Smooth Play (Brooklyn Monarchs 2)

He wasn’t ready to let her go. “I’ll ride down with you.”

Troy shoved his hands into the front pockets of his warm-up pants. He’d been attracted to her forever. And, after tonight, he wanted her even more. But how could he be certain her passion was for him and not some story?

“Thanks for meeting with me away from the arena.” Troy looked at Jaclyn seated across the table in the little neighborhood café.

“You’re welcome.” Jaclyn looked up as the server returned with their drinks. “I don’t think either you or Gerry is ready to see the other yet.”

“You’re right.” Troy scanned the Friday lunch crowd as he drank his soda.

He and Jaclyn already had placed their orders. They’d both requested the soup of the day and a half sandwich. The young woman had assured them their food would be ready soon.

Jaclyn met Troy’s gaze. “What’s on your mind?”

Direct as always. He thought about Jaclyn forgiving Andrea for the libelous article the reporter had written about her. He’d never once sensed tension between the two women. And, because of Jaclyn’s generosity, Andrea had been able to start putting her life back together. Would Jaclyn also be able to help him?

“Gerry’s telling the other New York sports franchises to blackball me.”

Jaclyn closed her eyes briefly with a sigh. “That shouldn’t surprise us. Gerry is spiteful.”

Troy tightened his hold on his glass. It was cold and damp in his grip. “Can you stop him?”

Jaclyn sipped her soda. “Most team owners don’t respect Gerry.”

He couldn’t blame them. “Why not?”

“New York teams are loyal to their fans and the fans are loyal to their teams. When the public found out Gerry was trying to move the Monarchs out of Brooklyn, they realized he didn’t have any loyalty.”

Troy wasn’t comforted. “You think because of that the other owners aren’t listening to what he’s saying about me?”

“I don’t think Gerry has any credibility with the other owners.” She pinned him with her gaze. “But, Troy, most employers expect loyalty from their employees. You went on ESPN to call your boss a liar. Don’t worry about Gerry attacking your character. You’ve done enough damage on your own.”

He didn’t look away. “Gerry hasn’t given up on his plan to ruin the franchise. If he isn’t the Insider, he knows who is. That blog is his M.O.”

“Knowing Gerry’s involved with that blog and proving it are two different things.”

Troy leaned forward. “If I can prove it, will you give me my job back?”

“Of course.” Jaclyn’s prompt response was gratifying. “It was Gerry’s decision to fire you, not mine. But you’d have to prove that Gerry lied.”

“That shouldn’t be hard.” Troy spoke with more confidence than he felt.

Judging by the look she gave him, Jaclyn had her own doubts. “Until we’re able to rehire you, I’ll be happy to give you references.”

Troy tried a smile. “Thanks, but I’m coming back to the Monarchs.”

“Then you’d better find proof that Gerry’s still targeting us.” Jaclyn paused to thank the young woman serving their lunch. “Every major sports owner in New York as well as several NBA owners all over the country have told me they’re watching Gerry like a hawk and hoping he’ll do something to get tossed out of the league.”

Fierce satisfaction gave Troy an adrenaline rush. “Does Gerry know about his fan club?”

Jaclyn shrugged. “I’m sure he’s noticed the cool reception he gets from other owners, but he doesn’t care. He’s more focused on destroying what my grandfather built.”

“Even though he’s destroying his family’s legacy as well?”

“As long as he gets his way, he doesn’t care who he runs over.”

Troy picked up his chicken sandwich. “I’m not going to be Gerry Bimm’s roadkill.”

Andrea squinted at her work computer monitor. Her eyes were dry and scratchy. It had been a long Friday after a long and sleepless Thursday. Troy. He was on her mind and in her blood. The problem was, she couldn’t afford another addiction.