Page 137 of The Locker Room

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hugging his family and waving at the cameras with a “resigned yet

cheerful look.” Xander caught his sound bite later, and he sounded so…

mature.

“Of course I"m disappointed. I grew up here, and I"ve loved

playing here, but a transfer is the nature of the game, right? And I"m

sure the owners are doing what they think is best. I mean, if you love the

game, there"s nothing personal or prejudicial at all in a move like this,

right?”

Xander had to admit that it was masterful—Chris at his best,

talking a good game, being personal and diplomatic in front of the

cameras. But he also caught the undertones—that some prejudices were

apparently bigger than the love of the game, and that some people would

sacrifice their biggest love for a bigger hate.

The thought that he and Chris were not, at least, defined bythat

actually served as a balm on Xander"s soul. Then the town car door

opened, and Penny got in, and Xander thought for a moment that he

might not be able to breathe.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he said quietly, and Penny launched herself

across the seat and into his arms, crying her heart out, and Xander

thought that maybe having to comfort her was the best thing to ever

happen to his manhood, because it kept him from bawling like a little kid

himself.

118 Amy Lane

ESPN NEWS—“Sacramento fans were shocked this morning to learn

that one of their most beloved players, Christian Edwards, guard, had

been traded to Colorado after lighting up the court last night with his

longtime friend and fellow King, Xander Karcek. When asked why the

move was made, Edwards simply shrugged, and said, “It"s part of the

job.”

“HE LOOKS like this didn"t even break his heart,” Penny said the next

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