No, it wasn’t the NBA; I went undrafted. And the contracts were anemic at best. But I did get an agent, and I got to spend over a decade playing a sport I love in countries most people will never see. That’s not nothing.
An assistant coaching job won’t pay what ball used to, but it’s a step towards a head coach position and hopefully a long career full of championships and trophies. First high school, then college, and then, who knows? Maybe I was meant to make it to the NBA as a coach instead of a player. I know this game like the back of my hand. Once I’ve got something nailed down, maybe then I can ask Cory to ask Denise for her number…
I close my eyes and lean my head against the dingy window behind me, only to be startled by a chime at my hip. One ding is followed by several more in rapid succession as I struggle to extract my phone from the stiff fabric of my pants. Despitehaving to wear them before most games, I’ve never been a big fan of suits.
Council of Bros
Cory:Hey bro! Break a leg at your interview today.
Adam:That’s today? Shit, I totally forgot.
I do my best not to let Adam’s recent obliviousness get to me, but I’ve been feeling the distance between us more and more since he got married. Even when I was back in Spain, our talks became much more superficial than they used to be, with Adam eager to get off the phone and back to his woman. Cory, who we all thought was an insensitive asshole—a lovable one, but still—was the brother who stepped up when he realized I hadn’t gone back for the season and was more down than usual.
I’m happy for my baby brother. We all are. But I feel like the overlooked middle child for the first time in my life, and it takes some getting used to. Adam’s married, Henry and his former paralegal, Camila, are engaged, and no doubt Cory and Denise aren’t far behind. That just leaves me and Noah, who I suspect plans to remain a bachelor forever.
Council of Bros
Adam:Break a leg, man.
Henry:If he’s got an interview, shouldn’t we stop texting?
Noah:Yeah, what if his phone goes off while his future boss is talking?
Noah:We can’t have Damon’s secret love of emo pop going public.
Noah:It’ll bring down the stock of the whole family.
Cory:It’s not until 12:30, guys. He’s probably still on the train.
I grin at the mild bickering while typing in my reply.
Council of Bros
Yes, I have an interview today. Cory’s right that it’s at 12:30.
Yes, I’m already on the train there, and no, I won’t be leaving my phone on during the interview.
Even if I do sometimes let it ring longer than necessary to hear another bar of my Paramore ringtone. ;-)
Anything else, MOM AND DAD?
Adam and Noah both send middle finger emojis, while Henry reacts to my message with a thumbs down.
Council of Bros
Aww, thanks, guys. You always know what to say.
I snort when Cory sends a smirking emoji.
Council of Bros
Noah:ANYWAY, while I have you, do you want my extra ticket to the Eloquii show tonight?
Noah:It’s around Union Square, so you’re close, and your not-so-secret crush will be there.
I roll my eyes.
Council of Bros
