Elements of Us /// Jimmy Butler

Chapter 19

Disclaimer: I ONLY own the plot and characters that I have created. I don't own anything related to the Bulls, thank you.

She woke up the next morning with nerves she didn't realize she had, she ignored her missed calls from Jimmy and immediately dialed Matthew, the directors, phone number.

Ring...Ring...Ring

"Hello, Allison?" The deep voice on the other end questioned.

"Hey, Matthew," She began, pacing in her kitchen, "Could I stop in to talk to you today about something pretty crucial in regards to my contract?" She managed to ask.

"Um..." The hesitation on the other line really wasn't a good sign, "I am available at twelve, but can I ask what this is specifically about?"

"Okay yeah I can do noon," She breathed, "Um, I don't really wanna just say it over the phone, but I think something needs to be...done."

"Well," She heard Matthew sigh, "Alright, I'll see you at twelve then."

She hung up and her heart starting racing; now everything was real.

Knock Knock

Oh god. She really didn't have time to deal with anyone right now; she needed to plan out what she was going to say to Matthew and the board. But, she quickly swung open the door.

"Hey." Jimmy greeted, standing in front of her with his hands in his pockets, "Can we talk?" He asked with an apologetic smile.

"Sure," She shrugged and opened the door wider for him to come inside.

"Look, baby, I'm sorry." He sighed, "I shouldn't have said ..."

"Look, it doesn't matter," Allison cut him off, "You were right." She admitted

"What do you mean?"

"I mean..." She sat down, "That I called Matthew and I have a meeting with him and the board over my contract at noon."

"Wait, what?" He said, suddenly registering what she was saying, "No, no, no I don't want you to get fired or whatever, I'm sorry. You don't have to do this."

"Jimmy, its fine." She breathed, "It's done, I'm gonna go and talk to them." She began, "I wanna be with you, I don't want a stupid piece of paper to stop me, even if it costs me my job."

"Look," Jimmy started, "I don't wanna make you do somethin' you don't wanna do, I don't wanna make you lose your job, I just...you don't have to do this."

"Yes I do."

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"Alright, Allison," Matthew stated readjusting his tie as he was seated at the large conference table, "Let's hear it."

"Okay," She said, taking a deep breath, "Look, the reason I asked you all to meet was because recently I've developed some feelings that are against 'the terms' of my contract."

"Let me stop you right there, Allison," Matthew began, "You're trying to tell us that you are, or plan on seeing one of the players?"

"Um, well...yes." She nodded. She was sweating she could feel herself becoming increasingly more uncomfortable, it was like they were taking hours to respond when in reality it was only seconds.

"Look," The boards lawyer interjected, "The reason the board put in place this policy was so that if you got involved in a relationship that ended badly, you wouldn't leave the team."

"Huh?" Allison asked, confused.

"Allison, to be completely honest with you," Matthew said, "We were very shocked you were interested in working with us, we didn't want you to go. Frankly, we are very lucky to have you. We put this policy in place so you couldn't really leave us, but there is an alternative."

"And that being?" She inquired

"You would have to sign a separate contract stating that you will fulfill your duties and remain under contract even if this relationship fails."

She took a deep breath; this was for Jimmy, she could do this.

"Alright, I can do that."

"Great, we'll get the papers."

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"Hey!" Jimmy said, as Allison, unexpectedly showed up at him door after her meeting, "How'd it go?"

"It's okay." She beamed, "I'm not fired."

"Seriously?" He smiled back at her as she came inside, "What'd they say?"

"They just had be sign this other separate contract, it was really no big deal."

"What kind of separate contract?" He asked

"Oh my god, J, does it really matter right now?" She laughed, "Juts kiss me already."

He just chuckled and pressed his lips to hers. It was something so simple, that made her feel so happy.

"Whoa, okay, okay." Taj said, suddenly coming out of another room, shielding his eyes with his hand. Allison hadn't even spotted his car when she got here, she was just so eager to see Jimmy, "I knew y'all liked each other but damn, there are other people in this house, I don't wanna see anybody naked...actually." He snickered

"Enough of your garbage, get out of here this isn't your house." Jimmy shook his head, shooting Taj a glare.

"Nah," he stated, "I'm not leaving until I hear the full story."

Finally, Jimmy and Allison gave in and exaplined to Taj everything that happened, well...almost everything.

"That's crazy," Taj said, "You know I knew Jimmy had a thing for you, for a loooooong time." He laughed

"Okay, that's enough, crazy." Jimmy jeered.

"We all gotta go out tonight!" Taj beamed, "To celebrate!"

"Yeah?" Allison questioned

"Yup." He nodded, "C'mon it'll be fun, what do you say?"

"Why not."

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They decided they were going to all go to one of their favorite places and celebrate together, and Allison always seemed to be the first one ready.

"Hello?" she asked, knocking on the door, "Are you guys ready yet?"

Finally, Jimmy swung open the door, looking ready for a night out.

"Damn, you look hot." He smiled at her as she giggled at him.

"Stop, we need to go."

"Taj!"

"Right here, and ready to third wheel." He smiled, resulting in a fit of laughter. They were meeting all of their friends, and Allison actually felt so at ease being able to be with her boyfriend and her friends at the same time.

They'd been out for a few hours now,  Allison was out drinking and having a good time with all of her friends, Kelly and Jack were there, Joakim and the rest of the guys from the team; everyone was having fun.

"You know, I like it a lot better that we don't have to be a secret anymore." Allison said to Jimmy over the loud background noise.

"Me too," He smiled widely at her, "me too, baby." He replied giving her a quick peck on the lips.

"Hey, I don't know who usually hangs out here but I saw that crazy guy from the dinner creepin' over there." Joakim said to Allison, pointing in the direction of who she could only assume was Connor.

"What'd you say?" Jimmy asked, "I couldn't hear you?"

"Alright, thanks Jo." She yelled over the music, making her way towards where he pointed.

"Connor?" Allison called.

"Oh, hey baby," The person she wanted no connection with responded, "how you doing tonight?"