Page 16 of Isolation

Danica nodded. “Sure.”

As we turned to leave, I could tell she was still studying me, assessing me. I kept my expression relaxed and my resolveconfident. I learned early that weakness invited attack. So I held my head high like a man with nothing to hide.

One thing about Dani, from day one, she always saw through my bullshit, and I knew my facade was going to crack. The question wasn’t whether it would fall apart.It was who I would take down with me when it did.

I waited,leaning against the hallway where the locker room was located. It stunk like overpriced cologne along with the distinct scent of male validation that came with victory, and sweat. I scrolled my cell phone mindlessly as I waited for Mateo. Tonight wasn’t just a win; it was his win. He was taking longer than usual. He was probably celebrating the miracle three-pointer that sealed the win.

The hallway pulsed with post-game energy. Assistant coaches hustled by with their clipboards and media barking into their headsets, trying to catch interviews with the players. I also spotted a few groupies hanging around, pretending to be staff. I’d been in this atmosphere long enough to know the difference.

“Mrs. Bryant.”

The voice made me take notice. I looked up and straightened my spine. I recognized her as DeAndre’s younger sister dressed in hospital scrubs.

“Remi,” I acknowledged, slipping my phone into my bag.

“Congratulations to Mateo on his win,” she said.

I crossed my arms. “Did you come find me to say congratulations?”

“You’re smart. Too smart not to see what’s happening,” she said, stepping closer.

I kept my tone neutral. “What exactly would that be, Remi?”

“My brother was having the season of his life and then ISO drills with your husband, and now, he’s in a coma fighting for his life.”

I held her glance. “You do know basketball is a physical sport.”

She laughed. “That’s the story. Let me guess… He’s your man, and you’re sticking by him… The timing doesn’t bother you?”

I knew what she was talking about, but loyalty to my husband and son meant something to me.

“I appreciate your concern, but you’re accusing Mateo with no evidence.”

“You know what’s funny? When I heard about DeAndre’s injury, I was pissed at the coaching staff for not supervising better until I saw the security footage.”

My heart dipped.

“What footage?” I questioned.

“Ask your husband. Better yet, ask yourself why the team’s legal department was so quick to offer my brother a settlement with an ironclad NDA attached.”

I held my poker face. Still, my mind raced. Mateo never mentioned any NDA or settlement.

“If your husband did this, you’ll be next if you get in his way.” Remi’s voice dripped in implication.

I studied her face, and her lip trembled. She believed what she was telling me. I couldn’t decipher if it was legitimate suspicion or grief distorting her perception.

“That’s a serious accusation.”

“It’s not an accusation. It’s a warning. Women like us see things that others miss. Don’t ignore what you’re seeing.”

Before I could respond, she walked away. Upset, I stepped outside to get fresh air. When I could breathe again, I opened the gym door to find Mateo standing there like a weirdo going through his phone. The ride to grab fast food was quiet with nothing but the music and my thoughts playing in my head.

“Is there security footage?” I asked out of the blue.

“Of what?” Mateo pressed the key fob after we’d gotten out of the Range Rover, and the lights flashed.

“Of the ISO drills between you and DeAndre from that day.”

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