Big Baller : A Hero Club Novel

by Katrina Marie

  “You might have me beat, girl.” She turns until she’s facing me and slides one leg under her butt.

  “What happened last night?”

  “Nothing outside of the usual,” Lana waves me off. “You know how some people get when they find out you’re a flight attendant. The mile-high jokes come out in droves.”

  “That sucks.” Groaning, I reach into my suitcase and grab my makeup bag. I don’t wear as much as I do when I go out, like that happens very much, but I need to look presentable. “That, my friend, is why I’ve stopped going to the hotel bars after flights.”

  “Whatever,” she laughs. “You don’t go out because you’re worried you're going to run into a certain pilot. You need to get over that. He’s moved on, and so should you.”

  She’s right. He’s the reason I don’t go out much anymore. It’s not even that it hurts that much. It’s the awkwardness that I know will permeate the air. How can you casually be around someone you’ve screwed and things not be weird? “I have moved on.”

  “Then who are you seeing?”

  “You know damn well how hard it is to start and maintain a relationship in our line of work.”

  “True story.” She pushes her foot back to the floor and sits up straight. That’s her serious expression. Nothing good is going to come out of that. I keep hoping the low murmur surrounding us will drown out whatever she’s about to say. Not even a baby cries to distract her. “Speaking of work…”

  “This better not be some way for you to rub in the fact that we’re flying with Carter as the pilot today.”

  “It’s not. I swear.” Lana makes an x over her heart and holds out her pinky, waiting for me to take it. She’s resorting to child-like promises and I know she will not tease me.

  I hook my finger in hers, “Okay, spill.”

  “We’re sort of being put on a new assignment after this flight.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I watch people get up and stand in line to board their planes. The voice over the speakers calling for passengers to board and head off on their own adventures. Lana waits for them to quiet down before continuing. “Apparently, International Airlines is also going to work with basketball teams.”

  “Huh.” What does that have to do with us? “Are they sponsoring them or something?”

  “Nope,” she pops the p before adding, “we are their transportation. They don’t always travel together from what I hear, but most of the flights we’ll be on will be shorter.” She pauses, hoping I’ll give her a reaction. “And they’ll include super-hot athletes. Ones I’m sure will be just fine with a night or two of fun.”

  “Of course, that would catch your attention,” I roll my eyes. I swear this woman will never settle down. If that’s what she wants, who am I to tell her differently? “Why us?”

  “No idea.” She shrugs and people watches. “But I’m not complaining. It’ll be nice to at least be in the States most of the time. As much as I love going all over the world, some laws in other countries are too restrictive. You’ll also get more time in your own bed.” Her mouth forms a slight grin. “I assume that’s something you’ll be happy about.”

  Actually, I would be pretty happy about that. I’m in a committed relationship with my mattress. “Why hasn’t anyone in management said anything to me about it?”

  “Technically,” her voice is a high-pitched whisper. “I’m not even supposed to know about it. I heard it through a few people. Some other attendants are being reassigned, too. They are supposed to tell us after we get back from this trip, so act surprised.”

  I’m not mad about it, just shocked. They normally tell us weeks in advance, so this is surprising. It’ll also be nice working shorter trips. The international ones aren’t horrible, but they are so freaking long. Passengers become restless, if there isn’t a layover, and can get grumpy with us. As if it’s our fault they decided to go to Europe with their children. That’s another thing I won’t miss, hours of kids asking their parents how much longer the flight will be. I have nothing against kids, but small ones can make the flight more stressful than it needs to be.

  “Um, Jolene,” Lana snaps her fingers in front of me. “Are you okay? You’re not upset about the change, are you?”

  “Not even a little bit.” I swipe my lashes with a bit of mascara before throwing it in my makeup bag and putting it in my suitcase. “I have a feeling my bed and I will be able to take our relationship to the next level.”

  “You are so weird.”

  “I like uninterrupted sleep,” I shrug. “The cots on the plane are just fine, but it’s not exactly comfortable.”

  “That’s an excellent point.” Another announcement comes over the speakers and her eyes widen. “Shit. You need to go get dressed. Our plane is almost here and we still have to get it ready before boarding.”

  “And this is why I wanted to get ready at home, before I got here. I don’t like being rushed.”

  “Well, I needed you.”

  “No, you didn’t,” I shake my head, exasperated. “You just didn’t want to sit up here by yourself.”

  “I plead the fifth.” She picks up my garment bag and shoves it in my arms. “Now go get dressed.”

  I don’t have time to argue. I rush to the bathroom to put on my uniform. I’m going to make this the best flight I’ve ever had. Starting next week, I’ll be back in the continental states for a while.

  Three

  Bentley

  I’ve left the state before. We played quite a few out-of-state games when I was at Hilltown. The only difference…we’re taking a plane instead of a bus. I have no idea what to expect. I’ve never been on one before, but I’m too stubborn to ask any of the guys for pointers.

  Since we don’t travel as a team, which I thought we did, we’re on our own. My only saving grace has been Jordan. He offered to book my flight with his so I can travel with him. Normally, his wife, Vanessa, would go with him, but has plans with her family.

  Jordan has taken me under his wing, and I think his life goal is to keep me on the straight and narrow. He says he’s seen too many young players get in the game, want the finer things in life and lose it all because of wrong choices. I’m fine with that, as long as he knows I’m going to walk just outside the line. Yes, I want the finer things in life. Who doesn’t? I also want to have fun. I’m not married or tied down and should be able to do what I want for the most part. Well, as long as it’s legal.

  My suitcase is open on my bed, and I have no idea what to pack. How do people travel like this all the time? It’s something I’ll have to get used to, but I’m at a loss for how it all works. We leave in the morning and if I don’t get this done, I’ll be standing here until then. Pulling out my phone, I google what to pack for a flight. I click on the first site that pops up, and glance over the list. There are so many things not allowed in carryon luggage. I don’t want to check my baggage and look like an idiot while figuring it out. I could text Jordan and ask him what I need to do, but I don’t want to come off as a complete newb. Even if that’s exactly what I am. A message flashes across my screen, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe this is a list of everything we need. Just what I need, help without asking for it.

  Jordan: I’ll be there to pick you up at 6 sharp.

  Bentley: In the morning!?!

  Jordan: Yes. We have to go through security and deal with our luggage.

  Bentley: It can’t seriously take that long.

  Jordan: Have you ever flown before?

  Bentley: If I say no, will you make fun of me?

  Jordan: Shut up. We’ve all had our first time on a plane. Some just happen to take place earlier than others.

  Bentley: Ok, then no. And I don’t know what to pack in which bag. There are so many fucking rules.

  Jordan: Here’s a list of the essentials. Be ready when I get there. And wear comfortable clothes.

  What the hell? The list is detailed and even has small check boxes next to each item. I never
realized how organized he is. His wife is probably the one that put it together. I’m not complaining, though. It’s a starting point and I need to get it done quickly so I can get some sleep tonight.

  “Why are the seats so close together?” In the movies they always show them spread further apart. I mean, you at least had elbow room. I feel like a sardine in this tiny seat.

  “Because, Bentley,” Jordan rolls his eyes at me as he puts his seatbelt on. “We’re sitting in coach.”

  Wait, what? Coach? We’re basketball players for a professional team for crying out loud. We should be in first class. “Why aren’t we in first?”

  “These young ones will never learn,” he mutters under his breath. “It’s not so bad, and it’s cheaper. One day you’ll appreciate my wisdom instead of worrying about pissing away your money.”

  Little does he know, I’m fine with spending my money. I’ve never had much and is it so wrong for me to enjoy the finer things in life? “If you say so, Grandpa.”

  “I’m barely a decade older than you.” He shakes his head and holds out a stick of gum. “I’m just trying to save you down the road. I’ve seen too many players spend all their money on useless things. One day you’ll find a girl to settle down with and start a family. You’re going to want money to support them.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” There’s no way I’m settling down….ever. A few of the other guys on the team boarded this flight, too. Us being in coach is a clear indicator of why they got to board before us. I wish I had more world experience. Feeling like an idiot because I’ve never done these things is annoying. “Why did you give me gum?”

  “It helps first time fliers with their ears. They may pop when we take off and land. Chewing gum helps decrease the pressure.”

  The pilot’s voice is scratchy over the intercom. “Good morning, travelers. We’re about to take off. Please look to the front as the flight attendants lead you through the safety precautions.”

  A few attendants walk down the small aisle and disappear behind a curtain. They must be heading to first class. A blonde passes by me, and stands at the front of the cabin. Another follows behind her and stops right in front of me. She’s tall, and her long brown hair is pulled into a high ponytail. The uniform she’s wearing is simple, but it hugs her body in all the right places. She turns until she’s facing all of us and begins moving her arms as the speaker tells us where the masks are and how to put them on. Not exactly promising for my first time on a plane, but my eyes stay focused on her.

  “Thank you,” the pilot's voice comes over the speakers again. “Please fasten your seatbelts and remain seated. The attendants will be around to get your drink orders as soon as we’re in the air.”

  The brunette woman then walks to the back of the plane and the others follow her. The plane shakes as we ascend into the air. My fingers clench the armrests and I’m chewing the gum like it’s the last meal I’ll ever have. I’m not cut out for this. I wonder if I can drive to the rest of our out-of-town games. Or take a train. Anything is preferable to this.

  Jordan reaches up and pats my shoulder. “It’s fine, Bentley. We’re almost leveled out and it’ll be smooth sailing from there.” I hope so because this is terrifying.

  Note to self, never drink as much water as I have on this flight. I have to piss, but I don’t want to leave my seat. Jordan was right about the plane leveling out. It doesn’t mean I want to get up and wander around the plane trying to figure out the bathroom situation. Where does it all go when people flush? All I can imagine is it falling on some unsuspecting people. My body trembles at the thought. I’m honestly shocked my mind went to such a disgusting place. Nerves will do that to anyone, though.

  My legs bounce up and down, trying to keep the urge to go to the restroom at bay. I’m sure I look ridiculous doing the equivalent of the potty dance while sitting down, but I really don’t want to get out of my seat. I eye the back of the plane, determining how far away the bathroom is from my seat. Son of a bitch, I’m not going to be able to hold it until we land. “Which one of those bathrooms is for dudes?” I nudge Jordan with my elbow.

  He laughs and tries to cover it with his hand as if it’s not obvious that he’s laughing at me and not with me. “Both of them. They aren’t gender specific.”

  “I won't like fall in or anything will I?”

  The bark of laughter is too hard to cover up this time and heads turn toward us. Oh, for fuck’s sake. Next time I’m researching all of this beforehand. “Never mind. I’ll figure it out.”

  I undo my seatbelt and stand, keeping my head slightly bent so I don’t hit it on the overhead compartments. These planes were not made for tall people. I’m certain this isn’t a struggle my fellow teammates on this flight are dealing with since they are in first class. Booking my own flight will be added to the list of things I need to learn how to do. Jordan is not allowed to do these things for me if he’s going to be a smart ass.

  I’m so focused on my frustration that I’m not paying attention to what, or rather who, is in front of me until I slam right into her. The hot flight attendant from earlier. Unfortunately, she’s been helping the people on the other side of the aisle and someone else helped us. The tray in her hand tips forward and my hand shoots out to steady it for her. “I’m so sorry,” she says low enough that only I can hear.

  “It’s all good,” I smile at her. “I wasn’t paying attention.” She’s even more beautiful up close, and I want to get to know her better. Even if it’s only for this plane ride. Though, she should be on other flights I take since she obviously works for the airline our team wants us to use.

  “Sir,” she nods her head to the aisle. “Can you let me by? I have passengers to attend to.”

  My cheeks flame, and I have no idea why I’m blushing. I don’t have a problem talking to women, but this one stops me in my tracks. “Yeah, sure. Sorry.” I turn to let her by, and the person behind me mutters “excuse you.” I shift my body until I’m back in the aisle and she’s walking away. “My name is Bentley, by the way.”

  She doesn’t respond and shakes her head as she passes out drinks to the passengers. Damn. I’m on my first flight and I lose my cool. How does that even happen? Sighing, I turn back toward the bathrooms. I don’t miss Jordan’s snickers as I close the door behind me. That’s it. I’m never traveling with that jackass again.

  Four

  Jolene

  The flight is almost over and Lana’s hip bumps into mine as we dispose of the last of the cups from the passengers. “That guy over there keeps staring at you.”

  I don’t need to look up to see who it is. I’ve felt his eyes on me since he ran into me on the way to the restroom. “Please,” I scoff. “Do you realize how many guys check us out on each flight? It’s nothing new. They all have a fantasy for what they can’t have.”

  “Oh, you mean one of us hot, young attendants with our backs against the wall in the restroom while they tick joining the ‘mile high club’ off their bucket list?”

  “That would be it.” I can’t argue and say that it’s never happened. We just weren’t in the air, and it wasn’t a passenger. I will be happy when thoughts of Carter no longer haunt me. “It’s kind of sad, really. Do they not have anything else to look forward to when they get off the plane?”

  Lana shrugs and goes about cleaning up the small refreshment area. She’s quiet for a few minutes as she wipes down the counter. Just when I think she’s done with the conversation, she adds. “If I’m not mistaken, he’s one of the basketball players on this flight. There were a few of them in first class, but I think I’ve seen the guy sitting next to him on the news for something or other.”

  “Who cares if he plays sports? That means nothing. He’s just another one of those guys with an over-inflated ego and thinks women should line up to throw themselves at him.” I know one of those guys. I was with one of those guys. I can spot them a mile away thanks to a certain pilot.

  “I’ll remember that.”r />
  “Go ahead because nothing is ever going to happen with him.” Dating passengers isn’t necessarily against the rules, but I don’t want to make a habit of hooking up with guys I’ll only see once every few months. That’s not a healthy relationship. Besides, I’ve sworn off relationships. There’s no way in hell anyone can get me to change my mind. Men only add stress and take up too much brain space.

  The captain’s voice comes over the crackly speakers. “We are about ten minutes from our destination and we’ll soon begin our descent. Passengers, please return to your seats and fasten your belts. Thank you.”

  A woman leaves the tiny restroom with a toddler in tow. She’s pulling him toward their seats, and the kid isn’t having it. He’s ready to be off this plane if his pout and red face are any indication. Bentley looks around him as he fastens his seatbelt. The man sitting next to him hands him something and he quickly puts it in his mouth. It must be gum. It appears this guy, whoever he is, has never flown before. Now his flustered state in the aisle earlier makes sense. Anyone would be off kilter if they’re experiencing something for the first time.

  “You’re checking him out,” Lana whispers in my ear.

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  I’m not going to satisfy her with a reply. Just because my eyes landed on him while making sure all the passengers are doing what they are told, doesn’t mean anything. Whether or not she thinks so. I take a seat on one of the foldout chairs and buckle myself in. Usually I’m the one that stays out to make sure everyone is okay while we land, but Lana is taking care of it today. She loves this job, and I don’t think anyone could pull her away from it.

  Me? I’m on the fence. Traveling to unfamiliar countries has been amazing, but being gone all the time is wearing me out. It’s a good thing the airline picked up this partnership because that means more at home time for me.