FPC Day 11 - A meeting

Annette’s house is really big and nice. It’s a lot like the Lodge, and has the same look, but it’s obviously just a residence for one family.

But Annette doesn’t appear to have family. No pets. There’s one photo on the all that seems to show a husband and a kid, but there’s no other sign of them. Meanwhile, there are several photos that show her standing with lots of people in white coats.

It’s a weird invitation. She serves a nice breakfast to you and Lara on her back deck, complete with Bloody Mary cocktails and fancy coffee from a French press.

You’re feeling shy from last night, and shy about being in the presence of one of the women who runs all of FUTA, so you aren’t sure what to say. Lara doesn’t have that problem.

“What’s the occasion?” she asks before she’s even taken a bite.

“It’s not a soccer league. It’s TV. Don’t let a little favoritism surprise you,” Annette says, pouring herself a Bloody Mary. “I’m here to break some news to you. Thanks for coming.”

“Why one card? Why not two?” Lara presses.

“I had a hunch. I’m making a change to your team. This meeting is a courtesy. Riley, I’m moving you out of the captain position. And I’m giving it to Lara,” Annette says frankly.

“Oh,” you say, feeling your mouth get suddenly dry.

“Really? First thing in the bloody morning?” Lara asks, visibly annoyed.

“Would it be better to tell you on Sunday night? This gives you time to prepare. Do you agree with this decision?”

“I don’t know,” you answer weakly. You’re just shocked. You’re not, but you are.

“These changes to your body, Riley… it’s affected your performance. Everyone can see it,” Annette says, gesturing at your chest. “What’s it like?”

“It’s a lot,” you say truthfully.

“Looks like it. Look, guys. This is the logical move. Lara, you’re an aggressive, charismatic attacker and you aren’t stupid. Our captains need to be attackers. We want them to be the ones scoring goals. I don’t want the back line on all my promotional materials,” Annette says.

You nod. This really is not a complete surprise, but it still hurts.

“That’s rubbish,” Lara says. “Have captains in all positions. There’s no drawback to that.”

“I’m not here to argue about marketing strategies, ladies. I’m telling you how it is.” Annette takes a long drink. “Now, there is one thing that could make me change my mind. One of my promotional events coming up in a major lifestyle magazine. I need a pair of models with good chemistry and…” She gestures toward you. “Anatomy. Models that aren’t shy. Is that something that the two of you would be interested?”

This is a… dirty shakedown. She’s threatening to remove you as captain unless you do this slutty photo shoot for her. It’s gross, but this is show business. One look at Lara tells you that she is thinking the same thing. You knew something like this would happen when you signed all those papers to join FUTA. You’re getting some money and some exposure out of this, but it’s not… free.