“That hasn’t stopped you from investing and developing in the state.”
“Our projects aren’t golf courses in the middle of the bloody sticks.”
“It’s a loss we can afford.”
“You’re inclined to work with Eric then?”
“From what we know of the Drumm family, they are—what is the expression—tit for tat? Scratch a back to get yours scratched.”
“You go in on this, they’ll be knocking on your door for other investments, like the acquisition of a football team.”
“American football is not so bad.”
“Basketball is much better.”
I perk up at the mention of basketball.
“Don’t let your personal biases cloud your financial judgment,” Tony cautions his cousin.
“My brother plays basketball,” I say.
Benjamin asks about Andre, what position he plays, how long he’s been playing. I talk about Andre’s potential and the camp his coach wants him to attend. Tony listens attentively.
“His coach thinks he has a shot at a college basketball scholarship,” I explain. “Lower level division two, for sure. But if he goes to this camp,
maybe a division one school will take notice.”
“You have any footage of him playing?” Benjamin asks.
I take out my cellphone and pull up several video recordings, which I share with Benjamin.
“He’s good,” Benjamin says after viewing the videos. “Abilities on both ends of the court. He looks disciplined on the floor. You said you’re from North Carolina? I’m sure the D-1 schools in the area are familiar with him. You do live in basketball country.”
“Andre’s good, but he’s not head and shoulders above the competition for places like Duke or UNC,” I reply, “but maybe if we can get other colleges interested, a school like UNC might take a closer look at him.”
We veer into other conversations, and I’m disappointed when we’re back in the Bay Area. I liked listening to Tony and Benjamin converse, switching seamlessly between English and Chinese. I wonder what it would be like to learn Chinese.
The car pulls up in front of the house, and I look upon it with foreboding. Sierra and Eric are probably inside already.
“It was nice to meet you, Virginia,” Benjamin says after opening the door for me. “Let me know what happens with your brother. I might be able to help out. Tony can you put you in touch with me.”
“You starting a sports scholarship program?” Tony asks.
My phone rings, and I pick it up. It’s Mrs. Ruiz. But even though Benjamin has walked to the other side of the car, I can still hear him.
“You need a reason to stay out of trouble,” Benjamin is saying to Tony.
“So I can be more like you?” Tony returns flippantly.
“The family business won’t do it for you. Nor will Carmen.”
From the corners of my eyes, I see Benjamin look my way. He finishes his thought. “She might.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
“Virginia? Hello?”
I turn my attention back to my call. I don’t know what Tony’s response to his cousin is.