Page 185 of Play Along

“I wish you would’ve said something before. I’ve seen bits of it, but nothing big enough to bring to upper management. But if it really has gotten that bad, you need to file a formal complaint so we can handle it.”

I can’t do that, and she won’t do it for herself. Years ago, I promised her I wouldn’t say anything, and regardless of Dr. Fredrick getting reprimanded over his treatment of Kennedy or not, the real issue is her current job title.

“When does she have to decide?” he asks.

“I don’t know. It’s already been over a week since she turned them down so I’m hoping when she tells them she changed her mind, the position will still be hers. They wanted her out there as soon as possible to train under the current... medical staff.”

“And they won’t let her stay until after the season is over? That’s almost unheard of to ask for that kind of commitment from a junior position.”

Fuck.

I hate lying to Monty, but I’ve held Kennedy’s secret for so long. I’m not going to spill now. Besides, everyone will find out as soon as she leaves.

Folding forward, I lean my elbows on my knees, hands laced together. “I just don’t want you to be upset with me if I explore free agency. The last thing I want to do is disappoint you, Monty. I know we’re not like you and Kai, but you’ve been a massive part of my life since you came to Chicago, and I don’t want you to think you have anything to do with me leaving.”

“Isaiah,” he sighs. “Our relationship isn’t like the one I have with Kai because you are not your brother. He makes it pretty fucking obvious when he needs my help, even if he doesn’t directly come out and say it, but you... you act like a little shit half the time because that’s what you want the guys on the team to believe, so I play into it. But I know that’s not you. I see who you really are, and whether you like it or not, whether you leave or not, you will always be part of my family. You and your brother. I feel blessed that you two have let me fill a role that someone else left, you know?”

Fuck, I love this guy.

“And I’m not disappointed in you. Furthest thing from it. I’m proud of you. It takes a real selfless man to give up what you’re offering to give up, to make sure the person you love finds what makes them happy.”

I try not to think too far into everything I could be giving up. My brother is here. My nephew. My teammates. My coach. The list goes on.

I’ll spend my off-season in Chicago, be able to see everyone then. But the one person I can’t give up is Kennedy, and I just hope she’s not planning to give up me.

It’s with that thought that Monty’s door flies open and Kai comes storming into the room.

“What the fuck is going on, Isaiah?”

“Sit down. Chill out.” Monty’s tone holds no room for argument. “Let the guy explain himself.”

And so I do. I tell my brother everything I told Kennedy. Everything I explained to Monty. I watch the frustration on Kai’s face begin to melt away, replaced instead with a bit of sadness, but mostly understanding. I watch as the anger he had turns to sympathy for my situation.

“Well, fuck,” he exhales, sinking into the couch next to me.

“Don’t be pissed at me.”

He shakes his head “I’m not, Isaiah. All I’ve wanted my entire life is for you to be happy. And I know that’s why you fake that shit-eating grin sometimes because you don’t want me to worry about you.” He pauses with a sigh. “But just because I’m not happy about this doesn’t mean I’m not happy for you.”

“It’s just... you did a lot for me. You gave up a lot for me, and I don’t want you to feel like I’m leaving you.”

“I made a decision about my career that’s best for my family. I can’t blame you for doing the same.” He smacks my leg. “And shit, I’m retiring. You know how much time I’m about to have on my hands to come see you? We’ll make it work. You never have to worry about that.”

I nod in agreement.

“You two hanging here for a while?” Monty asks.

“Is that okay?”

“Of course. I’ll order us some dinner.”

Monty’s off the couch with his phone in his hand, leaving my brother and me alone.

There’s a heavy silence before Kai speaks up again. “Mom would be proud of you.”

I nod quickly, clearing my throat to unclog the emotion stuck there.

“And I am too.”

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