Finally, she turns to me.
“And speaking of the missing link, Jabari. Another dominant performance. Two assists, constant control, and you didn’t seem to break a sweat out there.”
I smile at that. Just a little. “Those pricks couldnevermake me sweat.”
There’s a sharp intake from someone off camera. Amin’s mouth twitches. Sol laughs outright.
Coach O’Shea and Daniel are going to deep fry me.Wait, not Daniel any more. Is it Clayton?
She recovers fast. “Oh, um. Strong words.”
“And I back them,” I say. “Every time.”
She presses on. “Well. There was a moment you left the pitch briefly. Everything okay?”
“I got dirty,” I answer plainly. “Had to fix it.”
That gets another laugh from the crew.
“I’m sure. And the rivalry with Salvatore Moretti? Is that because he now has your position on your previous team?” she asks.
Amin cuts in before she can push further and create a bigger PR nightmare. “There’s respect on both sides.”
“Well, I’m damn sure he respects me now. He should respect all of us. Other teams should too.”
The mention of other teams makes them buzz. Reporters swarm in tighter now, microphones pushing forward, voices overlapping.
“Jabari—there are rumours already circulating that several top teams have expressed interest after tonight’s performance. An insider close to your camp says talks may already be happening. Is it true clubs from Spain and Germany are watching you now?”
What the fuck?
Sounds like Daniel has been running his mouth.Fuck the man’s name is not Daniel!
I glance toward Amin first, then Sol. They’re both still catching their breath, sweat drying, kits half untucked. They’re a mess but they’re still my people.
“I think I’m good where I’m at,” I say.
That lands.
One of the reporters leans in, sharper now. “That’s interesting, considering in Gombe you said you were dead set on playing for one of the big three.”
I huff a short laugh and step closer to Sol, pulling him into my side. Amin joins us without a word.
I face the cameras again.
“This,” I say, tapping Sol’s chest once, then nodding toward Amin, “is therealbig three.”
Sol laughs under his breath. “You’re chatting mad shit again.”
Amin shakes his head, lips twitching. “Man’s trying to get us all fined.”
“I’m serious,” I say. “We showed what we’re about out there. Anyone paying attention saw it.”
Cameras flash harder. Pens scribble faster.
“So you’re turning down bigger clubs?” another voice asks.
“I didn’t say that,” I reply calmly. “I said I’m good where I am. Besides, we’re the next big club. Next question.”
