The Private Jet And Philadelphia (Page 193)

~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

~~~(Date: October 25th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Team Bus, Milwaukee, Wisconsin)~~~

~~~(Time: 9:45 PM)~~~

We've got another road game the day after tomorrow, and we're heading to Philadelphia. The 76ers have a decent team with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. They were a team that once competed for a title in the playoffs.

Now, they finish most seasons around 4th or 5th seed. Exiting the playoffs early. The closest Phila got in the Joel Embiid era was in 2023. That was three years ago. He's an MVP-level player. But so is Giannis, and I beat him today.

I consider Giannis better than Joel, but an argument can be made that I'm wrong. Everyone on the bus is tired and looking forward to getting some rest on the jet.

I've been texting Ellie and Hannah since the interviews ended. I miss them both, but this comes with the job. Not that I can really complain about it. I'm making millions of dollars with the richest rookie contract in history.

It takes around 15 minutes, but we're eventually on the plane and taking off. The sight of Milwaukee below us makes me glad that our battle with the Bucks is done. We've got three more meetings with them this season since we're in the same conference.

It's not long before my eyes are closed. I enter the simulation space that's provided by the system. I can train here while my body and mind take a break. This is where I can get a lot of training while on the road.

~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~

~~~(October 26th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Apartment, New York)~~~

~~~(Time: 8:07 AM)~~~

My internal clock tells me it's time to get up. Ulysses should be in Philadelphia now. They've got a day of rest before game day. The sudden need to use the bathroom wakes me completely, and I rush to the bathroom.

After finishing my business in the bathroom, I make my way to the kitchen and start making breakfast. Hannah will get up soon, and I'm thankful she's here.

I don't know what I'd do if I had no one to share this penthouse with while Ulysses was away. A few minutes pass, and someone's footsteps start coming down from the second floor. Hannah appears and sits at the kitchen table.

Hannah's hair is a mess and morning crust surrounds her eyes.

"Tough night?"

A girl can only wake up that way for one reason.

"Yeah... I miss him so much... It's hard to sleep alone in that huge bed..."

Hearing that only reinforces the fact I need to find a boyfriend. I've been alone since Ulysses lost his parents... Since I lost my only real family in them... Now that he's a man and takes care of himself, it's time I stepped away.

Hannah has classes and practice today at NYU. Her first competition meet is an off day for Ulysses during a stretch of home games. He's already promised to be there. I just hope he can deliver on that promise.

"Don't worry. It'll only be around a little over a week before he returns to New York. This stretch of road games will go by faster than you think."

All she does is nod her head as she stares at the table.

~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

~~~(Date: October 26th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)~~~

~~~(Time: 12:13 PM)~~~

"Tomorrow's game between Embiid and UK is one of the more anticipated early season matchups. The Knicks and UK are looking on fire with their win over the championship contenders in the Bucks."

The networks are already talking up tomorrow's games. Most of what's being said is what you'd generally hear when two big names are about to go at it. We've got an undefeated record at 3-0.

I'm looking to extend that to 4-0. I know there isn't a way to win every single game in the season. But I want to win as many as possible.

I want to be the first team in the NBA with a guaranteed spot in the playoffs.

"Stephen A. Smith will be in attendance for the game tomorrow night."

I can't help raising my eyebrow a little. It's a bit strange to hear something like that. Someone who's normally on talk shows is rarely at a regular season game. It's not unheard of, but it's definitely out of the blue.

I'm betting they're hoping for interviews with the Superstars before and after the game. The media is so annoying.