Ballers: His Game (Ballers Series Book 1) (21 page)

Chapter 25

“I want to thank you all for meeting me. This means a lot to me,” I say to the men gathered around the table.

My plan is officially beginning into fall into place and this meeting is critical to my plans. I learned a lot about Tamara’s friends and her connections at Brielle’s birthday party. In this room right now are the pieces I need to make some major changes in our lives.

Our wedding is in two days right before the big game. The front office isn’t too happy with me, especially since I had my publicist release a statement about the upcoming wedding just to piss them off. The story of the big game has become more about whether my head will be in the game or still on my honeymoon.

They have even gone as far as making idol threats since my contract is only for one year. Originally I had agreed to the one year contract because I knew I could get more the following year when the team freed up some money. They maxed out what they could to get me for the first year with promises of more.

I now see this all as my own bargaining chip. So their threats mean shit to me right now, especially now that I have gotten the team to the super bowl. Funny part is they know it.

“Ellerie and I have talked this over and we feel this is something the both of us need to pursue,” I continue. “Cyrus, I appreciate you making time for this. You mean a lot to Tam as her mentor and I know I can’t pull this off without you.”

“It’s not a problem, Son. I told Tam from the beginning I would be in her corner no matter what she decided. I wanted to involve you from the beginning as well,” Tam’s boss Cyrus says.

I give the older man a nod and turn to the others. “Uri, Nico and Sam, thank you so much as well. I know everyone has come out for the wedding but Sam you made time for this. I appreciate that,” I say to the other three men that have come to join Ellerie and myself.

“This is not a problem. Your fiancée has taken to my wife and vice versa. Tam is also important to Reese so I know my brother is here for the same reason. Tam and Brielle’s safety are important to us both. Now what is it you need,” Uri responds.

I start by filling them all in on what has been going on with both Tam and I concerning my team. I can see the dark shadows that cross Uri’s expression and I wonder if I really should be calling on him. Something about the man reads deadly. Nico doesn’t look anymore pleased by the time I finish an account of all the events that have happened.

“So I know I need to change some things because I will not be giving Tamara up. I’ve waited my whole life for her and then an extra five years. When Ellerie and I thought of our options we thought of you Cyrus because Tam has worked so hard for your firm and she looks up to you,” I say looking the older man in the eyes. “We then thought of you Nico and Uri from our talks at the princess party.”

“Nico, I know you are looking for something new to do since retiring. As I found out more about you, Uri, I heard you and Sam Mairettie have a venture capital firm. We could probably afford to branch out into this ourselves but from what I learned I think I can learn a lot about business from you two,” I finish.

“We also have a bit of unfinished business before we can invest all of our time,” Ellerie adds.

“Done,” Uri states.

Sam nods. “Give me the details and we will have my brothers workout the contracts. My family is big on protecting our women and I admire what you are willing to sacrifice,” he replies.

“I think I see where you are going. I like this idea already. I’m in,” Nico says with the first smile I have seen on the man’s face since the day I first met him.

I feel a weight lift off my shoulders that I hadn’t known was there. I am genuinely excited about this possibility now. This is going to be big and I don’t know how Tam will feel, but I know I am doing what is best for us right now.

Chapter 26

My stomach is in knots and it has nothing to do with this pregnancy. It is the day of the big game and my new husband will be out on that field today giving his all for a championship. He and Ellerie deserve it.

I could tell Brad was reluctant to leave last night to fly out for the game. We both agreed that I would stay home. Our house is still filled with guests from the wedding. Because of the timing we made a weekend of it. However, family and friends have been rolling in and out of the house for about a week now.

I have to admit I am happy to have everyone here around me. Something just feels off. I don’t know if it is the way Brad left, or the feeling of not having my husband here with me so soon after our wedding, or just game day jitters. I know all too well that Brad puts his life in danger every time he steps out on that field. So does my brother for that matter.

As quarterback and receiver they might as well have targets strapped to their backs. I cringe just thinking about it. My stomach rolls and this time it is from the baby. Boy, I don’t remember being this sick with Bri. Ann and Gloria have teased that it is because I am carrying twins.

I gave them both a death glare for uttering such words. The thought has nervously crossed my mind a few times now that I know Brad’s family history. Everyone was excited to find out I am expecting. We announced it at the rehearsal dinner.

Trevor cornered me after a few drinks at the wedding to tell me how sorry he was for his soon to be ex-wife. Oh yeah, after the engagement party Trevor filed for a divorce. Donna wouldn’t leave without kicking and screaming, so Trevor and the kids have been staying at the family ranch.

He thought it best for the kids not to drag them in the middle of the drama as much as he could help it. Donna on the other hand could care less about the kids. She has still put them in the middle anyway she can, showing up at their schools and rehearsals, dropping by their friend’s houses to cry victim. I feel so bad for Trevor, but he is handling it all like a boss.

I hate to call on Nico and his family and friends since Reese is still missing, but Val insisted Trevor contact Mairettie and Mairettie for the divorce. Obviously Donna rubbed a few people the wrong way. I know Trevor is in good hands.

I pat my queasy stomach and smile. I hadn’t realized how big my support team has grown over the years. I guess that is why what should have been a small intimate wedding still turned out to be over a hundred people. Heck my extended family, through Reese and Nico alone, could have filled an entire section.

I am grateful to have them all here right now. I think Brielle is overjoyed as well, as all her real cousins and cousins through close parental relationships storm the house with her. I shake my head to think that I am having another little monster. With all these kids here I really think I have gone crazy.

“Here you look like you could use this,” Stacey runs a hand over my hair and hands me a pack of crackers and some ginger ale.

“You’re the best,” I smile as I take the crackers and tear into them, “Didn’t think we’d be doing this again.”

We both fall into a fit of giggles. “Yeah I know, and certainly not with your husband of all people. I’m so happy for you Tamara.”

“I’m still pinching myself,” I admit as I look around at the people in our home laughing and enjoying themselves.

“So does that mean you’re finally ready to thank me for making you go out that night,” Stacey says with a toothy grin.

“No heifer, you left me with a stranger to chase down the D,” I grumble playfully.

“Ah, oh yes, Troy. I remember that fine man. I still don’t remember why I stopped taking his calls,” Stacey frowns in thought. Blowing out a breath and waving the thought off she moves on. “This has to be bittersweet for you guys. I mean with the team and the drama they tried to cause you guys. This all must suck for Brad.”

“Yeah, pretty much. He and Ellerie want and deserve a ring, but winning means giving the club a win. What are you going to do,” I shrug.

This is a thought that has been on my mind, but I would never ask Brad to not play or to not win for his team just to spite a bunch of spiteful people. I guess we have to pick and choose our battles. I won’t lie though, a part of me wishes he and Ellerie gave the team the finger and walked away.

“Well I’m proud of you for hanging in there. I know this has been tough. Add on the wedding and the baby, I have no idea how you pulled this all off,” Stacey shakes her head.

“I didn’t do it alone. All of you guys have been so helpful. I just wish Reese were here,” I sigh as I think of my friend.

Stacey makes a face and starts to fidget in her seat. I narrow my eyes at her. Oh no these heifers don’t. My mouth falls open and I snatch Stacey by the collar pulling her closer to me. “You know where she is,” I hiss in her face.

I have felt so bad for Nico. I can’t believe Stacey knows where she is and hasn’t said anything. I want to strangle her.

“Relax,” Stacey whispers looking around as she pries my fingers from her blouse. “I don’t know where she is. She won’t give me a location, but I know that she is okay. She had me stream the wedding to her through my phone.”

“What?” I ask in confusion.

“You know you are her girl. She feels terrible about not making the wedding, but she wanted to be there. I told Brad some lame story about my grandma not being able to make it, but wanting to stream it and he had it set up for me,” she goes on to explain.

“And why the hell has she been in contact with you and not me,” I pout.

Stacey shrugs. “She knows you and Val have become close. If Uri gets wind that any of us knows a thing, he is going to help Nico drag her ass back her.”

“Well it is where she belongs,” I huff. “He loves her. I can’t believe she is doing this.”

“It is deeper than that and you know it. I think I can understand what she is doing. I may not agree but I understand. I haven’t said anything because I think it will all work itself out just like with you and Brad,” Stacey says wistfully.

I go to interrogate Stacey further but Brielle comes running in the room. “Mommy, Pop pop said to tell you come here, now! Daddy is on TV,” Bri says as she tries to catch her breath.

That feeling in my gut squeezes at me again. I rush to the family room where my mom and Gloria have been setting up for the game. When I make it to the room it seems like everyone is already piled in with their eyes glued to the TV.

I look at the screen and Brad and Ellerie are sitting in a press conference. I know right away something isn’t right. Someone turns the TV volume up and I try to force the panic back so that I can focus on their words.

“Bradley, is it true you will not be playing today in the super bowl championship game,” a reporter calls out on the screen.

“Yes, that is true. I have decided that I want to sit out the rest of the season,” Brad replies.

“Ellerie, you too won’t be playing,” another reporter asks sounding confused.

“Nope, I will not be playing either for personal reasons,” Ellerie smiles into the camera.

“But you two are an intricate part to this organization. It can be said that you two are the reason this team is in the super bowl at all,” yet another voice says.

Brad leans forward into the mic. “I believe the organization will be fine without our help today,” Brad says slyly.

“Bradley, Brad. I have just heard a rumor that you are considering signing a new contract with New York,” a reporter bursts above the other voices.

“Rumors are rumors, you guys know that,” Brad says with a devilish smile that makes me gasp. I have no idea what is going on. “However, my contract here was only for a year, so my options are open.”

“Ellerie you are going to be a free agent as well aren’t you? My sources say that New York may be courting you guys as a package deal.”

“Even if such talk was going on in the background I don’t kiss and tell guys. I can tell you this. I just want to take this time to be as healthy as possible for next season. Retirement will be looking good soon and I just want to end my career healthy and happy,” Ellerie says smoothly.

“Does this have anything to do with you getting married this past week, Bradley?”

“No, my wife is back home finding out about all this along with you guys. She is probably just as shocked,” Brad chuckles. “I won’t lie. I can’t wait to get back home to her and my family. Tamara Monroe is my world. Recent events have put this fact to the test and I hope that everyone has gotten the message, but I am making this decision for me. A man has to know when to be a man.”

“That sounds really personal, Brad. What is really happening in the camp to cause this upset,” one of the reporters pounce.

Brad shrugs and sits back in his seat. “I came home to find myself. This is me, has nothing to do with anyone else.”

“I’m not buying that,” one of the reporters snorts. “Ellerie, Tamara is your sister, isn’t she? You are both choosing not to play. I don’t think it is a coincidence.”

“Believe what you want,” Ellerie shrugs. “Bottom line is we are not playing. We wish our teammates well and know that they for the most part understand.”

“We have a plane to catch guys. Thank you so much,” Brad says and stands to leave as the reports frantically call out more questions. My husband walks off camera like a boss, my brother doing the same and both look damn good doing it.

The commentators on the sports channel come back on and start to speculate on why the guys won’t be playing. They are excitedly talking about the rumors that both Brad and Ellerie will be signing to a New York team. My heart is pounding and my head is spinning.

I haven’t asked Brad about what we were going to do about all of this since the afternoon he found me in bed crying. I decided to let him handle it and I have been focused on the wedding. I still don’t know what all this means. I stumble to the nearest chair and have a seat.

“Looks like we’re all going home,” Stacey says with a dubious smile.

I look at her and blink. “I never knew leaving Texas was an option,” I say in almost a whisper.

“Tam, when it comes to you Brad will make anything an option,” Stacey chirps.

“Yeah, I get that now,” I nod and absently rub my still flat belly. My brother and husband just gave up a chance at winning the super bowl for me.

~B~

“Monroe, I don’t know what the fuck you think you are pulling here,” the GM of the team bellows as he barrels toward me and Ellerie.

“I’m not pulling anything. I am well within my right not to play tonight. Just like you are well within your right to fine me if you like,” I smile.

I could give two shits about a fine or about not playing tonight. I have a ring and I know I can make it to the championship again, where I plan on going. Even if I don’t win another one, so be it. I love my wife more than anything and no one is going to get away with hurting her or her career without me having a say.

Ellerie on the other hand has made a big sacrifice here and as a brother I know I would do the same for Trevor or Ann in a heartbeat. The GM glares at me and then looks at Ellerie. Ellerie just glares back daring him to test him. Ellerie has been known to speak up when he feels something isn’t right or that the team isn’t treating him fair. So I know the GM is not going to willingly go there with him right now.

“You two are unbelievable. You pick game day to pull this shit,” he growls.

“You picked weeks before my wedding to demand I not marry the love of my life. You picked the first trimester of my wife’s pregnancy to threaten her clients into leaving her. You picked my engagement party to help my sister in law pay for that plane ticket for my ex to crash the event,” I bellow.

At his shocked expression I snort. “Yeah, I found out everything. You boys have been very busy. Have a nice game.”

I shove pass the dick that is standing with his mouth flapping open like a fish out of water. I have a wife to get home to. We have a lot of packing to do.