Chapter 28
CHARLOTTE
There is something calming about watching the team train through the glass of my office window.
A team I am committed to every second of the day.
Today, there is more joy in my heart as I witness my brother and Brandon playing alongside each other.
Both laugh at things I cannot hear, yet their body language tells me everything I need to know.
Two weeks have passed since I told my family that I chose to be with Brandon, and I need them to be on board with that decision.
Byron is the one who struggled with it the most. He has never been great with words, but it’s clear he has put all his reservations away and is trying…
for me. What I didn’t expect is how they have slipped back into a friendship like it was only yesterday when he would show up to Brandon’s house and carpool to training.
Because today, he showed up at my home and picked up Brandon.
I don’t ask about their conversations even though I wish I could be a fly on the inside of the car. Byron and Brandon had something special before I came into the mix. I want to help them get that back, and our family will be better for it.
Brandon passes the ball to Byron, and he drives toward the basket, dunking it over Leroy.
I can only imagine the ‘whoops’ echoing from the court.
Byron and Brandon high-five each other, their smiles as big as their hearts.
These two have combined together like no other in the competition.
It’s like they know what the other is thinking and blitz the opposition with ease.
To see them back together, dominating, winning, and getting us another step closer to the playoffs is a dream come true.
I hope they succeed for the team, the fans, and my family.
A major bucket-list tick as well as a massive financial gain for the LA Sharks.
If we achieve this goal, what’s next?
Something shifts inside me. Realization. My next goal will center around my happiness, and it might not be with the team.
Even if Brandon plays, do I want to be the chief CEO and boss? Years ago, my family invested in the team, a future for Byron and me. Byron is nearing the end of his playing career, and I want more time with Brandon.
I haven’t even considered a life beyond basketball. I stare down at the court to the only person I imagine a future with. He shoots a three-pointer, glances up, and sees me watching. He touches his heart and points to me. Byron says something to him, and he laughs.
Knock. Knock.
My office door opens, and Franklin stands there with the door half open. “You ready?”
I stare at him blankly, caught up in the moment with Brandon.
“The quarterly finance and investment strategy meeting…”
“Give me a minute.” I sign out of my computer and grab my laptop, then walk with Franklin toward the boardroom.
“A heads-up… Jobe and Walter were arguing earlier this morning.”
“About what?” Not that it matters. I’ll never agree with Walter.
“He signed off on a preseason schedule and took an interview with a certain journalist leaking some of our strategy for next season.”
“We haven’t signed off on our preseason schedule.”
“Anyone would think he owns the fucking team.”
I clench my teeth. “A warning. I’m douchebag intolerant. I’m not in the mood for his bullshit.”
“Lottie. I have always been douchebag intolerant.”
I laugh. “This is true.”
We enter the boardroom, and I give Walter nothing.
Cindy is here to propose special events for the next season.
Desley starts the meeting by putting forward her ideas for the youth league.
I agree with everything she says since these kids are our future.
When Walter interrupts her and argues his point without listening to her reasons, I lose it. I am over his crap.
I stand, lean both hands on the table, and glare at Walter.
“We are not here to agree with everything you put forward. As a united group, we oversee what is best for every league. One person doesn’t get to make the decision alone.
If we change anything after this meeting, then you’re going to be the fool who shot off your mouth to the media. ”
Jobe coughs and gives me a subtle shake of the head. I do not need protection from this asshole. If it were up to me, I would have terminated his employment months ago. But there is no reason other than his misogynistic attitude.
“You have never agreed with me,” he says louder than what is acceptable in a professional meeting. “Fought me on the trade of Brandon Johns, yet here you are, shacking up with him.”
Franklin and Jobe spring to their feet.
“Enough,” Franklin bellows at him.
But Jobe is already rounding the table and has him by the collar, pulling him to his feet. “Apologize to my sister,” he growls out at him.
“Do you think I’m lying?” he says, his face turning a dark red color.
Jobe gives him a shake. “I won’t ask again.”
The room is silent, and Desley appears stressed.
“Desley, this has nothing to do with your ideas. I think they’re great.
Walter is blinded by the fact we’re women, and he has never accepted our voice as worthy.
” I take a breath as he grumbles a pathetic apology.
“From now on, this attitude changes. Women have every right to sit in a boardroom and be heard. From today, Walter, you’re on a warning.
The next time you insult us will be your last, and your services will no longer be required. ”
“I’ll have your brother on assault charges,” he yells.
“And I have a list of all the times you have verbally assaulted me.” My smile is scathing. “It is listed in the minutes.”
“I’m going to ask you to leave the meeting,” Franklin demands. “You can read the minutes for further reports.”
Red-faced, Walter packs up his laptop and waddles toward the door. As soon as the door slams, I let out a long, cleansing breath.
“Please continue, Desley.”
I will not allow Walter to demean her ideas and worth.
At the end of the meeting, I check my cell. Byron and Brandon are both at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, visiting the pediatric oncology ward.
I inform Franklin and Jobe, “I’m going to join Byron and BJ. I need to see the good our players do and see some children smile.”
“I’ll join you,” Franklin says, loosening his tie.
“As much as I would like to come along…” Jobe begins, “… I have another board meeting with Hendricks Real Estate after the latest council changes.”
While the team is my priority, Franklin and Jobe have major businesses to manage outside of basketball.
With Jobe expanding his real estate company internationally, I respect any time he is able to give to the operations of the team.
And Franklin—he is a workaholic on steroids as CEO of our family’s main business, Hendricks Capital Management.
I push up onto my toes and kiss my brother on the cheek. “Thank you for today. While I don’t need protecting, I enjoyed seeing Walter shit his pants when you had him by the collar.”
He grins at me. “It took all my willpower not to punch the fucker.”
“While I agree…” Franklin growls out, “… I was thinking how I was going to immediately terminate his employment. Unfortunately, the legalities stopped me from doing so. But you nailed it, Lottie. It had to come from you.”
“We’re very proud of you, sis.” Jobe gives me a little punch to the shoulder.
“Very.” Franklin smirks. “Although I was concerned he might have a stroke. His blood pressure needs to be checked.”
“That is of concern,” I mutter. “But his anger management needs to be controlled first.”
“I’ll speak with Kay.”
I nod at Franklin. Our mental health and wellness manager is not here for the players alone.
Thirty minutes later, Franklin and I arrive at the children’s hospital with bags of gifts for the kids. We are directed to the ward and find Byron and Brandon in a room wearing masks. Standing at the door, we take the moment to listen to their conversation.
“What did we say?” Byron says. “Here are the two bosses from the team. What do you have for Casey?”
My stomach tightens as the little boy turns his head to us. He has lesions over his face and arms. “Jerseys and hats. And for you, we have a banner for your room.”
He manages to smile. “Thank you,” he murmurs.
Byron comes to me, takes the merchandise from the bag, and then walks back into the room. He lays the jersey on his bed and places the cap on Casey’s head. Casey’s smile grows. Brandon takes the banner and, with the help of the nurse, pins it to his wall.
“Next time we play, and I hit a three-pointer, I’ll make a heart with my hands like this.” Brandon curls his fingers into the shape. “It will be for you.”
Casey mimics the shape with his hands.
“That’s right.” He gently taps his knuckles with him.
“What about you?” Casey croaks to Byron.
I don’t hear what he says as I walk away to compose myself with tears welling in my eyes.
It’s moments like these that make governing a team worth all the stress behind closed doors. When our players can bring some joy to children, it makes the game real and not just about winning a championship.