“When will you know more?” she asks.
“I’m hoping in the next day or so. This is just part of the business, guys.”
“Can I do anything to help?” she asks.
“No, but thank you, Arion. I’ll let you know if anything comes up. Listen, I have to run to another meeting. I just didn’t want you to get caught off guard when ESPN gets wind of this. I’m hoping your agent might know more than I do. But I’ll be in touch. Just take care of yourself, okay?”
I nod my head and give James a hug as he leans down to me. Then he kisses Arion on the cheek and she walks him out.
As she walks back to me on the couch, I do my best to stay positive. Deep down I know no matter what happens, she’ll come with me. But in the past we have struggled going down this road. But this is our fate and we have to learn to accept it. We’ll be together always and really…that’s all that matters.
“Are you okay?” Bain asks me.
Instinctively I nod my head, but inside I’m not really sure. Hearing the news that he might get traded is a shock. I guess none of that should matter. Thinking about the positive side of things, at least he’s getting traded and not cut. It doesn’t make a difference where he goes – we’ll go together and be together.
“Are you okay?” I ask him, scooting softly over beside him. I don’t know what it is or why, but since we’ve been home, I can’t seem to get close enough to him.
“Yeah, I mean, what can I do about it? This is life, our life, and what’s meant to be will be, baby.”
I can’t help but smirk at him and then lay my head on his lap. We sit in silence, relishing one another’s solace. I thank God for this moment, for Bain and everything that he has given to me. The serenity that surrounds me causes me to close my eyes. Then Bain’s phone rings and I hop up to grab it for him. The screen says private and I fear it’s related to the trial.
Handing the phone to Bain, he hesitates for half a second, then brings it to his ear. “Hello,” he answers firmly.
I can’t help but watch his face as all of the color drains from it. His confidence and poise are washed away in an instant.
“Okay,” he says. “Uh-huh.”
He looks at me while he talks and I know what’s going on.
“Really? Jesus Christ, okay, we’ll be there.” He listens for a moment. “No, I’ll call them. You don’t need to.”
He tilts his head back and his tone changes. “Yes, that is still correct. Okay, we’ll see you then.”
He hangs up, dropping the phone and begins to shake his head slowly. Tears overflow out of his eyes and I reach for him, needing to touch him.
“My parents and I need to testify at the sentencing.”
“What? Why?”
“He copped a plea deal.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Yeah, that was the news I got about the case when you were gone.”
“Damn, I’m sorry, baby. How long?”
“Twelve to twenty motherfucking years is all that asshole is getting.”
“I don’t understand. Last I’d heard the DA was hoping he’d get fifty.”
“I don’t know either. She said that this judge is really lenient and in order to get the maximum penalty imposed then she’s recommending that my parents and I all speak at the sentencing,” he says readjusting himself on the couch, pain blazing in his eyes when he moves, and I just feel so bad for him.
“When is it?”
“Next month.”
“Well, at least you can heal.”
“I told you, baby, I’m fine. I’m home with you and that’s all that matters.”
“I feel the same way, but I can tell you’re still sore.” He glares at me and I stop talking about how he is feeling. “Are you going to talk to your parents about this?”
“Yeah, I’ll call them, but not now. I know they are both working and I don’t want to upset them while they are there. I’ll call them tonight.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot your mom went back to work. How is she liking it?”
“She loves it, it’s a good change for her.”
“And you, are you okay with the plea?” I ask, afraid that inside he’s a wreck.
“As shitty as it is to know that asshole is basically getting away scot-free, at least he is going to serve some time. I know deep down that Kinsey wouldn’t want me to be upset, so I hold on to that.”
I smile at Bain and he puckers his lips to me, showing me that he wants a kiss.
Leaning over, I kiss him, tasting his sweetness. His eyes are closed and a growl comes from his throat.
“I think you promised me lunch after James left.”
“That I did,” I respond and kiss him one last time before walking to our fridge. Looking inside, I realize that I really need to go to the store. “What do you feel like?” I ask and turn to see Bain coming towards me. He’s slow to walk, but fuck, he’s hot in a pair of basketball shorts and a thin white t-shirt. “Baby, what are you doing up?” I ask.