you all are having a good day. Hey Babs, if you have a minute, can I talk to you for a moment? I'll be at my station there where my computer is set up. When you have a chance, come on over." She flashed a smile then returned to her seat and started to mix up her salad with the chicken and dressing.

 tracy and Eva  looked   at   Lindsey, then turned  to   Babs, The Younger  trainer  Grabbed tray  and  hurried after  Linds.  Tracy called out.. Make sure you aren't  late  for...

 Adam  called  down  from his   table...She Tapes   Me, Ben, Mik,...um..Heather.  Stalls  and  Machins..  you have   the rest of your army to start on the other guys   and she'll pick up the  slack  when she  gets us   done...

 Eva looked down towards   Adam and  wanted to  say something, But  Adam looked overly annoyed and she went back to eating..

  Babs    didn't  even hide her  smile, but she didn't look at Adam  or Tracy.  She sat  down by Lindsey.Thank you!... we normally eat  during the  last  meetings , but  Coach sims   wants to get people out on the  field,, so we had to eat  now.. I almost always get a  burger  and   some soup or something, and   eat  out   in the stands...

Lindsey smiled up at Babs when she joined her. "Hey sweetie. I don't really have anything specific to talk about. You looked a bit lost there, and I didn't have a lunch date, so I figured we could hang out together." She looked around "It can be especially lonely when your alone in a room full of people that are paying attention to anything but you."

"So, tell me. How was your weekend? I saw you hanging out with Stalls at the victory party. What was going on there? Oh, and how did your mom like the jewelry? I bet she was excited."

In reply to d (msg # 270):

Moving on to the DBs table, Wade took a seat and dug into his food. "Hey guys. What's going on? How'd you like the session today?"

  Babs   nodded to  Lindsey,  The   young trainer   felt  more like  eating now.yeah?  tracy   doesn't like  , That Adam  and the others like me..  He stormed out of the lockers  one   time without his ankles  taped , he was going to tape them himself,  I Think Tracy   sent me out as Punishment  for him... But?  he said he had to tape his own ankles  alot . He  showed me some short  cuts, I   can get  that  whole  group he  mentioned in  under   6 minutes if they are  all lined  up and ready..  she shrugs,Tracy and Eva  are my   'team bosses"... but  Lou
 is my Big Boss...  I think  Lou  will keep me, if Tracy asks  for me to be  fired.

 OMG!!!..My  Mom cried!!...and I cried  because she  cried!! she  couldn't believe  it! she  is wearing the posts to work to show off  to her   freimie ..she like  that CiCi lady, if  CiCI didn't eat for a week.\

 Stalls  is fun..he  took me to a Movie, we  watched, 'Zombie  Camp'..it  was a  funny  monster movie..he's a good guy, i felt  safe with him.

Cruz, Salcido. Payne, Prince  and  Branch were toegther, bronko was hiding in the corner.

Hey, Amgio ...the   Little  hombre  get your   head  thinking  his way,,watching them films.. Films  are  good..Si?  But  sometimes..films  can be  too much..

 Cruz  shook his head,no no no... Films  are...are like  truth detectors. You cannot shut them off... what you did is there, for everyone to see , if they know where to look... Adam  finds  little thinks, sometimes for us... Cal, and Manning  dig deeper   and find  more things.. as a game goes on..we almost know what the play will be, before the Offense  does

 Payne   nods, , his gravel   Voice rumbles... we shake the tree and the DBs  pick the fruit. The  D-line  just plows  them  over.

In reply to lindsey (msg # 275):

Lindsey did not like hearing about how Babs was being treated. "That doesn't sound very fun having to work in an environment like that. The guys love you. That's more important than the bitch squad liking you. And yeah, Lou is more important than Tracy. Listen, though. If you need anything... anything... And I mean it. A job, a recommendation. Someoe to speak for you. Anything. You call me. I'll make sure you're taken care of. That's a promise."

Of course her mom liked the jewelry. Asking was almost a rhetorical question. Jewelry was always the right gift, and a collection from Honors' had to dazzle and delight. "I'm so glad. Sage told me your mom was great. I'd love to meet her some time."

"So, you had fun with Stalls? Come on, you can tell me. Is there some potential there?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

   Babs  looked  around as she  swallowed her  bite,well..  at the    party   we danced  alot, he wanted to make sure Jers  wasn't gign to give me  anymore trouble... Sage  even tried to Chase  him away.....but he  took me  hone, My Mom was  up  and we were at the  Door, I think he wanted to Kiss me?..but I think  my Mom freaked him out

 at the Movies   he  was nice, he  did   put his arm around my shoulder.. i was sorta nervous..i ...i had  a bad episode  at the trainers  camp..but he  was very  restrained.. i... um.... i think if  i would have  flicked on the green   light, he  might have  ..um..explored  a bit more.

 it will be  interesting   we land  in  Miami  Wednesday Morning..a few hours  later  we go to the stadium for that   media  thing  and pregame  kickoff  stuff... But  all the team..everyone..will be in one Hotel.. and Family and friends . I understand  Adam  already has  Sage   booked in with the team.. Thing  he  and Ben  will switch off   that Saturday night  and   Sage  will  stay with Lu-Ti?.. i don't know there will be alot of hopping about.....But?   Thursday through  saturday,  we'll all  be in the same building except  for going out on the town.

she cast a glance  down to wards Adam...he always seems to be alne...but it never seems to bother  him?... he'll talk to folks, they'll go away  and there isn't any change?  I wonder if  he'll be happier if  we win?

In reply to LBs (msg # 276):

"Yeah? I didn't really understand how much the films could reveal until he showed me." Wade explained between bites. "I guess I'm a true believer now. I get it. Maybe we'll see things that aren't really there, but some of that stuff? Wow. I think it will make a difference. Not every play, but if we can call a cross field throw as it's happening, that could be a game changing pick. I just wish I had gotten on board sooner. Personally, I'm looking forward to the injury reports."

In reply to lindsey (msg # 278):

Lindsey was both amused and thrilled. She always loved seeing people match up happily. "That sounds really promising. It sounds like you like him, which is exciting." She pumped her fists just a bit in front of her. "But yeah definitely go at your own pace. Most of these guys are sweethearts, but some change rather suddenly. Hall turned into a real asshole, and Wade went from blah to Wow - although he just did another flip on me. I'm not sure how that will go now. But, It's okay to take your time and see. You are amazing and beautiful. If they're worth your attention, they'll put in the work."

Lindsey followed the trainer's glance at Adam. "Yeah, that's Adam. He needs his own head space. I don't think he's unhappy. He does gin up his own anger ahead of the game. Maybe it gives him an edge. I guess for him it works. But don't worry about him. He has Sage and he has Mik to lean on if he needs a shoulder." She thought about it for a moment longer. "...oooor are you wanting to be that shoulder? If so, you should be very careful. He likes you a lot, but he's committed to Sage. If he thinks you're trying to cross that line... well, he hasn't been kind to other women who have tried. If you just want to be a friend, make sure he knows that."

   Babs  got  all read and  almost choked on her   soup.oh?  Adam...yeah... it  would be  good  to be  that person... But  I'm just a trainers... look who he had hooked up  with!..and you're one of them! she giggled  the more she  thought of it.

  yeah, that would be great..but ..you know what?  of all the Players, he's the nicest to me..Ben is   nice, so is  Mik... her  eyes  looked at Lindsey  with a coy smile,Stalls is very  nice..

she shrugs,I am Happy to be his friend.. I mean..he  gave  me a Touchdown Ball? how many trainers  get a touchdown ball?..i won't  even talk about that Gift card.. I know..i know it was  supposed to go to that Dumbass who refused it..and Jill let adam have it  to give to  whomever..  I just happened to be there holding his helmet and pads


 In Minicamp?   there was a water Break and Adam came over  with Steele, Steele waited  for  me  to  put the  squeeze  bottle  up and  squirt the water through the  mask... When it was Adam  turn  he  just  laughed, pushed his helmet up like a  Knight's visor , took the bottle  and said..'you're not  my  Mom, and  I'm not an infant..if i  can't take a drink bottle myself, i should go play a sport like baseball".

she  giggled  a bit, it  was  rare  to see her laughing that much,, maybe  sometimes on the sidelines During a game.Steele  made fun on Adam, saying  that Adam's  DIII school didn't have trainers...  Adam said they  had one  70 year old  guy..then Adam something  about a Big 10 wuss  or something...it was  funny!

she  sighed..I have to deal with that myself... I went to Dickenson... and then  to the Trainer school.. tracy  was   n the SEC, before coming  here..Eva  worked  as a sports medicine Doctor .. those guys and girls there.. all Interned  for   DI  schools and were hired here..  I was hired here, because  i knocked on the  door  and asked if they could use  another trainer.. Lou  hired  me  as son as he saw me tape  my first ankle

 My Mom?  she says  all jobs have   some kind of bad  thing about them..and some people just  fit right in... It took awhile  for me to   feel welcome.. but  its the  Guys like Lou, ben, Mik and Adam  she nods her head to the trainers..that  Chuck guy? he thinks he should be   tracy's  right hand man,because  he  was a trainer for a season with the Rams..he doesn't like   I get to tape up the   3 musketeers.. Adam  waved him off in  Nashville when they were  getting  taped in the  dinning room?... Chuck got mad, because i was  taping  Miles then... Adam just said , I'll wait, or   I'll do it myself.....Mik  waved Chuck off  as well saying something  about hurting his  knee last time someone else taped him..

 all of that?.. and tracy  still treats me  like  i was  trained on youtube or something..
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:49, Thu 29 Feb.