“You will see theeditedversion of that in the locker room and use it in interviews; however, the entire motto matters, just like every single member of this franchise that signs up to put this dragon,” he taps the emblem on his jacket, “on their chest whether they’re front office or scrubbing the team bus. And you will treat them that way, or you will not play. You will treat them that way or you will not stay.” Blanc folds his arms back across his chest. “Have I made myself heard?”
“Yes, Coach!”
“Good.” A suspicious smile suddenly slips into place. “Now, everyone knows about Groffee, right?”
Holy. Fuck.
He knows?!
No.
Maybe.
No.
He would’ve said shit earlier.
Not call me out in front of the boys first.
Panic strives not to skate around my stare as hard to read glances are shot in my direction.
“Andhere, onthisteam, we’re afamily, so when one of our brothers needs help watching out for one of his own – especially a younger sibling – wesharethat responsibility. Understood?”
“Yes, Coach!” my teammates shout, relieving me of the whipped-up dread.
“Groffee Jr.-”
“That’s somehowworse than Tiny Tendy,” grumbles my brother under his breath.
“-will have your back and you will have his.”
“Ra!” escapes each of us alongside the hand motion.
Bronny immediately stands a little taller.
Prouder.
Almost as if honored to be an extended member of the team.
Almost likeheneeded this.
A reminder that he’s wanted, not aburden.
The DJ scratch noise suddenly appears in my head prompting additional pause.
Is that why he bonds with Gilly so easily?
‘Cause she gets that?
‘Cause that’s allshe’sever wanted?
And isthis momentwhat I constantly provide for her?
Fuck…that both moves my soul and breaks my heart.
It’s somethin’ bittersweet.
Like a Dru Hill ballad.
