The crowd cheers, and we take our seats, ready for the second quarter to begin.
“When?” I say over Jobe’s shoulder.
“A year ago in New York,” he says as though it’s not important, his focus on the game.
Brandon scores a three-pointer after a quick pass from his teammate. I watch as he runs, his blond curls flowing behind. He’s like a model on the catwalk with a fan blowing his beautiful locks about, not a sweaty athlete.
I reflect on Jobe’s words.
A year ago…
Brandon already made the Australian Olympic squad and yet he spoke to Jobe about quitting. My heart does a little flip. As much as I wish him bad luck, I appreciate his level of skill, and he is too young to give up the game when he has no injury or reason to quit. Unless he is unhappy, or there is something happening with the Stingers team we don’t know about.
I shake my head as I watch him dribble down the court.What is going on inside your head, Brandon Johns?The man Iremember was not a quitter. A coward but not a quitter. And now I’m staring at him more than I want to as I consider what would cause him to give up something he loved.
He gave me up easily enough.
At halftime,I’m in the corporate hospitality room with my family. A handful of suits are talking to Giana, asking what her husband did differently this week as he is playing exceptionally well. “He loves my specialty pasta before games,” she says, smiling at one of the corporate suits. “And it could be the fact he works out every morning.” She looks into her champagne flute and smiles.
I hold back a laugh. “Okay, gentlemen. Mrs. Hendricks needs her space. You can talk to her after the game.” I signal to the server for a bottle of champagne, and we find a quiet table in the corner.
She places a hand on my arm. “Thank you, Lottie.” The champagne arrives immediately after we sit. “That was quick. I guess being the owner has some perks.”
“Not as many as you might think.” We clink our glasses together. “To having my sisters back.”
She smiles at me. “Thank you. You’re the sister I also never had.”
“And now we have a sisterhood within our family. Speaking of, I’ve been distracted and have not asked where Penny and Zara are tonight.”
Giana pushes her long brown hair behind her ear, studying me. “They’re at a mutual friend’s birthday celebration. Frank and Jobe are attending after the game.”
I nod and feel bad I didn’t know this.
She places a hand over mine. “You have other things on your mind.”
The way she is staring at me implies she understands it’s not only work-related. I shrug. “I’m okay. I spoke to Coach Mathews before the game, and he mentioned trading Vince before Christmas.” I take a sip of champagne. This part of the business is a trigger. It reminds me of when we traded Brandon—unbeknownst to me—right before Christmas three years ago.
“Hey. I know what you’re thinking,” Giana whispers.
I blow out a heavy breath. “It’s stupid really. I hate how the players’ lives are suddenly disrupted even though it’s a business decision.”
“It didn’t just affect a player. It hurt Byron and you. I have been here for Byron, and I want you to know I’m here for you too.”
“Thanks, Gigi.” I shoot her a quick smile and turn away. We should eat some before we head out again.” Before we have a chance to move, we are joined by Jobe, who has signaled for some food.
He taps my back affectionately. “How are you holding up.”
What?“I’m fine, why?”
He nods while keeping an eye on me. “Franklin and I won’t be around for post-game socializing with the sponsors. But if you want me to stay, I will.”
“No, no, it’s not necessary. I can handle the speeches. Know the process like the back of my hand.”Ugh, that look.“Jobe, I’m fine. I know what you’re all thinking, but I won’t chance bumping into him.” Because I’ll be scanning the crowd every minute, making sure we don’t accidentally meet.
“Did you speak to Coach Mathews before the game?”
“Yes, he mentioned Vince but nothing else.”
Jobe pushes the plate of food closer to Giana and me. “Okay, I’ll see you both later. By the way, the lobster is fresh, soenjoy.” He leans down and kisses my cheek. “Look after her, Gigi.”
