“Ridiculously persuasive,” he countered, tossing me a basketball.“Fifteen feet to the free-throw line.That’s seventy-five bucks if you make it, or seventy-five if you don’t.Charity wins either way.”
I hesitated, glancing toward the court.Paxon was there of course, his blond hair catching the light, his movements effortless.He was playing an actual game with a team.
“Come on,” Toby said, lowering his voice.“Don’t let him get to you.Besides, he’s too distracted.I heard he really wants to win the prize.It’s a trophy shaped like a basketball shoe.”
I laughed despite myself.“That’s hideous.”
“Yes, but since it’s for charity you aren’t allowed to insult it.The charity shoe is untouchable and the most coveted thing here.”
I sighed and followed him toward the court section where the charity shots were taking place.Thankfully, it was a little further away from the half-court basketball game Paxon was playing.We stepped around clusters of students and parents.The buzz of energy was infectious, helping my mood.Music blasted from the loudspeakers, a mash-up of pop and classic hype songs.
“All right, Wiles,” Toby said, tossing me a ball once it was our turn.“Fifteen feet to the free-throw line.Made or missed, that’s seventy-five bucks for the kiddies.You’re incapable of losing.You get three shots.And don’t worry.I believe in you way more than is reasonable, so I know you can do it.”
I tried not to smile and failed.Shaking my head, I said, “You’re ridiculous.But I appreciate the vote of confidence.”
I adjusted my grip.The ball felt rough beneath my palms, cold from sitting by the propped up door that led outside from the gym.“Fine.I can’t believe I’m letting you talk me into shooting basketballs now.”
My first ball went wide, bouncing off the rim.The volunteer in charge rang a little bell anyway.“Seventy-five for the kids!”
“See?”Toby crowed, raising an eyebrow.“Winning already!”
I groaned, fighting a smile.“You’re impossible.”
“Try again.You’re better than that rim and you know it.”
The next one arced through the air perfectly and dropped clean through the net.
The small crowd of people waiting for their turn clapped.Someone rang the little bell at the booth.One of the volunteers called, “A swish!That’s double for the fund!”There was an electronic counter, and it went up, counting my two shots.
I was allowed to shoot one more, missing.I didn’t care.Like Toby said, I still made seventy-five dollars for the kids just by attempting it.
“You’re dangerous with a basketball,” Toby said as I handed the ball back to him.“You sure you don’t want to join the team?”
I laughed.“Only if the hoop starts handing out sheet music instead of trophies.”
Toby slung an arm around my shoulders as we left the court.“Noted.Still proud of you, candy star.”
I smiled faintly and glanced back once more.Paxon stood on the far side of the court, watching me.He didn’t say anything, didn’t wave, but for a heartbeat, his expression softened, almost like the boy I missed seeing.
Then someone called his name and the moment broke.
Bryan and Seth found us just as Toby was busy explaining how my ‘perfect free-throw form’ was clearly the result of years of secret athletic training.
“Secret training, huh?”Bryan asked.“You shoot three basketballs and we’re suddenly rewriting your college major?”
Toby spread his arms.“She’s a prodigy.Look at her.”
I rolled my eyes, fighting a grin.“Don’t encourage him.I think he ate half a dozen cupcakes before I even got here.”
Toby’s grin in response to what I said verified that he’d definitely had a lot of sugar.
“Encourage Toby?Never.”Bryan’s smile gave him away.He had that casual, composed look that made it easy to forget how much chaos he liked stirring when he felt like it.Today, he was dressed comfortably in a soft grey hoodie and jeans.“My parents already did their good deed for the day,” he added.“They wrote a couple of checks and bailed after the opening ceremony.I figured I’d hang out and actually enjoy the event.”
“Good call,” Seth said, walking up with his yellow Volunteer shirt tucked into his jeans and a referee whistle hanging around his neck.His sleeves were pushed up, and the sunlight caught the curve of his arm as he tipped a cup of coffee toward his lips.“At least one Stokes Foundation donor had the decency to stay.”
Bryan mock-saluted him.“Someone’s gotta keep your refereeing honest.”
Seth grinned.“You wouldn’t dare.”
