"Oh," he says casually. "You noticed."
Gregory immediately backs away from the whiteboard like it might explode.
Bobby looks delighted.
The board is a mess.
Names everywhere.
Dates circled.
Arrows pointing in directions that make no sense.
Someone has drawn a huge dollar sign in the corner like this is a Vegas sportsbook.
I walk closer.
Dex – Next road trip
Dex – Before Shelly buys matching pajamas
Gregory – All-Star break
Mills – Playoffs after two glasses of champagne
Bobby – Already happened
Colby – At the next team dinner when Shelly accidentally calls Natalie "babe" in front of everyone
Jonah – Following a post-game interview when he forgets the microphone is on
There are more.
A lot more.
Someone has drawn odds next to them like a sportsbook.
I turn slowly.
"You guys are gambling on my marriage?"
Dex brightens instantly.
"Technically," he says, "we’re predicting emotional timelines."
"Twenty dollar buy in," Gregory mutters.
"Dex," I say.
"Yes captain of denial?"
"Explain this."
Dex walks over to the board proudly like a man unveiling a masterpiece.
"Gentlemen," Dex announces, clapping his hands once, "Shelly has discovered the pool. Odds just shifted."
A cheer erupts across the locker room.
