I swallow hard, trying to keep the tears at bay. It feels like that’s all I’ve been doing lately, and crying isn’t something I do easily.
“You really feel unseen?” Jabari asks softly.
“Yeah...” My heart aches just remembering all the times my family ignored me—intentional or not. I’ve faded so far into thebackground I don’t remember how long I’ve been here. I can’t even distinguish between myself and the pattern on the wall.
Jabari’s hand slides up my arm until he’s cupping the side of my face. “I may not see every detail, but one thing I have always seen is you. Your goodness shines through. You support your family in selfless ways, and they would fall apart if not for you. You are the glue, Val Elliott. Don’t ever doubt your importance or worth.”
Well, he did it. A tear slides down my face and stops at his thumb. “Jabari...”
He closes his eyes and presses his forehead gently against mine. I sigh at the touch, at the depth of feelings coursing through me. This man...
“I told myself I wouldn’t rush you, but I’ve gotta tell you, Val, I would be the luckiest man if I could show you how much I value you. As a friend, as a...”
I gulp, reaching for courage. “As a girlfriend?”
“For starters.”
Can a heart grow three sizes just from hearing the wordsfor starters? I might be living proof.
Reaching for what I want, I say, “You know it’s kind of hard to be your girlfriend if you don’t take me on a date.”
He pulls back, surprise coloring his face. I want to trace the path down his thick eyebrows to the bridge of his nose and to his full lips.
Val,take a breath.Right. Kisses can wait. I need a date first.
“Val Elliott?”
“Yes?” I bite my lip as anticipation fills me.
“Will you go out with me?”
“I’d love to.”
Jabari’s face matches my sappy expression. My heart’s so full it could burst.
But then his face falls into the most crestfallen shape, and my breath hitches in my throat. How can he regret asking me out that fast?
“What?” I rasp.
“I’m going out of town. We’re about to do three away games. I can’t wait that long to take you out.”
A forced chuckle flees my strangled throat. “Oh my goodness, I thought you were about to change your mind.”
“Never.” He cocks his head. “We’re playing New York in two days.”
“I’ll be watching.” Even though he’ll be up in a box seat, I might still be able to catch glimpses of him throughout the game.
“No.” He shakes his head. “I have a better idea. How ’bout you come with me?”
My mouth dries. “To New York?” What would my family say if they knew?
Does it matter? They’renotin this relationship.If Jabari and I are going to be together, then I need to keep my family out of my business until they’re willing to accept Jabari Hall is who I want.
“Yes. I’ll fly you up so we can have dinner in the city.”
I’ve been to New York but never for a date. And if I’m honest, I don’t want to wait until Jabari is back from his series of away games either.
“You don’t have to fly me up. I can take the train.”
