CHAPTER 44
Jackie watched in amusement as PeeWee ran around the dog park, zigzagging in and out of obstacles. He was truly on the mend—his stitches healed—and getting back to his playful self. She adjusted her coat as a breeze went through the air. Winter was on the horizon in more ways than one.
“Do you think PeeWee is a Black dog?” Gideon asked. He sat next to Jackie on a bench. “And by Black dog, you know what I mean.”
“Duh.” Jackie rolled her eyes. “Of course! Because he is my dog, by proximity, PeeWee Bark-Quan Miles is Black.”
Gideon looked at Jackie with amusement. “I know you didn’t give this dog a middle name. Bark-Quan, Jackie? Really?”
“What’s a better middle name for him? Rex?”
“Nah, he’s definitely a Bark-Quan. He sure can go,” remarked Gideon as his eyes followed the rambunctious pooch. “I’d never think a dog that chubby could move so fast. He’s like the Heavy D of dogs.”
“If you’re gonna sit here and compare my dog to the late, great, overweight lover, then you can bounce. I didn’t ask for the company.”
“It was either me or Uncle Roydell. And he wouldn’t have gotten here in time. You know he only takes Greyhound.”
“Hmph. I’d take Uncle Roydell over your annoying ass anytime.”
Gideon took a sip of his coffee. “I know you didn’t want any company, but Tanika told me that you have been more attitudinal than usual.” He paused, scratching his snowy-gray beard. “Is that a word? Whatever, I’m using it. So, I take it that the girls’ night the other night didn’t help?”
“Not really,” she sighed.
After her meeting with Patrick, Jackie had hoped some time with her girls would help her forget him and Sports Ragz’s nonstop coverage of PJ’s arrest. Tanika brought over four bottles of rose.
Mya picked up just about every flavor of wings from American Deli.
And Bronwyn, well, she showed up for moral support.
She did bring PeeWee a vegan “bone” chew toy, which he enjoyed.
Jackie attempted to let them comfort her, but her mind was elsewhere most of the evening.
She kept replaying her conversation with Patrick, PJ’s hurtful words, and her own harsh words to Antonio.
It all stung like a million spider bites.
After drinking too much wine and eating her weight in teriyaki wings, Jackie fell asleep on the couch, a Snapped marathon playing as she snuggled with PeeWee.
That was a couple of weeks ago, and she was still sulking. She’d hoped spending a little time outside with PeeWee would clear her mind. She hadn’t planned on talking about her feelings with Gideon, who crashed their playdate.
Jackie took a sip of her Americano. “Gideon, you don’t have to sit here and babysit me. I’m fine.”
“No, you aren’t,” Gideon said. “I know you, Jack. I know how you are. You’re probably replaying everything over and over again in your mind, trying to figure out where you went wrong. Sometimes, Jack, shit happens for a reason.”
Damn, he was right—at least about the replaying everything part. But she wasn’t about to let Gideon gloat.
“Oh yeah?” Jackie folded her arms. “Advice from a guy who is engaged to a woman that he believes his deceased wife’s ghost hand-picked for him?”
“I mean, since you put it that way, I see your point,” chuckled Gideon. “But the thing with PJ and Antonio, you were just kind of caught in the middle. It isn’t your fault. It’s nobody’s fault.”
“I shouldn’t have gotten caught up with Antonio. I should have kept it strictly professional,” Jackie said, nodding for emphasis. “PJ is my client. He’s my priority.”
“Whether professionally or personally, seems like Antonio was going to be in your orbit whether you liked it or not.”
Jackie kicked at the turf in front of her. “I guess.”
“Besides, Jack, you can’t help who you fall for, especially if that person is meant to be with you.”
Jackie frowned. “I didn’t say he was meant to be with me.”
“You didn’t have to,” Gideon reminded her. “You said you all met ten years ago, right? And back then you felt something. And now, ten years later, you feel the same thing, right?”
“Has everyone lost their mind?” Jackie snapped. “All of you all need to stop drinking the tea from Bronwyn’s shop. Because you all are sounding as wacky as she is.”
“I find Thyme’s blend of teas to be quite delightful,” Gideon said, pushing up his glasses. “Haven’t you learned anything from me and Tanika? Can’t fight fate, cousin. Plus, I heard you had a run-in with Mother Mary. I don’t pretend to know how that woman knows things, but she’s the real thing…”
“Okay, fine,” Jackie said, turning to Gideon.
“Let’s say I give up logic and believe in this fate thing.
It doesn’t change the fact that I’m dating my former client’s father who also is my coworker.
My reputation is shot. Patrick already made it clear that he isn’t in for any more drama, and he all but threatened to fire me and take my clients—”
“Or,” Gideon interrupted, “you take your clients and do your own thing. Like…what’s the movie?” He scratched his temple.
“Jerry McGuire,” Jackie said. “You want me to Jerry McGuire-it?”
“Right!” Gideon snapped his fingers. “Why not? I mean, you’re about as tall as Tom Cruise, so…”
Jackie punched Gideon in the arm, and he laughed. “Ouch, I’m just saying. What’s stopping you? When’s the last time you took a risk and bet on yourself?”
“I don’t know. When I decided to go into sports management versus corporate law. But…the AMW-Elite name means a hell of a lot in this industry. It attracts a lot of premiere athletes.”
“And the name Jackie Miles doesn’t?” Gideon asked, sitting up straight. “Didn’t you just get Mo Williams a title fight? You did that. Without your annoying voice! That was a feat! I doubt Mo cares that you’re with AMW-Elite.”
Jackie sipped her coffee. “I guess.”
“Ain’t no I guess,” countered Gideon. “You are Marcus Miles’s daughter. Uncle Marcus never let shit get to him. When circumstances in life changed, he pivoted. You can too. You can do anything, Jackie.”
Jackie sniffed, wiping her eyes. “Now why the hell did you have to bring Daddy into it?”
“Did it work?”
“You’re an asshole, Gid. I’ll remember that next time you want some sneakers,” Jackie nodded toward his feet.
“No, you won’t.” Gideon held up his foot, showing off his sparkling, new PJ Dawson kicks.
“I should get PeeWee to pee on your feet!”
At the sound of his name, PeeWee stopped his running and stared at the both of them with an expression that read, What the hell do you want?
“See,” Jackie said, pointing at PeeWee. “He’s a Black dog.”
Jackie and Gideon doubled over with laughter.
Once their giggling died down, Jackie nudged Gideon. “I love you, cuz. Thanks for babysitting me after all.”
“Anytime.” Gideon gave Jackie a wet, smacking kiss on her forehead. “I love you too, Jack!”
“Jackie?” The low timber of another voice interrupted the conversation. Jackie looked up to see PJ standing in front of her, wearing a team hoodie and a leather jacket.
“Oh shit,” Gideon said. “PJ Dawson.” He jumped up and gave PJ a fist bump. “I’m Jackie’s cousin, Gideon. I was just telling Jackie how I’m digging these kicks. They are dope, man.”
PJ gave a shy grin. “I appreciate you, man.” He turned to Jackie. “Can I talk to you?”
Jackie sighed. “I guess.”
Gideon leaned down whispered to Jackie. “I’m gonna go. Hear the young brother out.” He gave Jackie a hug and PeeWee a rub on the head before leaving the dog park. Jackie didn’t want Gideon to leave, but by the time she started to call his name, he was gone.
PJ sat next to Jackie on the bench. “How you doing? I see PeeWee is having a good time.”
“How did you know where I was?” Jackie’s tone was icy. It was definitely the hurt talking.
“Oh, your assistant Calvin. He told me. He said it was in your calendar that you take PeeWee to the dog park at this time. I figured it was this one, close to your house.”
Jackie mumbled under her breath, “I’m actually going to have to fire Calvin now.”
PJ sat back. “Listen, I’m just gonna come out and say it. I’m sorry, Jackie. I was just upset. Hungover. Maybe high. Drug test was inconclusive.”
Jackie said nothing, simply looked straight ahead at PeeWee, who was running the obstacle course again.
PJ pushed his hands deeper into his hoodie pockets. “You’ve been rocking with me from the jump, Jackie. I’m sorry I—”
“Reduced me to your father’s whore?”
PJ dropped his head. “That was fucked up. I meant no disrespect. I just was out of it. That’s all.”
“And let me guess.” Jackie turned, facing PJ. “You’re not trying to pay my firing fee or run AMW-Elite their coins, huh? I am sure Marilyn read that contract and reminded you of that.”
“It ain’t about the money. My mom did snap on me about it, but whether I hire or fire anyone in my camp is my decision. Not my mom’s or anyone else’s. Mine. Period.”
Jackie nodded. “Got it. So I’ll have my accountant contact you to settle up.”
“No! I want you back as my agent.” PJ pulled at the sleeve of his jacket. “I really need you right now. I’m getting calls about endorsements, and with this suspension, I don’t know how to handle it.”
“Not my problem, PJ,” Jackie said. “I’m sure your new agent will help you navigate things. I already sent you the info of a publicist you should use.”
“I don’t want a new agent. I want you. I need you. We need you,” PJ begged.
“We?”
PJ sighed. “He won’t admit it, but my dad is fucking miserable without you.”
My dad? Jackie gave a slight smile at PJ’s use of the word but quickly fixed her face. “Why would your father be miserable? It’s not like I haven’t seen him. We work together.”
That was pushing it, and Jackie knew it. She hadn’t spoken to Antonio outside of board meetings. The merger was about to be final, and he’d be on his way to LA and out of her life. She had a folder full of unsent text messages and emails. She didn’t know what to say.