Page 50 of Even Odds
There’s no word to describe how seeing Shay makes me feel, but if I had to choose one, it’s calming. Braids cascade down her shoulders, face brightened by what I assume is her laptop screen, but it’s the puke-green color of her shirt that brings me out of my daze.
I choke on a laugh. “Why does your shirt say Go Boogers?”
Espresso eyes shine. “Because my teammates are silly. It’s the team’s secondary name. The one the preprofessional soccer league doesn’t know about.”
The smile slips off my face. “I didn’t know you were still playing.”
“I’m not.” Pain dances across her tight features. “Not anymore.”
Our words once flowed freely. Now, it’s like pulling teeth to learn things about her.
“Is it okay if I ask why you stopped?”
“No, but honesty strengthens partnerships.” She sighs. “When I started working full-time for Permian, I had to. I didn’t play for long, but it was nice to be back on the field for a little bit. More than anything,I loved supporting my teammates on their journeys to the pro league.” Her laugh is sad. “I miss it, but it was for the best.”
“You’ve always been good with athletes. Especially ones with a lot of emotions who don’t know how to express them properly.”
Her half smile tilts. “Guess I picked the right job then, huh?”
“Sure did.” My skin buzzes from the ease between us. “Do you think you’ll play again?”
The smile vanishes. “No. Like baseball is your life, being an agent is mine. There are things we have to sacrifice in order to have everything we dreamed of, you know? It’s hard but I’ll survive.Wewill survive.”
I don’t think survival is the way I want to live anymore. I’m tired of treading water and barely being able to keep my head up. I might not know whatjust beingis yet, but I want to learn.
“I know you’re a pro when it comes to deflecting, but I’m not giving you a pass tonight,” Shay says. It’s harsh but true, and her honesty is appreciated. “What happened tonight?”
I’m met with silence as she waits for me to speak. She has always given me space, waiting for me to open up and tell her what’s going through my head. The problem was that I didn’t hold up my side of the bargain.
I’ve been replaying the moment I walked away from the microphone since I stormed out. After a tough loss, they only wanted answers about Jon. I gritted my teeth as the reporters refused to take no for an answer, listing every accolade I’d accomplished with Jon by my side.
Then Scott Asshole, or whatever his name is, asked that question.
“He said something about you.”
Shay’s eyes widen. “Me?”
“You should watch the video. I’d rather not repeat it.”
It’s circulating on every sports app right now, considering this is my first public blow up. Hearing Shay’s name come out of his mouth in that sour tone sent me into a frenzy.
“Do you think having a female agent is making you less focused on the game? Turner’s definitely a looker. I’m sure I’d be distracted if she were my agent, and I’m curious if you believe she’s helping or harming your game.”
“Cade.” Shay finally says when the video ends. “You didn’t.”
I rub my temple with my free hand. “I did.”
She closes her laptop and stares at me. “You told Scott Butts”—I knew it was close to asshole—“the top sports journalist for theCarolina Sidelines, that he was, and I quote, ‘a misogynistic prick who needs to learn some respect’? And instead of saying ‘go fuck yourself’, you told him to—”
“Suck my big toe. Just in case Violet saw it.” I sigh, suddenly full of shame. “I know that was wrong but—”
A laugh, a real Shay laugh cuts me off. I watch in awe as she throws her head back, giving me a perfect view of her slender neck. It’s been so long since the boisterous sound was aimed at me. More precious than any jewel or gem, and I want to bottle it and keep it with me wherever I go. I wish there weren’t thousands of miles separating us so I could revel in this type of joy face to face.
I may have to pay a hefty fine and lose my golden boy reputation, but I couldn’t care less.
“Oh god. I’m so sorry.” She wipes her eyes. “As your agent, I know that shouldn’t be funny, but I’ve never seen this side of you.”
I want to laugh with her, but I’m still seething. “If you were a guy, he never would’ve asked that question. Treating you like you’re less capable and more distracting because you’re a woman? Commenting on your looks and not your talents?”
