Next up is Atlas.
“I’m not telling you that because I think I’m better.I’m telling you because…” I huff out a breath and rub both hands over my face.“Because I’ve been to the other side of the mountain… and there was nothing there.”
I have their attention now.
“Two years ago, I would’ve told you all I wanted was the ring.I wanted to be MJ.To be Kobe.To live forever.Well, glory is cheap.Hearing your name on the wind rings hollow after a while, especially when you realize you don’t even know the people saying it.”I cross to Jay.“What matters is what you do.Every day.Who you do it with.”
I hold out a hand.
Jay stares at it, then takes it.
“Let’s make it fucking happen,” he grunts.
I pull him up.He puts his hand in and motions the other guys over.One by one, they appear.
“Kodiaks on three.One, two, three, KODIAKS!”
The low holler goes up.
“Not fucking good enough,” Miles bellows.
“KODIAKS!!!”
This time, it’s loud enough to vibrate through the room.
My chest expands, adrenaline pumping through my veins.
We’re already doing something great.I appreciate every time I get to set foot on the court with these guys.But if every guy in here pulls his weight, scrapes the bottom of his ability and effort… we have a chance at something unprecedented.
The guys are dialed in, and I am too.I will push aside every doubt in my head for this team.
Even if a piece of my heart is missing.
Security appears in the doorway and nods to me.“Someone’s here to see you.”
What the…?I cross to him and peer out into the hallway.
Pink hair.Bright eyes.Full lips.
Nova fills my vision like a mirage, wearing my jersey and a denim skirt, her hair down in waves around her shoulders.
“I took a commercial flight back,” she says breathlessly.“I had to be here for this game.I had to see you in person, to let you know how much I love you and believe in you.Miles might make the jokes, and Rookie brings the moves, and Jay has the eyes, but you’re the heart of it.This team isn’t the same without you.I had to say that because watching until four in the morning in France wasn’t ideal.”
“You watched the last game live?”
“I watched every game live.”
I didn’t know how much I’d needed her until this moment.The woman who completes me.She chose us over everything.
“You make me work, Nova.I didn’t make sense.I still don’t, but it’s better with you here.”I reach a hand around her neck to pull her up to me, but she makes a noise of protest.
Nova pulls something out of her bag.“I told you I’d bring you something from Paris.”
It’s a banner painted with bears, all of my teammates’ names under it.
“No Kyle?”I notice.
“He’s the little one in the distance.”
