“I’m considering all of my options.”
“I’d do the same. You can’t be too cautious in business.”
“True.” Time to get the conversation off of me and back to the point. “So, Tim, what are your concerns regarding becoming a sponsor?”
Tim begins speaking and asking questions. I make sure to keep the focus off myself and present to Tim what his donation woulddo for the organization. Morgan’s audio file was packed full of information, and every single tidbit remains fresh in my mind. Of course relistening to some portions this morning on the bus ride in, as I got dressed for the meeting, and in the car ride over helped.
We talk throughout our meal. Afterward, Tim informs me of another meeting he’s scheduled for. Fortunately, I’m satisfied I did everything Morgan asked of me. Tim’s pledged a hefty sum to the organization.
“The Warriors thank you for your contribution.” I rise to my feet.
“My pleasure, truly. Before I go, is there a chance you could sign this rookie card for me?”
Can I? I haven’t practiced my signature due to vision concerns, but shouldn’t that be muscle memory?
I reach for the card, then position it on the table like I normally would. Without thinking, I squiggle my signature letting my hand move as usual. When I squint to bring my signature into focus, itappearsto be my signature. Hopefully, it’s the real deal. I straighten and hand the signed card over.
“You’ll be at the game tomorrow, right?” I ask as we head out.
“I wouldn’t miss it. Love when you guys come to New York.”
“Are you in one of our suites?”
“Oh no,” Tim says. “I like to be right at the action.”
“Tell me where you’re seated, and I’ll make sure you have a good night.”
Tim slaps me on the back. My jaw sets, startled by the movement.
“I appreciate you, Crank. I can call you that, right?”
“Sure can.” Everyone does most of the time anyway.
We make our good-byes, and as soon as I’m seated in the sedan, I breathe out a sigh of relief. That went well, and now to concentrate on my upcoming date. When Val first agreed to go out with me, I texted Raimo and Javier for suggestions on romantic restaurants in NYC. After they read reviews, comments, and even viewed somesocial media links on my behalf, I made a reservation at Le Pavillon. Though my chances of getting into the place seemed low, my name made a way.
Le Pavillon is known for bringing nature into their restaurant. Javier said all the visitors commented on their breathtaking display of plants and greenery. Raimo cautioned me because it didn’t hit high on the romantic list scale. But what could be more romantic than bringing my plant-loving girlfriend—wait, can I call her that yet?—to a culinary scene that knows the way to her heart. I can’t wait for Val’s response.
Since our date isn’t until tomorrow, I have to bide my time. Val already texted to let me know she’s on the train, with a promise to text when she and her sister arrive at their hotel. Maybe I can convince her to come to my hotel for a visit. Then again, Coach doesn’t like the team to have visitors before the game.Do the rules even apply since you’renot playing tomorrow?
“Sir, we’re here.”
I thank the driver before getting out.
“Yo, Crank!” a voice shouts. One that sounds suspiciously like Javier.
I stop, and before I know it, a few guys swarm me.
“Where were you?” Raimo asks.
“Yeah, man, we’ve been looking everywhere,” Javier adds.
“I told them you wanted peace and quiet,” Tae states in his quiet manner.
I hold my hands up. “I had a meeting with a potential donor.”
“Is that what you’re doing now? You don’t hang out with us anymore?” Javier sniffs like he’s affronted. Yet I can hear the underlying humor in his tone.
“You know you’re too lowbrow for me,” I joke.
