“Okay, fine. Middle name, final offer.”
I hold in my laughter at his earnest expression.
“What’s your middle name, Raimo?” Jabari huffs. He’s clearly humoring the goalie.
“Leo.”
“Is that why you have a lion tattoo?” Jabari asks.
“Yes.” Raimo beams. “Steff calls me her little Leo.”
Jabari fakes like he’s going to be sick. “Too much info. I’m not naming any kids Leo.”
“All right guys, let’s head to the bus. You shouldn’t be loitering in the hall,” their coach yells.
I snicker. “Y’all in trouble.”
“Not me,” Jabari says, smoothing a hand down his tie. “I’m taking the car ... with you.” He winks.
My insides melt at the expression. I’m so glad we didn’t keep our relationship a secret once I decided to date him. I couldn’t bear having to hide him from my family. As it is, we need a do-over lunch. They didn’t get to meet the Jabari I know, and I desperately want my family to love him, because I do.
I freeze.
“You okay?” Jabari peers down at me.
The emotion clogging my throat has me muted, so I hum and squeeze his hand. We keep walking, but my mind is spinning out of control.
How did I fall in love with him so quickly?
Is it really so fast? You denied your feelings forthe longest time.
True. Who wants to be in love with their sister’s ex-boyfriend? Jabari was completely unexpected. I’m not sure if the friendly emotions were the beginning, but they certainly aren’t the end. Myfeelings went from enjoying a friendship where I can be myself to every beat of my heart focusing on him.
Jabari holds the door open for me, and after sliding into his seat, he tugs on my hand.
“What?” I ask.
“Why is there space between us?”
This man!I slide into the middle of the seat. “Is this better?”
“Much.” He puts an arm around my shoulder, and I lean against him.
If this is how we travel the rest of our lives, I’m all for it. There’s nothing better than being held in his arms and just existing. I didn’t realize how antsy I constantly am until Jabari offered me moments to slow down and be by his side.
“Thank you for arranging the seats for today. I know my request was last minute.”
“I would do anything for you, Val.”
My heart skips a beat, then a thought pushes me out of the love haze. I sit up and stare at him. “You didn’t tell me how your appointment went. Only that the meds kicked in and you needed sleep.”
“Which I did. If you remember,youwoke me up.”
Is he evading the question? Did he get bad news? “Jabari, what did the doc say?”
“Said my CT looked good. They aren’t sure why I’m having the headaches. Could just be residual effects of the concussion.”
“No tumor? Nothing?” I stare into his eyes. Something feels off, but I’m not sure what.
