Page 63 of Lucky
“No, it’s not a bad thing.But don’t let it be so strong that it prevents you from getting where you want to go.Life doesn’t always give you the time.”
Something in his voice makes me set my cup down.It’s heavy, almost fatigued, and I see it in his expression.“Are you okay, man?”
Atlas nods, a sad smile on his face.He huffs out a breath.“Yeah.Sorry.Didn’t mean to get so morose.I’ve got a buddy who’s in a bad way… dying of cancer.”
“Aww, fuck, man.I’m really sorry.Want to talk about it?”
Atlas lifts a shoulder.“Not much to say.We grew up together and have always been tight.He got diagnosed about two months ago with a rare type of incurable brain cancer.He’s declining pretty fast.”
“Jesus… when’s the last time you saw him?”
“Christmas when I was home visiting.But I’m going to see him this weekend.He’s in Chicago.”I nod in understanding.We’re playing there against the Bobcats on Saturday.“I’ll stay the night and catch a private flight to meet the team in Montreal.”
“I’m glad you’ll get to spend some time with him.”
“Yeah… me too.He’s got a daughter.Been a single dad since she was born.”
“The mom?”I inquire.
His eyes pin on mine.“Not in the picture, so I’m not sure what’s going to happen to his kid.”
I sit back.“That’s… heavy.”
Atlas exhales slowly.“Yeah.It is.”
Then he looks at me again, sharper now.“So my point is… if you’ve got something real with Winnie, don’t ration it.Don’t be stingy with the good stuff.Say what you mean.Show her.Let her feel it.”
I nod slowly, throat tight.That was not where I was expecting this conversation to go but he’s making a point I should keep close.I shouldn’t worry about rushing things if it feels right.And right now, it does.
“Don’t wait for some perfect moment that may never come,” he finishes.“Go all in.”
There’s nothing else to say for a second, so I sit with it.
And then Atlas, in true fashion, breaks the tension.
“Also, win the damn game.Can’t have her coming out tonight to watch your sorry ass lose.”
I laugh, the sound a little rough around the edges.“Guess I’ve got extra motivation now.”
He pushes back his chair.“Let’s suit up, Branson.Your girlfriend is expecting a victory lap and drinks.”
“She’s not—” I start, then stop myself.Because yeah, maybe she is my girlfriend.
I’ve never officially had one before and it feels damn good.
I scoop up the last bite of chicken, toss the plate in the bin, and follow Atlas out of the family room.
I’m not only playing for the scoreboard tonight.
I’m playing for her.
CHAPTER 20
Winnie
Lucky’s beaming fromthe win and I’m still floating from last night.It’s a lot of emotion to process which is probably why my stomach won’t stop doing gymnastics as we step into Jerry’s Bar.
The place is louder than I expected, this little hole-in-the-wall hangout owned by Hendrix’s fiancée, Stevie.I haven’t met either of them yet, but I expect I will tonight.
