Page 146 of Loving the Legend
“Hi, are you okay? I saw the video. Call me."
He’s up north playing the Hawks. At least he’ll be home in a few hours. I put on ESPN as soon as I get home and learn that he is both fined and suspended for two games. Lucas was ejected as well but only suspended for one. Sid will forfeit his pay of roughly $600K with the two-game suspension.
My phone buzzes on the coffee table. I snatch it up, muting the TV.
“Hi, Lily.”
“Hi, love. Have you heard from our guy? I tried to reach him.”
“Same. Nothing yet.” I sigh. “What do you think got into him?” I pace the length of the family room to try to shake the unsettled feeling in my stomach.
“I was going to ask you the same thing. Was he okay when you two last spoke?” Her voice has an innate gentleness that’s instantly soothing to my nerves.
“Yeah. I mean, we’ve been struggling lately, but nothing to warrant this.”
“I know, honey. Sid filled me in a little, and can I just say that I’ve been praying for you both to find a way through this together. I love you two.”
“I love you too. Thank you for praying for—”
“Turn on ESPN. He’s on the screen!”
I scramble for the remote and unmute the TV.
“…think your ejection was warranted?” a reporter asks Sid off-camera.
His fitted Royals cap is worn low, hooding his face. He’s sitting back in the chair, one arm on the table, the other in his lap. Despite his relaxed demeanor, I notice the tension shadowing his eyes and the tightness of his jaw.
“He looks upset,” Lily says.
“Yeah, he does.”
Sid huffs out a breath and tucks in his legs, which are clad in black ripped jeans. “I take responsibility for my actions.”
“Is it true that Lucas called you a homophobic slur?” another reporter asks.
Homophobic. The hairs on the back of my arm stand up.
“Yes, but I’m not here to discuss that. He said something that pissed me off and, well, you know what happened from there. I’ve spent many years of my life vehemently protecting loved ones from bullies. His comment was ignorant, and it made me upset.”
“Care to share exactly what Lucas said?” another reporter follows up.
“No. Next question,” Sid replies.
The phone beeps, signaling another call. I check the screen.
“Kieran is calling. Mind if I add him to our call?”
“That’s fine,” Lily replies.
I accept the call. “Hey Kieran, I have Lily on the other line. Mind if I add you in?”
“Sure, love.”
I hit the merge button.
“Okay. Is everyone on?”
“We’re on. Hey, Aunty,” Kieran says.
