Page 102 of Shot Taker

I write another number. Three. “What about this?”

This time there’s hesitation.

“Games out,” Rookie says.

“That’s the number of games out of first place we are.”

One more number.

“How many teams are ahead of us. And this is the bonus round.” I write one final number.Ten.

Jay frowns. “It’s not the number of games we need to get a playoff spot."

“That’s the number of games we need to win to guarantee home court for the first series.”

“Home court.” Atlas laughs. “We’ve never had home court.”

“Otherwise, we play somewhere like this. Unfamiliar. Hostile. I want our fans in the seats. Our banners in the rafters. Our colors on the floor. Not because we can’t beat a team on the road. Because when we do this, I want witnesses.”

The guys exchange looks.

“We can win ten games,” Rookie says, but it’s cockiness, not belief.

“You tell me.” I look at him.

Rookie knows what I’m asking. “Yeah. We can."

I turn to Miles.

“Sure, Clay.”

Atlas. This guy’s been around a few teams, made deep playoff runs.

He nods.

Then Jayden. My long-time friend and teammate.

“What do you say, Jay? We gonna take ten?”

He frowns. “Let’s take ‘em all.”

A cheer goes up.

After we finish, Jay waits a bit for the room to empty, grabbing for his towel on the seats. “What was that about? Not that I don’t appreciate theMighty Ducksshit, but it’s not your style.”

“Maybe my style is changing.” I drag off my practice jersey and stuff it into my bag, reaching for a fresh T-shirt.

He checks his phone. “Hear LA is looking to make some trades. Deadline is the day of the gala.”

“Won’t be with me.”

Jay’s eyes narrow. “How do you know?”

“Because I asked Harlan not to. And he owes me.”

My friend's tense face dissolves into disbelief. “You’re staying?”

Harlan’s commitment replays in my mind.

---