“They wouldn’t do that, right? I’ve heard the Warriors have a really great reputation in the front office.”
“They do, but I can’t keep my thoughts from spiraling.”
I sigh. “That was me this evening, so I started a community garden.”
“Literally?” Jabari snorts.
“Quite literally. You know me and all things green.”
“Did it work? Are you spiral free?”
“I’m a little dizzy but not much.”
“Sadly, I have no plants and no clue on how to start a garden.”
“Guess I’ll just have to fill your place with plant babies, then. Surely you have somewhere we can start an urban garden for you.”
“You trust me to see if they need weeding and watering?”
Good question. “If I get ones that only need water on a weekly basis, it’s a matter of routine. Or I can just come in once a week and make sure they’re still alive.”
“That option. Then I can see more of you.”
The words bring heat to my cheeks and have my lips fighting a smile. And though I’m not willing to dwell on Jabari’s feelings, I can’t help but notice them in the moment.
I don’t hate the dazzling sensation they create in my middle. Not even one tiny bit.
25
Jabari
“Have a seat, Crank.”
I do as told, trying not to fidget in my chair. I have no idea why Coach has called me into the office, and that makes me want to squirm.
“Have you given any thought to what you might do after you retire?”
You mean, after the Warriorsforceme to retire? Yeah, only every waking moment. “Not really,” I reply.
Coach hums. What does that mean? What are his body language and facial cues saying? What is he thinking? Does he have something in mind? Something I’ll like? Because my qualifications have dwindled since being declared legally blind.
“Biz ops called and asked if you’d be interested in helping them in their charitable-donation procurement.”
I blink. “I don’t know what that is.”
“Sorry. Let me back up,” Coach says.
“Please.” Because if there’s some way I can be of use, maybe I won’t hate coming to the games while my teammates have all the fun.
“The higher-ups in hockey operations and business ops have been talking about your, uh, predicament.”
Makes sense. Who wouldn’t have a few words to say over the hockey player who loses his sight?
You’re not blind,just legally so.I hold in a scoff. From where I’m sitting, there’s not that much of a delineation.
“They want you to put out a statement regarding your current health status. Then after that, they want to give you an opportunity to transition to the business side of the house to keep your foot in the hockey world.”
My insides twist. So not playing but not absent either. “I’m listening.”
