Chapter 39: Press Conference and First Pay
The press conference room was buzzing with energy, the air thick with questions about Derby's thrilling victory over Swansea. David Jones sat front and center, his legs stretched out comfortably in front of him. His confident posture was matched by his cocky grin, as if he'd just pulled off something spectacular—and to him, he had. He'd just netted two crucial goals in the game, including one that had been nothing short of a masterpiece.
"David," one reporter asked, leaning forward. "In that third goal, after you dribbled past the keeper, you had an open net. Yet, you slowed down and waited for the keeper and a defender to close the gap before firing the ball in. Why did you take your time?"
David's smirk grew wider as the question landed. He'd been expecting it. "Honestly? It wasn't about the keeper or the defender. They were already out of the picture once I took the ball past them. I didn't need to rush. The net was wide open, and I had time to enjoy it."
He paused, letting the words settle in, savoring the moment. "Sometimes, it's not just about scoring. It's about showing everyone that you're in control of the moment. I knew I had it, so I waited. I wanted to see the keeper dive, watch the defenders scramble. I wanted to make sure they knew who was in charge, you know? Then, when the time was right, I put it in."
The room was silent for a beat, then the reporters started whispering to each other, impressed by his brashness and confidence.
"So, it was all about the show?" another reporter ventured, clearly taken by David's boldness.
David leaned back in his chair, his confidence never wavering. "Why not? I knew I had the game in my hands. It wasn't about rushing the shot or being selfish; it was about owning the moment. It's not every day you get to have a bit of fun like that."
A few more questions followed, with some praising his flair and others curious about his mentality, but it was clear that David was reveling in the attention. As the last question was asked, another reporter chimed in: "Some might say you were showing off. What do you think about that?"
David's smile turned into a playful grin. "Let them say what they want. I know what I did, and I'm not afraid to show it. It's not cockiness—it's confidence. You can't be afraid to express yourself, especially when you're on top of your game."