Me: Yeah? What’s the prize?
Zahra: Some candy left over from last Halloween that I found at the back of the cupboard. Lol
Me: AWESOME PRIZE
Zahra: Thank you for the puzzles and toys. It kept them occupied for a full five minutes before they started running around the house yelling like lunatics. How’s your father?
Me: Better. I got to talk to him yesterday. Still a bit weak, but definitely hopefully on the mend. Mom is spooning bone broth into him at a scary rate while he bitches and demands a steak.
Zahra: I’m so glad he didn’t have it. A college age kid down the road came back from spring break with it and is now on a ventilator. It doesn’t look good.
Me: Oh no.
Zahra: At least his parents made him self-isolate when he got back.
Me: Fuck, this is scary. How the hell did we wind up living in times like these?
Zahra: I have no idea. Tell me about your hottie next door. Get my mind off things.
Me: We had a Skype date last night. We did things. Dirty things. Disgusting things.
Zahra: You ho. Good work. Glad to hear it.
Me: Thank you.
Zahra: So, what’s the black moment in your book going to be?
Me: Eamon has been accused of sleeping with the coach’s wife. But he was set up.
Zahra: Excellent chance for tension and emotional trauma.
Me: You betcha.
Zahra: Tho this fiction is awful close to your reality.
Me: Sports romance is hot. Scandals happen in sports all the time. As if Evan would actually read the book anyway. It’s not really about him. It’s fiction. He’s just my muse when it comes to certain aspects.
Zahra: Ok.
Me: Who even knows if we even have a future?
Zahra: You need to stop the negative bullshit caused by your idiot ex from spilling over into now. You made a mistake staying with Sean for a year. You learned from it. Now move on.
Me: I know, I know. I just don’t want to get my hopes up too high. Evan is so wonderful. But then Sean seemed okay at first too.
Zahra: Big difference between wonderful and okay.
Me: True.
Zahra: Just don’t settle this time. Be smart. You’re not afraid of being alone, so there’s no need to put up with trash. Take that shit out and be done with it. Expunge him from your mind and move on.
Me: You’re right.
Zahra: Of course, I am. And now my pupils have started a hair-pulling fight. I’ll catch up with you later.
Me: Later. Good luck. Xx* * *
EVANAfter the sexy yoga sesh with Sadie, I showered and then sat down in front of the computer. I pull up my e-mail and see one from Polly. Not good news. Apparently half the media believes the truth behind the drug report released and the other half think it’s bogus, bought and paid for by the team.
I sigh and rub at the back of my neck. Tension filters back into my temples as I review the coach’s report. Reading the details, I perk up. Fuck yes. None of the guys tested positive for doping.
I stand up and fist punch the air several times like I’m Rocky Balboa. Yes! Maybe now the guys won’t think so poorly of me. Having that weight on my shoulders has not helped. Even though it sure has put a lot into perspective about the brotherhood. Instead of talking shit behind my back, they should have come to me. Asked what happened. I read through more of the e-mail and the coach says my contract is still under review with the legal team. What the hell? Shouldn’t my innocence and that of the rest of the team clear me?
Picking up the phone, I dial Trina, the team secretary. She’s always been like a favorite auntie to me. We’ve shared a bond since the very beginning when she found out I was motherless and all alone in California. In fact, I used to go to Friday night dinner at her house with her family at least once a month before this lockdown business.
“Hello, young man. I was wondering when you were going to get around to calling me.” Her voice is hoarse when she answers.
“Hey Trina, how are you feeling?”
“Oh fine, just fine. A little tickle in my throat I haven’t been able to shake the last couple days. Nothing to worry about. It’s probably allergies.”
Trina is in her later fifties and has three sons, all working in sports in one way or another. One is a sports doctor, the other a lawyer, and the last a pro baseball player. Each is fiercely protective of their mother, but none of them live in the area.
“How’s Tom? Keeping an eye on you?” I ask, referring to her husband of thirty years. High school sweethearts and still devoted to one another. A love like theirs makes me believe true love does exist, you just have to find the right person. Maybe I have.