A little girl puts up her hand. “My mommy says you’re her boyfriend. Are you?” I glance over at Ewan, who is wearing a smirk as wide as his face.
What do I say to this little girl without getting myself into trouble? “Say hello to your mommy and tell her to keep watching the LA Sharks play basketball. I appreciate her support.”
“Okay,” Jeremy calls out. “Who wants to see Mr. Johns do a reverse dunk?”
The kids scream with joy as I pull my sweater over my head.
Impressing my littlest fans without a camera in sight is one of my favorite moments as a professional baller.
25
CHARLOTTE
As I walkthrough the front door of my parents’ home, the aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin spice fills my senses.
I head straight into the kitchen, where the magic is being created.
Lola is stacking dishes on the serving cart, and she turns to look at me. “Charlotte. What a nice surprise.” I hug the lady who has cared for us for as long as I can remember. “Your mother and Byron are on the patio. You should join them.”
“What is Sergio cooking?”
“Not food. Pumpkin spice latte and a chai tea at Byron’s request.”
He has a game in a matter of hours, so I’m surprised he’s here. I head outside, and my mother smiles as soon as she sees me. I go to her and hug her before hugging Byron. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
He looks at Mom. “Our sitter is unwell, so Mom offeredto have Leo as Gigi is working on some commissions at the studio. I’m surprised you’re not at the pregame function since Dad, Franklin, and Jobe are already there.”
“I’ll be leaving soon. Thought I’d call in and see Mom after she texted she wasn’t going to the game.” The reality is that pleasing corporate snobs will undo my happy mood, so I decided not to go.
Lola appears with the cart, and Mom immediately stands. “Thank you, Lola. We can serve ourselves.”
“Where is Leo?”
“Upstairs, sleeping for now.” Mom smiles. “You look different, darling. Happier.”
Out of the corner of my eye, Byron turns to look at me. I don’t meet his gaze because Mom is right. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and while I feel like I’m floating on a cloud of bliss, it’s too early to say anything or trust fate.
“Everything has run smoothly this morning. No emails I need to act on or magically fix before the game in a couple of hours. So, I am happy.” I look at my brother, who has a curious look on his face as he pours a chai tea while Mom drinks her pumpkin spice. “Chai tea? Since when has that been part of your pre-game meal?”
“Since the past three weeks. I’m trying something new.”
“Is your nutritionist okay with it?”
He frowns at me. “I’m okay with it. It works so…”
“Well, I’ll find out soon enough, right?”
He grins and pulls out the chair beside him. “Take a seat, sis.”
I do so, then look around my parents’ poolside garden. The garden is pretty even at this time of year. “This is new.” I point to a colorful nearby garden bed.
“It is. The violas and pansies brighten the space near the vines.” She smiles proudly.
“It’s always been relaxing sitting out here,” Byron adds.
“Not when you invited all your friends around,” I remark.
“You’re now at an age to enjoy the simpler things.” Mom looks lovingly at Byron. “How is your edible garden coming along?”
