Page 74 of The Tip-Off
“Okay, I’m telling you this only because he never will, but if he asks it wasn’t me that told you.”
I nod in agreement.
“He’s sad you’re leaving. I don’t know what all went down between you two, but I think he needs to know you aren’t going to run off and forget about him.”
I’m skeptical that’s it, but I don’t contradict her. “Alright. I’ll talk to him.”
She looks at me with a blank expression like she’s calling my bluff.
“Alright, alright. I’ll talk to him right now.”
She kisses my cheek. “You’re a good guy, Zeke.”
I watch her walk off before I amble toward him. “What’s happening, man?”
“Hey!” He straightens and plasters a smile on his face. “Congratulations. The big day is finally here.”
“Yeah, finally. What’s new with you?” I’m cursing Gabby as we both stand here awkward as hell making small talk.
Nathan narrows his gaze and tilts his head up at me. “Why are you being weird?” I look to Gabby and he follows my gaze. “She put you up to this?”
“She might have mentioned you seemed a little off.”
He shakes his head. “I’m fine. Gabby is making something out of nothing. You don’t have to feel obligated to check in on me just because Gabby is worried.”
“I don’t feel obligated at all.”
“I’m good. Really.”
“Alright. I’ll take your word for it.” I look to Gabby. “How’s she been? Wild and crazy as ever?”
“Gabby?” Nathan shakes his head. “Nah, not really. She’s taking some classes on campus and working a lot. I think wild Gabby left when you did.”
The thought that she’s not still crossing items off her list makes me sad, though I can’t say I’m not glad she’s keeping out of trouble when I’m not there to look out for her.
Sara calls my name from across the room and motions me toward her.
“Looks like it’s time for your big moment.”
“Guess so.” I take a step and then pause. “Come with me. My mom isn’t here and Gabby refuses to be on camera, it’d be nice to have someone sitting next to me when they call my name.”
“Seriously? Won’t Sara and the camera guy be annoyed to have some nobody in the shot with you?”
“Not a nobody.” I put my arm around his shoulder and squeeze. “My former teammate and friend.”
* * *
If you’d asked me a year ago what the first thing I’d do after being selected third in the NBA Draft I would have said,first off why wasn’t I the first or second pick and secondly, what time does practice start?But when the commissioner calls my name, the room erupts in cheers and I can’t move.
The guy holding the camera steps closer, Nathan bumps my shoulder and screams, “Hell yeah!” and Sara tosses a Suns hat on my head and thrusts a jersey in my direction. I don’t ask her if she had a hat and jersey ready for every team. I don’t ask her, or anyone else, anything.
The room sort of spins and I wish I had my headphones on, tune it all out. It’s not that I’m ungrateful, I just want a second to let it sink in. Be alone with my own thoughts.
One voice breaks through the noise and I find Gabby standing a few feet away. She’s smiling big, genuine happiness written all over her pretty face. I stand and go to her, hug her tightly and lift her in my arms. Everything else fades away like it always does when she’s near.
She doesn’t hesitate, even though I’m sure she wants to with the camera following my every move. Instead, she buries her face in my neck. “I’m so happy for you, Zeke. Congratulations.”
She pulls back and straightens the hat so it sits right on my head. “Purple and orange are good colors on you.”
