Chapter Seven #2
Just another game. That was all Jathan kept telling himself until that final buzzer sounded.
Then, an explosion of sound loud enough to nearly deafen him blasted through the air.
Several violent hugs, lifting him from his feet, might have had him crying out in pain if not for the adrenaline.
Jathan’s gaze automatically swept toward the place where his mom and Quince should be and he was there, carried straight to Jathan with the flood of the crowd on to the floor.
His huge smile made everything perfect. Still, he let Jathan’s mom launch herself at him first. She had never cared how sweaty he was.
“Oh my, God! You did it!” The screeching mixed with everyone else’s.
He felt like the room was spinning with so much happening around him.
People were being ushered off the court.
Media was everywhere. He was overwhelmed as hell until Quince’s arms wrapped around him.
His mind went quiet. All he heard was Quince’s voice against his ear.
“I’m so proud of you. If you don’t get them ribs X-rayed, I’m going to put you over my knee.”
A laugh burst from Jathan.
Quince’s mouth covered his, and Jathan left everything behind.
This really was the one for him. Then he was in a group hug with his mom and Quince—like life was just happening to him.
He felt outside of himself. His heart finally began to slow, bit by bit.
He took the first full breath he recalled taking in a while.
Things came clearer into focus. He felt in control of his mind again.
Jathan’s coach slapped his shoulder. “Time to move.”
Jathan nodded. He focused on his mom and Quince. “I have to go. I’ll meet you at the car.”
They both nodded and took turns kissing him before he jogged away.
Things were just as nuts inside the locker room.
The room only quieted long enough for their coach’s speech and then was right back to everyone talking over each other.
Jathan rushed through his shower and grabbed his things.
He was stopped four times for various interviews outside the locker room before finally making it to the parking garage.
His mom sat in the passenger seat of his Hummer.
Quince was in the back. They were both oddly stoic when Jathan opened the door.
“Hey. Is everything okay? It’s awful quiet in here.” He was still riding a high. Jathan wanted the people in his corner to be the same. His phone rang before anyone responded. It was Artem. “Hang on.” He pressed the device to his ear. “Hello?”
A squeal cut through the line so loud, he had to pull the phone away for a second. “Oh, my God! I’m so proud of you. Tip is already talking to his people to get tickets for all the finals games as soon as they’re offered. No matter what it takes, we’ll be there. You must be so ecstatic.”
“I really am.”
“And, oh my goodness, every channel has showed that kiss with Quince. You two look so adorable and happy. I’m just over the moon for you right now.”
“Thank you. It makes everything that much better to have you here in spirit.”
His mom made a slight motion with a card that caught his attention. Artem fell into a rambling monologue. His mom’s dark expression made his heart rate kick up. He reached for the card while Artem rambled. It had bright red hearts and kisses all over the front. He opened it and read.
It was so nice watching you walk in tonight.
You look beautiful. I’m also glad to see your mom is feeling better and that you’ve hired security.
Not that I think you’ve made a good choice.
One person has already gotten killed on that guy’s watch.
Nonetheless, you need someone. You’re too easy to get to.
Good luck tonight. I can’t wait to watch you win.
Jathan’s blood ran cold as he read the card.
“Are you still there?”
Artem’s question pulled Jathan from his silent panic. “Yeah. Sorry. There’s a lot going on, splitting my attention, but I’m still here.”
“Damn. I’m sorry. I got carried away. Obviously, you’re crazy busy. You can call me as soon as things calm down. I just wanted you to know I love you and I’m so, so proud of you.”
“Thank you. I love you too. I’ll call you in the morning.”
“Okay. Tell your mom and Quince I said hi, and have fun.”
“I will. Bye.”
“Bye, sweetie.”
Jathan hit end and stared at nothing.
“I called an old buddy of mine who runs a security service. He’s sending a guy over later.
You can interview him if you want, but the service runs on a rotation of people who’ve all been carefully vetted.
You can choose to stick with them or not.
I’m covering it until you decide. You can’t wait any longer. ”
Jathan nodded at Quince’s speech. He got it.
Whoever this was had walked into a secured area and watched him enter the building, left a card in his car, and probably watched him now.
Jathan swallowed. He wouldn’t let this change who he was.
Jathan passed the card to Quince. “I’ll let you decide what to do with that, but I’m not letting this ruin our night.
Okay?” His gaze moved between Quince and his mom.
“I worked too hard to get here to let a nameless, faceless person take it away.”
They both nodded.
“Let’s keep our plans.”
Jathan gave a sharp nod at his mom’s words and started the car.
As he pulled from the lot, the air still felt heavy.
It took a few minutes before his mom spoke, cutting through the tension.
She chatted happily. He smiled and nodded, doing his best to breathe.
Quince’s phone rang and chirped a few times.
He openly ignored it. That had Jathan’s curiosity rising and lifted the final bits of ugliness from his brain.
When they made it to the exclusive restaurant his mom chose so they could celebrate, Jathan was ready to burst. Quince kept silencing his phone, even as he opened Jathan’s door and blatantly transformed into his bodyguard.
His phone still vibrated. Jathan felt it against his side.
Quince looked in every direction, visibly searching for any signs of danger.
Jathan couldn’t take it. “Seriously, who in the fuck is blowing up your phone? I just won the playoffs, and only one person has called me.” He tried infusing as much humor as possible in his tone, but his nerves were bad tonight. Any mystery at all was too much.
“Sorry. I’ll turn it off. I didn’t want to miss any calls or texts from the security service, but my dad won’t stop calling.”
That brought Jathan’s mind to a halt. Unfortunately, he had to wait until they were seated before he could respond. “Why aren’t you answering?” He kept his voice low, keeping their conversation between them while his mom ordered champagne.
“I made that mistake while walking out of the stadium. His first words were, ‘I told you being an f slur was contagious.’ So I hung up on him and now he won’t stop calling. Nothing in twelve years. Now, this.” Quince sounded every bit as hurt as he should. His dad was obviously a piece of shit.
“Text your guy my number and then turn off your phone. You don’t deserve this. I’ll pay to have your number changed tomorrow and don’t worry about covering security. I’ve got it. You don’t have to worry that I’ll refuse their help.”
A sweet smile touched Quince’s lips. “You don’t have to do—”
“I know you don’t drink, baby, but I still ordered champagne. If you’d like something else to toast with, just let me know.”
Jathan swiped his hand up Quince’s thigh beneath the table. “Yeah. I’ll figure it out, since I’m driving and all.”
Quince cut in. “I’ll drive. You celebrate. Not only do you deserve a glass of champagne, you probably need it because I’ve seen those ribs that asshat kept elbowing.”
Jathan’s shoulders fell the second his mom’s gaze sharpened. “What about your ribs?”
“It’s fine. They’re just a little bruised from the season. You know how dirty these guys play anytime they can get away with it.” He squeezed Quince’s knee, silently daring him to keep talking.
Unfortunately, his mom’s momma bear side appeared. “Let me see.”
“Mom, we’re in the middle of a nice restaurant. I’m okay. Pretty soon, I’ll have six long months of healing time.”
She didn’t look appeased, but she dropped it. His phone buzzed as the champagne arrived, along with glasses of ice water. He checked the face.
Unknown number: this is Steel from Steel Security. Quince gave me your number. I have a guy meeting you at eleven at the address provided. His name is German. I’m sending you his picture and info so you’ll know him when you see him.
Jathan: Thank you. Let me know how billing works, and I’ll take care of it.
Jathan saved the number to his contacts.
Steel: Quince has already covered a month of service. If you decide to stick with our company, I’ll be glad to go over the details with you. It’s nice to meet you and I’m sorry you’re going through this. Don’t worry. I only employ the best. We won’t let anything happen to you.
Jathan: I appreciate it.
A wave of relief washed over Jathan.
Steel: You’re more than welcome and congrats on tonight’s win. Huge fan.
A smile exploded across Jathan’s face. He put his phone away and picked up his glass. Jathan shouldn’t have been so stubborn about this. He felt better already. Quince kissed his temple while his mom made a toast. Warmth spread through chest. Everything would be okay. He didn’t need to worry.