Page 2 of On Merit Alone
All because of me and my mouth. I winced away from Ry’s gaze and turned my attention back to the fuming man in front of us. Catching me watching him, he paused, head cocking as he took me in.
It was Sunday morning, the day after the third game to start the Denver Dynamite professional basketball season. I was off today, or at least I was supposed to be, but my foot was tapping in anticipation of getting the hell out of this office so I could get my intended practice in before it was too late. I’d come dressed for working out but not for work in regular athletic shorts and a spacious T-shirt rather than my usual team-issued gear. Upon entrance to the office, I had pushed my prescription sunglasses up over my braids, which meant I may have been squinting marginally at Rob as I leaned back in my seat with my arms and legs crossed.
I don’t think he appreciated the body language all that much.
Was that his lip curling?
“Look at you,” Rob tutted as he took me in. “Do you even care that your little post-game temper tantrum already has everyone talking about Denver? And not in a good way, mind you.”
I shrugged, but I had enough sense not to answer.
I knew I must have looked like I didn’t care, what with me clearly not wanting to be here and all. But the truth was, I did. I cared about my team and definitely cared about my career. That’s why I’d immediately felt bad when I was called into this little meeting about the possibility that I screwed something up with my smart ass.
I cared…
Or at least Ihadcared until this meeting started eating into my practice time.That’swhen I started to get irritated. I wish he would just get to the point already.
Ryan Carmen, my agent and certified mind reader, had the sameidea. “Are we going somewhere with this, Manzinni? Because if not, I have other places to?—”
“I need an explanation for this!” my general manager pitched in a childish temper.
I guess therewasmore he could slam onto the table as his other palm slapped over the glass desk, making the whole thing rattle with his weight.
I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, wanting nothing more than to materialize on the other side of the glass doors I was staring at.
I didn’t want to be here. I wanted to be back on the court. To do last night over again. In a perfect world, I could get back the last three games and fix this mess I’d landed myself in.
Because this isnothow things were supposed to be going.
This was supposed to be my comeback.My time. Instead, it was already shaking out to be the worst time I’d had in my professional career since, well, ever.
Memories flashed of me on the ground, me in the hospital, me in recovery, and all the pain that came with missing an entire season. The sure reality of them and the mute distance, making me nauseous. Fear of never wanting to do that again had me ripping myself from the horrible thoughts and bringing my gaze head-on with Rob’s.
“It was a mistake, Rob. I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m out of practice with interviews. I’ll get better.”
One flashback and my tune had changed quickly, but I didn’t mind sucking up to the boss if it kept me off his trouble radar.
He glared at me. “Yeah, well, I’m starting to think bringing you back so early was the real mistake.”
I wrinkled my nose, my only defense not to glare at him.
Coach Curr found this to be a good time to finally cut in. “Now, Manzinni, we don’t step into your lane when it comes to managing this team, so please don’t step into ours when it comes to coaching it. She’s ready. It’s just a slow start.”
He huffed. “A slow start after a slow season just means you’re slow. And I can’t have the worst team in this arena right now causing trouble.”
I felt myself prickle. “Causing trouble?”
“Yes, Jones.You’re causing trouble,” he hissed. “I don’t care how high and mighty you think you might be. When I’ve got sponsors calling in with something to say aboutthat sassy forward,I’ve got a fucking problem.”
What?
“Oh, bullshit,” I huffed. “The Defenders talk out of their asses during those interviews constantly. I slip up once, and what? You’re gonna fine me, Rob?”
I guess I could only suck up so much.
Rob glowered, his lips puckering and his chin rising in challenge.
My eye twitched, but my bluster faltered as the next worst possibility lighted in my brain. I hated my voice for growing smaller as I asked, “Are you suspending me?”
