“He better not get hurt,” she repeated, making me laugh.
Cameron looked in our direction, waving at Harper once he spotted her. I could tell when he noticed me because his face lit up even more. I had to admit that felt good. I looked forward to getting even closer to him. I didn’t know about Harper, but I could already see improvement in Cameron’s behavior.
“Doctor JoJo, you came!” he shouted as he jogged over to us.
“I did. I thought I would come by and see your first practice.”
“Doctor Jase said he’s the best when it comes to basketball, not you.”
“He knows I’m rusty right now, so I won’t argue with that.”
My brothers and I played basketball every other weekend if we were in the area. I was nowhere near as competitive as Jameer and Jase, but I could still hold my own. Jase clapped his hands, calling all the kids over to him. Cameron turned to run away but paused before taking off.
“Are you staying, or you just came because you like my mama?” Cameron asked me.
I laughed, flashing Harper a look before giving him an honest answer. Her mouth hung open, and her eyes were glued to her son.
“I like your mom, but I came to watch you practice because I like you too. You’re a cool kid, and you like nerd stuff just like me.”
“Good. I want you and Doctor Jase to both see that I can shoot hoops.”
“I look forward to seeing your skills,” I told him before he ran off to join the huddle.
“You know you didn’t have to come, JoJo.”
“I realize that, but I wanted to. I told you. I’m not trying to be his father. I just understand that the two of you are a package deal. If it’s too much?—”
“It’s not. I’m just adjusting to having someone other than Kendrick around him I guess.”
“I get that, which is why I don’t mind taking things slow. I just need you to know I’m not going anywhere.”
“Thank you for always being so patient, Jordy. I’m not gon’ lie. I expected things to be so weird.”
For a while, we focused on the kids and the coaches going through the drills. I was always surprised at how good some of the kids were. Cameron wasn’t the best out there, but he seemed to catch on quickly. Hopefully, things would continue to get better for him.
“He seems to be doing a lot better.”
“He definitely seems much happier lately.”
“That’s because you’re doing an amazing job with him, Harper. I always knew you would be a great mother.”
“You definitely said it.”
“You still owe me two sons. Technically, we already have Cam, so you’re still on the books for one more.”
She burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her hands when we gathered the attention of a few people in the room. “I’m pretty sure that contract is null and void.”
“I happen to have it in my possession, and it is, in fact, still good.”
“I’m still processing last night, JoJo. Just because we had sex doesn’t mean we’re jumping right back into the past and picking up where we left off.”
“It should.”
“But it doesn’t, Jordy.”
“I’m not going to rush you, Harper, but like I said, I’m not going anywhere. I know I can earn your trust.”
“All I need from you is consistency, Jordy. Give me time to make the best decision for me and Cam.”
