Jameson

The gymnasium at the rec center is at max capacity with all the kids and their parents taking up most of the space. On weekends, we have to take turns with sharing the court. It’s been a while since I attended a game with Charlie and our boys. For years, I’d helped Charlie coach the Gladiators. But with my hectic work schedule and Charlie’s wedding coming up, it has been tough.

I already disappoint Regan enough as it is with having to cancel on her last minute at times. Now, I have to do the same to Charlie and the kids. I hate that my job has turned me into such an unreliable person. Because that’s not who am I. Not even close. I was always the guy people could rely on, including Charlie. Now, I feel as though I am failing everyone, all because of my job.

The crowd hums to life as the first game ends, and Charlie tells our team to get their gear and head over to the bench. Slinging my gym bag over my shoulder, I walk alongside Charlie and drop the bag on the ground next to the bench. It’s sad that this is the only time we get to spend together anymore, apart from the usual wedding stuff.

While the boys practice their layups and free throws, we walk over to half-court to watch. As usual, Rico is showing off his layup skills. For his age, he displays serious talent that Charlie hopes to mold, as he gets older. If anyone could turn a kid into a star, it’s Charlie.

“What are you going to do next year when he’s too old to play on this team?” I ask Charlie, who turns away from the court to look at me.

“I don’t know.” She shrugs. “It might be time to start thinking about starting my own team. Alex keeps mentioning kids to me. He wants to be a father, but he hasn’t come out and said it yet, only drops the occasional hints.”

“You’d make a great mother, Charlie. Just look at what you’ve done with Rico and these kids. The proof is already there.”

“Thanks, Jamie.” Charlie smiles and pats me on the shoulder. “My life is changing now. This is so…weird.”

“It's the right kind of change, though.”

“I see changes in you, too. Ever since you met Regan, you’re different.” Scanning the court, Charlie checks off the names of the boys on the roster and clips the pen to the board. “Maybe you should think about making her a more permanent fixture in your life.”

“It’s this job,” I confess. “It keeps us apart more than I would like. Regan says she understands, but I know it must be hard for her not to hate me when I tell her I have to cancel plans.”

“Why don’t you just tell her why this is so important to you over dinner? Make the time to do something special with her that doesn’t revolve around your office or playing video games at your apartment. She might be okay with whatever she can get for now, but that is not going to last. You can only make so many excuses before they get old and tired.”

Surprised by her diatribe, I raise my eyebrows at Charlie. “Since when did you become such a romantic?”

She shrugs, flashing a wicked smirk at me. “Since Alex changed my life. You should see for yourself what it’s like to make a change for another person. I can tell you have feelings for her. Maybe even love. If that’s the case, you need to get your shit together. I regret spending all that time apart from Alex when I should’ve told Mickey to shove it. You should go into work and tell that asshole Conway to shove that job up his ass. Then, you’d be free to do what you want.”

I frown at her words. “I’d also be jobless and eventually homeless. What woman would want to date a jobless computer programmer?”

“You’re the smartest person I have ever known, Jamie.” Charlie cups my shoulder with a firm grip. “On your own, you could make millions. You don’t need that moron or his stupid company. I’m sure if people knew you were available they would scoop you up in a heartbeat. Or you could just write your own ticket and start your own company. You have the smarts and business sense for it.”

“Do you have any idea how much money that would cost to bring my team along with me to start up a company? I don't know if it would even succeed.”

“No, but I could bankroll your startup just on the commission I earned for scoring Dante West another crazy deal.”

“I can’t,” I stammer, “I’m not taking money from you, Charlie.”

She places her other hand on my shoulder, pushing down on both of them. “You have supported me both financially and emotionally for half of your life. The things you have given up for me I can never repay. You always sacrifice your own happiness for others, including me. It’s about time someone does something for you, Jamie. Let me help you.”

“I appreciate the offer, Charlie, you know I do, but I can’t. I have to do this alone if that makes sense.”

She dips her head in acknowledgment. “Okay. If you ever change your mind, Alex and I will be the first investors. I’d love to do that for you. We both would, after everything you have done for us.”

I shove my hands into my pockets, staring out at the court. “I’ll think about it. Okay?”

I have no intention of taking money from Charlie or Alex. But at least the corners of her mouth turn up into a smile, giving me a break from this conversation. Doing this on my own is too important to me.

The buzzer sounds, alerting the boys that it’s the end of their practice and time to start the game. They come running over toward the bench, all smiles and awaiting instructions from Charlie. She’s the Head Coach. Even as the Assistant Coach, I’m just here for moral support and to fill in whenever Charlie is out of town.

“All right, Gladiators. Let’s get those hands in here,” Charlie says, stretching her hand out in front of her body.

The boys layer their hands on top of Charlie’s, and I place mine on theirs, which always brings a smile to my face.

Once the boys take their places at center court for tip off, Charlie and I sit on the bench. She leans forward, using her knees to prop up her elbows, watching the boys intently.

“Reminds me of you,” I say, gesturing toward the court. “You were always one of the tallest on your team.”

She smiles, her eyes focused on the game. “I miss the rush, the feeling I used to get when a game would start. There’s just something about the adrenaline rush, a high you can only get from sports. I don’t know how to describe it.”

“I know what you mean. I was always the one on the sidelines cheering you on. I could see it in your eyes. That look.”

Sighing, she turns her head toward me. “You have always been on the sidelines, Jamie. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. It’s time for you to be the center of attention, out on the court and in the spotlight.”

“You want me to join a basketball team?” It’s more of a question than a statement, but I’m also messing with her.

“No, silly.” Charlie slaps me harder than she realizes in the biceps, leaving a sting behind. “I’m talking about your job, your future. You’re wasting your potential with Conway and that stupid company. TGS is the company that bought your first video game. They’re only working with Conway because of you.”

What she’s getting at finally sinks in. “I don’t even know how to get around my contract with Conway to look into other opportunities. The non-compete agreement is ironclad.”

“Mickey could help you,” she says, her tone serious.

“Mickey is a sports agent,” I counter.

“True, but before Mickey started DMG, he was a successful trial attorney. He didn’t just fall into this business. He had to work for it. And between Mickey and me, I’m sure we can figure a way around that contract. There’s always a loophole. I learned that from Mickey.”

“That’s because Mickey is a shyster,” I say, laughing.

She shrugs. “Everything Mickey does is legit. He just outsmarts everyone. That doesn’t make him shady, it makes him competent, tactical, and it’s also the reason we sign more big name clients than other agencies.”

“I guess it couldn’t hurt to let Mickey take a look.”

“Good.” Charlie flashes a tiny smile in my direction, her eyes shifting back to the court. “Are you still coming on Saturday? The girls are expecting my man-of-honor.”

“I’m supposed to meet Regan since we haven’t had much time to hang out. I was going to bring her along.”

“I’m assuming Regan is your date to the wedding. That’s kind of a shitty date, though. I doubt she’ll want to help you and the girls make wedding favors.”

I pretend not to gag at the thought of the wedding shower and all the pink that’s going to be everywhere. Charlie hates pink, but Sydney and Kennedy were too excited about planning this party that I didn’t have the heart to tell them that Charlie will pretend to like it, all while vomiting on the inside.

“You shouldn’t worry about what Sydney and Kennedy have planned. I thought your shower was supposed to be a surprise. At least that’s what Google said when I looked it up.”

“With all of our busy schedules, I thought it would be better if we picked a date that works for everyone. I don’t know. It was just easier that way. Plus, I could care less if it’s a surprise or not. Every bride expects a wedding shower at this point. It’s just a matter of when and where. I’d rather know instead of having you trick me into going to a fake event, just so you can give me a heart attack when I walk into some Barbie looking room, full of people screaming surprise. No, thank you.”

“Sydney wants me to learn how to use a hot glue gun,” I say, a shudder running through me.

“Jeez, I’m so sorry, Jamie. That sounds awful.” She tries to hide her laughter and fails.

“You have no idea. Sydney insists we have these shower meetings,” I say, using air quotes, “that make me want to shoot myself. Last week, Sydney forced me to drink a mimosa. And we had brunch. We had fucking brunch. Who even came up with that? Some old rich lady who couldn’t figure out if she was hungry for breakfast or lunch by the time she rolled her ass out of bed at noon?”

Charlie bursts out into laughter and slaps her hand down on her thigh. “That’s awesome. I wish someone had a video of that. You know how I feel about brunch. I don’t get it either. I want breakfast or lunch not the option for them both. Sydney pretty much lives for them. So does Kennedy. I guess it’s a ritzy thing.”

“Well, I don’t think it’s funny. You should’ve seen the elaborate setup Sydney had just for us to eat lunch or whatever the hell it was that she was serving. I couldn’t even pronounce half of the foods on the table.”

Charlie chuckles. “Alex would get a kick out of this.”

“You wouldn’t,” I say, challenging her. “Alex would never let me live that one down, and don’t you dare tell him either.”

“Okay, fine. Don’t get your boxers all twisted up in a bunch.” She makes an X over her heart, the way she did when we were kids. “Cross my heart.”

“I’m glad you’re so mature about it,” I deadpan, a smile crossing my lips.

“Some things never change.”

No, they don’t. At least not when it comes to Charlie.

I still haven’t asked Regan if she would be my date for the wedding. We’ve been dating for close to three months, my feelings for her growing stronger each day. It’s about time I include her in my life outside the office or my apartment. I just hope the girls don’t drive her crazy.

* * *

For the first time this week, I’m actually on time and didn’t call to reschedule my date with Regan. She looks gorgeous, as always, with her hair styled into long curls that fall past her shoulders, sitting right at her breasts that spill out from a canary yellow top. All I can think about is getting her out of those tight clothes and into my bed. But I have to do my man-of-honor duties before we can escape from the torture Sydney is making us endure.

“Jamie, you’re not doing it right,” Sydney says, grabbing the hot glue gun from my hand. “Here, let me show you.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Regan smirking at me. She finds this about as entertaining as I do. Except she loves my pain, laughing to herself when she doesn’t think I notice.

“Why don’t you just hire someone to do this?” I ask, Sydney, which earns me a disapproving look in response.

“Are you insane? We are the bridesmaids in this wedding…well, you’re not, per say, but still, it’s our job to make this day special for Charlotte. You, of all people, should want this to be perfect for her.”

“Of course, I do. All I’m saying is we could hire people that could do a much better job.” I hold up the water bottle that Sydney had me bedazzle. Those were her words, not mine. “You expect people to drink out of a bottle with rhinestones on it. I just don’t get why we are doing all this stuff. No one will care if they are drinking from a bottle of Aquafina or the ones we’re decorating.”

“This is the problem with men,” Sydney says, flicking her dark curls over her shoulder, glancing at Kennedy. “Such simpletons.”

“Tyler and Carter wouldn’t be caught dead doing any of this stuff,” Kennedy says, coming to my rescue. I like her a little more now than I did before. “At least give Jamie some credit for making an effort.”

“Thank you,” I say to Kennedy. “I get made fun of by your boyfriends for doing this shit. At least I’m trying, whether I suck at it or not.”

Regan brushes her fingers down my arm to get my attention. “It’s okay, Dimples. I’ll do the rest of them for you.”

Sydney cups her hand over her mouth and laughs. “How cute. Did you just call him Dimples?”

Regan nods. “Yeah. Jamie has the cutest dimple.”

Sydney studies my face as if she has me under a microscope. “You’re right. How have I never noticed that before?” She sits down at the long dining room table next to Regan and latches onto her. “So, tell me. I never heard the story about how the two of you met.”

“You are so nosy,” I say to Sydney.

“Well, if you won’t tell me, then someone needs to give me the dirt on the two of you.”

“I haven’t told you because I don’t want to end up in one of your books.”

“Stop being so sensitive, Jamie.” Sydney picks up a bottle and presses a gem that’s falling off back onto the wrapper. “I want to get to know the two of you better. Is that such a bad thing?”

“No, not at all,” Regan interjects, her voice soft and pleasant. “I don’t mind telling you the story.”

While Regan gives the girls all the details of how we met, I work on finishing the favors for the shower next weekend.

I have a few hours before I need to get back to work. Otherwise, I will be even further behind schedule for the delivery of the game. We pulled off the demo, though I’m not so sure they were entirely convinced that it works. I tried my best to trick them into believing we had a solid product. By doing so, I bought myself more time. And I need every second I can get.

Regan has been helping me test the game whenever she can get away from work. It’s the closest we’ve gotten to a date since we’d met at Tony Luke’s for lunch months back. Actually, it’s sad that our entire relationship is built upon juggling our hectic work schedules.

Focused on gluing beads to the strip of paper that goes on the bottles, Kennedy is not even paying attention to us. Rubbing her thigh under the table, the warmth of her body leeching into my skin, Regan peeks up at me and flashes a warning look.

“Behave yourself, Jamie,” she says, quietly.

“I always behave,” I whisper into her ear.

She shudders from my breath against her skin and tiny bumps dot her neck with each touch. Taking her ear in my mouth, her body trembles. “Jamie, stop it, or we’re going to have to leave.”

“I was counting on it,” I retort, still running my hand down her thigh. “I missed you. We need some alone time before I have to get back to work. Make up an excuse, tell them you need to go.”

She scrunches her nose, annoyed. “No, you can’t use me as an excuse to get out of your man-of-honor duties.”

Cupping the side of her face with my hand, I look into her eyes. “I have something I need you to take care of that’s a lot more important than beaded water bottles. Besides, Kennedy is almost done, and we won’t have anything to do after you’re finished.”

Regan sucks in a deep breath, glancing over at the girls. “Okay, but you had better come up with something good.”

“Just tell them your dad texted you and that you need to get back to the Wells Fargo Center. They’ll understand. And I’m your ride, so I have to leave.”

She shakes her head, smiling. “You have it all figured out, don’t you?”

I return her gesture and push a strand of hair behind her ear with my finger. “Always, babe.”

Just like that, Regan tells the girls that we need to leave, excusing us from our wedding duties. As I’d thought, Kennedy and Sydney understand the situation. I have about two hours before I need to get back to the office, despite it being a Saturday afternoon. I plan to use that time wisely.