Nick’s shoulders roll back, some kind of understanding moving across his face I choose to ignore. “What are you doing about it?”
“I’m meeting with Greg, but you know how contracts work. I doubt they’ll bench him, but they have to see that he and his gang are a large part of what’s standing between us and winning.”
“That’s for damn sure. They need to trade his useless ass and half of the others.”
I exhale. “I don’t care what they do. He won’t say one more word about Ryder.”
“Maybe it’s time you kick his ass.”
His words pull forth Ryder’s comment about T-Bone wanting to see how far he can push me.
“You think he’s behind this?” Nick asks.
“Ryder says he’s too loud. The person behind these threats wants to remain hidden.”
Nick nods, his hand moving over his buzzed, light hair. “Huh.” His lips curl into a smug grin. “Never thought I’d see the day you’d live with a woman. Better be careful. You might find you like it.”
He’s lucky I am careful of my hands. If I weren’t, I’d wipe that look off his face.
“You’re an asshole,” I joke, and he laughs, but dammit, I think his warning might be a little too late.
He moves to the couch, sitting in Ryder’s spot, and kicks his feet out in front of him, crossing his ankles. “I’m glad she’s here.You shouldn’t have to be alone all the time. I know why you are, but. . .I hate that for you.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve had something to look forward to outside the game, but having Ryder here has been nice. I have to remember it’s temporary. This is a job for her.Iam only a job. Soon, I’ll go back to sitting in my room, watching tape, and preparing for the next game. The idea causes the area around my lungs to constrict.
I need to move the focus off of me and hopefully deflate some of the pressure building in my chest. “So, how are things in New York? Are you still hoping for a trade? We’re approaching the deadline.”
“Yeah. I’m tired of the city. It never shuts up. I miss Denver, where it was quiet.”
Me too.
“I want a house in the woods where I don’t have to see people for days if I don’t want to.”
I laugh. “Are you going to be one of those people who live off the grid? Maybe you should try Alaska. It’d probably suit you.”
“It’s too far.” His voice turns softer as he stares into the distance. “But if I had a choice, you’re not wrong.”
I have no doubt Nick would get lost if he could. I understand the desire.
“How’s working with the kids?”
Nick works with intercity youth from the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City. He mentors throughout the season and coaches in the off-season. These kids and teenagers come from low-income families and have difficulty accessing and affording sports programs. Nick’s goal is to give them structure outside of school and their circumstances. The organization provides a safe place off the streets and away from the gangs trying to entice them.
“Difficult as hell, and they think they know everything.” He chuckles. “Same problems as always. Trying to keep them in and the drugs and guns out. We started handing out condoms.” He runs a hand over his face.
I grin. “I’d pay a million dollars to see you explaining contraception to a bunch of teens. How do I get this recorded?”
He flips me off. I laugh, and it feels really good.
His head rolls in my direction. “If I’d known I’d be a third wheel at this event, I would have avoided the crowds and kept my ass home.”
“I’m sorry, man. Time got away from me, and all this stuff happened so fast.”
Nick stretches out even further, making himself comfortable. “Well, what game are we watching, and who are we going to figure out how to screw with? If I’m here, we might as well make it useful.”
I laugh, and the mammoth squatting on my chest finally finds somewhere else to sit. I grab the control and turn on a game, needing to get lost in football for a while, just like we used to.
______
