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Is this for real? It can’t be. How can I possibly believe she meant it?
“Play it back, Cool.” Coach sits on the corner of his desk, arms crossed and a tiny smile on his lips.
Cool grabs the remote. “Man, I love technology.”
He backs up the interview to the beginning. I watch Trina’s face, searching desperately for any sign of sincerity.
Emotions play out in slow motion. Her eyes are red, her face slightly blotchy. Has she been crying? Is it terrible to hope she was? Because that’s all I’ve wanted to do all day, bawl over what I lost.
She says the article wasn’t hers. That she didn’t approve it. I glance at Coach, whose head lowers in the smallest nod. He said he knew Trina’s boss from before.
When we reach the end for the second time, Cool pauses the screen. He’s caught Trina in a moment where she appears completely vulnerable and open, an instant after she admitted she loves me.
What am I supposed to believe?
“I spoke to Mike, Trina’s boss, a few minutes ago. He confirms her story.” Coach speaks slowly, like he knows I’m having trouble making up my mind and processing this whole dumpster-fire of a day.
“What about that?” I point at the TV. “Look. She said she loves me. How am I supposed to believe that?” Even as I say it,I feel myselfsoftening toward her. Her boss used her like I thought she’d used me.
We both left this reality show with some new emotional scars.
Cool shifts his weight and crosses his arms. “Yeah, Liam.” He points the remote at the TV and replays the last sentence again. “Look at that.” He stops and catches my eye. “I’m no expert, but I’d say the woman is head over heels, totally in love with you.”
“What you gonna do about it?” Tandy asks. He slaps a hand to my shoulder.
“One more thing.” Coach interrupts. “Trina no longer works for Mike. He calls the parting amicable, but I’m doubting it’s true. However, I have it on good authority Trina accepted a position with CNN as their new live-on-site reporter. Which means she’ll be at the game tomorrow night.”
My stomach and heart drop to the floor, leaving me feeling gutted. How am I supposed to play with her right there, within my sight the whole time?
If today’s practice is any indication, Coach might as well bench me now.
“I’ve an idea.” Tandy slaps my shoulder again. “You’ll love this. Trina will too.”
He fills us all in on his brilliant plan. I have to admit it’s ingenious. But is it what I want? Once I make this move, there’s no going back.
“Liam.” Coach motions for me to follow him.
While the rest of the team rattles on about tomorrow night, Coach pulls me into the corner where the bleachers and the wall meet.
“What’s wrong?” My stomach knots. Will he ask me to leave the team?
Coach gestures toward the doors tucked at the back of the gym. “There’s someone here to meet you.”
“Coach, I don’t think I should be doing interviews right now.” I rub a hand over my head and shrug an apology.
“It’s not an interview.” He grimaces. “I’m not that mean to you guys.” He drags me away from the office. “I think you should hear what he has to say. You need to know all your options.”
I’m about to argue when he shoves open the door leading to the lobby and I see Tony Preston—the owner of the Blue Jackals, the US’s number one basketball team—standing there in his iconic blue suit.
My mouth drops open.
Coach nods. “Tony.” He sounds congenial enough, but there’s an undercurrent of tension in his voice and the way he shakes the other coach’s hand. Coach pats my shoulder. “Come see me when you’re done here.”
“Well now.” Tony thrusts a hand in my direction. “Liam Ashley. You’re having quite the day.”
“Week. Month. Months.” I try to blow off the feeling of inferiority and shake the man’s hand. “This whole thing has been a comedy of errors.”
“All but one thing.” Tony holds up a finger. “Seeing you on that show had me taking another look at your time on the court.” He grins and gives a short whistle. “You know, I almost made a move on you three years ago, but I didn’t.”
