“Would they do that before the season’s over?” Surely, they won’t be that cruel. The Warriors are on a winning streak. Isn’t there some way,anyway, Jabari can be of use?
“I hope not. I have a guarantee clause, so I’ll still get paid. But honestly, I’m a little worried about what happens after I retire. There’s no doubt it’s coming.”
“Jabari...” The lump in my throat is too big for me to utter any other words.
“Thanks for being here, Val. I’m glad I don’t have to process all this alone.”
I wipe the tear that escapes from my eye. “Of course. I’m glad I could be here for you.” And I really am. Because at this moment in time, I know deep down in my heart that I want to walk the valley with Jabari. I can’t leave him to flounder alone on his own devices. It’s not like he’ll go running to his mom with this information. And how my heart hurts for her when she does learn the full extent of his health.
The poor man doesn’t even have Jesus to lean on. I’ll never understand how people face tragedy without faith to ground them, but I’m more than willing to be that support for Jabari.
Lord God,please helphim find You. He needs You desperately. Help me bea friend. Help me be supportive. Whatever it is Youask for me in his trial,give me a heartthat will say yes.
11
Jabari
Val and I stand outside the diner getting ready to say good-bye. At least, that’s what I’m supposed to be doing, but I can’t find the words. Knowing I’m about to face all the coaches and tell them the bad news has my stomach in knots.
“Val?”
“Yes?”
“Are you busy this afternoon?”
I hear the sound of her shifting feet. “What are you thinking?”
I run a hand across my chin, gathering the right words ... and maybe even a little bit of courage. “I need to go meet with the coaches.”
“Where’s your driver?”
I blink. “At lunch. I told him I’d text when I needed to be picked up.” Turns out it is cheaper to hire a driver than spend tons on rideshares. Luke is now my personal driver.
“Do you need a ride? I’m happy to take you to the arena, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Wait, she thinks I want her to be my chauffeur? A bark of laughter falls from my lips. “No, I don’t want you to drive me around. I was actually hoping you might come with me to the meeting.”
Silence greets my ears, and my nerves mount. She hates the idea,doesn’t she? Is she searching for a way to shoot me down?Ordoes she want to come but is worried Jackie will find out?
Doh!I should smack myself in the forehead Homer Simpson style. “Never mind, Val. I know you haven’t spoken to Jackie about our friendship.” And for the first time, guilt fills me.
What kind of pressure is our relationship causing Val? The Elliott sisters were really close. Surely that hasn’t changed over the past ten years.
“I haven’t told her we’re friends, but maybe I should.”
My brows raise. “Will that go over well?”
“No.” She huffs out a laugh, but there’s no humor in the sound. “She almost went apoplectic when she found out I went out on a blind date with you.”
“You told her we went out?”
She sighs. “I may have hedged a bit and just said we were set up. I didn’t tell either of my sisters that I stayed and enjoyed a nice dinner with you or that I gave you my number. And I may have also agreed to never talk to you again.”
“Why does she hate me? I don’t understand.”
Val hums as if thinking. I angle my head to see her a little bit better, but all I see is dark hair and a hand shifting through it. Whatever’s going on in her head, I’ll be patient. The silence doesn’t bother me.
“Since we’ve been talking, I’ve begun to wonder if she didn’t give me the whole truth. Honestly, I haven’t wanted to dredge up the past with either of you. It’s not really my business.”
