Page 79 of A Whole New Trick

“There’s truly no way around this?” Henry asks.

Morgan had the foresight to insist that I call my agent after the incident in the hall. Henry was already at the facility, schmoozing with other sports agents and the organization's higher-ups. He joined me shortly after the assistant coach, who had witnessed me hit the trainer, ordered me to go to Coach Miller’s office.

“No.” Coach Miller’s eyes flash. “Believe it or not, the organization doesn’t take too kindly to a team member assaulting support staff.”

“But other support staff can verbally assault another member of the support staff?” I ask.

“Again,” he growls. “You should have reported that.”

“You’re right,” Henry interjects. “He should have. But surely it is not in the organization’s interest to let their star center sit out of a playoff game because tempers flared.”

“Of course it isn’t,” Coach snaps. “But it’s not in our interest to open us up to a lawsuit for allowing a player who physically struck a member of the staff to play like nothing happened, not until an internal investigation is completed.”

My agent leans back in his chair with a heavy sigh. “And how long will that take?”

“With any luck, one day.” Coach looks at me. “And if Mr. Burns doesn’t press charges, you might be able to play in game three.”

The idea that my playoff career is at the mercy of that piece of shit grates my nerves.

“I’m sure all parties can come to an understanding,” Henry says meaningfully.

I grind my teeth. “I’m not paying that prick anything.”

“You assured me that your relationship with your nutritionist wouldn’t cause trouble,” Coach Miller says, referring to our only conversation about Morgan and me dating after we followed the organization’s policy by reporting our relationship to our superiors. “It seems that was a lie.”

“Our relationship didn’t cause any trouble,” I argue. “His insults did.”

“Why did he insult Morgan?” Henry asks the question I’ve been waiting for my coach to ask.

“Because he used to date her.”

Both men are surprised.

“When?” Coach Miller asks with a furrowed brow.

“Years ago.”

“Before they were hired?”

“Yes,” I answer Henry.

“Hm.” My agent rubs his chin thoughtfully. Then, his expression brightens. “Who worked here first?”

“Morgan.”

Henry and Coach share a loaded look, holding a silent conversation I’m not privy to.

Seconds later, Coach Miller pinches his lips together and nods. “I’ll see if we can get this matter resolved. Until then.” He looks at me. “Stay away from Burns. I don’t need you doing anything else that could keep you on the bench.”

I won’t go near Morgan’s ex unless he tries to go near her.

I swallow the remark and nod. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” He sits back in his chair with a sigh. “You can’t dress out for the game, but the team could use your support in the locker room before the game.”

“I’ll head there now.” I rise from my chair. Henry follows my lead.

“Good.” He dips his chin and then turns to my agent. “Mind staying behind for a quick chat?”

---