Never Said It Was Easy by Michelle Richardson

Author:Michelle Richardson [Michelle Richardson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781475935882
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 2012-07-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

“I’m sure you’ve heard this too many times already, and I sound just like every other fan, but I’m really happy you decided to come play with the Wizards.” She was petite, chocolate and curvy, readily sharing her thoughts with Chase and others in their small cluster at the bar in Urbana at Hotel Palomar. “How has the transition been for you?”

Brendan elbowed Chase discreetly in his side as the brown-skinned lovely served up major praise to their star acquisition. Chase smiled slightly, his eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face. “It’s taken some getting used to. These guys are far more mild mannered than my last team,” Chase teased, gifting the woman with a warm smile.

“I’m Veronica, by the way.” She extended her hand.

“Nice to make your acquaintance, Veronica,” he said, shaking it. She held onto his hand a bit longer than necessary before releasing it.

Chase eyed her as he brought a glass of wine to his smiling lips.

Turning around, Brendan pretended that someone in the opposite direction caught his attention. “I see why they used to call you LLC. Your ass is too smooth,” he whispered, leaning in.

Chase pretended to choke on his drink, drawing the back of his hand up to his mouth, coughing. “You’re funny, B.”

“You’re smooth, C.” He waved to some person before turning back around.

They chuckled. Chase took in the faces in their circle, each of whom were engaged in some side discussion. He leaned in toward Brendan. “I don’t know what you read, but you read wrong. Not interested.” Again his eyes quickly scanned the people entering or lingering by the restaurant entrance.

“It certainly didn’t look that way to me. So where’s your fiancée anyway?”

Mention of Chase’s fiancée pricked the ears of a passerby.

“Brendan’s right. It’s strange that we haven’t met this Tia yet. For starters, she hasn’t come to any games,” Zo teased, joining the group as others left. “You sure you’re still engaged to this woman?” The single ladies milling around, hoping for news that would prove informative to them, particularly the brown-skinned beauty, waited for an answer.

“I’m still very much engaged. She should be here soon and when she arrives, I’m making sure I keep her far away from the two of you.” Chase smirked.

“You can try, Captain. But let me tell you, and I speak for Zo on this, too, that won’t happen.”

Alonzo and Brendan were teammates with whom Chase had developed close relationships during training camp. It was easy to see several scenarios where they hung out together outside of basketball. One such scenario included ways to tap Brendan for his mentoring program. But at present, given how detached he appeared to the rest of the team, Chase would refrain from asking until there was no longer a question concerning his commitment.

As the evening progressed, the restaurant filled with more businessmen and players. People mingled and schmoozed. Players looked to secure interest for new endorsement deals and company execs were determining ways in which they could capitalize on the talent in the room and which player would work well within those plans.

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