Fast Break (Brooklyn Monarchs 1)

Julian shook his head. “Young people don’t understand that, if you don’t know your past, you can’t build a future.”

Jaclyn looked to DeMarcus. “There’s been a connection—a bond—between the Monarchs and this community for more than half a century.”

Julian grinned. “Yes, indeed. A lot of the players—like Lenny Smith, Willie Jones and Bobby Miller—grew up in the neighborhood, went to school here, stayed to play here, raised families here. They were our neighbors. They made the community feel like the team was theirs.”

DeMarcus stared at his dinner plate. The Waves had drafted him after college. Should he have tried to be traded to the Monarchs? He would have been closer to his parents. He looked up and saw the concern in Jaclyn’s cinnamon eyes. He shifted his gaze away.

Jaclyn returned her attention to his father. “You’ve followed the Monarchs for a long time.”

“Yes, indeed. Since I could turn on the radio.” Julian pointed his fork toward Jaclyn. “The Monarchs will rebuild its glory days.”

Jaclyn arched a brow at DeMarcus. “To do that, we’ll need a coach who knows what it takes to be a champion.” Her eyes twinkled as she switched her gaze to his father. “You must have been devastated when the Monarchs’ conference rival drafted your only child.”

Julian winked at her. “There were pros and cons. Of course you always want your child to succeed. But when the Miami Waves played the Brooklyn Monarchs, no matter who won, I went home happy.”

Jaclyn laughed. “I like your style, Julian.”

His father continued. “Marc’s mother wanted him to play for the home team, though. But everything happens for a reason. Marc fit in well with the Waves. He had good chemistry with the other starters.”

DeMarcus swallowed more iced tea. “Which resulted in the team earning those two championship rings you mentioned.”

Jaclyn turned again to his father. “You must have been excited when Marc was offered the head coach position for the Monarchs.”

Julian held DeMarcus’s eyes. “I’ve lost track of the number of times my son has made me proud. Two championship rings, three MVP trophies, Olympic gold. The day he learned to ride a two-wheeler.” He turned to Jaclyn. “Should I mention the day he was potty trained?”

DeMarcus closed his eyes and raised his voice to be heard above Jaclyn’s surprised laughter. “Please don’t, Pop.”

Julian inclined his head. “We raised Marc to make his own decisions. He’s shown good judgment so far.”

DeMarcus dropped his gaze to the table. As always, he was humbled by his father’s faith in him.

Jaclyn squeezed his father’s forearm. “You and your wife did an excellent job with your son. You’re right to be proud of him.” She turned to address DeMarcus. “And you’re lucky to have such good parents. As I said earlier, I was wrong to have asked for your resignation yesterday. I think you’re the coach the Monarchs need.”

DeMarcus returned her direct stare. “You could be wrong.”

Her hand fell away from Julian’s arm. “I know I’m not.”

DeMarcus pressed for more. “And what about Gerry and Bert? Will you be able to prevent them from throwing away the season?”

Jaclyn didn’t waver. “Yes, I will.”

DeMarcus could almost believe her. “I’ll think it over.”

“Then I’ll leave you to it.” Jaclyn pushed away from the dining table and stood to collect her dishes. “Gentlemen, thank you for dinner and your wonderful company.”

Julian took Jaclyn’s dishes from her. “It was nice having a lady at the dinner table again.”

DeMarcus again wondered about the effect Jaclyn’s presence had over his father. He circled the dining table and took the serving tray from her. He set it back on the table. “You’re our guest. We’ll clear the table.”

Jaclyn’s arms dropped to her sides. “Then I’ll get my cell phone so I can call my driver.”

“I’ll take you home.”

She glanced at her watch. “I’d appreciate that, if you’re sure it’s not an imposition.”

Behind her, Julian snorted. “An imposition? Taking you home gets him out of kitchen duty.”

DeMarcus tried to look offended. “I cooked dinner.”