24
BRANDON
While continuingmy personal training schedule with Ewan, I jog around Griffith Park. It also provides mental clarity by being away from the gym and breathing in the fresh air. In time, I mastered how to distract myself from the pain of running long distances, especially in Chicago’s bitterly cold conditions. Here in LA, my mind is free to wander to a time when I merely existed.
My life consisted of only playing basketball. I hit the road for endless nights, and apart from talking basketball with my teammates, I didn’t venture out. The empty hollow in my heart was the only sign I was still alive. My days were on repeat. Train, play, train, play. I taught my brain not to think of anything else. I did what I could to survive the fallout of losing my best friend, a family who cared for me when I was so far from home, andher. When I met Ewan, he helped me strengthen my physical fitness even more and worked on positive mental health. He knew something hadbroken me but didn’t ask what. Only helped me rebuild myself.
I will not go back to that life.
“You have a spring in your step,” Ewan pants out.
“Yeah?” I puff out as we climb the steep hill.
“Maybe it’s the air here.”
“That could be it.” I push harder, and he falls a few steps behind me. Lottie isn’t the only person I made a promise to. I have to be stronger and faster if I’m going to make a difference to the team.
My watch vibrates with a message from Coach Matthews.
You made the all-star team!
I slow my pace to a walk as I check other messages. “Fuck me.”
“Now what?” he groans out.
I smile at him. “It appears I made the all-star team. Byron, Leroy, and I are the only Sharks players to make it.”
“That’s going to hurt Simpson.”
With my hands on my hips, I suck in air to normalize my breathing. “Yeah. And a few others.” I walk in a circle as I consider my teammates. “It’s outta my hands, but I’m going to make themnotregret their decision.”
“Then you better keep running,” he says and takes off in front of me. Before following, I check my messages again. Charlotte would have been notified, but there is nothing from her. Even friends send a congratulations text.
Finishing the run, we drive back to my apartment, where the valet brings Ewan’s car around, and he leaves to head home. I greet the concierge and then slow down as I walk through the foyer.
Christ, it’s like I’m seeing Charlotte everywhere,imagining people are her. Only this girl looks awfully like… I stop, watching as she pushes up from the chair and smiles.
Her sexy heels click on the marble as she walks toward me. “Congratulations, BJ.” She looks me up and down. “I’d hug you, but?—”
I bear hug her, and she screams. I lift her into my arms and swing her around. She came to see me, and it means a fuck load more than making the team.
“Eww, you’re disgusting. Put me down before I smell like your sweat.” I kiss her cheek and land her feet carefully on the marble. “They wouldn’t allow me to go up to your room since I’m not on yourlist.”
“I don’t have a list.”
“Just as fucking well.”
God, I love pissed-off Charlotte.“We’ll fix it right now.” I take her hand to lead her to reception. “Johnno, please add Ms. Charlotte Hendricks to the special list who can enter my apartment at any time.”
“Sir, we?—”
I cut him off. “She’ll need her own key.”
“Really?” she questions as I lead her toward the elevator. “Will you be here that long? I thought you’d have your own house by now.”
“Jobe is still searching.” I stab at the button, wishing the elevator would arrive before Charlotte is called away on some business matter.
“Where?”
