It’s easy to stick together when things are going smoothly, harder when we’re down and fighting back.But that’s when it matters.
I’m risking my reputation and my legacy on this.And I’ve never felt more alive.
“Can you do it?”I ask my guy, adrenaline pounding through my veins as though we’re in another game.
The tattoo artist looks around in bewilderment.“Four more?”
“Not four.Five,” Harlan says, and we all turn to stare at him.
Miles beams.“Tell me you’ll get it on your neck.Just, like, a big old neck tat?—”
“Don’t press your luck.”
The artist shakes his head.“No way I can do that many tonight.Maybe two.I suppose I can call another of my artists as a favor.”
I nod my thanks as he reaches for his phone.
Hours later, we spill back onto the street.Harlan pulls me aside.
“Whatever happens, I’m proud of what you’ve done.We’ve had our problems, but I only ever wanted to see you succeed.”He claps a hand on my shoulder.
I turn back to my guys, who’re comparing tattoos.
“Rest up tomorrow.Then we go back in there for game two,” I say.“And we play like family.They might be fast and strong, but I promise you, that’s one thing LA doesn’t have.We don’t think about Kyle or anyone except the guys who show up in a Denver jersey to work every day.They’re mercenaries.We’re Kodiaks.”
There’s a chorus of agreement.
Harlan folds his arms, the same resolved fire sparking in his eyes.“What about you, Wade?You ready to take it to LA in your old house?”
My hands fist at my sides as the fresh ink seeps into my chest under my shirt.
“It was always a rental.”
DENVER STAGES IMPRESSIVE SECOND GAME COMEBACK VS LA
KODIAKS TAKE TWO IN A ROW
LA PULLS EVEN TO TWO AND TWO VS DENVER IN FINALS
In other sports news, former Denver Kodiaks coach announces his retirement.
31
NOVA
Grumpy Baller: Can you come over.
The game is happening later today and I’m running around when the text comes from Clay.
Alarm shoots through me.
Clay’s been edgy all week, every moment he’s not caught up in team practices or press conferences.
It’s exciting the Kodiaks are in the position to win the conference.It would be a new record for the organization, and the entire city is buzzing.
When I get to his condo, the door’s open.
I stick my head in.“Hello?”I call warily as I push the door wide.
