The team has showered,and the players are dressed, chatting about how they are going to spend the evening. Their family and friends wait outside, but I’m in no hurry to leave. Both feet are still in a tub of ice, and more ice is strapped to my knees and one shoulder.
“You got a big night?” Simpson asks Byron.
He pokes him in the chest. “When you have a baby, it’s always big. Late nights are guaranteed.”
Leroy chuckles. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you all back here in the morning.”
“Bright and early tomorrow.” Byron waves, but he doesn’t acknowledge me.
“Catch you in the morning, BJ,” Simpson calls out. I nod. “Are you heading out to dinner?”
I shake my head. “Heading upstairs to mingle with the suits. After three years, the corporate stakeholders will want to ask questions. Just getting it out of the way.”
A bleak look crosses his face. With his hands on his hips, he stops and tilts his head back to the ceiling. “Bro, I know you don’t need any advice, but…” He looks me in the eye. “River will also be up there, watching over his sheep if you get my drift.”
I don’t. Then it dawns on me why he acted like an ass toward me. “Are they together?”
“Not from lack of trying. I heard a couple of dates, but nothing serious.”
“Thanks for the heads-up.”
I open my phone to call Ewan. “Are you still around?”
“Yeah. Waiting outside the locker room in case you need me.”
I smile. “I’ll be out soon. We’re staying for dinner, heading upstairs to join the corporate sponsors. Are you okay with that?”
“You’re the boss.”
“I could do with a friend.”
Hollywood has always ledthe entertainment business, and here it is nothing less than five stars. A live act on stage, some big shot from Nashville, cocktails, and seafood for everyone. All night, I have been flanked by sponsors asking questions while I steal glances at Charlotte in between. It’s a cruel punishment to be in the room with her, and yet itcould be a thousand miles, remembering her brother’s threat.
Charlotte walks through the crowd, and I catch a whiff of her scent, enough to ramp up the longing to be with her. I slowly make my way closer, hearing her soft laughter as she speaks with other sponsors. When I turn and we lock eyes, I see it. A subtle nod, the way her lips turn up ever so slightly in a faint approval of giving my time to appease the corporate suits.
“We would love to interview you for the next Shark Attack newsletter,” Veronica, associate director of social content, asks. “An article highlighting your achievements with us and your dream of playing in the Olympics.” Her two associates in digital marketing flank her, eagerly waiting for my answer.
“I played for Australia, the enemy. Do you think people want to know about that?”
She places a hand on my arm, highlighting that every finger has a diamond. “You’re one of ours, BJ. We nurtured you, and while you grew wings and left the nest for a while, you came back. We are destined for great things now you’re here.”
These people are already acting like they own me. “Sure. We can arrange a time as long as it doesn’t interfere with training. Otherwise, you’ll have Charlotte to deal with. She is, after all, Coach’s boss.”
As I hoped, Charlotte turns and looks at Veronica, then back to me, joining our circle. “Did I hear my name?”
“BJ has agreed to an interview,” Veronica repeats. “On the grounds it doesn’t interfere with training.”
Charlotte meets my gaze. “I see. I’m relieved he is putting the team before fame.”
“Always, boss.” I smile, and it only grows wider when her perfect eyes round. “Excuse me, but my glass is empty,and I need a drink.” I leave Veronica before she can ask any more questions because she’s known to be nosy about what happens off the court as much as on. As I brush past Charlotte, I lean close to her ear. “You can boss me any way you like.” She stiffens beside me, but I don’t give her the chance to reply. I want her thinking about us in the way I haveevery fucking night.
“Excuse me, Veronica. I need to check Brandon has his ducks in a row. Everything we offer helps with their performance, so they don’t have to worry about the little things.”
What is she talking about?
“Brandon.” She stops me in a crowd like the boss she is. “I need to check your home life to ensure it is in order.”
The fuck?
