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Barron rose and offered his hand. “Thank you.”
With the warmth in his voice and the sincerity in his eyes, Andrea felt as though she’d won the Pulitzer Prize for Best Human Being. Or at least gotten a better paying job.
She took his hand. “You’re welcome.”
He let her hand drop. “I’d be willing to give you that interview.”
Andrea caught her breath. “Are you sure?”
He shrugged. “Maybe it will help other people who are in the same boat I’m in.”
She sat again. “It will.”
Troy stood after hearing Jaclyn’s knock on his door Tuesday afternoon. His boss’s somber expression made the muscles on the back of Troy’s neck tighten. “The Monarchs had a bad loss against the Knicks last night, but we have six more games.”
Jaclyn crossed his office and sat in one of the seats in front of Troy’s desk. “This isn’t about the series. Not exactly.”
Troy sat. “What’s wrong?”
“I just met with Marc and Barron. Barron’s entered a substance abuse program.”
Relief swept over him. “That’s great news, isn’t it?”
“It is great news. Marc and I are very happy for Barron. We know he’ll succeed because he wants to.” Jaclyn crossed her legs, adjusting the skirt of her bold blue dress over her knee. “He’s asked to be put on IL for the rest of the play-offs.”
Troy’s thoughts scattered in shock. “The Inactive List? Can’t he play and do the program?”
Jaclyn touched her Monarchs lapel pin, fastened near the shoulder of her dress. “The stress of the play-offs escalated his addiction.”
Troy’s thoughts raced. How could he keep the team together? “He doesn’t have to start. He can come off the bench.”
“Barron doesn’t believe he can help the team in his current condition. He’s right, Troy. If he comes off the court now, he can start getting stronger, mentally and physically, for next season.”
Troy failed. Again. “I know he and Marc have butted heads. And Barron’s had some problems on and off the court. I just wish there was a way for him to be part of our play-off run.”
Jaclyn held his gaze. “Is that the reason you didn’t tell us Barron’s drinking was getting worse?”
Troy forced himself to meet her eyes. “Yes.”
Jaclyn nodded. “How did you know about it?”
Troy lowered his eyes. “I follow him on Twitter. He started sending messages, inviting people to drink with him.”
Jaclyn sat straighter in her chair. “In the future, don’t keep information like that from Marc or me. You’re not helping anyone by keeping secrets.”
Troy felt his face heat. “I’m sorry.”
Jaclyn folded her hands in her lap. “Barron’s a part of the team, whether he’s on the court or the sideline. We won’t leave him out of the play-offs.”
Troy sat back in his seat. “How is he?”
Jaclyn appeared to consider her answer. “He seemed relieved.”
Troy supposed that made sense. The pressure was off. Barron could take care of himself now. “And Marc?”
Jaclyn gripped the arms of the cushioned chair. “Our play-off run has just gotten harder. We’re down to twelve men in the rotation. The Knicks have fifteen. Let’s hope everyone else stays healthy.” She stood. “Prepare a statement for the media. I don’t want the press speculating about the reason Barron’s on IL. Let’s get in front of this.”
Troy rose to his feet. “Are you sure you want to tell the media Barron’s going into rehab?”
