Something shifts inside me.Realization. My next goal will center around my happiness, and it might not be with the team.
Even if Brandon plays, do I want to be the chief CEO and boss? Years ago, my family invested in the team, a future for Byron and me. Byron is nearing the end of his playing career, and I want more time with Brandon.
I haven’t even considered a life beyond basketball. I stare down at the court to the only person I imagine a future with. He shoots a three-pointer, glances up, and sees me watching. He touches his heart and points to me. Byron says something to him, and he laughs.
Knock. Knock.
My office door opens, and Franklin stands there with the door half open. “You ready?”
I stare at him blankly, caught up in the moment with Brandon.
“The quarterly finance and investment strategy meeting…”
“Give me a minute.” I sign out of my computer and grab my laptop, then walk with Franklin toward the boardroom.
“A heads-up… Jobe and Walter were arguing earlier this morning.”
“About what?” Not that it matters. I’ll never agree with Walter.
“He signed off on a preseason schedule and took an interview with a certain journalist leaking some of our strategy for next season.”
“We haven’t signed off on our preseason schedule.”
“Anyone would think he owns the fucking team.”
I clench my teeth. “A warning. I’m douchebag intolerant. I’m not in the mood for his bullshit.”
“Lottie. I have always been douchebag intolerant.”
I laugh. “This is true.”
We enter the boardroom, and I give Walter nothing. Cindy is here to propose special events for the next season. Desley starts the meeting by putting forward her ideas for the youth league. I agree with everything she says since these kids are our future. When Walter interrupts her and argues his point without listening to her reasons, I lose it. I am over his crap.
I stand, lean both hands on the table, and glare at Walter. “We are not here to agree with everythingyouput forward. As a united group, we oversee what is best for every league. One person doesn’t get to make the decision alone. If we change anything after this meeting, then you’re going to be the fool who shot off your mouth to the media.”
Jobe coughs and gives me a subtle shake of the head. I do not need protection from this asshole. If it were up to me, I would have terminated his employment months ago. But there is no reason other than his misogynistic attitude.
“You have never agreed with me,” he says louder than what is acceptable in a professional meeting. “Fought me onthe trade of Brandon Johns, yet here you are, shacking up with him.”
Franklin and Jobe spring to their feet.
“Enough,” Franklin bellows at him.
But Jobe is already rounding the table and has him by the collar, pulling him to his feet. “Apologize to my sister,” he growls out at him.
“Do you think I’m lying?” he says, his face turning a dark red color.
Jobe gives him a shake. “I won’t ask again.”
The room is silent, and Desley appears stressed. “Desley, this has nothing to do with your ideas. I think they’re great. Walter is blinded by the fact we’re women, and he has never accepted our voice as worthy.” I take a breath as he grumbles a pathetic apology. “From now on, this attitude changes. Women have every right to sit in a boardroom and be heard. From today, Walter, you’re on a warning. The next time you insult us will be your last, and your services will no longer be required.”
“I’ll have your brother on assault charges,” he yells.
“And I have a list of all the times you have verbally assaulted me.” My smile is scathing. “It is listed in the minutes.”
“I’m going to ask you to leave the meeting,” Franklin demands. “You can read the minutes for further reports.”
Red-faced, Walter packs up his laptop and waddles toward the door. As soon as the door slams, I let out a long, cleansing breath.
