17. Jake
CHAPTER 17
JAKE
W e were given a reprieve from the media circus yesterday, and that was all thanks to Coach Haagen, who was emphatic his players wouldn’t give interviews upon landing in LA. But today, it’s a different story. The reporters were waiting in the media room at the arena even before we arrived.
Between interviews and speaking with the team’s counselor, I managed to pull Melissa aside to tell her about June. She promised she’d find time to schedule June’s media training today, and that made me less anxious.
I wasn’t planning on announcing I was dating June, but when Lachy opened his big mouth in the car, I couldn’t stop myself. If I hadn’t said I was June’s boyfriend, Lachy or Ryan would have. It’s strange how I’m happy sharing June with my best friends, but I want to claim her as mine to the world. It was an impulsive decision that could backfire royally, considering how my father is threatening to destroy my reputation. By announcing June is my girlfriend, I put a target on her back too.
I’m a fucking idiot in love, and she doesn’t even know how I feel.
Once I’m done with all the interviews, my head is pounding. It’s past two in the afternoon, and I need to eat something before I head to the gym, but on my way to the cafeteria, Coach Haagen stops me.
“Jake, do you have a minute?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Let’s go to my office.”
I follow him in silence, going over my interview in my head. Considering the topic, I believe it went smoothly. Lachy and I cracked jokes at the end. So whatever he wants to talk about isn’t that.
Rather than behind his desk, Coach Haagen sits at the small table in his office, and I follow suit. His expression is closed off, and I have no idea what’s going through his mind. He has an excellent poker face.
“I won’t beat around the bush with you, Jake. We’ve been working together for a long time. Are you happy here?”
I furrow my brows. “Yes, sir. The Titans are my home.”
He nods. “Good. I had to be sure. I wouldn’t keep you here if you wanted to be traded to another team.”
My spine turns rigid. “Is this about the Bobcats?”
“Yes. I was surprised when I heard the rumors you were looking for a trade to New York.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. That has my father’s dirty fingers all over it. “Those rumors are bullshit. New York is still on my no-trade list.”
“I try not to put too much stock in rumors, but you’ll be a free agent soon, and I need to prepare.”
“I’ll play for the Titans for as long as you want me.”
I don’t mention that I’d take less money to stay, which is true. I don’t want to leave LA. But my agent would have a heart attack if I screwed things up for his negotiation tactics.
Coach Haagen nods, then knocks on the table. “Good. That’s all I wanted to hear. Just stay out of trouble so I don’t have to fight to keep you on my roster.”
I swallow hard. I’ve been on my best behavior, but I can’t forget my father’s threat, hanging over my head like a dark cloud. “I will, sir.”
When I leave Coach Haagen’s office, instead of going to the cafeteria, I head to the gym. The conversation made me lose my appetite. What I need right now is to lift some heavy weights and forget everything. I expect to find the place empty, but Lachy and Ryan are there.
“What are you two doing here?” I ask.
Ryan gives me a droll look. “Same as you.”
I notice he’s not wearing his arm brace. “Are you cleared to work out?”
“I can do leg exercises.”
“What did Coach want?” Lachy asks.
“He heard rumors I wanted to get traded to the Bobcats.”
Both Lachy and Ryan snort, then Lachy asks, “And he believed those rumors?”
I shrug. “He wanted to double-check since I’ll be a free agent this year.”
“You told him hell to the fucking no, right?” Ryan pipes up.
“I didn’t use those words, but yeah, I assured him I’m happy here.”
Ryan adds more weight to the leg press machine he’s about to use. “Good. I can’t deal with more bad news this year.”
“What do you mean?”
Instead of replying, he starts his reps. I turn to Lachy, hoping he can explain.
“I’m as clueless as you are,” he says.
“My mother is dying of cancer,” Ryan blurts out mid-rep.
“Bloody hell.” Lachy’s brows shoot up. “And you just say it like that?”
“How was I supposed to say it?”
“When did you find out?” I ask.
“A few days ago. I spoke to my brother. He’s taking a break from work to see our mother. I’m going with him.”
“Is she still in San Diego?” I ask.
“Yeah.” Ryan leaves the leg press machine and turns to us. “I need to clear it with Coach Haagen first, but it shouldn’t interfere with training.”
Perhaps it won’t interfere with our schedule, but it’ll definitely mess with Ryan’s head. “We’re coming with you.”
His eyes widen. “You don’t need to come.”
“Horse shite. There’s no bloody chance we’ll let you face that alone.”
Relief and gratitude shine in Ryan’s eyes. His shoulders sag forward as he exhales. “Thanks.”
I tap his arm. “Don’t mention it, buddy.”
“Do you think June would come too?”
Lachy’s eyes light up. “Oh, a road trip with our girl. I’m down for that.”
I’d love to spend more time with her, but I hold my enthusiasm back. We aren’t just nobodies, and after the extra attention we garnered thanks to the almost plane crash, we have to be more careful.
“Jake?” Ryan looks at me.
“What?”
“You’re frowning. You don’t think we should invite June?”
I shake my head. “It’s not that. I was just thinking about the logistics. We don’t know if she’ll be able to take time off work.”
Lachy rubs his chin. “True. But our game on Saturday is early, and we have Sunday off. We could go after the game.”
Ryan nods. “That’s probably the best time to go. I’ll tell Cory.”
I should be glad the scheduling conflict was resolved, but I’m not relaxed by any stretch of the imagination. I don’t think bringing June on this trip is a good idea, but I don’t want to be the asshole who ruins it for everyone.