I issued into the hallway and set out for the coach who stood at the end of the hallway talking to a man I’d only heard of in passing, the team owner. “You wanted to see me, Coach?” I asked.
“Croft, I’d like you to meet Mitchell West, the Kansas City Titans’ team owner.”
I reached out my hand to shake his. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
“Croft, the pleasure is all mine! I’m excited to be here tonight. It’s gonna be a big game. I’ve heard the entire arena is sold out tonight. How are you feeling?”
“I’m good. Just tryna get in the right headspace and get focused.”
“Let’s walk,” he suggested. We left Coach Jackson behind and took over conversation out to the secluded court. “I wanted to check in to see how you were adjusting so far this season. I mean, by your stats, you’re doing great, but I wanted to personally check in.”
“I’m proud to be a Titan, and I appreciate the fresh start. I’m trying to stay the course, have a successful season, and hopefully bring a championship to the city.”
He patted my shoulder. “That’s good to hear. As you know, the Titans have been chasing a championship for years, and up until you got here, that dream seemed impossible. Now, I feel like it’s right at the tip of our fingertips. Fans are calling you the King of Kansas City.”
I exchanged a glance with him before flashing a quick grin. “I’m definitely feeling the attention and the pressure,” I assured him.
He spoke quickly, “I’m not sure if you know this or not, but we moved heaven and earth to acquire you and you’ve made us very proud. I’m excited to see what else you can do.”
I understood the hierarchy in the league and for that reason, I sunkmy teeth into my bottom lip to avoid saying the first thing that came to mind. I was never one to shy away from praise, but he was talking to me as if I was a show pony or some prized exotic breed of dog.
“Thank you. All I can do is go out there and play the game I wanna play.”
“You have a bright career ahead of you. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll rule this entire franchise, son. Just something to think about,” he said, patting my shoulder again. “If there’s anything you need or that we can do for you, don’t. hesitate to ask.”
I bobbed my head as I noticed a few of my teammates heading out onto the court. “Thank you. I’m about to go do shoot around with the team. Enjoy the game, sir.”
“I’m sure I will.”
An hour and a half after the game ended, I was out in the club celebrating our win with team when my phone vibrated. I looked down and sawCassdisplayed across the screen. Things had been hanging in the balance between Cassidy and I for months. I’d given her the time to heal and focus on herself, while I focused on my game, but I counted down the days until I could see her again. Instead of answering and struggling to hear her over the loud music, I opted to text her.
Me [11:42 p.m.]: I’m out celebrating with the team. Sup?
Cass [11:43 p.m.]: Congrats on another win…
Me [11:43 p.m.]: Thank you.
Three ellipses showed up and then disappeared multiple times. Just as I went to shove the phone back in my pocket, she hit me back.
Cass [11:47 p.m.]: I was wondering if we could talk…
Me [11:49 p.m.]: About?
Cass [11:53 p.m.]: Us.
Me [11:54 p.m.]: When?
Cass [11:55 p.m.]: Tonight. I’m in Miami.
Me [11:57 p.m.]: When were you gon’ tell me that?
Cass [11:59 p.m.]: I wasn’t sure if you would want to see me. It’s been a min.
Me [12:02 a.m.]: I always wanna see you, Cass. Where you stayin’?
Cass [12:03 a.m.]: The Fontainebleau. Room 3413.
Me [12:07 a.m.]: Bet. I’m about to pull up on you.
