Chapter Twenty-Eight

Cooper

The bus taking us to this red carpet shit is huge. Kind of like a party bus style. It’s game day, so there is no drinking before. Everyone is getting into their zone. Many are listening to music, some chatting with others about their time off and what the plans are for later.

Marky sits next to me. It’s a ritual. We don’t call it superstition or even acknowledge it. It’s just a given. We sit together in the bus, in the plane, and have adjoining rooms when traveling.

“So you really are serious about that chick?” he asks while scrolling through his phone.

“Yup, you can say that. I want to marry her. She knocked me on my ass. Made me see that the only thing missing in my life was her.” I’ve never really discussed my girlfriends with anyone. I’m that type of private guy, but with Parker, I want to shout it from the fucking rooftops so everyone knows.

“Dude, Monica is going to shit a brick. She’s been hanging around lately, more so than before. Discussing wedding plans. I’m taking it she didn’t get the memo that you guys are over?”

“She showed up at my house. It’s like she doesn’t get that it’s over. It was over long before I left. You know it, even she knows it. It’s the fucking title she wants. It’s not going to happen.”

Just then, the door of the bus opens again and in walks the owner of the team followed by the GM, the coach, and then the woman in question, Monica. She is dressed to kill, it seems. Tight black jeans mold her model like legs, and an open brown leather jacket revealing a white tank top under, showing all her goods for everyone to dream of. Not a hair out of place, she looks for me while taking a seat next to her father, winking at me before sitting down.

Coach is saying something, but nothing is getting in. I feel a set-up. I have no idea why she would walk the red carpet. I have no idea why her father is here. Knowing my contract is up this year, maybe he wants to make sure I stay in line and don’t stray.

We finally make it to the arena. Tents are covering the entrance. Fans line both sides, right behind the reporters for the evening. I see a couple that I know. A couple new faces. Looking over at Marky right before we get down, we wish each other luck. Marky is like me. He just wants to play the fucking game.

The minute I step off the bus, I hear shouts and screaming. Chanting of STONE STONE STONE STONE fill my ears, making me raise my hand to the fans. I walk over to where the fans are and start signing autographs. This is why I do this, to see the fans. When I finally make my way over to the reporters, I’m surprised to see both Monica and her dad waiting for me. Her father comes up to me. “Stone,” he says. “Good to see you. Coach says you’re back and better than ever.” He slaps me on the back, smiling.

“Yup, ready for tonight, that’s for sure.” I can’t be a dick. He’s still my boss, and I want this year to go as smoothly as possible. Monica takes this opportunity to move into my side and walk with us to the first reporter. She stands by my side, listening, smiling, and laughing at everything I’m saying.

She tries to snake her hand into mine, but I quickly shake it out and put my hand in my pocket.

So far, nothing is out of the ordinary. Lots of questions about my rehab. Till we reach a reporter I’ve always had issues with. Always trying to make me say something about things I don’t want to talk about. It’s a known fact in the locker room and with reporters that I will talk about the game, but I am not talking about my private life. EVER.

So I’m shocked by his first question.

“So, Cooper, sources have said you’ve recently moved away from the arena to the small town where you trained all summer.”

I smirk at him. “Sources say many things. They also said I wouldn’t be able to play after having an early season last year.”

“Sources say a woman by the name of Parker trained you. What do you have to say about her and her training?”

“I trained at the same place Tom trained. He was actually the one who hooked me up with her. She knows what she’s doing, that is for sure. She is the best in the business. Her methods of training and her plans are what got me to where I am today. I will say she never let me off the hook. She pushed me harder and further than any other trainer I’ve been with.”

“Monica, we are all wondering, will you be moving in with Cooper at his new house or will you be staying local?”

Monica looks up at me smiling, making me almost glare at her. “It really hasn’t been decided. I do visit, but you know I have lots of work to do here. Planning a wedding isn’t easy.” She bats her eyes at me.

What the fuck did she just say? I don’t even skip a beat when he asks his next question.

“Will you guys wait till your break next season or get married before?”

“Excuse me,” I say, looking at her and her father. “There seems to be some confusion on everyone’s part. I’ll set the record straight now so we don’t have to dillydally and you know your sources won’t be confused on the topic.” I look at him, feeling Monica’s dad get tense next to me.

“Monica and myself have parted ways. We’ve actually parted ways even before last season was done. I will also say that this wedding she is planning is not a wedding that I will be attending. I wish her and her new fiancé all the luck in the world. And with that said, I can say that she isn’t going to be moving in with me at any time. It would make my girlfriend really uncomfortable having my ex-girlfriend over,” I say, looking at Monica while her face turns red, but I’m not done. “You guys know I don’t talk about my private life, but since it seems I need to set the record straight, I will say this. Parker, my girlfriend, will be here tonight cheering myself and my team on. I hope you guys catch her ‘cause she’s everything a man needs. Now, if you guys will excuse me, I have a game to prepare for.”

And with that, I walk away, pissed that they made me walk into that shit. I take out my phone, shooting my agent a text saying we need to talk. Right after I press send, I get a text from Matthew. After the last time, I have all the necessary contacts for Parker, Matthew, Meghan, and her father. So I’ll always be able to get in touch with her.

You pretty much destroyed Barbie on national television. Oh, by the way, we were watching.

I text him back with the only thing on my mind.

Is Mom okay?

She was pissed, and I will say she and Aunt Meghan are having martinis, so I don’t know how the rest of the night will be. But she seemed to calm down after you left the reporter asking Monica who her new fiancé is.

I’ll see her later. Hope you guys have fun.

With that, I send one more text before I close down my phone.

I love you.

That’s it. Three words. Nothing else to say. I walk into the dressing room. The interview plays on the screens, some guys laughing at all the shit going on. I close it all off. Zone it all out. I’ve got a game to get ready for, but most of all I have to make my family proud.