Smooth Play (Brooklyn Monarchs 2)

Considering even he had been insulted by the reporter’s question, Troy applauded the coach’s control.

Kirk spread his hands. “‘Will to win’? What does that even mean?”

Troy leaned forward, drawing the reporter’s attention to try to prevent the explosion he sensed building in DeMarcus. “What Coach Guinn—”

DeMarcus interrupted. “Now we know why you report sports instead of playing them. The will to win is what separates winners from losers.” The inflection in his words made it clear in which category DeMarcus considered the reporter.

Kirk heard the implication. His face flushed to magenta. He pushed to his feet. “I have everything I need for this article.”

Troy stood as well. Thoughts sprinted across his mind as he sought a way to salvage the interview. “Are you sure that’s all you need? We can give you more time.”

“I can’t.”

Troy stiffened at DeMarcus’s grumbled words. They couldn’t continue now. “Thanks for coming, Kirk. Call me if you have any questions or need more information.”

Kirk glared at DeMarcus. “I won’t need anything else.”

“Good.” DeMarcus checked his watch. His temper appeared back under control.

Troy ground his teeth. As the head coach, DeMarcus should understand the need to have a good relationship with the media. In some ways, he was worse than the players.

Troy blocked his imaginary list of potential negative headlines and shook the reporter’s hand. “Thanks for your time, Kirk.”

Behind him, DeMarcus’s voice was dry. “Yeah. Thanks.”

Kirk released Troy’s hand. He grabbed his notebook and marched toward the door. “Don’t bother to show me out. I can find my own way.”

Troy stood in the threshold, his back to DeMarcus, watching Kirk stomp down the hall. “Could you get through even one interview without antagonizing the press?”

DeMarcus snorted. “You heard his questions. He was antagonizing me.”

Troy faced DeMarcus. “Do you know why I come to these interviews? Because you always piss off the reporters.”

“That’s not true. Andrea Benson and I get along fine. But you still come to those interviews.”

Troy ignored the knowing glint in DeMarcus’s eyes. He wouldn’t admit he went to those interviews because he enjoyed looking at the New York Sports reporter. “The media have a job to do just like you. They help put the game in perspective for fans. It all comes back to the fans.”

“I know.”

Troy continued as though DeMarcus hadn’t spoken. “The more fans we have, the better our chances of keeping our jobs. That’s why it’s important to project a positive image so people will actually like you.”

DeMarcus rocked his chair on its back legs. “I’m out to win basketball games. People don’t have to like me.”

“Yes. They do.” On this, Troy wouldn’t accept an argument. “You’re a reflection of the team. If the fans like you, they’ll like the team and, hopefully, buy tickets.”

DeMarcus scrubbed a hand over his face. “It always comes back to money.”

“That is what I pay you with. Or are you offering to work for free?” Jaclyn Jones, co-owner of the Monarchs, spoke from the doorway. Her violet skirt suit warmed her golden brown skin and hugged the former Women’s National Basketball Association player’s tall, slender figure.

DeMarcus sent his boss and fiancée a wicked grin. “From the size of my paycheck, I thought I’d already made the offer.”

Troy’s neck muscles relaxed. The cavalry had arrived. “Good morning, Jackie.”

“Maybe for some of us.” Jaclyn moved farther into the room, carrying a newspaper in her right hand. She stopped beside DeMarcus’s chair.

Troy doubted he could slip a piece of paper between the two of them. DeMarcus and Jaclyn were right for each other. They’d each achieved individual success. DeMarcus was a two-time NBA champion and gold medal Olympian. Jaclyn was a WNBA champion. She’d also been an associate at a prestigious New York law firm before assuming control of the franchise her grandfather had helped found. They were together because they wanted each other. Their need for each other had come later. Not everyone was that lucky. He hadn’t been.

Jaclyn looked down at her head coach. “You know this franchise needs money, Marc. That’s why it’s so important we have at least three play-off games in a sold-out arena.”