PJ bristled, confirming he had more than drinks in his system. Jackie’s wheels were spinning. Once the league got word of this arrest, they would most certainly test him. She had to get ahead of this some kind of way.
Jackie leaned against the table. “And let’s say you come back with a dirty drug test? The league is going to suspend you, PJ. They don’t play about drugs. And even if you come back clean, with the DUI, they will likely suspend you. This isn’t good.”
“And all this right before they start voting on Rookie of the Year? Do you even care?” There was an edge in Antonio’s voice that Jackie had never heard before. But PJ didn’t flinch, not even an inch.
“Do you remember the CBA you signed? That includes anything that leads to court convictions,” Jackie reminded him.
“Listen to Jackie,” Antonio said. “She’s right.”
“Oh, so you all a team now? You two ganging up on me?” PJ scoffed. “Seriously, Rookie of the Year is all you care about! That’s all any of you all care about.”
“PJ, that isn’t true,” Jackie said. “I care about your future. I’m not saying you gotta be perfect, but—”
“I damn sure gotta come close, though, huh?” PJ interrupted. “I can’t make mistakes.”
“You can’t afford to make mistakes, son!” Antonio yelled. “You got a lot riding on this year. Use your brain!”
“Oh,” PJ chuckled dryly. “So now you wanna come in and give me some advice, like you’re my daddy.”
“Iamyour father,” Antonio said. He tented his hands in a prayer, taking a deep breath. “And I’m asking you to listen to me. For once.”
Jackie heard Dedrick say “Whoa,” under his breath. She’d have to explain later.
“Some father you are.” PJ waved Antonio out of his face. “Trying to come in and play daddy all of a sudden! You ain’t been around half my life and now you wanna step up? Dude, fuck you.”
“What did you say to me?” Antonio stared hard at PJ. “I suggest you take that bass out your damned voice.”
“Nah, you don’t get off that easy. You’re a father when it’s convenient. Most of my life, I’ve been nothing more than an inconvenience to you. You a little too late, playboy!”
“I’m late?” Antonio’s voice went up an octave. “Who’s been with you this entire season? Every step of the way. Who’s been there when you had questions? Who just posted your bail, huh? Me, dude. I sure as hell don’t see your mama here now, do I? Let me guess, you called her, and she didn’t even bother to pick up the damn phone.”
“Hey, leave my mama’s name out your damn mouth!” PJ yelled. The expression on PJ’s face told Jackie that Antonio had hit the nail on the head. The thought of a mother not answering her kid during a crisis made her feel sick, bringing back far too many memories.
Dedrick looked wide-eyed between the two men. “Settle down, you two.” He pointed at the glass. “There is no telling who can hear us.”
“Yes, you two cut it out!” Jackie said through her teeth. “People were out there snapping pictures and whatever else. I’m going to have to do a lot of damage control.”
“You ain’t gotta do shit,” PJ said. “You’re fired.”
It was like hearing a record scratch. Jackie blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” PJ said. “This relationship isn’t gonna work. Especially since you’re fucking my dad. You’re his smash buddy. It’s a conflict of interest, right?”
“PJ! Watch your damn mouth,” Antonio said. “Show Jackie some respect.”
“Whoa,” Dedrick repeated, under his breath. He looked at Jackie. She felt her face heat with both anger and embarrassment.
“Fire me?” Jackie put her hands on her hips. “I think you better check yourself. I know you’re upset, but I’m not the one or the two. I’m the one who called Dedrick. I’m the one who you hired to help you with stuff like this.”
“Well, your services are no longer needed,” PJ said. “Shit. I need to call an Uber or something. My car is in impound, I think.”
“You don’t have aphone, PJ!” Jackie pinched the bridge of her nose. “Are you even thinking right now?”
“Clearly, he has half a brain cell left,” mumbled Antonio.
“Antonio,” Jackie hissed. “You’re not helping things.”
“Listen,” Dedrick held up his hands. “Everyone chill. I’ll give PJ a ride home.” He turned to Jackie. “And I’m going to call you later, Jack.”
