Ballers: His Game (Ballers Series Book 1)(14)

“You’ll be fine. You are technically still on vacation and you made me promise not to let you next to the sports section or a broadcast,” Ellerie laughs. “Relax Tam, you know I have your back. Once I tell them you are my sister and the best attorney ever you will be making partner in no time.”





Chapter 6


I was not expecting this. The paparazzi have come out in full force which makes my stomach turn. I should have at least looked to see who this new player is. For the paparazzi to be out like this it has to be a heavy hitter and this could be huge for me. I am one big client away from sealing partner. I usually don’t work with football players, other than my brother. However, to make partner I am open to all new accounts.

It’s not like me to be unprepared. I feel so off, but each time Brielle starts chirping away to her uncle about how much fun she had on the cruise I know it was worth it. You would never know Bri will just be turning four. It’s like talking to a miniature adult.

She even negotiates with her grandfather and sad to say she bests him most the time and my dad is still sharp as a tack. Daddy says she reminds him of me when I was her age. If that is the case I am in for it.

We step from the car and start inside. I rush forward holding Brielle’s hand tight, letting Ellerie have his moment. I can hear them behind me calling out questions about who I am. Who is the little girl with me?

Ellerie good naturedly tells them I am his sister and attorney, Tamara Hathaway and the little girl is his niece Brielle. They call our names trying to get us to come back and pose with Ellerie but I am not going to subject Brielle to that. We make our way inside and out to the field where a large tent is set up with tables and chairs under it.

Players are milling about with their families and some of the wives are standing in groups talking. I look around for a familiar face but don’t see too many as of yet. That’s when a slender woman approached me. She is tall with too big hair and too tanned skin. Other than that she is dress to the nines in her pale blue spring dress and heels.

“Monica Davenport, I am on the committee to welcome the wives and the girlfriends today,” she says looking down her nose at me and holding her hand out limply. She raises her eyebrow pointedly as if to ask which category I fit into.

“I’m Tamara Hathaway, Ellerie Hathaway’s sister and this little lady is my daughter Brielle,” I say and take her hand to shake it.

“Oh yes, thought you looked a little familiar. Hello there, Brielle,” she says with a pasted on smile.

“Hello,” Brielle beams with her chipper self.

Monica looks down at Brielle and something crosses her face for a moment. Her brows draw together and her lips part. She looks from Brielle to me then composes her expression like it never happened.

“There will be some activities for the children later. You may want to mingle with some of the girls,” Monica offers.

I feel a hand on my shoulder blades and relax. Ellerie to the rescue, he always shows up at the right times. “Hello Monica, I see you have met my lovely sister and niece,” Ellerie says smoothly.

“Yes, it is a pleasure.”

“Thank you for welcoming them we’ll let you get to the others,” Ellerie takes my elbow and leads me away.

“Why is everyone staring at me like that,” I whisper to Ellerie.

“Because you are the best looking woman in the room and you look too much like my twin to be my girl, so they’re worried about their husbands and boyfriends,” Ellerie teases and chuckles.

“You are so bad,” I giggle.

I love my brother. He knows how to make me relax and have a good time. He has a loveable personality. It’s hard to be around him and not be in a good mood.

We make our rounds with Ellerie introducing me, as his sister and attorney to players I haven’t already met. Soon business cards and phone numbers are being exchanged. A lot of the guys are really nice.

I end up in a small group people watching. Eric and Teddy, two of Ellerie’s teammates and good friends, flank my sides giving me comical commentary on the owners and their wives. They are making me laugh so hard my stomach hurts. I use my fingers to dab at the tears when Teddy does his impersonation of one of the women who looks like she would rather be anywhere but here.

I am actually having a good time and haven’t notice that time is flying by until my stomach starts to grumble. Teddy raises a brow at me and smirks. “I hope you are not one of those women that don’t like to eat. You would be ruining my fantasy,” Teddy teases.

“Ha, and here I thought you were a loving and devoted husband,” I retort.

“You can be but so devoted when your wife insists on entertaining the pool boy, gardener, chef and any other warm body that enters the residence,” Teddy shrugs. “I thought that if I plan to hire you I should hit on you before the wife does.”

I gasp then laugh. “You’re joking.”

“Am I?” Teddy says with an uninterested shrug. “Let me know if you want to handle the hours for the divorce.”

“Wow, I’m sorry Teddy. You are such a nice guy,” I say sympathetically.

“Tam, have you met my wife yet? I knew better and still went there. I got what I deserved. But in the beginning it was worth it,” he says and wiggles his brows.

I burst into laughter. “You are so bad,” I chuckle out.