Page 74 of The Transfer
Ok. That is enough…
Carter
Y’all are all jealous of my snacks. You’ll be bored, and I'll be eating and playing Go Fish with Rea.
Riggs
I will not be a part of this. Also, you will not be sitting anywhere near Reagan.
Carter
Are you finally going to claim her?
Jordan
Keep your Uncrustables to yourself. And that is my sister, you idiot. She is not to be claimed.
Riggs
Keep talking, Carter, and you’ll get punched.
Carter
I’d like to see you try, Hart. And Mills, don’t insult me. Lunchables are far more sophisticated than a PB&J.
Jordan
…
Williams has left the group chat.
Carter
No snacks for Williams, then.
FIFTY-FOUR
RIGGS
The first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament are in California. We took care of business in our first game here. It’s nice when it isn’t close. Us starters only played the first half, and by the time the buzzer sounded, we had won by thirty points.
I congratulate my teammates, excited that we are moving on to the next game on Sunday. I then walk through the line, greeting the opposing team, and give each of them a “good game.”
When I get back to the bench, I see Reagan talking to Jordan and pointing up to the crowd where Mackenzie sits. Then she hugs him goodbye and climbs up to her best friend. I watch her walk all the way up the stairs and out onto the concourse before I look away.
“Hart, you ready to go, man?” I hear Jordan from behind me. I don’t know how long I was staring, but it must have been a minute because we’re the only two left out here.
“Yeah, let’s go,” I tell him, looking up one moretime, knowing she’s long gone.
After the team dinner,I go to Jake’s room and watch a movie. It’s more uncle/nephew time than coach/player. It feels good to have him here with me on this journey.
By the time I leave his room, it’s about five minutes before curfew. I ease open the door of the room I share with Jordan and freeze when I hear more than one voice.
“It’s just more of the same. I’m sorry for unloading on you again. I know it puts you in a tough spot. You’ve been such a great friend.” Mackenzie’s voice echoes in the room.
“I’m not going anywhere, Mack. I just can’t stand watching him hurt you all the time. You deserve better. You deserve the best.” Jordan is consoling her. This is not a conversation I should be listening to.
“I know you’re right. I wish I could go back and do it all differently.” I hear her sniffle, and then it is silent.
