“Not in the ways that count.”Harlan slings an arm over the back of the booth.“Mar’s been going through something.But she hasn’t talked to me about it.”
The fact that he’s suffering too blunts my animosity towards him.In this, at least, we’re the same.
“I meant what I said, Harlan.I’m committed to this place.This team.”
The waitress comes back to offer Harlan another beer, which he declines and then asks for the bill.I nod that I’ll pick it up.
“Why’d you want to meet at Mile High?”Harlan asks.
“I haven’t been around in a while and wanted to check in.”
“Because you like the fries.”
I study him, wondering what his game is.
Nova would show her cards and trust that the rest would work itself out.
“Because I own forty-nine percent of this bar.”
Harlan stares me down for a minute before he shifts out of his seat and wraps his scarf around his neck, tucking it into his wool coat.“You’re full of surprises.”
I rise too and reach for my coat.“Thank fuck.I’d hate to be predictable.”
He considers, then nods.“LA will be disappointed to hear they won’t be getting a veteran all-star for their post-season lineup.I’ll talk to James and confirm with you.”
The tension in me releases.
Another week and the trade talk will be dead.Nova will know I’m here for the long haul.
“You realize this is called all-starbreakfor a reason?”Jay comments from across the court as he passes to Rookie in practice.
Normally, most of the guys who weren’t invited to the all-star game would spend a few days relaxing with friends and family afterward.
Today, I called in a favor and grabbed us the college gym.
“You know who lays on a beach in February?Retirees,” I reply.
Rookie grunts as he cuts through the defenders and goes in for the dunk.Atlas stops him, sending him to the floor.Rookie falls on his back, and I’m over the court, extending a hand.
“Layup,” he says as he grabs it, shaking his head because he doubts his decision.
“No.You had it.That was a blocking foul.”I ignore Atlas’s protest.“Take it.”
Rookie nods.I pull him up and clap him on the shoulder.
The entire team was supposed to be back for the gala, but I asked them to come a day early to practice.In fact, this is an unscheduled practice.We’re at this gym because I don’t want anyone knowing what we're doing.None of the coaching staff is here.Only the players.It’s off the books.I want a man-to-man talk with the roster.
“Let’s keep it going.I gotta be home in an hour,” I say.
“Your girl waiting on you with spread… arms?”Atlas amends at my look.
“Nah, I’m moving my trophies and shit out so Nova can move in.”
Miles shakes his head.“Still think she’ll wake up and realize her mistake.”
“It’s not a mistake.She’s mine and I’m hers.”
They all stare at me.
