“Well, I can tell you that Theo Williams has become a force on the court this year, commanding the team vocally and in his performance every game. He’s completely unstoppable out there.”
“You’re right about that. Theo is leading the nation in rebounds and is nominated for College Player of the Year. Our former quiet big man has become an outstanding leader. Pairing that with the sharp shooting of Carter Smith and our freshman point guard Zee Levy, the team has been entertaining to watch.”
“I couldn’t agree more, Dale.”
“I have to ask—have you spoken to Eric Moore since he left the team?”
“No, he’s been busy with his new responsibilities, but we all love and support him, as well as his family. He’s certainly missed, both as a player and a friend.”
“Speaking of friends, there’s a rumor we need to address.”
“Now, Dale, you know how I feel about gossip.” He laughs at that.
“All our female listeners out there want to know if it’s true that you are off the market, dating longtime friend Mackenzie Banks.” I’m shocked this is circulating, but not mad. I’m more than happy to publicly claim the woman of my dreams.
“I can confirm that rumor is one hundred percent true. Mackenzie and I are together and I’m off the market—permanently, if I have a say in it.”
“Well folks, the grin on Jordan’s face says it all, but he just confirmed and you heard it here first. And are congratulations in order? You’re going to be a father?” For a split second, I don’t know how to answer that. I can say no comment and ignore it, but what message does that send to Mackenzie about how I feel? No—this is my chance to set the record straight moving forward.
“I appreciate that, Dale. Yes, Mackenzie is pregnant, and we’ll have a baby joining us in the coming months.”
“Well, if they’re anything like their dad, they’ll be a phenomenal athlete. We at CTU can’t wait to have another generation of Mills join our ranks. I’ll let you get back to your seat for the second half, but thank you for taking the time tonight, Jordan. Good luck with the rest of your season and with the birth of your first child.”
“Thank you. It’s my pleasure, and Go Titans!”
Dale sends the show to commercials and we shake hands.
“When your playing days end, I’d love to have you as my partner. You’re great on the radio, Jordan.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.”
I head back to my seat, gearing up for the second half. Before the team comes back out, I get a text that makes my smile grow and peace settle in my heart.
Mack
You claimed us on the radio. I heard the whole interview. That means the world to me. I love you.
I told you, baby, you’re mine and I want the world to know it.
CTU ends up taking the win by over twenty points, sending the Titans to back-to-back Final Fours for the first time in school history. I congratulate the guys quickly and let them bask in the glory of winning.
As I walk into my penthouse, I can’t help but smile thinking about how incredible my life is. There is one loose end I need to tie up and I’m dreading it. I send a text to the one person I need to have a conversation with and pray it goes well.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-FOUR
JORDAN
The team flew into California earlier this week, and we’re spending the next couple of days preparing to play the Lakers. The road is lonely—this trip especially, because it’s a long one. I don’t like being this far away from home—or from her.
Mackenzie doesn’t know what I’m doing tonight—not because I don’t want her to know. I just don’t want her to know yet. Her blood pressure has been under control and we are officially only one week away from her due date. As much as I value complete honesty, I won’t do anything that puts her at risk. And this is something I have to do. We’ll talk about it after the baby comes.
I walk into a busy coffee shop in Los Angeles, my eyes darting around the room until they land on a familiar glare. A smug smile greets me as I walk to the table and sit across from Trey. It takes a lot of restraint to remain civil when I have so many reasons not to. With everything I know about what really went down with him and Mackenzie, I could easily ruin his reputation and career. But that’s something a lesser man might do and I have to be the best I can be for Mack and our family.
“What can I do for you, Mills?”
“That’s just it, Spencer. I want you to do nothing.”
