Page 233 of The Sweetest Return

“You were close.”

“I was not close.”

“You were near the neighborhood.”

“Whatever.” He cleared his throat. “I heard some rumors.”

“That happens when people are bored and underemployed.”

“About Dre taking a coaching job with the Forge.”

My fingers tightened on the wheel.

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

“That is what I said.”

“You know more than maybe.”

“I know it’s being discussed. I know he’s considering it. I know it would change a lot.”

“For him or for you?”

“For both of us.”

Jabari did not joke.

That made me pay attention.

“How do you feel about that, Mani?”

My throat tightened unexpectedly.

“You are asking that like a normal, emotionally available person.”

“Do not ruin the moment.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I’m really not.”

He huffed once, but the softness stayed in his voice.

“I’m proud of him,” I said. “I think he should take it. The game still speaks to him. I saw it when we watched the Forge play. He sees things before they happen. He gets frustrated because he knows what could be fixed.”

“But?”

“But I’m afraid.”

“Of the job?”

“Of the pattern.”

Jabari went quiet.