I nod, but deep down I know the countdown to the end of our relationship has started. I’m scared to end it, but for the first time, I’m more afraid to stay.
CHAPTER
EIGHT
JORDAN
JUNE
Today is the biggest day of my basketball career—one I’ve been dreaming of since I was five years old. As one of the top five prospects in the draft, I could be in New York City, sitting backstage. I’d be called to the stage and do the whole dance of putting on a hat and holding up a jersey with my new team while pictures are taken of me and the commissioner. That sounds like a nightmare.
Instead, I’m set up in my parents’ living room with my closest friends and family surrounding me. An ESPN crew is here, grabbing footage of everyone who came out to support. They’re doing short interviews too. I watch them talk to my dad, Coach Hart, and a few teammates, including Riggs.
When they give the cue, we take our seats. I sit between my parents, and my knees bounce with excitement. I can’t believe this is my life. My dad played in the NBA and had a Hall of Fame career. He never pushed me to follow in his footsteps, but I’ve always wanted to play basketball. I’ve lived and breathed it since I can remember.
It doesn’t take long for the first two picks to go to their future teams, but as we get to number three, Los Angeles, the clock runs longer than I expect. With a minute left for them to decide, my phone lights up with an unknown number. Nerves, excitement, and confusion flood me.
“Jordan Mills, this is Scottie Michaels, GM of the Charlotte Sting. How are you feeling today?”
“I’m doing well, sir. Just ready to know where I’m going so I can get started.”
“That’s what we like to hear, son. Listen, I know you probably were expecting a call from Los Angeles, but we traded up because we want to build our team around you. You’re the star we’ve been waiting for.”
“That means the world to me, sir. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t. Enjoy today. We’ll see you in the Queen City tomorrow. Welcome to the Sting, Jordan.”
I hang up just as the commissioner steps onto the stage. “With the third pick in the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded with the Charlotte Sting. Charlotte has selected… Jordan Mills, shooting guard from Carolina Tech University.” The house erupts and we quickly see ourselves on the TV as the ESPN film crew sends a live feed to the network studio.
I hug my mom as she cries and whispers how proud she is.
Then I embrace my father, my role model, the man I want to be, and I start to cry. “Thank you for everything, Pops.”
He responds with a squeeze, “I’m so proud of you, Jordan. You deserve it.”
My twin is blubbering, like usual, and I pick her up twirling her around to cheer her up. I know she’s relieved I’m staying close.
Riggs, Carter, Moore, and Williams pile onto me and I happily hug each of my teammates. Coach Hart congratulates me as well.
Then I see her. The girl I’ve always wanted, but could never have. One of my best friends who has been unattainable. I don’t know what comes over me, but in all the celebration and excitement, I finally give in.
I beeline over to Mackenzie, and pull her to me in a much-more-than-friendly hug. Her icy blue eyes are surprised, but when they soften, my insides ignite with desire and longing, much like I feel anytime I see her.
I whisper so no one else can hear, “It means everything that you’re here with me today.” She smiles in return and I press a kiss to her forehead for a second too long before walking away.
The next television segment grabs everyone’s attention. The announcers start speculating if Mack is my girlfriend and I freeze, not realizing that the camera guy was filming our exchange. Her phone immediately rings and I know it’s Trey. She looks down at the screen and runs out of the room without making eye contact with anyone, especially me.
Trey’s jealousy knows no bounds. He accused her of cheating with me on Thanksgiving when he was supposed to be giving her space and she finally admitted to Reagan the toxicity growing in her relationship with him. I hate that he manipulates her into staying with him. He’s always been able to sweet talk his way back into her arms, but after the rumors of his cheating, she’s starting to see the truth.
I hate to see her in pain. All I can do is be there for her—and it’s killing me.
I move to follow Mackenzie outside, but my sister grabs my arm. “Jordan, what’s going on?”
“It’s nothing. I, um, can we talk later? I have a lot of people to thank for coming over.” She nods, and I walk away to a chorus of cheers and congratulations passing them quickly and heading out the side door to the backyard to find Mack. I spot her on the phone, and like always, I’m drawn into her orbit.
That night,after everyone leaves, it’s just my sister and me sitting on our childhood home’s couch. We’ve had so many heart-to-hearts in this room and it’s only fitting that I finally share the one thing I’ve kept from my twin right here.
“Jordan, you have to talk to me. I want to know why you hugged Mackenzie like that after the biggest moment of your life?” She doesn’t look upset, just worried for me. I love that no matter what, my sister always has my back.
