This is the third installment of the Love and Basketball series. Please read Freshmen and Sophomore Year first.
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To get a rainbow, you must go through rainstorm, and they've seen a multitude of precipitatio...
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San Francisco, California Monday, 1/31/22 ______________________
Noise from the open atrium drops as the doors of the elevator shut behind them. Shai back hits the wall immediately, his hands finding their way into his pockets as he took slow, deep breaths to relax himself. He prepared for this day several times. However, not enough prepping can overpower the nervousness he felt. This was his future going to be talked about, and he's still debating on what he truly wants in life.
With another deep breath, Shai stepped out of the elevator behind Athena, following the assistant who was showing them the way. He looked around the executive level, taking in the polished and focused hallway. Light reflects off the high-end flooring, walls painted a neutral matte color with large portraits of old and current players. He imagined himself being in one of those portraits, dressed in deep navy and gold, being admired by others. And the thought genuinely feels pleasant, so why was he so unsure? He doesn't know.
Quickly, Shai stopped in his tracks when they reached a room with frosted windows and a wooden door. He read the gold plaque to himself, Executive Boardroom, and his stomach did flips.
"I need a second," he muttered, taking a step back from the women.
He held himself up with the wall, shutting his eyes as he took more breaths and tuned out the deafening ringing from the silence. All he needed was a second to think things through; to decide if this was all worth it. Basketball has always been a dream of his, but the need to prove everyone wrong was the drive for so long. And with all the ups and downs he put up for this sport, he wasn't sure if he could handle that again.
Then again, he had a lot of people counting on him. People who were motivating him without them even knowing it. Dess. Nadia. His AAU team. Shamar, too, weirdly enough. His selfish ways and inability to be a good person helped to show Shai the exact person he didn't want to become. Although Shai was aware those were character flaws, he was certain that the fame wouldn't change him. Instead, he would change fame piece by piece.
He hoped so.
"Shai." With his name called, Shai opened his eyes to see Athena's annoyance first, then the concern from the assistant.
"Give us a second." Athena held her hand up to the assistant, then made her way to Shai.
For a second, she stood there and looked at him with squinted eyes. Then, she exhaled slowly as she adjusted her bag strap, and straightened his clothes. Relief washed over Shai and he straightened his posture as he let her help.
"I need you to get it together," Athena spoke, her voice unwavering, while she tightened his tie.
She continued, "I know how important family is to you, and I respect that. You have a beautiful wife and daughter you're taking care of. But this is a huge opportunity. You've been given the chance to play for one of the most elite teams in the association. And it's time for you to be recognized for the talent you bring."
