Waves

Part 51

"So what's happening with Ja'Marr? Is sitting out really on the table for him? Can't you talk him out of that or something?" Today was Eve's first day teaching and she was anxiously organizing her outlines for the lecture in her cramped office while she chatted with Joe on Facetime. Every day they video called twice despite their 6 hour time difference; Joe's sleep schedule had unfortunately taken the biggest hit because he insisted on talking to Eve first thing every morning.

It was why he was struggling to keep his eyes open as he watched Eve disappear next door to check the digital board for the third time to make sure it was properly talking to her laptop. "Talking about contract negotiations and how to handle them is off limits on a team. I can't talk him out of doing what he thinks is best for his money," Joe yawned. Back home in Cincinnati, Ja'Marr was embroiled in a contentious negotiation with the front office, and with mandatory mini-camp starting in less than 48 hours, the lead story on every sports show was speculation about what the star receiver would do.

"I know it's 'off limits' but is it really 'off limits' for you two? You're practically boyfriends. You might even love him more than Sam but don't tell Sam that." Eve stopped what she was doing and focused on her phone screen, resting her head in her palm. "I told him I thought he should show up. Make himself look like the good guy. He said he'd consider it."

"I'm sorry I'm not there. I know how much this crap stresses you out," Eve frowned. Smiling, Joe shifted on the bed and soon Flossy appeared; his massive flame point tail partially obscuring Joe's face as the cat got situated on his chest. "Hi my handsome man," Eve cooed, "are you being a good boy?"

"He's enjoying his newest cat tower. I got him one that's an arch and stuck it in the basement. He likes sitting on top when I'm playing Call of Duty," Joe said. "I just want to remind 2024 Joe that 2019 Joe said he was 'never going to let that ball of musty allergens sleep on the bed' and indeed, that musty ball is sleeping on your bed. Under the sheets."

"With new information comes new decision making. I didn't realize you'd adopted a cat genius. Did I tell you I'm training him how to use the toilet? We are on phase 2." Eve rolled her eyes, not wanting to ask what phase 1 had entailed. The sound of footsteps down the hall alerted her to the hired translator arriving shortly and she stood up, smoothing her hands over her skirt.

"I'm going to have to go soon. Santiago is gonna be here any second. How do I look?" Joe's eyes crinkled as he beamed. "You look like that's a lot of cleavage for Santiago but also like world renowned criminal justice illuminary Eve Wilson is about to kick ass on day 1."

Buttoning her blouse one more button, Eve slipped on her gray suit jacket and laughed. "That cleavage was for you and you only. I'm not sure I'm his preferred gender anyway, but just in case," Eve dramatically waved her arm in front of the assortment of photos she had decorated her desk with, "he is going to see the Shrine to Joe."

"I love the shrine but I also think a banner with my face on it would help in the lecture hall. Do you want me to order one?" A knock on her office door stopped her from a pithy response and instead they both rushed an 'I love you' before Santiago poked his head in the office.

Though Eve had tried to downplay him to Joe, she'd be lying if she said Santiago wasn't one of the most striking men she'd ever seen. He was taller and broader than Joe with a frame that would lend himself well to being an offensive tackle if he played in the NFL. His skin was the color of toasted hazelnuts, and dark curls framed his face like a halo. Today his sage-hued eyes were being set on fire by the impeccably tailored olive suit he was wearing.

A Lisbon educated legal advisor, Santiago was licensed just below what an attorney would be in order to represent a client in court, and he was pursuing a graduate level degree while working part time as a translator for the law school. Eve had erroneously assumed that his services had been provided to her due to the class being primarily Spanish speakers, but she was surprised to discover that all but 2 were fluent in English, and that the university had assigned Santiago to solely help her get around campus and serve as a TA.