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Tony stares me down. He doesn’t say anything, but his eyes tighten when I don’t immediately jump at his offer. Sorry, pal. I’ve learned my lesson. “I need some time to think it over.”
He nods, though he looks unhappy. “Sure, sure.” He whips out a business card and hands it over. “My assistant’s number is on there. You give us a call when you decide.”
Is he implying I’ll come running the minute he walks away?
I’ll admit, it’s tempting. With every step of his polished shoes, a tiny portion of that future slipping away. Am I making a terrible mistake by not jumping on his offer?
I can’t think straight. Too much has happened. I tap the card against my palm, then slide it into my shorts pocket. The door bangs shut behind Tony, and I stand immobile as he climbs into a cherry red convertible and peels out of the parking lot.
I grin as the image reminds me of Cool’s fancy moves this morning, and there’s a sudden catch in my throat. My team is here. These guys have had my back since day one. Could I walk away from that?
All I know about the Blue Jackals is that they’re fierce on the court. I’ve seen them play, and we’ve played against them in the past.
When they’re on the court, they’re incredible. A memory resurfaces. They stood together off the court at a press conference last year. None of them looked at each other. It waslike theywere complete strangers.
Not what I want. I like the companionship and camaraderie here. I enjoy my life here. Sure the extra money would be awesome. I’d send it to my parents even though they swear they don’t need it.
The gym door bursts open and Cool strides out. His eyes narrow. “You okay?”
“Yeah, man. I’m good.” It’s the truth, and for the first time all day, I feel like smiling. “Let’s figure out this whole mess about tomorrow night.”
“Got you covered.” Cool pushes me ahead of him and keeps pushing until I’m across the court and back in Coach’s office.
His gaze finds mine, and worry slips past his calm expression.
I shake my headno, hoping he understands.
A smile breaks out and he slaps his thighs. “Alright. I’m officially kicking the lot of you out of my office. Go plan this somewhere else.” He shoos us out, flapping his hands and pushing Tandy when the guy’s too slow to leave his chair.
I nod an I’ll-be-right-behind-you to the others and stay behind.
Coach waits until Cool closes the door to speak. “You’re sayingnoto Tony Preston?” He says it like he can’t believe it.
Honestly, I don’t blame him. I’m having trouble believing it. “I belong here. You brought me onto this team. You and those guys out there are the reason Tony wants me.” I shake my head. “I’m not leaving.”
Coach laughs. “I’m happy to hear that. Real happy.” He braces his hands on the desk and shoves it back to its usual spot. “Now get out there and figure out this Trina issue.”
“The Trina issue,” as it turns out, has been turned over to Cool and Tandy. The two of them sit huddled together on the lowest bleacher while the other guys dribble balls and pass them to each other.
“Oh, do that again.” Cool bites the pencil he’s holding. “Can you make a beat like this?” He drums on his thighs.
The guys shake their heads. “It’d be too loud to hear you.”
James spins a ball around on his finger. “I’ll talk to the sound guy. Tell me what song you need.”
I don’t know whether to stop them or roll with it. Cool must sense my indecision because he jumps to his feet. “You’re not shutting this down. It’s too late.”
I throw up my hands in a show of surrender. “Sure. Fine. Do I even need to be here?”
“Yep.” James throws the ball at me. “Food’s on its way.” He tosses my cell phone next. “And your brother called. He’s bringing the food.”
I roll my eyes. Leave it to my brother to finagle an invitation to join us for dinner. Not that he hasn’t met the guys before. They treat him like he’stheirbrother.
My phone rings as I snatch it from the air. Clay’s name shows on the screen and I answer.
“Open the door for me,” he says before I even say hello. “Hurry. The food’s heavy.”
I laugh and jog over to the door we all come and go from and unlock it for Clay. He staggers in, his arms filled with pizza boxes.
