Page 61 of The Assist
“The guys look to you, and I depend on you. I’ve never had to ask you to do anything because you’ve always just done. I’m asking this for me, for your team. We need Shaw ready to go sooner than later.”
Blair calls as I’m changing out of my sweaty practice jersey into a clean-ish T-shirt for weight lifting and drills.
“What’s up?” I ask, my voice less grumpy than I feel.
“Heading back to Succulent Hill. I forgot my cell charger and my backpack in our rush out. Got time to entertain me while I drive?”
“Got five.”
“I figured it out,” she says, and I can hear the excitement in her voice. “I have you to thank, really. I can’t believe it didn’t occur to me on my own, but what you said about heart and talent finally hit me today while I was unpacking. The thing I’m passionate about is other people’s goals.”
I cock a brow. “Your dream is for other people to achieve their dreams?”
“I know that sounds like a cop out. Hell, even I thought that, which is why I’ve had such a hard time pinning it down. But hear me out. Think about all the people who have had an impact in your life. Those who helped you get closer to your goals. With social media and a myriad of goal-setting resources, there’s an entire market out there for helping people achieve their goals. Live streams, vlogs, blogs, books, podcasts, life coaching, the list is endless. That’s what I want to do.”
“The lady boss that creates more lady bosses.”
“Exactly.” While I’d love to pretend it’s all about me, I can tell she’s really excited about the idea. She’s a bundle of excitement that’s contagious even through the phone. “I’m meeting with my advisor this week to see if there are opportunities in the career resource center.”
“You’re really something, you know that? You’re willing to dedicate your entire life to helping others, and I’m bitter about helping one dude on my team.”
She’s quiet for a beat, and I picture the adorable way her brows scrunch together when she’s trying to figure something out. “Why? That isn’t like you.”
“This guy just gets under my skin. He has talent, but I’m not sure about heart.”
“What makes you say that?”
“He’s a multi-sport athlete, which means he plays two sports—basketball and baseball.”
“Oh yeah, Tanner Shaw. Mario mentioned him. It’s kind of impressive that he’s playing both sports.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s a giant pain in the ass for everyone.”
“So, you think because he isn’t solely dedicated to basketball that his heart is less than his talent?”
“How could it possibly be otherwise? I can’t imagine playing another sport, trying to juggle between two different games, and then comparing that dedication to someone who only plays one. You see what it’s like, how basketball takes like a thousand percent of my time.”
More silence that makes me feel like a prick.
“Maybe his path is different, but I don’t think it’s fair to question his heart. You said yourself that the test of heart comes with how well a guy meshes with the team come game time. You’re only a few games in, and he played less than six minutes of the last game.”
“Keeping stats on the rookie? Should I be jealous?”
“No, I was keeping stats on you, dummy. When he was playing, you weren’t.”
Those words, which were meant to be reassuring, cut deep. Is that why I’m being a giant baby? I’ve never had a problem giving other guys the limelight. Fuck, it’s what makes me a good point man. I’m not greedy. I take my shots, but I don’t force it. I always do what’s best for the team. Until now.
“It’s my last year,” I say and wonder how such a bland statement can hold so much weight. “My foot is slowing me down, and if someone is going to take my spot, I want that person to give everything for the team. Someone like . . .”
“Someone like you?”
I nod, aware that she can’t see the movement but unable to speak.
“Give him a chance to prove you wrong. Maybe he just needs someone to help in his journey. Someone smarter and wiser. Someone with experience leading a team. Someone with heart and talent.” Her voice is sugary sweet, and I let her words heal like a salve to the open wound of my ego.
“Someone who understands what it takes to be great.”
I’m eager for more. The way she believes in me almost has me convinced I’m capable. But she doesn’t say anything else.
