Ballers: His Game (Ballers Series Book 1)(29)

I mentally curse pinching my eyes closed to try to think. Something I should have done yesterday. I should have known better. Brad’s leaving California and coming to Texas is huge. No one expected it. They are craving a juicy story to go with it.

“Cyrus, our relationship is complicated,” I start but he gives me an, do-I-look-like-I-care look, cutting off my explanation. I quickly change my approach. “We had a business meeting last week I have just been giving him time to consider my proposal. I should have confirmation no later than the end of this week.”

“While this is a big account for the firm Tam, that is not my main concern. When your father called in the favor for me to hire you on, I saw it as my duty to a friend. I see you as a daughter, whether you know it or not.” Cyrus sighs. “You’re one of the best we have, I have no doubts you’ll bring Monroe on to your roster. What I am concerned with is if you know what you are getting yourself into here.”

I bristle a little. “What do you mean?”

“I mean this is Texas honey, I am going to speak frankly here. The boys that run the league won’t be too happy about their star player having a black woman on his arm. No matter how beautiful you are,” Cyrus says with a grimace and fidgets with his tie.

My head whips back as if he just slapped me. I open my mouth ready to let him have it. Good friend of my father’s or not. Cyrus lifts his hand to stop me and continues.

“Now I see the wheels turning in your head. You have known me for years now Tam. I have never treated you as anything less than a great attorney or one of my very own daughters. So reel the anger in,” he gives me a stern look. “I’ve been around a long time. I watched many of my friends including your father fight their way through a lot of doors. They have paved a way for amazing minds like yours. What concerns me Tamara is that the League looks the other way for many things but this… Does your father know? How does he feel?”

I take a minute to really take my boss in. He looks truly concerned and sincere. Cyrus has always been warm with me, but I have never seen him show so much emotion. With a nod to myself I answer.

“My dad doesn’t know about Brad or the details to our relationship. Things are complicated and sort of new,” I say trying not to fidget.

Cyrus lifts a brow and gives me a look that says, “it doesn’t look so new to me”. Yeah, I’m so not getting into this with my boss and one of my dad’s buddy’s. I already know that I owe my dad a call before this all gets out of hand.

“Your father has a right to be proud of you. I’m glad he sent you our way. However, after seeing these pictures I want to make sure that we are protecting your best interests. I have watched you work too hard to see anyone try to take that from you.

“I have seen what this type of situation can lead to,” Cyrus pauses as a grim look crosses his face. I couldn’t help but wonder what this man isn’t telling me. It is clear that his mind has drifted for a moment. “Is this something you really want? Is this a serious relationship? I ask not to get in your business Tamara, but because I want to be prepared on all accounts when this can of worms bursts.”

“Sir, like I said it is complicated and I’m not sure where things are leading. Brad and I have a history that links us together and presents the desire for more on both our behalves. We are just trying to take things slow,” I start.

Cyrus throws his head back in a deep throaty laugh. “Dear, taking things slow went out the window with the snap of the first photo,” Cyrus says with amusement in his voice and on his face.

I rub at my forehead trying to ease the headache coming on. I groan and try to wrap my head around what is happening. How can such a wonderful day turn into this. Yesterday I had thoughts of what it would be like if we were a real family. Bri was just so happy, and I have to admit so was I. Now it just seems like we are piling mistake on top of mistake.

“Listen Tamara,” Cyrus sighs. “I want you to know I am in support of whatever you decide to do here. Just know that I am in your corner. It will be better for you to remember you have people in your corner that care and will be there.”

I wrinkle my nose not at his words, but at the unusual display of emotions coming forth in his words. “Thank you,” is the only thing I can think to say. I have known my boss for longer than I have worked here and I have never known him to show emotions so easily. Just like that his mask slips back into place.

“Your father has informed me he will be in town soon. He has agreed to join me at the country club for some golf. I believe Bradley should join us,” Cyrus says with more of a smile. I just stare at the old man with his brown hair greying at the temples. He is in his mid-fifties and still running things with an iron fist. His olive skin has faired the years pretty well, better than his ex-wife’s.

I guess that’s why he divorced and married a younger woman. Rumor has it that he was actually married a third time but no one speaks of it with any true knowledge or detail. I have always thought of him as a little mysterious.

“I don’t know if Brad plays,” I start then sigh, this is not a suggestion it is a demand. I laugh to myself as I realize how much this man has been like a father and a mentor over the last five years. “I’ll let Brad know and I’ll have Daddy let him know when to join you both.”

“If this is the path you decide to choose,” Cyrus says tapping a finger on the paper. “It won’t be easy but it can work for you in many ways, Tamara. I am here to make sure it does. It looks like you’re now in a steady stable relationship. That family of yours and this magnitude of client will land you in that partner seat dear,” Cyrus changes directions a bit with talk of partnership, to my relief the air in the room changes.