Page 189 of Play Along

But that smile drops when I open the office door and find both Reese and Monty waiting for me.

“Come on in,” Reese says from behind the desk.

Monty is sitting in one of the chairs opposite her, the same one Isaiah sat in when we found out that our drunken decisions were going to be made public. I take the chair next to him.

“Are you here because of Isaiah? I promise I didn’t ask him to consider leaving. I’d never suggest that.”

Monty shakes his head. “This has nothing to do with Isaiah.”

This is strange, partly because Monty is in this meeting when it was supposed to only be with Reese, but mostly because the two of them are in the same room and they’re not arguing.

“You called this meeting,” Reese says, hands folded together on the desk. “What can I help you with?”

I try to remember everything I rehearsed in the mirror today, the same things I told myself all weekend.

Crossing one leg over the other, I sit up straight and begin.

“I know you and I haven’t worked together long,” I say to her. “But I have loved working for this organization the past three and a half seasons. The team, you, Monty”—I gesture to him—“have been highlights when I look back at my time here, but as of today, I’m no longer going to be working for the Warriors.”

Reese quickly looks at Monty, but neither of their expressions change. Clearly, Isaiah filled them in already.

“Any specific reason why you’re quitting?” Reese asks.

This. This is the part.

“Yes.” I clear my throat, swallowing the nerves. “When I came here three years ago, it was under the assumption that I was going to be the team’s second doctor. Because that was the position I was qualified to do.”

Once again, neither of their expressions change, but this time it’s more surprising. I really didn’t think Isaiah would ever tell anyone. He held that secret for so long.

“I’m an M.D., specializing in sports medicine,” I continue. “And Dr. Fredrick hired me to be his second-in-command, but when we met in person for the first time, and he realized I was a woman, the position that was offered instead was athletic trainer.”

That finally gets me a small reaction when Reese’s jaw flexes, as if she were grinding her molars together.

“And don’t get me wrong, I have loved my job, but I can no longer allow myself to be treated the way he’s treated me all these years. I think there was a part of me that stayed in hopes that he would see my capabilities, but that was a silly pipe dream. He didn’t care.

“When I went to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago, it was to interview to be their new Head of Health and Wellness. They offered me the job.”

“Did you end up accepting it?” Monty asks.

“No.” I turn to face him, hoping to assure him. “You don’t have to worry. Isaiah isn’t leaving Chicago because I’m not leaving Chicago. I’m going to interview with some local universities while I wait to see if a team doctor position opens with one of the other pro teams in the city. But my life is here. I can’t leave it behind.”

Monty’s smile is knowing. “Kennedy, this isn’t about Isaiah. This is about you. I completely understood him offering to leave for you.”

That feels good to hear. I’ve been so afraid that Kai and Monty were going to be upset with me even though I wasn’t the one to suggest Isaiah explore free agency next year.

“Thank you for saying that.” I turn back to Reese. “And thank you. Your family has been great to work for and I’m looking forward to watching you take over next season. I think you’re going to do great.”

Hands on the armrests, I go to push up from my seat to leave when she slides a folder across the desk to me.

“What is that?”

“Your employee file.”

“Okay.” It comes out as a question. “Am I taking it with me?”

“No, it’s for in-house use only. But it does list your work history, including your education and previous experience. I got that from human resources on Friday night.”

Lips parting, I swing my attention to Monty then back to her again. “You already knew? Did Isaiah tell you?”

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