It’s been a rough few days. After Bain’s first practice, he got sick. I’ve never seen anyone with the flu so bad and I am so thankful that he is finally feeling better. Plus, we got an update from the FBI that they have a suspect on their radar. Bain’s dad didn’t know much when he called and I didn’t probe Bain. I was too worried about him feeling so bad that I didn’t want to make things worse by asking a ton of questions. I know it tore him up inside because even though he was in and out of sleep for the better part of three days, he kept checking his phone and asking when he woke up, if I’d heard anything. Driving into New York, I ask him, “So what is a pick-up game anyways?”
“It’s really just a high-energy game with the top local guys,” he says kissing my knuckles and then lays our intertwined hands back on his lap.
“Have you played in a lot of them?”
“I used to, all the time. But I haven’t for quite a while.”
“Will there be a lot of people there?”
“Probably. I mean, there will be people there to see the game. And now since James is managing me, he called in a few scouts. He said there are a lot of people wanting to see me play.”
I don’t ask any more questions, as I’m anxious not only for Bain, but for me. “Can I have a cigarette?” I ask Bain.
“Come on, A, you’ve done so well these last few days. Here, have another piece of gum.”
I scowl at him as he passes it to me. “I don’t get how you can just expect me to stop smoking.”
“You can do it. You’ve done so well already. Plus, we’re here; this should keep your mind off of cigarettes for a bit.” Bain puts the car in park and I look at the fenced in court. It’s lined so densely with people that I can’t even make out the players.
“Stick with James, okay? And for me, try not to smoke.”
I nod my head, loving how controlling he’s been over smoking, and exit the car. Bain and I meet at the front, and right away he grips my hand tightly as I scan the crowd looking for James, who is nowhere to be seen. Then suddenly, he’s standing right next to us.
The two guys hug and I shake his hand, listening as they talk. “I only committed you to one game. I didn’t want to push anything since you’ve been sick.”
“That’s cool with me.”
“Are you feeling better and keeping food down?”
“Yeah, I feel good. Thanks for being concerned.”
“Good, ’cause you’re up next and there are scouts from the Knicks, Pistons, and Nets, so don’t hold back. Play like you know how, so we can get you the best possible deal.”
Bain kisses me, holding my head firmly in his hands for a moment. I indulge in him, loving how sweet he’s been while sick, then upon opening my eyes, I see a few lights flash out of the corner of my eye and look to see that we are being photographed. “Sorry, A,” he whispers.
“It’s okay. Now go kick some ass. I’m excited I finally get to see you in action.”
James and I watch him jog off. He then takes his sweats off, exposing his hot tattooed legs. We proceed at our own walking pace to a small section on the risers, where the front row is open and we sit down. “So things with you two are serious?” James asks me.
I take a moment and think about his question, watching Bain stretch on the court. I couldn’t tell you how we got here, or why I feel the way I do, but yeah we’re definitely serious. “He’s the second most serious boyfriend I’ve had.”
“Are you prepared to answer questions about your past and what happened with Nathaniel?”
I almost spin in my seat to look James in the face. Is he fucking serious? “Please, don’t take offence to what I’m saying, Arion. I have to look out for Bain right now. Everything needs to be covered, we can’t have anything compromise his future.”
“And I understand that, but how is my past any of his future employer’s business?”
“I’m just saying the question could come up, and if it does, I want you to be prepared. These teams are investing not only millions, but sometimes years if they pick the wrong kid.”
“I’m the last person you have to be worrying about. You really need to talk to Bain soon regarding how he is going to handle being drilled about how much time he spent out of school and everything with Kinsey.”