Page 32 of Game Day

Hanging with the entire team wasn’t what I had in mind tonight. It’s hard to brood in a group.

But they're not leaving.

"For real. It's easy to get caught up in basketball, but life passes us by," Jay insists.

“This is a big deal," Atlas says in his gravelly voice.

"Plus, we got the invites and have so many questions," Miles adds.

Their faces are earnest.

Fuck. It’s like having family. You push ‘em away, but they won’t stay gone.

I nod to Sierra to bring a round for the guys.

When the drinks arrive, the guys raise their glasses.

Rookie jumps in first. “This one’s for Clay. You taught me that being a pro is about actions, not words.”

Atlas smacks him lightly on the back of the head. “Whatever, Keats.”

"Who's throwing your bachelor party?" Jay asks. "And Nova's bachelorette?"

“No one. Because we’re not having them.”

I've been to my share of bachelor parties with varying degrees of cringe.It’s not on my priority list.

"We have to do one. No arguing,” says Jay.

"I'm the best party planner," Miles says.

"Nah, I'll do it. You can be my second,” Jay cuts in.

"Just like on the court," Rookie whispers.

“Is there anything I can say to get you to drop this?” I ask.

They exchange a look. “Nah,” they chorus.

If only they could agree to anything that easily on the court.

“Fine,” I relent, and a cheer goes up.

Maybe it'll be good to have the bonding before the start of the season.

"Just be smart," I say. "Season's starting in a few days.”

"No strippers or coke," Miles translates.

"Or skydiving or streaking," Jay finishes.

Rookie looks between us. "That what you usually have at your parties?"

"Course not," Atlas snorts."Not the coke anyway."

Miles stands up. "I’ll rock-paper-scissors you for it.”

He and Jay square off.

---