“How is everything? How is basketball?”
“Is that really what you called for?”
Typical teenager. So much fucking sass, but the banter made me feel alive again. “Of course. If I wanted to check on your mom, I’d have called Jodie. Now. Tell me about basketball. Have you perfected your 3-pointer? Think you’re ready for the game tonight?”
Grant scrunched up his face, deciding whether or not I was bullshitting him. I wasn’t. Fourteen was a tough age. It was when you started high school and figured out how hot girls were. I remembered those days. And I didn’t want Grant to think he didn’t have anyone to talk to. I wanted to be there for him when his piece of shit dad couldn’t.
“It’s been good. Mom won’t be able to make it, obviously. But hopefully, she can come to one game before the season is over. Parent night is in two weeks, but I doubt she’ll feel better by then.”
I wouldn’t let him be alone on parent night. Not when theother team members would be surrounded by their family. I mentally checked my calendar, already canceling anything on it. I had no clue what I had for breakfast, much less what I was doing in two weeks, but I’d make it work.
I made another note to be there for more games before the season ended. And what was Maylee into these days? Ballet? Cheerleading? I’d need to show my support for her, too.
“And that shot?”
“Oh, yeah. I think I have the best 3-pointer on the junior varsity.”
“That’s great, Grant. I can’t wait to see it in action.”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about coming to watch me play. I know you’re busy. Everyone has things they have to do.”
“I might not make every game. But I’ll be there for as many as I can. I promise.
“Thanks, Uncle Damien.”
“So, have your eye on any cute cheerleaders? Isn’t it about time for you to find a girlfriend?” A light shade of red crossed his cheeks, and I grinned. “Tell me about her.”
Grant glanced away from the phone. “Well… there isn’t much to tell. Her name is Savannah. She’s a cheerleader, and really popular. I don’t think I’m even on her radar. But I swear, she looked at me during our last practice.”
I held in the amusement that bubbled up. Oh, to be young and distraught over a girl simply looking at you again.
“At least she can watch you at the games. Who knows, maybe you can ask her out at the end of the season.”
“The cheerleaders don’t cheer at every game, only our home games. The rest of the time, they practice for their competitions.”
“So, do we need to crash one of these competitions? I’ll go with you, be your wingman.”
Grant laughed. “No. Only the guys who date the cheerleaders go to the competitions. Anyone else is just creepy.”
“Who knew things from high school would change so much?”
“It’s because you’re old. I’ve been telling you this.”
“I am not old. At least notthatold. You should see the stuff I have to do on stage. It’s like a damn acrobatics routine.”
“I’ve been to one of your shows. You don’t do anything crazy.”
“You’re fourteen. You don’t know everything.”
“I know enough.”
“Geez, you’re stubborn.”
“Must be something in the blood.”
I barked out a laugh. “Whatever, go get ready for your game. And good luck. Don’t worry, you’ll kick ass tonight.”
“Thanks, Uncle Damien.”
