The Baller's Baby (11 page)

“You got it. To this day I've never seen such dogged determination. The girl never gave up. It didn't matter how much I worked her, she'd be right there every time, ready and willing to do more.”

“I hear a lecture in there,” Cole smiled, pressing his lips to her hair.

“No lecture, although it's the gods truth you have much more potential than you want to admit, to yourself or anyone else.”

Turning Cole sat up. “I've never been one of those confident athletes, you know. The kind that knows they're good and wants everyone else to chime in with their flattering opinion. I don't like the spotlight, so I do enough to get by.”

“You didn't seem to mind it the night we met,” Stacey said, almost wincing at the accusation in her voice.

“I did mind it,” Cole corrected her, turning so he could look at her. Reaching out a hand he cupped her cheek so she'd know he was serious. “I used it as an escape so that I would touch you. Even then you affected me.”  

Stacey's eyes misted as she turned her lips into his palm, pressing a kiss there. She came to him then, hugging him in a gesture of affection.

Pushing Cole before they ended up back in bed, Stacey quickly showered and dressed, pulling on warmer clothes to combat the brisk wind and falling snow. They said, goodbye at the door and Cole pulled out into traffic to head to practice.

Stacey hit the electronics section of her favorite store, scanning the isles for a larger storage data card for her Nikon D3x. She also purchased a waterproof case for her iPhone, placed a special order for Cole at Ashford, hoping it'd deliver in time for Christmas. Since she wasn't going to be here, it'd be nice knowing he'd get her present on time. She finished her shopping early and went home to pack.

The two crates of water were already in the trunk of her car and would be easily settled once she hit the check-in counter. She packed warm clothes, practice clothes, a pair of rugged sneakers, hiking boots, two visors, one with the Rockets logo and Cole's number embossed on them. She packed ten tons of socks and underwear, aware you could never pack too many. Then, lugging her two huge suitcases downstairs and to the car, headed out to catch Cole after practice.

                                                                      ***

Cole stepped out of the Bixby Center and immediately felt the drop in temperature. His muscles tightened up until he had to put his jacket on to keep them warm. “You'll regret not putting your warm ups on.”

“Probably,” Cole smiled, greeting Stacey with a kiss. “You know that people know about us right?”

“I figured,” Stacey sighed, knowing that her career was probably coming to an end. “I'm going to miss this job.”

“Who says you have to quit?” Cole said, pulling her into his side as they walked toward their cars.

“I'll be laughed out of the industry Cole,” Stacey said with another sigh. “I know that being a player means you're fodder for all sorts of news, both good and bad. The forum of public opinion if a fickle one, but let's not forget how many people have crashed and burned because of that fickle opinion.”

“You don't have to be one of them,” Cole said with a no nonsense tone.

“Really? You think players are going to want a manager who compromises them by sleeping with a client?”

“I think smart players will want the best, and that's you babe. Whether or not we're sleeping together doesn't change that.”

“Maybe not to you, but to them, it'll matter when cameras and microphones are shoved in their faces asking if I've ever been intimate with them, or if they knew about our affair. You know that's what they'll call it right, an affair. It won't be relationship, or engagement or upcoming marriage. Affair sounds dirty and for good reason, because that's what I'm doing. Dirty business.”

“Enough!” Cole shouted, his blue eyes hot with anger now. “You have some nerve calling me pessimistic. You're frying yourself in the court of public opinion before you even know what the results will be. You can climb down off your cross now, history has enough martyrs.”

“You rotten son-of-a-bitch,” Stacey whispered. “You think this is easy for me, to just hope that everything works out. To hope that players will still want to sign with me? You think choosing between the two greatest loves of my life is simple, like a cake walk? You can't possibly know what I'm going through, how I feel.”

“That's right, because I've never sacrificed anything, never had to give something or someone I cared for and hoping, praying to God, I was making the right decision,” Cole's voice nearly vibrated with feeling. “No, of course not, I have no idea what you're feeling.”

“Look, I have an early flight and need to get home and get to bed.” Stacey said, tossing her hands up in a half-heart motion.

“Oh no you don't. You won't push me away, not after what we shared this afternoon.”

“A fast, rough bout of sex hardly makes us soul mates, Cole.”

“You little witch,” Cole said, standing solidly in her way. Reaching out he tipped her chin, none-too-gently up until those fiery eyes met his. “Sex is great, but you know damn well that's not what I'm talking about. You love me and if it makes you uncomfortable you'll have to learn to live with it until it is comfortable. I'm not exactly comfortable with the way I feel either, but I'm living with it, because I'd rather live every day, the rest of my life uncomfortably in love with you; than to try and live one day comfortably without you.”

“Cole...”

“Damn it, Stacey, you just can't take the easy road can you?” Cole laughed. Bending down on one knee Cole pulled out a tiny red velvet box. Snapping it open, he watched Stacey's face when she saw the gold engagement ring that sported a set of three solid princess cut diamonds, one on each side of the center diamond, with a set of five small pave diamonds on each side.

“Oh, God, Cole,” Stacey said as tears fell from her cheeks. “We....oh God, we can't do this. It's...it's too soon.”

“Now why would we let time be something we cared about? I don't need to know anything else about you than what I already do.”

“What do you know about me?”

“I know you're more determined than anyone I've ever met to succeed on your own terms. I know you're brilliant and intelligent, gorgeous. You smile easier than anyone I've ever known. You'll age well, if your mother is any indication-” Cole stopped when Stacey laughed. Stepping closer to her, knowing she needed the reassurance. “I know you favor your mother in looks and your father in personality. I know that you're still hurting because he turned you out. I know that I've never met anyone who's believed in me the way you do, driven me to succeed like you do, or beat my ass with more indignation than you.”

“That's hardly enough for a marriage proposal.”

“I haven't asked yet,” Cole said smiling. Pressing his brow to hers, Cole slid an arm around her waist so she wouldn't try to get away. “I don't need to know your favorite color, or whether you like anchovies on your pizza. I need to know the important things, like the fact that you'll be an amazing mother, because you have an amazing family. I need to know that we're best friends, that there's no one else I want to spend my time with. All those little details that idiots quiz each other on as a sign of rightness in their relationships, I can learn those as we go. Right now though, I need to know that I can take you home, help you relax, get you to bed at a decent time and make sure you hit the airport in time to go through security and boarding before your flight leaves.”

“Yes,” Stacey told him and when Cole turned to walk toward his car, Stacey tugged on his hand. “I said
yes
, Cole.”

“I haven't asked yet, Stacey,” Cole smiled, pulling her arm through his and walking her to her car. She followed him to her house and tried not to worry about what anyone thought. Cole wasn't wrong, she decided. It was the major things in their relationship that mattered, not the little shit that people always worried spoke ill of their marriage. Cole walked inside with her, sliding his fingers through hers. “Why don't you go change into your pajamas, and I'll make us something light to eat.”

“That sounds great. I'm not feeling leftover spaghetti.”

“That's alright,” Cole replied. “I can always eat it for lunch tomorrow.”

Cole tossed a salad, adding in apples and pecans. Just as Stacey was coming downstairs, he took two large plates down from her cupboard. “You'll stop in from time to time, to check on my place right?”

Looking up Cole was struck, again, by how stunning she was.
Smoking hot
, Cole thought with a smile.

“Of course,” Cole said with a nod of his head. He brought the salad, plates, forks and ranch dressing to the table. They dished out their helpings and ate over menial conversation. Cole washed the dishes when they were done, telling Stacey to relax and pouring her a small glass of white wine to help.

He finished the dishes easily and went to turn the lights off in the living room, only to find Stacey sleeping soundly on the couch. Smiling, he turned off the lights and scooped her up in his arms.

“Cole-”

“Shh.”

Adjusting her weight, Cole carried Stacey upstairs and placed her in her bed, tucking her feet beneath the comforter and pulling it up around her shoulders. Sleep came easily for him when he climbed into bed next to her. A handful of days and already being near her was irresistible.

Stacey woke to the blaring alarm just after five fifteen. Turning over, she reached out to shut it off and rolled onto her back, dropping an arm over her tired eyes. A full night's sleep and she still felt like she'd just fallen asleep. Would she ever sleep well before a big trip?

“Rise and shine, beautiful,” Cole said, running a gentle hand along her stomach.

“I don't wanna,” Stacey gave a fake wail, like a petulant child protesting some imaginary torture.

“Too bad. You've got less than three hours to shower, eat and get through airport security before your flight leaves without you.”

“Fine. I'm up,” Stacey whined as she rolled out of bed. Cole was fast enough to catch her in the shower for one last bout of crazy good sex. While she dressed he fixed breakfast, shoving her out the door with a cream cheese covered bagel and a giant cup of orange juice.  “We're doing fine on time you know.”

“I'm aware, I just...If I get you there early, I can spend some time for you before, you know.”

“Ah, you're not the goodbye type are you?”

“Not really,” Cole groaned. “No.”

Cole pulled into the parking garage at JFK and shut the engine off. Sighing he sat for a minute, waiting. 

“Cole I...” Stacey said, not really sure where to start. Cole turned to her, seeing maybe for the first time just how gorgeous she was. When he noticed the tears, Cole's heart melted.

“Hey,” he said, shifting in his seat. Stacey turned towards him, sniffling even as she chuckled.

“It's never this hard, you know. My mom drops me off, takes my car home, has my dad pick her up at my house and that's that. Simple, easy, done. None of this is simple and easy.”

“Is that your way of saying that you'll miss me while you're gone?” Cole teased, knowing that his heart was just as heavy. “I still don't like the idea of you going off alone.”

“Yes, I'm going to miss you Cole Winslow and yes, I know you don't like it,” Stacey said, shaking her head. “You also know that this is how it is for me, for my job. If I don't sign players and manage them, I don't earn a living doing what I love.”

“I know. That doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm not obligated to like it just because I love you.”

“Touche`, Mr. Winslow.” Stacey smiled, looking down at their hands, joined together over the console.

“Stacey, I know that you're scared that this will be the last player you sign. I know that dating me isn't easy. I'm in the spotlight and I've put you there. I understand if this isn't the life you imagined when you thought about falling in love and settling down.” Cole said, rushing on to get it all out. “I just wanted to say that I'll be waiting for you when you come home. I'll talk to you as often and as long as possible whenever you can.”

“No Cole, I can't say that this is what I imagined when I dreamed of settling down and falling in love. That doesn't mean I'd change any of it for a minute. I love loving you and being loved by you. I'm pretty damn lucky and I don't take any of this lightly.”

“Good, because if that clock is right we have about twenty minutes to get you through checkout and security.” Cole said, laughing. He grabbed a luggage cart for Stacey's water and checked baggage.

They scanned her ticket, updated her itinerary, and Cole walked with her to the gate. “Win that game for me won't you?” Stacey said, reluctant to let go of him.

“I will,” Cole said, wrapping an arm tight around her waist. “Come home to me.”

“I plan on it, luggage and person in tow.”

The kiss was deep and sweet, so that both of them could take something away from it to carry with them. “I love you Stacey Patterson.”

“I love you Cole Winslow.”

Finally Stacey knew she couldn't wait any longer and went on to security, looking back one more time to see Cole staring at her. She smiled and waved, receiving the same in turn.

Stacey boarded the plane, finding her seat easily and ordering an orange juice. She put on her sea band motion sickness bracelets, plugged in her ear buds and listened to Christmas music as people filled the plane. She turned her iPod off when the plane started to taxi and listened to the flight attendant do the emergency and exiting procedures. Twenty minutes later, after a smooth lift off, Stacey restarted her music and within half an hour was soundly sleeping. Four hours later she awoke to find that they were cruising at high altitude as clouds whisked by.

Stopping a flight attendant, Stacey asked, “Can I have a soda please?”

“Yes ma'am. We have Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, Sierra Mist, Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi and Root Beer.”

“I'll take a Pepsi, please.”

“Is there anything else you need?”

“Maybe some crackers to settle my stomach?”

“Sure. I'll be right back.”

The woman returned quickly with two Pepsi sodas and three packs of crackers. “This should help you out for a while. We'll be landing hopefully in about another five hours.”

“Great, thank you so much.”

“You're welcome,” the woman said, her smile and attitude genuine. “If you need anything else just let me know. I'll be moving through the isles quite regularly.”

“Thanks.”

Stacey took out her phone and noticed that Cole had sent her a text while she was processing through security.
I know the other night was done poorly. I hope you haven't written a more permanent us off for good. I'll miss you babe and I love you. Go Rockets!

Stacey smiled and clicked over to her mobile Candy Crush Saga game, whiling away some time playing the Tetris styled game. Four more hours went by before Stacey noticed the sun starting to set. Purples and pinks bled across the clouds as the sun sank lower in the sky. An hour later as more stars dotted the sky, Stacey disembarked from the airplane to wait. The layover would be four hours of miserable fun. Standing in the departures area, Stacey called Cole, hoping it was so late that she woke him. When he answered on the first ring she smiled. Her guy was definitely hooked.

“Stacey?”

“Hi,” she said, her voice tired despite her in-flight nap. “I just got in to Shanghai. I've got a four hour layover before I fly to Bangkok.”

“I can think of some things to fill your four hours.”

“I bet you can,” Stacey laughed. “Unfortunately, there's no privacy for that sort of playtime.”

“I knew I should have come with you.”

“Nah, you've got a game tomorrow and I'm going to want details on what an amazing night you had. Jack or Steve will be there to snap pictures of you for your portfolio. When I get back I'm fast tracking it to the NBA, so play good.”

“You know me babe, I always play good.”

“Oh, boy. You're feeling awfully frisky tonight.”

“I'm missing you.”

“I couldn't tell,” Stacey teased, understanding him completely. Even being exhausted and feeling poorly, she missed his closeness. “Listen, I'm not feeling so great. I think I'm going to get something to settle my stomach and see if I can't get some rest. Even sleeping on the plane, I still feel wiped out.”

“You're sure you're okay?” Cole asked, concern easy to hear in his voice.

“I'm alright. I'll call before I board for Bangkok,” Stacey assured him. “Try to get some sleep.”

“I love you Stacey.”

“That's twice now you've beaten me to it. I love you too Cole.”

“Bye babe.”

“Bye.”

Stacey hung up and hit the first bathroom she could find. Practically running to an empty stall, she emptied her bladder for what seemed like forever, before she washed her hands and found a place to order some food. The main eateries were slammed with customers, but Stacey managed to find a place that was serving warm soup and bread bowls that looked amazing. She got tomato and basil with two plain bread knots. She ate slowly still feeling off in her stomach. Cramping in her abdomen warned that Aunt Flo would be visiting soon, which Stacey thought was just peachy for her first week overseas.
It'd figure that I'd get my period during my first week here.
Stacey thought as she took another bite of bread. She polished off her soup and went to order a drink when her stomach revolted. Leaning over the closest garbage can, Stacey lost her dinner until there was nothing left to vomit. Using the napkin that she'd clutched in her hand, she wiped her mouth and went to the bathroom to rinse her mouth and wash her hands.

She skipped the hot chocolate and coffee and decided on a Coke to see if it'd help settle her queasy stomach. Working like a charm Stacey was finally able to lie down for a rest, socking away a solid two hours before her alarm blared on her phone. She made another quick call to Cole as she'd promised.

“Hey sunshine,” Cole greeted when he answered.

“I feel terrible,” Stacey said, relaying the information about her dinner disaster. “I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't really feel sick, just nauseous. I finally feel a little less tired. Normally I'm always on the go, but these last couple of days have been crazy.”

“I don't like that you're half way around the world and not feeling well.”

“I know, but there's not much to be done about it now. I'll take some Tums and stick to Coke to drink. Hopefully with more rest and some good vitamins, I'll kick whatever this is shortly.”

“Promise me you'll be safe and take good care of yourself.”

“I promise. Now get to your breakfast before you're late for practice.”

“Yes, boss,” Cole teased.

                                                                      ***

Cole did a two hour fundamentals workout with his team before heading home to shower. He'd noticed almost immediately how strange his house felt now. Being over at Stacey's so much, her home had started to feel like his home too. Smiling he remembered his botched proposal. Maybe by the time she returned, Stacey would be more amicable to the idea of becoming Mrs. Winslow. It still scared him a little just how much she meant to him. Sending her a quick text, Cole cranked music by Thousand Foot Krutch and stepped into the shower.

When he stepped out again, there was still no reply from Stacey, as he knew she was still flying from Shanghai to Bangkok. Cole had taken it upon himself to do some research about the country his love was going to be staying in. Crazy warm the temperature was a lovely seventy to ninety degrees this time of year and wouldn't cool down much at all.

The only Southeast Asian country to never be colonized by European powers, Thailand was known as Siam until 1939. It is a monarchy with a head of state and governmental system that runs accordingly. It's never really cold in Thailand with summer being extremely hot and winter being slightly less warm.

Roughly the size of Texas, Cole learned that Thailand is home to mostly ethnic citizens, but also houses people from multiple Asian heritages and cultures. With close to seven million people living in and around the capital city of Bangkok, Cole wondered if their biggest city was anything like New York City.

Cole was just sitting down for lunch when his house phone rang. “Stacey?”

“This is Mr. Patterson,” said a rough voice over the phone. Cole nearly choked on his salad before stammering to answer. “I'd like to speak to Cole Winslow if I may.”

“Cole speaking.”

“It's become apparent to me that my daughter won't be coming to her senses anytime soon, so I am forced to talk with you.”

Irritated Cole answered. “If by
coming to her senses
you mean that Stacey won't be ending our relationship, you'd be correct Mr. Patterson.”

“Tell me something about yourself Cole.”

“I have a game tomorrow night Mr. Patterson. Why don't you and Mrs. Patterson come out and watch. I'll leave box seat tickets for you at the gate. Then after ward I'll treat you to dinner. We can sit down and have a face to face talk about how we both feel about your incredible daughter.”

“I'll see what can be done,” Gerard said, feeling trapped. “Good day.”

“See ya then,” Cole whispered after Gerard promptly hung up on him.

                                                                      ***

Stacey landed in Bangkok two hours before Cole's game was scheduled to start. Easily finding a taxi from the airport, she paid the driver in cash and in advance to bring her to her hotel, asking for the scenic route if he didn't mind.

“Hey sexy,” Cole greeted when she phoned him.

“Hi, handsome.”

“You feeling any better?”

“Some, but still not completely myself. I thought I'd phone my mom in a little bit and see what she thought.”

“Speaking of your parents, I got an interesting call from your dad earlier.”

“Oh,” Stacey said, imagining how great that went. “So?”

“He thinks you're suffering from temporary insanity, but wants to get to know me. Although, if I'm being honest, I think it's your mother who's pushing him. She was livid at that party when we left.”

“Yeah I know,” Stacey agreed. “It doesn't help that I haven't spoken to either of them since,” Stacey said, already on the defense. “I just...I wish they could see that I'm an adult, with adult responsibilities. I'm capable of making up my own mind about what I want in life, who I want to share that life with. Although my parents aren't going to like that you're also a client.”