24. Khalil #2
“And why is that, Wellington?” Denico asked.
“He has no integrity and shows no loyalty to the team. I feel as though he has allowed his success to go to his head and forgotten about the people who have helped him get here.”
“My talent got me here,” I interrupted.
“That’s true, but as of late, you have been proving to not be as dedicated to your team.”
“How has he not been dedicated?” Grant asked.
“Late to practices, showing up late to games, showing arrogance when he’s being interviewed, and not to mention, him and Isaiah Walker don’t show sportsman-like conduct on the court.
They make a mockery out of their opponents and taunt the other teams, which has instigated fights or arguments on said court.
I just feel he would do better with the Sacramento Golds. ”
This motherfucka was just making up shit just to overshadow the fact that he was only doing this because of his big-head-ass daughter.
The room was silent for a moment before Denico sat up in his chair. “Thank you for your bogus-ass candor, Wellington. Grey, you got something you’d like to say?”
I nodded. “I’d like to clear up any and all allegations Mr. Wellington has made against me.
For one: I was only late to two practices because of a family emergency; otherwise, my attendance has been squeaky clean both on and off the court.
Secondly, if Isaiah and I shit-talk or taunt a team, it’s nothing but reciprocal communication on our end.
Third, Drew Stanford would never allow me to show any type of disloyalty to anything I’m passionate about, and that includes my love for the sport, and my moms raised me to be a man who operates on nothing but integrity.
So everything you’re saying about me is bullshit.
Tell them the real reason you pulled them away from their families on their day off, because coming for my skill and character ain’t the reason why. ”
Orlando scoffed and looked me dead in the eyes.
“You think you’re so damn smart, don’t you?
That move you made with my daughter wasn’t a smart thing to do, Grey.
You got her all worked up, thinking she was finally getting her happily ever after, only for you to turn around and call off the wedding because you fucked and fell in love with a stripper after one night!
I don’t want you playing for my team anymore, and that’s my final decision. ”
“With all due disrespect, fuck you and your daughter. I would never marry a woman who don’t like kids—specifically, my motherfucking kid.”
He pointed a stern finger at me. “She never said that shit!”
“I swear, you niggas get on every last one of my nerves when it comes to trades. It sounds like you got a personal vendetta against him because of your hot-pussy daughter, and now you want him off the team. Your incompetence is unbecoming, Wellington. My vote is he stays. At the end of the day, this shit is business, not fucking personal,” Denico said.
“To hell with you, Tejada!” Wellington yelled.
“I’ll meet your punk ass there just to tell you the same shit I just said.”
I smirked. I liked this nigga. He didn’t give a fuck about the pale faces in the room, who were also the quiet ones.
“Alright, gentlemen. Please, cool your heads. If this is about a personal matter between him and your daughter, then I vote no on trading him. It makes no sense to get rid of a good player because of some personal beef,” Phillip inserted.
“If he stays, then I’m leaving,” Wellington said with finality.
“Grant, Robin, John. Y’all are mighty quiet over there. What sayest you?”
“Wellington, you know you’re my friend, but trading him doesn’t sound like the best move, especially when we’re in the playoffs,” Robin said.
“I vote no as well,” John followed up.
Grant sighed and looked at Orlando. “You’re my friend too, Wells, but I’m with the majority on this.”
Orlando scoffed. “Fine. I’ll have my resignation letter emailed by 11:59 p.m. tonight. Just like he’s sticking by his daughter, I have to do the same for mine.” He stood, bid everyone a good afternoon, then quietly made his way toward the door.
“Bye, Lance,” Denico called out, and I folded my lips, trying not to laugh. The door slammed, and I let out the breath I was holding in. “Well, this meeting is adjourned.”
“Thank you all for your support,” I said, standing and shaking their hands. Everyone filed out of the room. Denico stopped me before I could get on the elevator.
“Just wanted you to know that, even if everyone didn’t agree to keep you here, they would have changed their minds by nightfall.”
“How?”
“Motherfuckas who obtain too much money carry too many secrets. I got the drop on every last man who was in that room, and they don’t know jack shit about me.
They hate my fucking guts because of it.
It’s why I talk to them the way I do—because they think I’m a Black-ass idiot from the hood, but I’m smarter than all their asses.
Ain’t no way I was going to let them vote you off the island.
You’re one of our top moneymakers and an overall dope-ass player. ”
A slow smirk lifted on my face. “I appreciate you, man,” I said, extending my hand for him to shake.
He took it. “Don’t mention it. Even if Asanti didn’t call me, I still would have made sure you stayed right where the fuck you are. Your skills are top-tier, and they know it. Fuck Wellington and his daughter. My wife had to put hands on her a few years back because she tried to slide on me.”
I chuckled. “I would have paid to see that.”
“I’ll send you the video.” He winked and walked off but then pivoted.
“Oh, yeah, be careful with this situation. That broad is known to be the center of attention, so don’t be surprised if she does some dumb shit for the blogs.
Just don’t feed into it, because that’s what they’re hoping you’ll do.
Stay out the way if you can, and win that ring tomorrow so we can end this fucking season the right way. ”
“I’m on it,” I replied as we went our separate ways. I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Piper.
Me:
Still about that Viper life, baby.
Mi Amor:
As I knew you would be.
Me:
Celine or Birkin?
Mi Amor:
Hmm. How about both?
I smiled.
Me:
Say less.