Sara seemed pick up on PJ’s agitation and moved on to other topics. The conversation resumed, and PJ relaxed as he talked about his team, coaches, stats, and how he was handling all of the Rookie of the Year talk. They even shared a laugh when Sara asked if he was seeing anyone, and PJ responded, “Only if you’re free later,” making Sara blush and briefly stutter. That was definitely going to be a viral moment.
“Lastly,” Sara began, with a tone that signaled she was wrapping up the interview, “I know this is just the beginning of your career, but you’re already being compared to some other great forwards, like Lebron and Durant. What would you like your legacy in the game to be?”
PJ pushed his locs out of his face as he thought. “I just want to be someone that gives his all to the game, leaves it all out on the court. For me, it’s not about the numbers and things. Yeah, I want to win a ring or two. But above all else, I want to be a player that kids look up to. I want to be a decent human being.”
“From the looks of it, you’re on the right track. Thank you for sitting down with me PJ. And good luck to you this season.”
With that, Sara signed off, and the director yelled cut.
PJ shook Sara’s hand and was yanking off his microphone before the production staff had a chance to help him. He walked over to Antonio and stared him down.
“This was a fucking disaster,” he said through gritted teeth.
“Kid, it wasn’t as bad as you think,” Antonio assured him as he moved them out of earshot, making sure no one was near them. “Sara turned it around in the end.”
“Yeah, after she got all personal. After she asked about you,” PJ said in a low voice.
“I know,” Antonio said. “It was awkward.”
“It sure as hell was! It’s always been awkward. And now….” PJ blew out a breath. “You know what? I need to get some air.” PJ pushed past Antonio and headed toward the hallway.
Sara rushed over, looking worried. She glanced at PJ pacing in the hallway, then back at Antonio. “Everything okay? Listen, I’m sorry if I got a little personal. PJ is just so reclusive. Folks want to know more about him—who he is beyond partying and practice.”
“It’s cool. You’re just doing your job.”
Sara nodded. “Thanks.” She headed toward the production booth where Tanika was waiting.
So much for them spending Thanksgiving together with his parents. Antonio rubbed a hand down his face and sighed.
CHAPTER 37
Jackie was on her daily treadmill power walk, looking at the deal for Ramón and Mo’s fight. Mo was entirely too amped about it, promising to name his first daughter “Jackie.” Jackie begged him not to do that. There were enough Jackies in the world.
Guzman had been surprisingly agreeable to most of the terms she’d proposed. A few details would have to be negotiated, but as an agent, this was all par for the course.
As Jackie was rounding out her mile and lip-syncing an old school MC Lyte verse, Calvin called to say she had a visitor. She was surprised to see Tanika at her door.
Tanika tapped gently on the doorframe. “Hey Jackie. Got a minute?”
Jackie stopped walking and embraced her girl, then offered her a seat on the sofa. Tanika sat quietly, brows furrowed. Her look worried Jackie.
