I get home and all the lights are off. The house is dead as I wheel my luggage and my carry-on to my room. I toss my shit on the floor of my closet before sliding into bed. Setting my alarm for eight, even though it’s an off day tomorrow, I want to head into the office.
I wake up the next morning, opting to not even check my phone before getting dressed in my track suit and then grabbing a coffee before leaving. I’m at my desk when I open up the iPad and read the sports headline.
“LA Warriors’ Cracks Keep Widening with New Coach.”
I shake my head as I read the piece written by Timothy, making it clear my age is a disadvantage for the game since apparently I’m too young to actually do this job right.
My phone vibrates on my desk, and I look down to see Ken has sent me a message.
Ken:
Meeting today in your office at noon. Brad will be phoning in.
“Great,” I mutter, “another meeting.” Before we left on the road trip, they made it clear that all eyes were on me. There was no room for mistakes and now that we just lost three games in a row, I can bet those eyes are getting bigger and bigger.
I scroll through the text messages I didn’t have the energy to look at yesterday and see father and Victoria texted me last night. I know I shouldn’t text her. My life is slowly becoming a disaster, and the last thing I should be doing is getting involved with anyone, especially my player’s sister.
Dad:
You can’t win them all.
I look at the words trying to tell myself the same thing.
Me:
Easier said than done.
I reply then read the one from Victoria.
Victoria:
Thanks for the number. I spoke with Jill and she is on board with it.
My brain knows I shouldn’t respond. My brain is well aware. But something, and I don’t know what that something is, has me texting her back.
Me:
You’re welcome. Want to come over to my place tonight for dinner?
I press send and then wonder if I should just tell her I was texting the wrong person. But then it’s going to look as if I was texting someone else and that would be very fucking uncool.
Victoria:
I was going to have dinner at Buckingham Palace, but my flight got cancelled, so I guess I’m free.
I can’t help the laughter that comes out of me.
Me:
Here is my address, come any time after five thirty.
Victoria:
I shall Zillow this right now and see where you live.
Me:
I don’t even know what that means.
