Free The Ex Files by Victoria Christopher Murray

thwarted by a woman who had played off the court.
    “She’s moving to Los Angeles?”
    Noon nodded. “What did you expect? One of two things was going to happen once Bobby retired. Either she was going to move here or he was going to go home.”
    “His home is here.”
    “Obviously, he agrees. But he wants to make his home with her.”
    Asia glared. “You’re supposed to be my friend.”
    “Friends tell friends the truth.” She sipped her wine.
    “I don’t understand.” Asia shook her head. “I’m the one who’s been here with Bobby all these years. For God’s sake, I have his child.”
    “And how many other women have the same story? Asia, we’re just two little girls from Compton who are fooling around with men who are players—on and off the court. These guys are professional—on and off the court. They make their choice of wives and then there’s…us. It’s part of the game. All we can hope for is a good time and then, when the game ends, we should take our departure gift and go.”
    Asia shook her head. Noon had talked this nonsense for years, but she wasn’t like all the other girls Noon was referring too. She wasn’t even like Noon. She wasn’t a groupie. Being with an NBA player had been part of her well-thought-out plan. She’d studied hard, could have earned a degree in NBA Playerology. But it was the ring she wanted. And the right to sign her checks Mrs. Bobby Johnson.
    “Listen to me.” Asia placed her arms on the table. “Bobby is going to change his mind and marry me.”
    Noon’s chuckle sounded as if she felt sorry for her friend.
    Asia said, “I’m going to fight for my man.”
    “He’s not your man. He has a wife and you don’t want to mess with her.”
    Asia raised her eyebrows. “You think I’m scared? I’ve had her husband anytime I’ve wanted him for ten years. She doesn’t want to mess with me.”
    Noon shook her head as if Asia didn’t get it. “Well, if you don’t care about her, care about Bobby. He’s a good man.”
    “Good men take care of their responsibilities.”
    “He’s doing that,” Noon said, raising her voice a bit. “He just doesn’t see his responsibility as marrying you.” She sighed. “Take whatever money he’s offering you and go.”
    It was clear their years of friendship did not make Noon an ally now. Asia grabbed her wallet and slipped out her credit card. “Where’s our waiter?”
    “No! I got this.”
    Heat rose beneath Asia’s skin. Obviously more had changed than she’d imagined. She and Noon lunched together often and they traded the bill. One time she’d pay, the next time Noon would. Neither kept score; their funds were almost unlimited.
    But today Noon’s offer sounded as if she was concerned about her friend’s future finances. Sounded as if she still had her hand in Marcus’s wallet, but she wasn’t sure how much longer Asia would have access to Bobby’s money.
    Asia tucked her credit card away. “I’ll get you next time.” She stood, spread her lips into a phony smile. “I’ve got another appointment.”
    Noon nodded, accepting the lie, relieved at not having to be seen any longer with Bobby Johnson’s ex.
    Asia air-kissed Noon’s cheek and then sashayed away as if she had no cares. But as she waited at the valet stand, she couldn’t get Noon’s words out of her mind.
    Take whatever money he’s offering… .
    That was Noon’s modus operandi, not hers. In the years she’d been with Bobby, Noon hadn’t had a relationship that lasted more than two years. And her nine-month relationship with Marcus Barr was obviously on shaky ground.
    Take whatever money he’s offering and go .
    Cash, gifts—that was Noon’s idea of the prize. But Asia’s view was long term, permanent. Until four days ago, she had it. And now she was going to get it back.
    Her confidence was strong when she slid into her car. Bobby’s wife was a minor inconvenience; she’d get rid of her. She had plenty of options to handle this