“We’ll get him back,” I say with more confidence than I feel.“Keep it going.”
Jay and I exchange a look.
We could lose this series.
It occurs to me for the first time.
All of this could be for nothing.
I’m a champion who came back for a victory lap.I had a chance to live forever, and instead I’ll be forgotten.
NOVA
“Knock knock.Are you still asleep?”a familiar voice calls.
“What time is it?”I crack an eye without lifting my face from the pillow.
“Almost nine.”Mari strides into my room with a tray and a smile.
I rub my eyes against the sun streaming in the window.
The little flat we rented is near the Eiffel Tower.We’ve been here for three days, and it’s been beautiful.Stunning gardens, well-dressed people, and yes, pastries to die for.
“I should be making you coffee,” I say groggily, pushing myself up to sitting as Mari sets the tray on my bed over my lap.“Where’s Emily?”
“Playing on her mat.”She nods to the other room and perches on the edge of my bed.She’s already fitting into the Paris vibe in a white T-shirt and slim black pants.
I pick up the coffee and take a grateful sip.
“How late were you up?”she asks.
“Until the end of the press conferences.”
Her eyes widen.“The game went until… two.I thought I did well to stay up that late.”
“Four by the time the press conferences were done.”
The series was two for Phoenix to two for Denver going into last night.After dropping the first game, they scrambled back to steal the next two.But the loss last night was a blow.I could sense Clay’s frustration.
“What time are your meetings?”I ask.
“I don’t have any today.”She smiles, slow and devious.“Let’s call in sick.”
“Who are you and what have you done with Mari?”I demand, but it’s a welcome distraction.
The three of us go to a gallery, Emily in the stroller.
“When we were kids, you never would’ve been caught dead in an art gallery,” I comment.
She snorts as we browse together.“But I want Emily to appreciate art.”
“Because successful people are well rounded and talk about everything?”
“No.Because you do.”
I stare at her as we head for the exit, where someone is selling brightly colored fabric flags.
The baby wakes up, her eyes widening on them.She waves her hands, and I buy a purple one and mount it on her stroller.
