We consider each other a moment, my thoughts running away with other ways River could make me smile, especially after today’s meeting. I need some damn happiness in my life. Only I’m older, smarter, and less trustworthy than my younger self, who fell for a previous NBA star.
“Good work today, River.” I pat his back and stand from the stool. “Have a good night.”
I don’t stick around for a reply and head back to my room with Dwayne by my side.
Around five,the day begins with a stretch, arms reaching overhead, the body refreshed after an uninterrupted sleep. The remote is within reach, and soon, the television hums to life, tuned to the sports news.
What are the journalists saying about us today? More lies?
The first highlight is that the Stingers won the game against New York. Brandon’s face flashes onto the screen. The sun is barely up, and I’m not mentally ready to see a closeup of his handsome face and the baby blue hues staring at me. The screen switches to replays of the game.
Brandon dunks the ball.
Brandon shoots a three-pointer.
And another.
And another.
A steal and an easy layup.
He has come away with thirty-seven points and a win for the Stingers.
Ugh. We donotneed him.
One of the commentators analyzes his game. “If Brandon Johns played four quarters like this, he would be unstoppable. But he scored two points in the first. Twenty in the second. Four in the third. Eleven points in the fourth. In the last game, he only managed six points. His inconsistency tells me he has checked out. Barely any assists. The man is playing for himself.”
“I disagree,” the other commentator says.
“So do I,” I mumble and shove a pillow behind my back. “He is a brilliant player. Give him some credit.”
“Checked out? Did you not watch the game? The guy hasn’t checked out if he scores thirty-seven points.”
Brian Bolton.I like this commentator.
“He goes missing,” Johnson, the other commentator, retorts.
Ugh. “Shut your mouth, Johnson. You don’t even know him.” My heart picks up a notch, and frustration builds inside of me.
A replay flashes onto the screen. “Here he is completely uninterested, running up and down the court, not wanting the ball. He’s not injecting himself into the game.” Another replay. “And here, he wants the ball, then passes it every time. This is a week ago. Then today, he has two good quarters. My argument is if the man gave one hundred percent every quarter, he’d be great. He plays well when it suitshim.He is inconsistent and unreliable.”
I throw a pillow at the television. What a dickwad. They don’t know Brandon like we do. He is brilliant.
After a few calming breaths, I rein in my thoughts.
Jesus, I was sticking up for Brandon.What the fuck is wrong with me?
I jump out of bed and head to the shower.
While I agree Brandon is brilliant, he will never play for the LA Sharks again.
6
CHARLOTTE
The jet begins its descent.
“Is there anything you need before we land?” the attendant asks.
