Sloane swept her big curls from her eyes. “So, you’re having problems with Colin?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
“Colin talks a tough game, but he’s a private school kid who had everything handed to him.”
“So am I,” Deion said.
“Yeah, but you were raised differently.” Sloane grabbed hold of his chin and gave it a shake.
I nodded in agreement. “I’ve known plenty of guys like Colin, all bark no bite.”
“I think someone needs to slap the shit out of him one good time and he’ll tighten up.”
“I like her.” I smiled so big it split my face.
“It’s never easy being the new kid in town. But your game will speak for itself. If you’re really as good as Deion says you are, that will silence the haters.”
I turned to Deion. “You think I’m good.” The thought caused my stomach to trill with excitement. Joining the league allowed me the opportunity to play alongside veterans and the experience had been a mixed bag.
“You can shoot a ball. Don’t read too much into it.” Deion’s tepid compliment still meant a lot. Despite what my teammates might think, I wasn’t trying to be an agitator. I wanted the Ramblers to succeed. I wasn’t stupid enough to truly believe I could make that happen alone. “Look, you could be the second coming of Jordan but if the team isn’t behind you, you’ll flounder.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Learn to play nice in the sandbox. Stop acting like a one-man show. Most of the guys understand their role and if you show them some respect, they will fall in line.”
“When have I been disrespectful?”
Sloane looked up from her plate of assorted meats and cheeses. “You’re a cocky little shit and it’s written all over your face.”
“Listen, I’m an elite ballplayer. I’ve worked hard to perfect my craft, and I’m not going to dim my light to make others feel comfortable.”
Both Sloane and Deion broke into uncontrollable laughter.
“Did he say dim his light?” Deion wiped away a tear.
“Sounding like he read one too many self-help books.” Sloane rested her hand on her pregnant belly which jiggled as she laughed.
“Okay, well fuck you Deion. And on a lesser more respectful level, fuck you as well Sloane.”
“Don’t shoot the messenger,” Sloane said.
“Look, I’ve been in this game far longer than you and I’ve worked on teams with all types of personalities and big egos. The times I was happiest were when I was vibing with my teammates. You don’t have to be BFFs but there needs to be mutual respect.”
“If I didn’t respect the players, I wouldn’t have agreed to join the team.”
“Then show it motherfucker.”
“How exactly do I do that?”
“I’m glad you asked. Each month we have a team-building function. The players take turns planning the event and the others show up.”
Shit, I didn’t know I’d be leaving with homework. “What type of event?”
“It can be whatever you want. But no strippers, no drugs, no gambling. I’ll add you to the rotation.”
My voice elevated in pitch. “What does that mean?”
“That you need to plan and coordinate an event for the team. Damn are you dense?” My eyes must have bulged from my headbecause Deion added. “You can have your assistant make the arrangements. You do have an assistant, right?”
