His expression turns solemn. “Oh. I was hoping to see him again. I tried calling him, but he won’t talk to me.”
“I’m sure he’ll come around eventually. He just needs more time.”
“Is Masashi hurt? Is he in trouble?” he asks, his voice tinged with concern.
“There’s someone trying to blackmail him. I need you to help me find out who’s behind this.”
Satoshi nods, opening the door wider to let me pass. “Come on in.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
maddox
My knee bouncesunder the table as I sit in front of Roger Hudson, the NBA commissioner. He’s the person responsible for overseeing fines and disciplinary action against players.
He steeples his hands underneath his chin, staring at me with beady eyes. “After carefully reviewing your case, the League Office has come to an agreement in regards to your technical foul in game one against the Houston Phoenixes.”
Pausing, he takes a sip of water.
I adjust my tie, feeling suffocated as I wait for his response.
“Because of the severity of your actions, you will be fined $15,000. Violence in the NBA will not be tolerated.”
The air returns to my lungs and I relax a little in my seat. I was expecting to pay a larger amount—or worse, face suspension. “Understood. I am deeply sorry for my actions, and I am aware that it was a poor error in judgment. I’ll learn to keep my temper under control, and I assure you it won’t happen again.”
Rising from my seat, I stick my hand out for him to shake it and smile at him. “Hopefully this will be the last time we meet during my career.”
He doesn’t take my hand, nor does he return the smile.
Clearing my throat, I shove my hand in my pocket. “Well, if that’s all, then I will be on my way. Have a good day?—”
He cocks a brow. “I’m not done yet, Mr. Kamado. You will also be suspended for two games.”
Clouds fill my vision and my throat goes dry. “You can’t be serious! These games are crucial. I need to play! Please reconsider.”
“My decision is final,” he says, his voice firm.
“But if I’m not there, we might not make it to the final round,” I protest.
He simply shrugs and replies, “Not my problem. You can go now, Mr. Kamado.”
Trying hard to keep my cool, I pivot on my heel and make my way out of the building.
Once I’m in my car, I finally let loose the frustration that’s been building up inside me.
“Damn it! Damn it!Damn it!” I yell, pounding my palm on the steering wheel.
“I bet he’s embarrassed to see what a failure you turned out to be.”
Alex’s words ring loudly in my head.
This is supposed to be the year I bring home the championship trophy and win the MVP award.
Otosan would’ve finally told me he’s proud of me, and realized that my choice to pursue a basketball career wasn’t a huge mistake.
Now, I don’t think I’ll ever hear him utter those words to me.
I will not only be a failure to Otosan, but to the whole world.
