“Like I what?”
“Almost like you had it out with my dad,” I say.
He’s quiet.
“Dude. I appreciate it, but I don’t really get it. Why would you do that?”
“I mean,” he begins. “I couldn’t listen to Jack belittle you like that. It was humiliating. Plus,youquit the team first.”
“I know, but—”
“Listen, Colin. I know you think I’m a nerd, or a kiss-ass, or whatever.”
“No, I don’t,” I lie.
“Yes, you do. I’m not oblivious to your stupid little comments. But I was raised to stand up for what’s right. That’s why I studied law in the first place.”
“But we’re inestatelaw.”
“I know. Listen, when I was a kid, my dad died, and he didn’t have a will. The state took all his assets because he and my mom weren’t married. And I didn’t think that was right. Just like today. What Jack did wasn’t right. And I wasn’t going to sit back and not say anything about it. But I didn’t do it so you wouldlikeme or whatever.”
“Shut up, Gordy. Ilikeyou just fine.”
“You can’t stand me and that’s fine. I don’t like you either, if you want to know the truth. But youarea good partner and a hard worker. So, if you’re off the team, then so am I. And if we don’t play, there’s no way Daisy’s gonna keep playing. Let the divorce guys have the team. I’m sure Dom can fill the empty spots with all the girls he’s hooking up with.”
I laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure,” I agree.
“So, that’s it. I’ll be resting at home for the next few days, but I’ll be back at work next week.”
“Okay,” I say. “Hey, Gordy?”
“Yeah?”
“You know my dad’s name is John, right?”
“Yeah. Jack is a nickname for John.”
“Maybe back during the Revolutionary War, but this is the twenty-first century, you know.”
“Whatever, Smart Guy. If you think I’m such an idiot, then you won’t be surprised when I start referring to you as ‘Colon,’ you know, since you’re kind of an asshole.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Good one, Gordito.”
“That’s Spanish, you moron.”
“I know. I learned it in high school. It’s what you call a small chubby kid.”
“I’m not small or fat though.”
“I was talking about your busted junk,” I retort, snickering.
He laughs too. “You’re such a child.”
“Just so we’re clear, this doesn’t mean I like you now,” I say.
“Same,” he says.
“Feel better though,” I offer. “Catch you on the flip.”
