Chapter 5

Aren’t you Willie Russell?

Willie looked up from his book as soon has he heard his name. It was a teenager wearing a Lakers cap, an enormous smile on his face. Obviously a fan.

“I am,” he admitted, holding out his hand. The fan took it and shook enthusiastically.

“Holy cow, this is frigging unbelievable! I’m a huge fan,” he gushed, continuing to pump Willie’s hand.

Willie laughed good-naturedly, waiting for the right moment to peel away from the youngsters grip. “Nice to meet you.”

“Dude, you guys were awesome this year. That game you scored 68 points and ten three pointers! Shit, that was unreal, man!”

“Yeah, that was a great game. Thank you, brother,” Willie grinned, always humbled to meet his fans. He did his best to be gracious, no matter how tired or busy he was. It was the fans that ultimately wrote his paycheck.

“Wow, so cool. Can I take a selfie with you?”

“Sure, Kid. What’s your name?” Willie agreed, standing up beside him. Towering over the youngster, he crouched down to his level, placing a strong, brown arm around his shoulders.

“David,” the kid introduced himself, struggling to get them both in the shot.

“May I?” Willie asked kindly, taking his iPhone. He snapped the shot, and handed it back.

“Thanks,” David grinned, pocketing his phone. “Sorry to interrupt. I never expected to see my idol at the airport.”

“Not a problem. It was nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, man. And listen, I’m sorry to hear about the troubles you’ve been having. Just so you know, I didn’t believe for a minute that you were guilty. Shame that people can be so fucked up.”

Willie’s smile faded, ever so slightly. While he appreciated the supportive words, he hated that his recent troubles had become so public. The situation had gotten a ton of press and were taking its toll on him, in spite of the fact that the accusations were completely unfounded.

“I appreciate that,” he acknowledged, crossing his arms over his chest, suddenly anxious for the interaction to end. Thankfully the young fan didn’t press.

“Do you mind if I post the pic on Instagram?” David asked, tapping the phone through his pocket. Willie shrugged his shoulders passively. While he’d been avoiding social media, it was ridiculous to expect others to do the same.

“Go for it, Kid. Thanks for asking.”

Willie motioned for the kid to pass him his Laker’s cap. David handed it to him.

Willie signed it, “To David, the best fan in the world,” and handed it back.

The kid’s eyes shone like stars.

“Wow, thanks!”

“No problem.”

The kid searched for something to say.

“Have a safe flight! Looking forward to seeing you back on the court!”

“You bet! Take care,” Willie waved, gently dismissing him.

David smiled and walked away, but quickly turned back, pumping his fist in the air. “Go Lakers!”

Willie chuckled quietly and sat back down, cautiously glancing around the gate, hoping no one else recognized him.

Satisfied that he wouldn’t be interrupted again, he picked up his book, feigning interest in the pages. The past few months had been the most challenging of his life. He never expected that he would be the centre of one of the worst sex scandals in the NBA since Kobe Bryant. The worst part was that the accusation was completely fabricated, but the fucking press circled like sharks smelling blood in the water and they didn’t give a damn about the facts.

In fact, they inflated the details beyond recognition. Fanning the flames, gossip spread like wild fire, and before he knew it, Willie was tried, sentenced, and hung before the court of social media, even before a proper investigation could prove his innocence. It was shocking how quickly he went from hero to zero, and more than a little heart breaking.

He’d played it safe his whole life, always erring on the side of caution, doing his best to make good choices, with integrity. His grandmother raised him and wasn’t shy about giving him a cuff in the ear when he did something stupid. She was a strong woman and kept him on the straight and narrow, consistent with boundaries, and her love and affection. It was unlikely he would have made it through college, or to the NBA, without her guidance. Nana insisted on a strong work ethic too. She would have been devastated to witness the recent scandal, but she would have stood by his side, steadfast in her love. She had passed away a few years prior, just after he was drafted to the Lakers. Fuck he missed her.

Boarding was starting right on time. Maybe things were finally going his way, he thought, gathering his belongings. He was on his way to a private resort in the Fiji islands, at the suggestion of his manager. He was normally not one for traveling to such expensive, exotic locations, preferring to live modestly. Yes, he was earning great money, more than he ever dreamed of, but he was smart enough to know the ride wouldn’t last forever. If the recent drama taught him anything, life could change on a dime, and he needed to respect that fate, at any moment, could throw him a curve ball.

The resort he’d booked prided itself on discretion, meticulously catering to the rich and famous. He’d booked it only a week earlier, as soon as the charges were dropped. He needed to relax, regroup, and get his bearings straight before he had to be back for training camp. He would read on the beach, do a little deep sea fishing and snorkeling, but most importantly, sleep. He’d not slept in months and it was taking its toll on him. A few of his teammates had invited him to party in New York City, and it would probably have been fun, but ten days of solitude and alone time was the prescription he needed to find his way back to himself, the man his grandmother would be proud of. He was Willie Russell, a hard working, decent man with good morals and a strong heart who just happened to play a decent game of hoops. The media almost made him forget that.