Before I reach my office, Donna, my assistant, steps out of her office. “Charlotte.”
“Hold all my calls, Donna. I’ll deal with everything tomorrow.”
“Charlotte,” she says in a firm voice. “I need to show you something.”
For the love of God. Why can’t I have some peace for once?“Make it quick.” I dart into her office, and she closes the door behind me.
Her young face screws up with concern. “You haven’t responded to my messages.”
“No.” I fold my arms. “I had my cell switched off.”
“I thought you’d want to know,” she says quickly.
“Can someone else deal with it?” I snap.
“His parents are here.”
What?My brain catches up. “BJ’s parents?” I murmur.
She steps closer and shows me the special ticket requests. “We allocated seats near other players’ parents as they didn’t want the corporate box.” Her eyes dance over my face, gauging if she did the right thing.
“You did good,” I say softly, my heart pounding in my chest, my thoughts darting everywhere.
Do they hate me?
“Please ensure they are given special treatment today and passes to the locker room after the game and to the corporate function post-game.”
“Already done.”
“Thank you,” I murmur. “Is there anything else Ineedto know?”
Donna shakes her head, her dark waves bouncing. “Enjoy the game, Charlotte.”
“Thank you. Let’s hope we get the win for his parents.” I head out and rush into my office, closing the door behind me. Leaning against it, take a few deep breaths and count to ten.
Why didn’t he tell me?
Retrieving my cell, I scroll through the messages and emails as I walk toward the glass wall of my office, dividing me and the court. Not a single message from him.
I lean on the glass and stare at the VIP guest seats, finding his mom and dad. The other parents are talkingwith them, their heads are turning, and they’re laughing. I let out a long breath. BJ’s mom turns, and she looks around the arena, the flashing light catching her attention. She follows the crowd until she is looking toward the side where I stand. When her head lifts, I step away from the window.
I’m not ready for the judgment, and even though I can’t see her eyes from here, I can feel them.
Byron and Brandonplayed the game of their life, combining their talent and securing the win. We are guaranteed to make the West Coast playoffs, and the joy of success fills the arena.
I avoid the locker room and head directly to the function room to celebrate with our sponsors and answer any questions. While it’s all part of my job, I’m not ready to speak to Brandon’s parents. He needs time with them, allowing them to experience the celebrations of a victorious elite sports team behind closed doors, where the fans can only imagine what happens and would give anything to be part of.
Brandon has a flourishing basketball career, and they deserve to experience it with him and the team. I only hope it’s not awkward for Byron, although Jobe is also in the locker room to support him.
Through the sea of black suits, I spy Penny entering the room, wearing a tight, white dress. Her dark hair falls over her shoulders in waves, and I envy how she lights up the room just by being in it. I place my empty champagne glass on the table and make my way to her.
“Hey.” She smiles at me. “Is Franklin here?”
“He is.” I point in his direction. “I missed you and Zara at the game.”
“I’m sorry. Last minute decision to miss it and help Gigi at the art studio.”
While I love my job, I miss hanging out with my sisters-in-law when we unite to help each other. “I heard she is overwhelmed with commissions.”
