Chapter 128: In New York City Again
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~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
~~~(Date: June 22nd, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Mandarin Oriental, Manhatten, New York)~~~
~~~(Time: 9:24 AM)~~~
The NBA Draft is tomorrow, and we got here last night. All three of us are staying in the penthouse for the Mandarin Oriental. I'm the only one up right now, the reason being the east coast is three hours ahead compared to Oregon.
Back in my home state, it's around 6:30 AM. Hannah and Ellie wouldn't be up yet. Not on a weekend. So it's just me, watching TV in the massive living room.
"It's weird to think this is the standard of living I'll have soon..."
A part of me doesn't know what to do with the richest rookie contract in the history of the NBA. Still, it's not over 30 million. But it's close. That's a lot of money for someone who wouldn't have more than 20 dollars to their name at a given time.
One thing I do know is I'll be buying a home and spoiling both Hannah and Ellie. More Ellie since she's done so much for me.
"Ever since we graduated high school, my sleep schedule has been falling into absolute shit..."
Hannah stumbles out of the hallway from our room and makes her way to me. Her body plops down next to me, and she lets out a long yawn. I can see the sleep still in her eyes.
"To be fair, I think that happens to everyone. Being free from the confines of school is one of the best things ever. And that freedom is to catch up on sleep we missed all these years."
If you really think about it. The only 24-hour break you have from school is the weekends and holidays. Statistically speaking, you spend more time in school than any other activity in your life at that point.
It makes sense major adjustments are needed when you're free from it. But Hannah isn't truly free. She'll be going to New York State this Fall.
"What about you? The NBA schedule is nothing you've ever had before. Do you think you can handle it?"
There is a teasing edge in her voice, and I know that she's trying to distract me from the current events in her life.
"The NBA schedule is tough, but it's not like I can't handle it. I'm confident in my endurance, and I know that I'll be the main target of all defenses in the league. They'll be trying to gas me all game, but it won't work."
That's due to my Endless Energy Badge. I won't run out of gas when I'm playing basketball. It's going to be hell for the people guarding me. They're the ones that'll be gassed by the end of it.
"But don't try to divert the conversation. I want to know what you're thinking about The Fall semester coming up for New York State. The gymnastics department is excited to have you, I heard."
I don't have to pay for her to go. She has a standing offer from New York State University. Her smile grows larger as she tries not to think about it.
Most boyfriends would be worried about their girlfriends going off to college and vice versa. But I'm not. Hannah is a loyal girlfriend, and if she did cheat on me. I'd know pretty fast. Her being my girlfriend is public knowledge in the athletic community.
And as harsh as it sounds, I'd leave her. No matter how much I love her, I'll not be with a cheater. I should tell her this.
"I don't like talking about NYU... That's a few months from now, and I'm wanting to spend time with you..."
Her voice is cute and has tiredness in it. But I have to bring it up, even if I don't want to.
"I have to talk to you about something serious."
I turn off the TV, and she looks at me with concern in her eyes.
"We'll be apart a lot coming up, and there will be times you're approached by other guys. I want you to know that if you cheat on me, it's over. And I want you to hold me to the same standard. It's only responsible for us to do this."
This isn't an insulting conversation.
I want Hannah to hold me to the same standard I'm holding her at. I can tell my words hurt her, but she nods her head.
"I'd be lying if I said other women approaching you didn't bother the shit out of me... The possibility of you cheating in the future has come across too... So I'll keep the same standards as you. It sucks that we have to talk about this, but we're being mature by doing so."
I'm glad. We're being adults in a mature relationship by talking about this.
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