“I appreciate the offer, Charlie, you know I do, but I can’t. I have to do this alone if that makes sense.”
She dips her head in acknowledgment. “Okay. If you ever change your mind, Alex and I will be the first investors. I’d love to do that for you. We both would, after everything you have done for us.”
I shove my hands into my pockets, staring out at the court. “I’ll think about it. Okay?”
I have no intention of taking money from Charlie or Alex. But at least the corners of her mouth turn up into a smile, giving me a break from this conversation. Doing this on my own is too important to me.
The buzzer sounds, alerting the boys that it’s the end of their practice and time to start the game. They come running over toward the bench, all smiles and awaiting instructions from Charlie. She’s the Head Coach. Even as the Assistant Coach, I’m just here for moral support and to fill in whenever Charlie is out of town.
“All right, Gladiators. Let’s get those hands in here,” Charlie says, stretching her hand out in front of her body.
The boys layer their hands on top of Charlie’s, and I place mine on theirs, which always brings a smile to my face.
Once the boys take their places at center court for tip off, Charlie and I sit on the bench. She leans forward, using her knees to prop up her elbows, watching the boys intently.
“Reminds me of you,” I say, gesturing toward the court. “You were always one of the tallest on your team.”
She smiles, her eyes focused on the game. “I miss the rush, the feeling I used to get when a game would start. There’s just something about the adrenaline rush, a high you can only get from sports. I don’t know how to describe it.”
“I know what you mean. I was always the one on the sidelines cheering you on. I could see it in your eyes. That look.”
Sighing, she turns her head toward me. “You have always been on the sidelines, Jamie. That’s what I’m trying to t
ell you. It’s time for you to be the center of attention, out on the court and in the spotlight.”
“You want me to join a basketball team?” It’s more of a question than a statement, but I’m also messing with her.
“No, silly.” Charlie slaps me harder than she realizes in the biceps, leaving a sting behind. “I’m talking about your job, your future. You’re wasting your potential with Conway and that stupid company. TGS is the company that bought your first video game. They’re only working with Conway because of you.”
What she’s getting at finally sinks in. “I don’t even know how to get around my contract with Conway to look into other opportunities. The non-compete agreement is ironclad.”
“Mickey could help you,” she says, her tone serious.
“Mickey is a sports agent,” I counter.
“True, but before Mickey started DMG, he was a successful trial attorney. He didn’t just fall into this business. He had to work for it. And between Mickey and me, I’m sure we can figure a way around that contract. There’s always a loophole. I learned that from Mickey.”
“That’s because Mickey is a shyster,” I say, laughing.
She shrugs. “Everything Mickey does is legit. He just outsmarts everyone. That doesn’t make him shady, it makes him competent, tactical, and it’s also the reason we sign more big name clients than other agencies.”
“I guess it couldn’t hurt to let Mickey take a look.”
“Good.” Charlie flashes a tiny smile in my direction, her eyes shifting back to the court. “Are you still coming on Saturday? The girls are expecting my man-of-honor.”
“I’m supposed to meet Regan since we haven’t had much time to hang out. I was going to bring her along.”
“I’m assuming Regan is your date to the wedding. That’s kind of a shitty date, though. I doubt she’ll want to help you and the girls make wedding favors.”
I pretend not to gag at the thought of the wedding shower and all the pink that’s going to be everywhere. Charlie hates pink, but Sydney and Kennedy were too excited about planning this party that I didn’t have the heart to tell them that Charlie will pretend to like it, all while vomiting on the inside.
“You shouldn’t worry about what Sydney and Kennedy have planned. I thought your shower was supposed to be a surprise. At least that’s what Google said when I looked it up.”
“With all of our busy schedules, I thought it would be better if we picked a date that works for everyone. I don’t know. It was just easier that way. Plus, I could care less if it’s a surprise or not. Every bride expects a wedding shower at this point. It’s just a matter of when and where. I’d rather know instead of having you trick me into going to a fake event, just so you can give me a heart attack when I walk into some Barbie looking room, full of people screaming surprise. No, thank you.”
“Sydney wants me to learn how to use a hot glue gun,” I say, a shudder running through me.
“Jeez, I’m so sorry, Jamie. That sounds awful.” She tries to hide her laughter and fails.