Page 7 of Just in Time
German wondered where this was headed. “Nope. It was the usual amount of small annoyances.”
For some reason, being beneath Steel’s gaze didn’t feel as comfortable as usual. German just felt off today. “I heard Valon and his band racked up last night.”
German nodded along. “Yeah. Seems like I heard their names quite a few times.”
“You’re staying with him, correct?”
German kept nodding. It was like he couldn’t stop. “Yeah. Marc and he have been awesome.”
Steel leaned back in his chair. Still, his stare never wavered. “Do you like working with them?”
He had no clue where this was heading. Marc and Valon didn’t need him for security, so it couldn’t be that. “Sure.”
“Good.” Steel sat forward again. “The band is leaving to head back out on tour tomorrow. This is a long one and I need a backup guy. The last time, their manager had to call several times to get temporary replacements. They’re dealing with thousands of people. It’s easy to catch everything going around when you’re shoved inside a building with that many people. I’d like to get ahead of that. It was tedious as hell last year to call everyone on payroll every time something happened. I felt like I was on the hunt for substitute teachers. If you’re willing, I’d love to simply leave you on call to join them if necessary. You’llreceive full pay, as if you were on tour with them. Likely, you’ll be bored as hell waiting by the phone, but I know I can count on you. Everyone else I trust is currently in a long-term role.”
It was a little scary how his heart reacted to the request. He had to force himself not to jump for joy at the idea of still seeing Blaze while he was on tour. Steel offered to pay him full-time wages even when he wasn’t working. He had to act like a professional here. German kept his tone even. “Sounds good. You know I’ve got your back.”
Steel looked a little more than relieved, giving power to his request. It seemed he really had hated fighting to find replacements. “You know I appreciate you, right?”
German didn’t hesitate. “Of course. It’s been too many years for us to doubt each other.” A thought hit. German had been so wrapped up in his thoughts, it hadn’t occurred to him Steel wasn’t acting like himself. “Is everything good?”
A small smile hovered on Steel’s lips for a moment. “Yeah. Thanks for asking. I’m just spread a little thin right now. That’s why I appreciate your flexibility so much. I know I don’t have to worry about you.”
He wondered who Steel had to worry about. “Glad to help.”
Steel visibly relaxed. “How’s everything else going?”
German’s hands rose and fell. “You know me. Everything has been pretty chill. I heard from Jathan a few days ago. He invitedme out to the ranch for Sterling’s surprise birthday party. So it looks like I’ll be headed across the country for a few days pretty soon.”
Steel smiled. The gesture looked genuine. “You really made some good friends on that assignment.”
“I did.” German couldn’t stop his smile. His duty guarding one of basketball’s greatest had been his best assignment to date. Jathan was not only hilarious, but he had welcomed German into the family. “That’s probably the closest I’ve been to settling down.”
“Man, you stayed like two years or so. If Jathan hadn’t retired to the ranch, you’d probably still be there. Those are the hardest jobs to leave behind.”
It had been difficult. He had made so many friends out at that ranch. It hurt to walk away. That didn’t happen to German often. “Yeah, but hey. They’re still inviting me back. That’s more than I can say about my family.” German laughed at his joke even as a twinge tightened his chest. He had to laugh at being disowned. Otherwise, there were days he might break.
Steel straightened, stretching his back. “Well, have fun and tell everyone I said hi. I suppose I should get back to it.”
German pushed to his feet. “Of course. Take it easy.” Before German walked away, he hesitated. “If you need to blow off some steam or talk or whatever, you’ve got my number.”
Steel smiled. “I do.”
German dipped his chin. “Well, enjoy your overworking.”
Steel laughed as German walked away. German felt a little lighter, and he didn’t know why. Maybe talks with Steel were just good for the soul. Whatever the reason, he was ready to focus on himself for a minute. Maybe Blaze would still be asleep where German left him. That thought put a little pep in his step. Likely Blaze had gone home and worked on packing to head out tomorrow. But hope sprang eternal, and German chose to embrace it.
The sound of loud laughter had Blaze bolting upright from the deepest of sleeps. He blinked in confusion at his surroundings before the memories slowly came back to him. His gaze shot around the room for a different reason. Where had German gone? He spotted his wallet on the coffee table with a piece of paper tucked beneath it. Blaze grabbed it.
Sorry. I got called into a meeting for work. Hopefully, I’ll be back before you get the chance to read this. If not, add my number to your phone. Maybe keep in touch sometimes.
Blaze’s gaze dropped to the number scribbled at the bottom of the page. A smile stretched his lips. He had German now. He sat back and created a contact in his phone for German. The sound of splashing and laughter floated inside again. He pushed to his feet and stuck his head out the French door to check out the pool. Marc, and Valon’s stepdad, Kash, were in a dunking match. Blaze couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Both men were huge and weren’t making much headway. It wasn’t for lack of trying, though.
Valon spotted him. “Hey. He lives. There’re extra swim trunks in there. Grab a pair and get in the water. It feels great today.”
Valon’s dad, Ledger, manned the grill. The scent of cooking meat wafted over him. He could eat. Blaze gave a thumbs-up and headed for the bedroom. Just as promised, there were various sizes of brand-new trunks stuffed in the dresser drawers. He pulled on a pair and then headed to the bathroom. Blaze had stayed with Valon enough times over the years to know there were unopened toothbrushes waiting for guests. He brushed his teeth and took a piss before heading out. A giant inflatable tubesat stacked with others, tucked against the pool house. Blaze grabbed one and jumped in. He came up and swiped his hair back before taking advantage of the float. He settled in the center. The sun assaulted his eyes.
“Shit. I don’t have my sunglasses.”
