He tries to puff out his chest, like that will make up for the fifty pounds of muscle and six inches I have on him. My lips curl into a smirk.
“What Kendra and I are is no business of yours. You think a little piece of paper is enough to stop people who were married forfour yearsfrom ever speaking again?”
“No,” I say matter-of-factly, striding even closer. “Unless thatlittle piece of paperis a multi-million dollar settlement agreement explicitly forbidding future contact. Or don’t you think Kendra’s aware of the terms?”
The poor doorman watching all this edges towards the phone, ready to call the cops if needed. Andre’s face turns beet red.
“That settlement is supposed to be confidential!” he blusters. “I could sue you, pal!”
“And Kendra could let all your dirty little secrets come to light. Would you like that?”
The adrenaline surging through my body right now feelsamazing!
On the court, as a player, I had ample opportunity to release aggression; physical intimidation and good, old-fashioned insults were a part of every game. But I can’t let loose when I’m coaching high school kids. I have to be an example of self-control and good sportsmanship. Show them how to keep their heads when the other team tries to rile them up.
After months of good behavior, it’s safe to say I’m itching for a fight. I almost hope Andre ignores his survival instincts and tries to confront me, but I can tell he’s not the type. He wouldn’t want to rip that fancy suit he’s wearing.
“What are you? Her guard dog?” he spits in my face. All he’s got is shit-talk, and he knows it.
“Guard dog, lap dog, 24/7 sex slave.” I shrug. “Take your pick.”
When Andre’s nostrils flare, the doorman finally pipes up.
“Gentlemen. Please take this outside,” he warns.
Andre ignores him and steps into my space.
“What does she see in you, anyway? She went from a platinum recording artist to a has-been basketball player not even good enough for the NBA? It doesn’t make any sense.”
I grit my teeth, annoyed his words are so close to the truth. But Kendra doesn’t see me that way, right? I won’t be some charity case, not even for my dream girl.
“Truth hurts, doesn’t it?” Andre sneers, reading into my silence. “Do you really think she’s going to stay with you once she hears I dropped Julie?”
I bark out a laugh at his audacity.
“Please! You and I both know Julie’s only one of the reasons Kendra dropped your ass!”
“Gentlemen,” the doorman tries again.
“We had a rough patch. I made a mistake.” That makes me laugh harder. “Fine!Mistakes.But no matter what you think, I’ll always be a part of her life. Her dad and I are tight, and he said there’s no way she settles down again. Not unless it’s with me. You’re defending her for nothing!”
I hide my wince with a sneer of my own, crowding him until he shrinks away.
What does her dad know about it? She hasn’t even been divorced a year, and her ex won’t leave her alone. Of course she’s not ready to settle down! Not yet anyway. She’s barely had time to breathe. But we’re already getting serious. I invited her to meet my family. Oh God, did she say something to him? Is that the real reason she can’t come to Thanksgiving?
Andre turns to the doorman, my mind still racing.
“Dashiell, I’m sorry about all this.”
Dash says nothing, looking warily between me and Andre. Andre slaps a twenty-dollar bill on the reception desk, along with the gaudy bouquet.
“For your trouble. See that she gets those, OK?”
Andre doesn’t wait for Dash’s answer before walking out the front door. I sink onto one of the lobby couches, my head in my hands.
I wish I could chalk it all up to trash talk, but some of what Andre said has me spinning. I’m on her arm for the cameras, in her bed, but Idon’treally measure up to someone like Andre. He’s rich and famous. He bought her the apartment she’s still living in. I teach high school basketball.
And what does a serious relationship even mean for her at this point? Is her dad right and she’ll never get married again? If so, what are we even doing?
