This story contains homosexual themes. If you are offended by such topics or you are not of legal age to read such stories, please read no further. All the characters in the story are fictitious, with the exception of one character. I have NO idea of his sexual preference and I'm implying NOTHING. Its just a story.
Well readers, you have hurrican Ivan for this past delay. Fortunately it was only a week without power and water but a LOT of time in clean-up. If any of you has had to deal with one of these storms, you know what I mean. If you haven't, consider yourself VERY LUCKY. Most importantly, my friends and family were not injured and NOTHING happened to my computer!
comments welcome to ghostwriter@si.rr.com
Chapter 40
While the night before had been emotionally draining for both of them, Jerric and Hunter felt a sense of calm as the entered the arena. They were there early, as had become their routine, allowing them some time to gather their thoughts before the rest of the team arrived. They hadn't discussed last night, for everything that needed to be said was now behind them. The memories of his childhood might linger, but the pain and anguish had been brought to the surface and Hunter felt like a huge burden had been taken from him.
The rest of the team arrived shortly and began their pre-game routine of getting their ankles taped, dressing and going over final strategies. As they headed out the tunnel and onto the area floor, Hunter heard someone call out his name. He looked to the railing and saw Carson smiling widely.
"You ready to kick some ass?" Carson shouted trying to be heard above the crowd noise.
Shocked, but pleasantly surprised, Hunter asked. "What are you doing here?"
"You didn't really think we were gonna miss your first start did you?" he explained as he pointed in the general direction of some seats directly over Duke's bench.
Hunter made a quick scan of the area and easily found Marcus, giving him the 'thumbs up'.
"You guys are incredible......thanks" Hunter said shyly. "How about dinner after the game?"
"You bet. Now go warm up. We'll talk later."
Hunter trotted onto the court, immediately seeking out Jerric.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he whispered
"What are you talking about? Jerric replied putting on his most innocent face.
Hunter leaned close to Jerric, ensuring no on could hear him. "I love you, and loose the innocent act."
Hunter could not remember ever being more nervous. He was trying desperately to listen to Coach Jackson's final instructions as butterflies churned in his stomach. Finally, the moment had arrived and the announcer's voice boomed over the loudspeaker.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Duke University, home of the Blue Devils. Now, for tonight's starting line-up."
Hunter heart pounded in his chest and took a deep breath, hoping to calm his nerves. He looked over at Jerric who gave him a quick wink as the announcer continued.
"Starting at forward, from Tampa, Florida, # 12, Antonio Nunez. At forward, from Houston, Texas, #18 Greg Durrant. At center, from San Diego, California, Jeremy Duprie."
At this point the crowd noise was deafening. "At guard, last year's collegiate athlete of the year, from the New York City, Jerric Donovan. And last but not least, from Casper Wyoming, in his first start for the Blue Devils, playing at point guard, Hunter Paxon."
Hunter had always imagined the moment, but it far surpassed his expectations. The rush of adrenaline flowed through his body and the nerves were gone, replaced immediately by a burning excess of energy, waiting impatiently to be used.
What was billed by sportscasters as one of the best match-ups of the year, turned out to be a lesson in humility for the Notre Dame team. A Blue Devil team that looked like they were putting on a clinic on passing and shooting outplayed them both physically and mentally. While a strong five-man defense held their opponents to 63 points, it was the offense that stole the show, racking up 87 points in the lopsided defeat. Actually it was Hunter and Jerric that stole the show. Their passes were flawless as they somehow had an innate ability to sense where the other one was on the court at all times. While it was not uncommon for Jerric to be a high scorer, tonight's 49 points set a NCAA record, due in large by Hunter's 23 assists, which also set a NCAA mark.
As Jerric had predicted, immediately after the game the Dean had his interview, praising the coaching qualities of Jackson, and making sure he was photographed with his new best friend, Hunter Paxon.
The veteran at interviews, Jerric threw out the best he had, being as charming and gracious as always but emphasizing that "only team play wins championships."
"We got lucky" Jerric informed the press.
"Tonight everything just went right for us. Our defense was incredible and Hunter and I got lucky and shot well. We're grateful for the win, but we realize games like this don't happen all the time. We'd be foolish to think that we can beat every team by that margin. We just want to take it one game at a time, and try not to think about where we might be at the end of the year."
It was complete and utter bullshit but the press loved it. Of course Jerric thought about where he would be at the end of the year. He'd and the rest of the Blue Devils would be playing for the National Championship, but the press loved humility so Jerric laid it on thick and was kindly repaid by appearing on the cover of "Sports Illustrated" twice in the previous year.
Hunter too, was inundated by member of the press, and while he had dreaded it at first, the emotional high from the game put him at ease and he appeared casual, relaxed and mature during the several minute interview.
"Nice job" Jackson commented as Hunter made his way to the shower. "You handled yourself like a pro. You've been taking lessons from your roommate?"
"I wish I was that smooth, but Jerric is in a class by himself when it comes to interviews." Hunter shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know how he does it. It's like he has the perfect answer for every question."
"It's called 'practice' Hunter, and something tells me you're gonna get plenty of it. You played a helluva game."
Hunter smiled sheepishly, "Thanks coach, that means a lot."
Chapter 41
It was almost 11:00 by the time Jerric and Hunter finished up with interviews, grabbed a quick shower and joined Marcus and Carson at a local restaurant. The salads were crisp, the steaks thick and the conversation centered on two topics; music and basketball.
Hunter and Marcus discussed strategies while Jerric and Carson analyzed the newest entries to TRL's top ten.
"Carson, the guy is whacked!" Jerric argued. "You of all people should be offended by his bullshit."
"Look, Eminem talks trash, but he's really not a bad guy." Carson countered.
"He's a punk!" Marcus argued, not able let Carson's comment goes unanswered.
Carson leaned in and kissed Marcus gently on the lips. "I've heard that's what you said about me when I first started. Is that true?"
"I never said you were a punk," Marcus countered. "What I said was that you were a bit 'edgy'.
"Edgy?" Carson contemplated with a boyish grin on his face, "I think I kinda like that."
"Well, I fell in love with it" Marcus admitted.
They four of them laughed in unison as Hunter covered his mouth trying his best to suppress a yawn.
"Long day?" Marcus asked.
"Long week" Hunter admitted. "I guess its all just catching up with me."
"I can image." Marcus concurred, then leaning over to Jerric. "I think its time we called it a night. Hunter's had it."
Jerric nodded in agreement.
"Thanks for being here you guys." Hunter said softly as they rose to leave. "You have no idea how much it meant to me."
"We wouldn't have missed it, Hunter" the elder Donovan said as he gave Hunter a fatherly embrace. "Get some rest."
Chapter 42
Hunter was nearly asleep by the time Jerric pulled the black BMW into the dorm parking lot and only moment after entering their dorm room, he was undressed staring at his uncomfortable dorm bed, and thinking it had never looked better. As he was about to pull the covers down and crawl inside the inviting cocoon, Jerric removed his shirt and Hunter's mind wondered. Maybe he wasn't as tired as he initially thought.
The familiar ring of Jerric's cell phone interrupted his thoughts.
"Hello?" Jerric answered.
"Hello, may I speak to Jerric Donovan."
Annoyed, Jerric shook his head. "This is Jerric."
"Jerric my name is Ethan. I was wondering if I could speak to you for a few minutes?"
Jerric did a quick mental review of his close friends. The name Ethan didn't come to mind.
"Look Ethan, its late" he mentioned as Hunter nibbled playfully on his neck "and to be honest, I'm kinda busy. What's this all about?"
"You played a helluva game tonight" the unfamiliar voice noted.
Jerric was immediately furious. "Look I spoke to the press at length after the game. I really don't appreciate being called this late at night for another interview."
I'm not with the press Jerric. I represent an NBA team. This won't take long, you have my word."
Intrigued, Jerric pulled away from Hunter and covered the speaker on the phone. "I'll just be a minute Hunter. I promise."
Hunter winked. "I'll give you two, then you're all mine."
Jerric smiled and uncovered the receiver. "Okay Ethan, or whatever your name really is, what's this all about.
Ethan ignored Jerric's comment and continued. "As I said before, I represent and NBA team."
"What team" Jerric interjected.
"A team that is very interested in your future. What team in particular is not important at this time."
"It is to me!" Jerric argued. "I like to know who I'm dealing with."
"When the time is right, you'll know. Right now I just have a question for you." There was a pause then the voice continued. "Have you considered declaring yourself eligible for the NBA draft?"
Jerric laughed. "You need to do your homework Ethan. I'm a sophomore. I have two more years of school left.
The voice was undeterred. "Trust me Jerric, I'm paid a lot of money to make sure I do my homework. Kobe Bryant never played a day of college ball. He was drafted right out of high school as I'm sure you know, and he didn't have the work ethic or the maturity that you have. He's now a starter for the Lakers, not to mention a millionaire."
"So what are you saying?"
"I'm not saying anything right now. I'm just asking a question. Think about Jerric, I'll be in touch."
With that there was a click and the line went dead.
"Who the hell was that?" Hunter asked, now comfortably snuggled in Jerric's bed instead of his own.
"I'm not sure." Jerric answered, "At first I thought it was a practical joke, but now I don't think so." He said nothing else but stared, deeply distracted into space.
"Well?" Hunter finally asked, realizing Jerric was off in another world.
"Sorry about that" Jerric offered apologetically as he crawled into bed next to Hunter. "It was some guy who said he represented an NBA team. He asked if I had considered declaring myself eligible for the draft."
"Jerric, it has to be a joke. You know better than I do that NBA teams can't contact you. That's a violation of damn near every NCAA rule. They can't talk to you until AFTER you declare you're eligible."
"I know, I know" Jerric agreed, "but he was being so careful about what he said. He made sure he didn't ask if I was gonna be eligible, only if I had considered it. Just like he wouldn't say what team he represented, only that they were interested in my future." See what I mean? He's saying NOTHING that could be considered a violation, but it was very obvious what he was getting at.
"Jerric, this guy NEVER should have contacted you at all."
"I have to admit Hunter, he has my interest up."
"I think he's nothing but trouble, Jerric. Forget he ever called."
"And I think you worry too much." Jerric teased as he crawled into bed. "I probably won't hear from him again anyway."
He gently pressed his lips against Hunter's and ran his hand slowly down the length of Hunters' smooth chest.
"Now, I don't think I have properly congratulated you on your great game tonight." With a boyish gleam in his eye he reached over and turned off the light. "We have some serious celebrating to do!"
Chapter 43
The rest of the season went pretty much as expected for the Duke Blue Devils and Jerric and Hunter had become the darlings of the press. How could they not. They were exactly what the media thrived on, two "all American" boys living out the dream of a lifetime with the ultimate goal, winning a championship, only a few short weeks away. The only negative had been the calls from Ethan. There had been two more, both causing heated discussions between the two young men. Jerric was intrigued; Hunter was annoyed.
"Hunter, this isn't just something I can overlook. I have to consider all my options."
"You don't even know if this guy is for real. How can you take seriously anything the guy has to say?"
"Because the scenario fits. Right now I'm the best basketball player in college, of course teams are wondering what my intentions are. There's a lot at stake, for them and for me."
They covered all of this before and Hunter knew each time it was brought up that Jerric was giving it more and more consideration.
"Look Jerric, I really don't want to talk about this. It's your decision, not mine."
"No! It's our decision. What I do effects you as well. Do you realize if I sign a NBA contract; we're set. I've got my dream and so do you. You'd never have to worry about tuition again. Law school would be paid for."
The talk was getting more heated.
"First of all I would never let you pay for my law school. That's just not right. Secondly, what happens if you get injured two years into a pro career and you can't play any more? What the hell do you have to fall back on?"
"What the fuck is wrong with paying for law school? I thought we were partners; a team. Doesn't me paying for it up front make more sense than you taking out a student loan and us having to pay it back later?"
"You're missing the point, Jerric."
"No, I see it very clearly. You don't have enough faith in this fucking relationship. You're afraid that things aren't gonna work out and you're gonna be stuck with a guilty conscience. You're the fucking lawyer. If you're so concerned about that draw up some legal crap saying you'll pay me back in full.....with interest!"
"You're blowing this out of proportion."
"No I'm not. I love you and I plan on spending the rest of my life with you. Your law degree is an investment in our future, assuming of course that there is one!"
"Of course there is" Hunter said softly, "you know I want that as much as you do. I'm just not sure of any of this."
"Hunter, I've wanted to play pro ball for as long as I can remember, just like you've always wanted to go into law. What's happens if I get injured before I turn pro? I've got nothing to show for busting my ass all these years. I'll be just another broke dumb jock. If I sign a contract I'm guaranteed more money than I could ever earn doing anything else. I can't pretend to tell you that I'm not seriously considering this."
Hunter nodded sadly. "Look, I've told you how I felt about it. We're on different sides of the fence on this one, but whatever your final decision is, I'll support you. All I ask is that you think about all your options, and if you settle on going pro, promise me that one, you'll finish your education and two, you don't sign anything until you've read every last word of it."
Jerric smiled. "I promise you Hunter if it takes me ten years, I'll get my degree. As for reading the contract; that's why we're a team. I'm not signing anything until we both agree it's exactly what we want."
Chapter 44
Jerric's stomach was churning as he entered Coach Jackson's office. "Got a minute?" he asked uneasily.
"Sure, Jerric. Have a seat. What's up?"
Jerric closed the huge mahogany door, feeling more uncomfortable than ever in his coach's office.
He sat down and nervously faced Jackson. "I've been doing a lot of thinking in the past couple of weeks; about my future and I think I've come to a decision that I'm pretty sure you're not gonna like.
The color drained from Coach Jackson's face. "Jerric, please tell me this has nothing to do with declaring your eligibility for the draft."
Jerric nodded. "I'm afraid so. I'm just not sure that I can pass it up."
"Jerric, don't let the money tempt you now. You'll be worth even more if you finish out your time at Duke. You could be the first 4-year all American. If you do that there will be a bidding war for you. You could name your price."
"I think I could do that now, without risking loosing it all to an injury. Besides, the way things are shaping up I could easily go to the Knicks. I'd have a chance to play for my hometown team. Two years from now that may not be the case."
"That's an awfully big gamble son."
"I know and I'm not making this decision easily."
Jerric's voice was cracking now. "You've been a great to me coach. I know I've given you a lot of grief, but I will never learn more about basketball or about life than I have from you. I wouldn't be where I am today without you and I appreciate it more than you know."
Tears were welling up in his eyes. "Thank you"
Coach Jackson stepped from behind his desk and wrapped his arms tightly around the young man. As much trouble as Jerric could cause, he had a heart of gold. He would undoubtedly be the best player Jackson ever coached and thought of loosing his skills and leadership hurt almost as much as loosing the young man himself.
"I'm not gonna try to talk you out of this Jerric, as much as I'd like to. You know what you mean to this team and you leaving is going to be a crushing blow. What you don't know is what a pleasure it's been for me to coach you. You're one in a million and I appreciate the time we've had together. I wish you all the best Jerric. Is there anything I can do?"
Jerric nodded. "Yes, will you arrange for a press conference tomorrow?"
Coach Jackson ruffled Jerric's hair. "Regrettably, I'll take care of it. Anything else?"
"No, just call me and let me know when. The earlier the better. I'm kinda anxious to get this behind me."
"I'll call you as soon as it's arranged."
to be continued.............