I search the stern expression on his face. “Me?” I touch my chest. “Hurt him?”
“When he asked me about increasing the entry-level pay at five o’clock this morning,” he says, pausing to give me a pointed look, “thanks to you both for that, by the way. Because who needs more than five hours of sleep?”
“I’m so sorry.”
“When he called,” Jared continues, blasting past my apology, “he seemed to think it was going to piss you off but said it was the only way to help you, and he won’t stand by watching you struggle.”
Tears spring to my eyes. How much did that cost him? Or this company? I said I didn’t want anything all the other entry-level employees didn’t have, and he gave them all raises so I’d feel better about accepting his help? Would a man who secretly meant me harm do that?
No. And it’s no secret August loves me.
There are many things that may always have to remain a secret between us, but how I feel about him shouldn’t be one of them.
46
August
“Good run,” Kenan says, slamming his locker closed. “You’re getting better, Rook.”
“I’m pretty sure a player in his third season,” I say, closing my locker, too, “is no longer considered a rookie.”
“It’s got such a ring to it, though.” Kenan’s deep chuckle rumbling in that massive chest of his coaxes a grin to my lips.
“Why were you in a shitty mood today, West?” Valdez, the back-up point guard, asks. I suspect he resents me at least a little. He’s been in the league for a decade and probably doesn’t appreciate playing behind me.
Oh, well. It’s like that sometimes.
“It’s a chick, huh?” Valdez asks with a taunting grin. “That tennis player? Pippa Lee?”
“I doubt Iris would appreciate that.” Kenan laughs and hefts his duffle bag on his shoulder.
“Iris?” Valdez’s eyebrows rise dramatically. “I heard Caleb Bradley’s baby’s mama, Iris DuPree, lives here now. You don’t mean that Iris?”
My teeth clench. I already know this conversation’s gonna go to shit if he starts with Caleb. I just look at him and walk past, deciding it’s better not to respond. Iris won’t even tell me half of what happened with Caleb. I’m certainly not discussing their relationship with this motherfucker, and there’s even less of a chance I want to discuss our relationship with him.
“Wasn’t trying to start nothing, Rook,” Valdez says behind me.
I ignore the name. Kenan teasing me that way is one thing. He and I have an understanding. I’m the face of the team, but he is the heart of it. His maturity and accomplishments have earned my respect, and he leads so well from behind. This dude—not so much.
“I’d be careful if I were you is all I’m saying,” Valdez persists. “She already trapped one baller. Now she’s fucking you. Better wrap it up or you’ll be paying for some pussy for the rest of your life. Not worth it, no matter how good it might be.”
His voice, his words behind me pause meaningfully.
“And I’ve seen her,” he continues. “That looks like some good pussy.”
I turn before I even realize it. His T-shirt is bunched in my fist. His face only inches from mine.
“You crossed the line, motherfucker,” I grit out. “You ever talk about her like that again, you’re gone.”
“What the—”
“Don’t act like it can’t happen.” I drop him but don’t step back. “You are here at my discretion, Valdez. One word to Deck and you’ll be traded, cut, whatever I say, and you know it.”
“You son of a—”
“Your game is adequate, at best, on a good night,” I snap. “You’re lucky to be drawing base pay, but if you ever talk about Iris again, you won’t even have that. Not here.”
Resentment and bitterness twist his features. “Glad, tell this kid he better back up.”