Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93785 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93785 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
“Thanks for coming by again this week, Ron,” I say, grinning. “It’s always good to see you. And I’d love to have you back as soon as the Bobcats fail to make the postseason.”
“You’re lucky I like you, Bennett.”
I laugh as a short stinger, like a crowd cheering, leads me into the wrap-up.
“That’s it for this week’s episode,” I say into the microphone. “I’d like to thank my guests for joining me this afternoon. And make sure you tune in next week to catch Branch Best, wide receiver for the Illinois Legends. He’ll be here to talk about the upcoming football season and his new charity, Sunny Days, whose goal is to raise money for childhood hunger. We’ll be discussing ways that you can get involved, including a competition that I’ll announce live on the show, featuring one-of-a-kind Legends merch. It’s gonna be great.” Mario points at me. “And that’s my take. See you next time.”
The outro music plays as I slip off my headphones and set them on the table.
My shoulders sag as I get to my feet. I stretch my arms overhead, loosening the tension that inevitably creeps into my body when I’m broadcasting live. I used to think that I secretly harbored a fear or anxiety about it. After doing this for two years, I understand that it’s less about being nervous and more about the chair I use. But once I leave this room, it’s out of sight, out of mind.
The computer screen lights up as the streaming numbers and viewer metrics are shared with me. I glance at them, not paying too much attention because Lincoln Landry, Tennessee Arrows baseball team’s GM, was my first guest. He never fails to deliver great stats. But as I turn to grab my notepad and pack up, I notice the metrics look suspiciously long.
“Holy shit,” I whisper as I absorb the information in front of me. “What is going on?”
“Are you seeing that?” Mario asks through the speakers.
I look over my shoulder. “Are those numbers real?”
“Yup. I watched it grow while you were live. Johnny called from upstairs and said they noticed it, too. Apparently, they’re calling it the Gianna Effect.”
A slow smile slips across my lips. “The Gianna Effect, huh?”
“I heard you debuted on her channels yesterday, and there seems to be a crossover between her fans and yours.” He smirks. “Not saying they aren’t sports fans because many women enjoy sports—and a lot of them are smarter about sports than most men, but I think it probably has more to do with that … what’s my wife call it? Tall, dark, and handsome?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Followers are followers. Maybe I’ll have to start streaming shirtless or something.”
“Let me know when that’s going to happen so I can call off work that day.” He fiddles with his computer, then looks at me again. “All right. That’s a wrap for today. Johnny wanted me to come see him right after the show, so I’m going to swing by his office before I take a late lunch.”
“If I don’t see you again today, have a good weekend, Mario.”
“You, too.”
He waves before disappearing from the booth.
I begin putting my things into my bag, pausing now and then to check the updated numbers. The full video has been posted to my channels by the guys upstairs. The likes and comments are out of control. I scroll down about halfway, not sure what to expect, but am pleasantly surprised to find most of them are legit sports questions or comments. A few trolls. Limited requests to do inappropriate acts. A shit ton of private messages, none of which I’m inclined to read at the moment. But the overall consensus is Sports Take got a major boost in visibility … thanks to the Gianna Effect.
My teeth tug my bottom lip between them.
She has an effect, all right.
It’s not a complete surprise that Gianna has this kind of power. Her fanbase is rabid in the best way. Listening to her show is a MasterClass in marketing. Her content is her signature, and she doesn’t shy away from it. She’s vulnerable in a way that her fans can connect with, and her followers aren’t just an audience—they’re a community.
The woman is brilliant. Her mind is as fascinating as her mouth, and her competence as sexy as her body. There’s no woman like her. I’ve looked.
I grab my phone to put it in my pocket when it lights up.
Elodie: Talk me out of adopting a baby.
“Holy fuck.” I flinch and reread my older sister’s text. “Someone must’ve kidnapped her.”
Me: Understood.
Elodie: Understood what?
Me:
Elodie: ???
Me: Don’t worry. I got you.
Elodie: I’m so confused.
Me: That makes two of us.
I grab my coffee cup from this morning and toss it in the trash.
Elodie: I asked you to help me not adopt a baby.