Page 5 of Game Misconduct

“They always are. All I need to bring is myself and my clothes.”

His brows rose. “You’re not a rookie.”

“That’s correct.”

“I don’t get it. Don’t you have plates or a blanket? Anything?”

I started laughing. “Mitch, really. This is it. I’m pretty simple.”

“Sorry, I’m just surprised. I should be more like you. I’m too sentimental and have a hard time getting rid of anything.”

I smiled. “That’s something I’ve never been accused of.”

He chuckled. “I bet not. If you want, we can head over to the arena early and I’ll give you a tour before practice.”

“That would be great. Coach Romney said he wanted me there a few minutes before practice so we can talk.”

“Good. I’ll just grab my bag.”

He left, and I pulled my duffle out from under the bed. I’d likely be getting a new one today along with Fury gear, so I only checked that I had my preferred lifting shoes and a change of clothes for after.

Mitch had changed out of his questionable sweats into a fresh pair of black training pants and matching zip-up. His maroon and black duffle was over his shoulder and he held up his keys as I walked up. “I’ll drive. We can move your car to the garage afterward.”

“Thanks.” I forgot that it was on the other end of the block where I started this adventure.

On the short drive over, he pointed out a few key points of interest like his favorite coffee shop, the best smoothie place, a local clothing shop that will ask for my autograph to add to their wall in exchange for a discount, and the apartment buildings of the other players.

Little of it meant much to me at the moment, but he didn’t seem like the type to get annoyed with repeating himself.

As soon as we turned a corner and the arena came into view, a wave of anticipation washed over me. This was it. My new home.

I’d been on three teams since getting drafted at nineteen, and each time I was surprised by how easy it was for me to accept the change. Some guys hated getting traded and threw fits at the mention of it. I was not one of those guys.

I wanted to be where I was wanted, with a team that believed in me and a coach that saw something special enough to fight for me to join their organization.

Coach Romney had done that. He flew out to meet with me and explained where he saw me fitting in on the team and what strengths I had that the team currently lacked––speed and a touch of fearlessness. That was all I needed to feel good about signing my new contract and driving almost seven hundred miles to a new city. I had something to contribute. The Fury was a more mature team than most in the league. They were loyal to their core players and rotated out the rest as needed. That intimidated most guys. Since I wasn’t looking to settle down, it didn’t bother me.

I signed a three-year contract, and beyond that, I’d stay as long as they needed me, then move on to the next team. Simple as that.

“Hey, Ralph.” Mitch waved to the guard as he pulled into the parking garage under the arena for team members and employees.

As soon as we got out, Mitch paused. “You ready, Garrison? Nothing to be nervous about.”

“I’m good.”

“Right. Calm and collected.” He gestured toward the elevator. “Let’s do this.”

I shook my head as I followed him. I was pretty sure he was more nervous than I was, but I appreciated his help too much to point that out.

Three

Vivian

“Don’t forget to tell Simon our six o’clock meeting is canceled. Also, I need you to order lunch for the board meeting on Friday,” Jonathan, my boss, told me as he breezed by my desk on the way to his office. I didn’t bother responding since he was never around long enough to hear. He was always in a rush, even halfway through the afternoon when the day was winding down. When I first started, I was always on edge and felt like I could never relax in case another request popped into his mind, but I’d learned to accept his restless nature and not take it as a personal offense.

As soon as the door shut, I picked up my phone and dialed Kerry’s extension. “Hey, Viv.”

“Hi, Jonathan canceled the meeting this afternoon. Did Simon get notified?”