I chuckle. “You know he’s not playing.”
“Maybe if he knows you’re coming, he’ll sit with you.”
That’s actually a great idea. Will Jabari be willing to do that? Better question, Will there even be a seat for me at the game?
“Do it. Call him and say you’re coming back up there.”
I glance at my watch. “It’s late. He might be out with the guys.” So I compose a voice text.
“Hey, it’s me. Just wanted to let you know I’m coming back to Jersey as soon as I get on a train.” A short laugh escapes me at the rashness. “Any possible way you can get me a seat to the next game? Even better if you’re able to sit with me. Let me know.”
“Atta girl.” Fran wraps an arm around me, and I lean my head against her.
My thoughts turn to Jackie and the anger on Isaac’s face.
Lord God,please bewith Jackie. Help her patch up her relationship with Isaac.I bite my lip.And maybe even help her trulybe okay with my relationship with Jabari. I think Ican love him,Lord.
My brain stops on that thought as I realize how true it is. Before I fall headfirst, I need other elements to fall in line first.
Take it slow,Val. Don’t forget.
33
Jabari
The next morning I wake up and immediately check to see if I have any messages from Val. A slow grin takes over my entire face as I listen to Val’s voice.She’scomingtoJersey!I quickly dictate an email to ourcommunity relationsdepartment, asking if they have seats available for Val in our box or if I have to find two other seats elsewhere. Hopefully, the guys won’t say anything about me sitting with her.
Before I can call her, my phone rings. “Hello?”
“Hi, Jabari, it’s Morgan.”
“Hey, how are you?”
“Good. We have a last-minute request for you to meet with a potential donor. And I just heard that you requested an additional seat for tomorrow’s game.”
“I did.” I run my hand through my hair. “Do you have any space in the box seats?” When will that not feel like a kick in the gut?
“We do, but I’d rather put you, your guest, and the donor in one of our team suites. You’ll be able to enjoy the game with Ms. Elliot and schmooze a little too.”
Disappointment churns inside. The last thing I want is someone encroaching on my time with Val, but this new position deserves my all. And it might be my only path forward.
“Okay, I can do that.”
“Great,” Morgan says cheerily. “I’ll send over the details, so you have time to understand this donor’s background.”
From studying hockey plays to spreadsheets, life has taken a dark turn.Be grateful.Because I should be, but I’m not.Why not?
I hang up and call Val.
“Hey,” she says breathlessly. “I was just about to dial your number.”
“Are you here already?”
“I am.”
Yes!“Where are you staying?”
She rattles off the hotel name.
