“I won’t keep you. I just wanted to say you’re going to be great.”

“Thanks. I’m still a little nervous. They’ve prepped me for everything so I can’t imagine I’ll screw it up.”

“That’s the right attitude. Don’t let the journalists control the interview. They all suck anyway,” she said.

Lexi couldn’t stand how hateful the media could be toward women. They wanted us to succeed, yet they were the first to attack if we failed. I knew two women who walked away from the NFL because of the pressure that the media put on them, not because the job was too challenging.

“I’ve been rehearsing all morning,” I said.

“I’m sure you’ll do great. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? You tell the truth? You give your opinion about a sexual predator? Who’s going to be upset about that?”

I sighed and rubbed my hand over my face. “I know I’m freaking out about nothing. I know Terry won’t throw me to the sharks. They are extremely sensitive to this sticky situation.”

“You’re right. They’ve got your back. It’ll be over in no time. What time do you think you’ll be home?”

“It’ll be another late night.” I heard her sigh. She hated my late hours. We almost broke up last year, but once the season was over, I was home by six and we were able to salvage our relationship. Even though she knew the new job would be the same kind of hours, she promised she would try to adjust. “But I’ll try to be home sooner.” I was greeted with silence. “Do you have a busy afternoon?”

“Just the normal calls. Speaking of which, I should go. Good luck.”

“Thanks.” I felt off after I disconnected the call. She wasn’t happy but I didn’t have time to give her right now. Maybe that would never happen. I missed my dog more than I missed her. That probably wasn’t the best sign of longevity for our relationship. “Hey, what’s the policy on pets?” I asked the group.

“What do you mean?” Jamal asked.

“I guess I’m asking if I can bring my dog to work.”

He pointed at me with the rolled-up mysterious paper still in his hand. “Technically, you’re the boss. You make the rules.”

He was right. And Crowbar would love to curl up in my office or sit by my side during practice. He was the most well-behaved dog on the planet. “Gotcha.”