“A slowdown that makes you smell like sex?”
I bristled. It had been well over an hour since Mikey and I got it on. She was just trying to get under my skin. “Call time’s not until 6:30 today,” I said.
“Yeah, well, we’re under the microscope. The network’s got some big wigs in today, and I don’t think they’ve forgotten our last issue.”
Ah, yes. Our last issue, that was partially my fault and mostlyIrina’s. Don’t worry, though. She put the blame squarely on me. She failed to communicate with the writing staff about a character change, and a guest actor showed up on set with no pieces to wear. She said I was the one who misplaced the brief about the character. In an effort to not cause a stink, I swallowed it down. Cole had encouraged me to suck it up.
“She’s your boss, babe. No one’s going to believe you if you don’t take responsibility. We all eat shit at our jobs sometimes,” he’d said.
But part of the problem was, I didn’t just “eat shit” and “suck it up” at work. I did the same shit at home with him. It happened gradually, but over time, I pushed back less and less over things I didn’t agree with.
I didn’t start sticking up for myself again until the night I decided to give my loud next-door neighbor a piece of my mind. The awakening was gradual, too. I felt empowered when I talked to Mikey. I could tell him what I thought, and he’d take it seriously, even if he got silly about it immediately after. He acknowledged that he’d heard me. He listened to me in a way that Cole never did, not even at the beginning.
Normally, I’d have been fighting tears from Irina’s nitpicking. But here, I felt confident. If she was going to stay on for next season, I’d go get experience somewhere else. Surely Kitty could put in a good word for me somewhere. I didn’t feel as trapped as I did a month ago. Funny how having someone listen to you and respect you at home boosts you up elsewhere.
Mikey didn’t even offer any great advice for dealing with Irina other than his vague threats. He’d listen when I crabbed about work. He knew he couldn’t actually do anything about the situation for me, but he believed me. And I knew his thuggy threats were his way of showing support.
Plus, I’d forbidden him from putting shrimp in anyone else’s curtain rods.
Even though having network big wigs on set made me nervous,I was sure I could perform under the pressure. Maybe they’d even notice how I carry our little wardrobe department.
The day was long and grueling, but I had nothing but smiles when Mikey’s car waited for me in the parking lot at the end of the day. Not only that, but he leaned against my door, waiting to open it for me.
His “Hey, Sweet Cheeks” and getting wrapped up in his scent with a kiss was the best homecoming I could ask for.
Chapter 37
Mikey
“You’re awfully quiet today.” Sorrento rode the stationary bike next to me. We had a half hour before we had to hit the ice for warmups. “And smiley.”
“He’s in love,” Obi said.
For once, I really didn’t have anything to say. I was pretty sure they were right. Something had shifted with Jessie. I’d stopped counting the times that I looked at her and the L-word was on the tip of my tongue. I’ve got a big mouth, but I knew that wasn’t the kind of thing you just blurted out.
“Damn, you know it’s bad if Mikey’s struck silent,” Guy said.
“I don’t know what y’all are talking about,” I said with a grin.
“Never thought I’d see the day,” Sorrento laughed. “This woman brought you to your knees.”
“Sure did,” Leroy said. “Should be the other way around,though.”
“Your poor wife,” Guy said, rolling his eyes.
“I gave her the kids she wanted. I gave her the house and all the stuff she likes. It’s the least she can do.”
“Again,” Sorrento said. “Your poor wife.”
Coach wandered in. “Mikey. My office.”
An “ooooh” echoed around the locker room. “Ah, shut up. He’s not in trouble.”
Coach waited for me to wipe my sweat before patting my shoulder and escorting me into his office. I sat in the chair across from his desk.
“You’ve been playing really well lately, Mike. And working well with the other guys. I’m glad to see it after your rough patch last year.”
I nodded. I’m a good player. I know that. But I also know that I’ve constantly battled choking under pressure. It’s what kept me from getting drafted during college. I’ll play well all year, but then when the playoffs come, I make stupid mistakes. When I know the stakes are high, it’s like I forget how to function.
