Page 73 of The Tip-Off
She sighs and a flash of sadness crosses her face. This trip down memory lane is hard for her, and I regret putting her through it again, but I have to know if I’ve had it all wrong.
“I quit blaming myself.” I swallow, throat thick with emotion, and meet her eyes. “Or you for him leaving a long time ago, so whatever you have to say doesn’t matter. I just need to know.”
Reaching across the table, she grabs my hand and squeezes. “Because he never once asked me to come with him.”
“Would you have?”
“I can’t say for sure, but when he started looking for jobs, it was all about him and what he wanted and needed. It was never a discussion of finding a new school for you or a job for me, it was all about him and what he needed to do. You deserved a father that showed you how to have both because I believe it is possible, don’t you? Look where you are, about to be drafted to the NBA and you’ve got family.”
“I know. I’m sorry I’ve been bad about calling and coming to see you since I went to college. I’ll try and do a better job once I get settled.”
“Good, I won’t have to get my updates from social media, but I was talking about your teammates. They’ve always been like a family to you.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“I love you. I’d do anything for you, but I don’t look back on my life and think of it as a sacrifice. A job is just a job. The people in your life are what makes it worth living. So, tell me about the rest of the guys. How’s Nathan doing?”
I fill my mom in on all the rest of my roommates as we eat and then clean up the kitchen. It’s late by the time I lie down on my childhood bed surrounded by trophies and ribbons from every sporting event I ever participated in, posters of Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, and newspaper clippings with my name splashed across the headline. After I went to college, my mom made a point to keep it exactly like it was. Even after the first year when I only came home once, she insisted it didn’t matter how often I used it, just that it was here when I did.
I used to think when I made it to the NBA, I’d surprise her with a brand-new fancy-ass house or car, but I think she might kick my ass if I do that. Instead, I think I’ll just add a big chunk of change to her bank account. I’m finally going to be able to repay her for not being as selfish as my father and for just… everything.
39
Zeke
Playingbasketball was never about fame or money, or anything really except for the feeling like it was where I belonged. I’ve played in hundreds of basketball games, but it never gets old. The adrenaline, the grueling mental and physical stress, the wins and even the losses – I’ve loved every second of all of it.
Today is the NBA draft and I’ve imagined this day, every day, for the past four years. Maybe longer.
“The cameras won’t go live until they announce your name. I think you’ll go number two or three. New York hasn’t given me a great feeling since the combine.”
Burned that bridge. I wish I could say it hadn’t been worth it, but that’d just be a straight-up lie.
I catch sight of Gabby across the room talking to Blair. She looks even more nervous than I feel. She catches my eye and lifts her champagne to me with a smile.
“Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”
Sara’s staring at her phone, so she just nods as I step away. “Draft starts in five minutes.”
“Hey, can I steal her?” I ask Blair and reach for Gabby.
In answer to my question, Blair reaches up and places a kiss on my cheek and walks away.
“Fancy event you got here.” Gabby hoists the flute up again.
“Joel can’t keep anything simple.”
“Are you nervous?”
“A little.”
Gabby places her hand in mine and tips her head to the left. “Have you talked to Nathan?”
I glance in that direction to see Nathan holding up a wall with a bottle of water in his hands. “Nah, not in a few weeks. Is he okay? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so subdued at a party.”
“Bros before hos. I can’t tell you or I’d be violating friendship code.”
I lift a brow. “Did you just call me a ho?”
