And maybe that’s why I feel like this, like Iwantto make all his dreams come true.
But he was very clear Saturday night, more than twenty-four hours ago. He said he wouldn’t do it again and that it was no big deal, that kiss...
I should be grateful for that. Iamgrateful, for sure.
“Let me get your bag,” he murmurs, but his voice booms in the silent car.
He doesn’t need to carry anything for me, I’m more than strong enough to lift my little carry-on and suit dust jacket, but I don’t protest either way.
I just stand back while he opens the trunk and puts my belongings on the paved road of my driveway.
When he’s done, when the trunk is closing and it’s time to... I don’t know what, that’s when he finally turns to me.
Looking uncharacteristically sheepish and hesitant, he shuffles closer. “Can I hug you?” he asks, adorably.
“You’ve always hugged me and you can always hug me.” The words, so honest and unbridled, jump out of me on instinct.
“Yeah, I know. But this weekend was . . .”
“It was insane.” I confirm for him.
“Yeah.”
Since he doesn’t seem to know what to do, I do it for him, and following the wish he made clear withhiswords, I step right up to him and make sure it’s not awkward at all when I wrap my arms around him.
It helps that he doesn’t hesitate, that he hugs me just as hard as he always has. And the thing is, it’snotawkward, not at all. It’s so... normal.
Too normal maybe.
So I step back after an appropriate amount of time and clap him on the shoulder before reaching for my bag.
“You’ve got some thinking to do.”
“About what?”
I quash the thought that he could think about that kiss,the handholding,us, and instead tell him what I want my words to mean.
“How many years you want with the Warriors.” I remind him of the shitload of work ahead of me. “If you want ten years, then I’m sure?—”
“I don’t want ten years,” he blurts out. “I make sure to take care of my body, but I don’t want to still be playing in my forties.”
“So . . . six years?”
“No.” He shakes his head adamantly. “Just tell them five. And if they or I want me to still be here after that, then we’ll deal with it then.”
“How much do you want a year? Should we go for sixty? Sixty-five?” I ask when he shakes his head.
“No, fifty a year, like last time. That’s enough for me to know they still believe in me. I don’t need any more, and that way there’s still space to pay the other guys.”
God, he’s just not greedy enough to be this successful. That’s my AJ, though...
No, notmyanything.
I clear my throat and nod.
“You got it. I’ll check in with your GM tomorrow and let you know what happens.”
“Thanks, Cam.” He nods once then takes a step back. “Have a good night.”
