“What’s fucked is that he was right.”
Colin released a thoughtful breath. “I know we’re not friends, but can I offer a piece of advice?”
“Sure.”
“They say blood is thicker than water, but sometimes our friends will be there for us when our family is looking for a handout.”
“I don’t mind taking care of my family. I just don’t like being taken advantage of.”
“You have a bastard for a father. Welcome to the club.”
My face telegraphed my surprise as I took a seat on one of the benches. “Your dad?”
“I know you think I grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth?—”
“Because you did.”
“Correct, but that didn’t mean I had it made. My father was a taskmaster and nothing I did was good enough.”
“I know the feeling. My father can’t seem to find it in him to be happy for me.”
“It’s hard to be happy when you’re jealous.” To my surprise, it would appear Colin and I had more in common than I initially thought. Having a distant father was tough. The funny thing is from the outside looking in, Colin’s suburban childhood was what I’d wished for. Grass isn’t always greener. “Sometimes cutting motherfuckers off is the smartest thing you can do.”
“So what are you gonna do about Charmise?”
“Focus on work. Hope she agrees to couples therapy and try to keep my nose clean. She’s the love of my life, the mother of my kids.”
“If she was all that, then why cheat?” I raised my hands to show my intentions were pure. “Not an attack, just a question.”
“When you can have anything you want, it’s hard to say no.”
“My girl gave me hell when that story broke about you and?—”
“The baby?”
“Yeah, she seems to think all players are the same.”
“Does she know she’s dating a born-again choirboy?”
“Not a choirboy by any stretch.”
“So, it looks like we’re going to the playoffs.”
“You sound surprised. Making it to the playoffs was the easy part. Now we’re gonna have to hustle for the finals.”
“The organization is no doubt patting themselves on the back for signing you on.”
“I tried to tell you. I’m the truth and we’re gonna win a championship this year.”
“And if we don’t?”
“If we don’t, I’ll eat a leather jacket with hot sauce.”
Colin clapped his hands, laughing loudly. “I’m going to hold you to it, newbie.”
Danessa gaveme a key to her place so I could come and go as needed. I found her in the second bedroom bent over, fussing with the printer.
“Alright Thiccolas Cage.”
