Never haveI wanted a meeting to end more than I do today.
Walter’s strategy speeches are the worst, and today’s presentation is the most boring speech I have ever listened to.
It’s because I’m distracted. Byron has not faced Brandon yet, so it’s not the ideal situation for it to happen at their first training session. I have spoken to my brother, but heremains tight-lipped about his feelings on the trade and Brandon’s return. “I’m not the team, Lottie,” he said to me. “Decisions are made for the team as a whole, and our feelings are irrelevant.”
His words fall short as I know exactly how he’s feeling, and all the fake positivity that keeps his mind in the game doesn’t work with me. Holding my phone under the table, I send him a text.
Have you arrived for training?
No. I’m on my way now. The nanny was running late, and Leo was unsettled.
Okay. I’m hanging around after this meeting. I’m here if you need me.
A yawn escapes,and not because of Walter. I’ve barely slept the past few weeks, and I’m exhausted. I guess Walter is partly to blame since he pushed for the trade, and Brandon is the main reason I don’t sleep.
“Are we keeping you up, Charlotte?” he asks like the douchebag he is.
“It’s not you, Walter. I’m working around the clock with matters that don’t concern you so you can get your eight hours of sleep.”
He glares at me.
Before he begins, I add, “Please wind this up as I have other meetings to attend.”
I catch Jobe withholding a smirk. “I’m afraid Lottie is right. I need to get across town for another meeting.”
“Okay, let’s finish up, Walter. All your brilliant ideas canwait until next week.” Franklin closes his laptop. “I’ll see you all at the game.”
“Thank you,” I murmur to Jobe as I head out of the meeting room, but before I make it to my office, I see the LA Sharks announcer standing by my door.
“Are you waiting for me, Brian?”
He tips his balding head. “Yes, Ms. Hendricks. Whether it is business or not, it’s always a delight to see you.”
I shake his hand and offer, “Likewise,” as I unlock my door. “Come on in.” I direct him to the couches in the corner of the room as we don’t need to sit behind a formal desk. Brian and I generally chat about the team, and he talks about his current stats before the team takes to the court the following day. Sometimes, it’s about our rookies. Other times, it’s my brother or any injuries he should know about. Today, however, I already know who he wants to talk about.
“Can I get you a drink? A coffee?”
“I’m good, thank you. Don’t let me stop you.”
The pressures of this business have called for a harder drink before the day is done, but since Brandon has returned, I need to keep my wits and not be caught off guard.
“It’s water for me. Would you like one?”
“Yes, please, Charlotte. My vocal cords are not what they used to be, and I need to wet them constantly. A dysfunction of sorts where the chords vibrate like an asthmatic.”
“I’ve noticed a hoarseness in your voice and hoped it wasn’t anything serious.” I have listened to Brian call games for years, and the hoarse tone has been notable over the past few months. Some whispers mentioned cancer, so I’m relieved to hear it’s nothing sinister. “What is the treatment?”
“Specialized breathing like an opera singer.” He grins at me. “The world is not ready to hear my high notes.”
I laugh. “No. We both know you’re not here to discuss your singing ability.”
“How are you?”
I sit and place the crystal glasses filled with water on the table between us. A tight circle inside the LA Sharks knows what went down between Brandon and me. “I’m doing what it takes to help this team be the best we can be. And hopefully, that leads to a championship.” I nod toward the glass wall that divides my office from the court below and point to a particular spot. “Displaying the championship cup here for the players to look up and see would define our greatness, give the rookies something to aspire to.”
“And now BJ has returned…”
“He’ll help us achieve the dream,” I state matter-of-fact, as though I was on board for the trade, knowing he will bring us success. I pull the lapels of my suit jacket closer together, shutting down the part of me that feels exposed when people outside my family mention Brandon.
