Page 28 of Off the Rim
Me: I'm not broody.
Me: Thanks, though.
Tossing my phone in my bag, I take one last deep breath and attempt to blot the sweat from my face with some tissue. Sean's right, of course. There's nothing wrong with who I am. I might be on the quieter side, or broody as he calls it, but I'm a nice person. I'm well educated, even if I didn't grow up going to private schools and have access to all the finest tutors. My posture is just as good as anyone else's, maybe better since I'm not as tall as some of these giants. And my background makes me exceptional, because I've had to work harder to overcome what the rest of these assholes take for granted. There is nothing I need to worry about. Except the chance that Ashton might use this as an opportunity to make himself look good at my expense. It might be slightly irrational, but I don't trust the way he's been campaigning our partnership on the court. When Coach so much as considered sending someone else in my place, he insisted that we need to give the interviewers, and the fans, what they want.
I just can’t figure out what his game is.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to the ACC Tip Off Event. We're sitting down with forward Ashton James and guard Marcus Vell from the Cumberland Valley University Cougars. Now, guys, there has been a ton of buzz and energy around CVU these past couple of years, that really exploded last season. How does it feel to be part of a team that has gone from relatively unknown to holding a number fifteen seed ranking?”
Ashton leans toward the microphone first, his trademark dashing smile stretched across his face. "It's been really exciting. Coach Burke has put together an amazing team and training strategy that has really elevated the game. I'm proud to be part of it, and I have no doubt we'll continue to dominate the court and rise even higher."
Thankfully, the interviewer hones in on Ashton as a transfer, allowing me to continue to sit back. I'm not sure what to do with my hands, so I keep them folded in my lap, but then I worry that I look as uncomfortable as I am, so I rest my forearms on the table like Ashton did when we first sat down. Then, of course, I worry they'll think I have something to interject, so I drop my hands to my lap again, wiping my sweaty palms on the thighs of my uniform.
"Speaking of dominating the court, you transferred from a top-ranking school, Golden State University, to play for CVU. How has that transition been for you?"
Ashton looks completely nonplussed, although I know he was worried about these questions coming up in the interview. "It'sbeen great. Coach Burke and the rest of the team have really been very welcoming, and it's nice to be a little closer to home."
"Ah, yes. I'm sure your father, AJames Enterprises CEO Ashton James the second, is happy to see you doing so well at his alma mater, isn't that right?"
I'm sure I'm the only one that notices how tight his smile is, but Ashton nods and agrees politely. "It's been a great experience so far. I'm excited to be part of the CVU team and bring my skills to the court this season."
It's pretty impressive the way Ashton casually lets the interviewer know he's done with that line of questioning, without much more than the slightest change in his posture and voice. I'd be surprised if the viewers at home picked up on the tension at all.
"And Marcus, you've been described as a bit of an underdog, also joining CVU as a transfer last year. Despite not seeing much court time last season, you’ve really proved you have the chops to make it all the way. How have you approached this season, knowing you've caught the attention of fans and scouts alike?"
While I expected to be asked about my unconventional path to my position on the team, the part about fans and scouts throws me. I stammer for several seconds, trying to get my brain back on track so I can remember how to make words happen. Ashton's leg leans against mine, the slight bit of pressure and warmth of his skin seeping in through my shorts. I blink down at our legs touching, then shake myself out of it and pull away.
Looking up, I smile nervously. "I don't know about all that. But I've worked hard during the off-season to improve my game andprove myself as a member of this team, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help CVU succeed."
The interviewer looks at Ashton again, and I think for a moment that I might be done. No such luck. "Ashton, Marcus has gotten a lot of press lately for his rise to fame in the college circuits. What do you think of his rags to riches story, and what is it that Marcus brings to CVU's basketball program?"
Fuck. Me. Are you serious?I cringe inwardly, waiting for him to compare my experience with his, to say something to try to humiliate me or point out how much I don't fit in with the other players on our team.
"I think Marcus brings versatility to the team, both offensively and defensively. Coach Burke basically built an entire training drill around him, because his skills are unmatched. He adapts quickly to different playing styles and brings a different kind of energy to the court than anyone I've played with before."
Uh… saywhat now?
"What do you mean by that, a 'different kind of energy'?"
"Marcus doesn't do anything half-heartedly. Whether it's a game, or practice, or even a casual pickup game, he puts everything into it. He's unstoppable."
The interviewer looks impressed by Ashton's answer, and maybe more than a little curious. My ears are so hot I think I might be sending out pulses of radiation. There's a funny lump in my throat that I can't swallow down, and I have a concerning urge to run screaming from the room.
"What do you think about that, Marcus?"
"Um, uh, yeah. That's nice to hear. Being appreciated by a teammate is… nice." I chuckle awkwardly and clear my throat. "Every player on the team has put their heart and soul into making this season the best we can."
"We've heard reports that the two of you have become quite the dynamic duo on the court. What specific aspects of Ashton's game have impressed you the most, and how have those qualities contributed to your success as partners on the court?"
That's a good question that I don't think I have a good answer for.
"Well, um, Ashton has a healthy sense of competitiveness."He’s a stubborn jerk."And I think our experiences playing against each other has helped us understand each other's tendencies."And you know… spending most of my day imagining hate fucking him has made me keenly aware of his every move, both on and off the court."Ashton has a single-minded determination to go after what he wants, and I think that allows him to read other players and make smart plays. We push each other to do better, work harder, and I guess it's paying off."
"Indeed," the interviewer says, nodding, apparently satisfied with my answer. I let go of some of the tension I've been holding, my leg muscle relaxing and touching his once again. I swallow and, for whatever reason, don't pull away this time. His body heat radiates into me, sending a surge of unfamiliar comfort through my body. It rests in my bones, coaxing my body to relax slightly. "Finally, for both of you, what are your personal and team goals heading into this season, and what message do you have for Cumberland Valley Cougar fans?"
Ashton's heavy hand comes down on my shoulder. "Well, I think I can speak for both of us, and the team as a whole, when Isay that the fans' support means everything. The excitement and energy around this program is what boosts us to do better and make everyone proud this season. Go Cougars!"
My fist comes up in a half-enthused wave, which Ashton turns into a fist bump. I smile and thank the interviewer. It’s not until they signal for a commercial break that I realize I’m still leaning into Ashton.
