We walk together, enjoying the April day.
“Why is it never this relaxing at home?”Mari sighs.
“You’re always in a hurry to get places.It’s easy to forget half the fun is getting there.”
When we return to our flat, I send a text to Clay.It’s afternoon, which means morning there.
He calls immediately.
“How was the game?”I ask.
“Tough.Kyle’s been out three straight.I almost miss the prick.”
“You’re two and three.Another win and you’re back on even ground.”
“And a loss will send us out of the playoffs.”
Neither of us has to say what he’s thinking: that he might not have many more years of doing what he loves.
I pace out to the small living room and reach into Emily’s playpen.She grabs my finger in her chubby fist.
“How’s your trip?”Clay asks.
“Great.Mari and I are spending lots of time together with Emily.”I smile at Emily, but my mind is on Clay.“I wish I could help.”
“We need an extra fifteen points off the bench.Been working on your jump shot?”
“Dammit, knew I forgot something.You have practice?”
“Yeah, starting soon.We have to get it together for tomorrow.”
“No matter what happens, you’re amazing.Not only at what you do, but at being there for your team.If I were Miles or Rookie or Jay or any of them, there’s no one I’d rather be facing down this game with than you.”
He’s silent for a long minute, but when he speaks, his voice is rough.
“Thanks, Pink.No one’s ever said anything like that to me before.”
I wish he were here so I could throw my arms around him.
Instead, after we say goodbye, I flop back on my bed and stare at the ceiling.
I’m in Paris with my sister, but my heart is with Clay.
Even if I can’t help him on the court, surely there’s something I can do off it.
I pull out the painting stuff I brought with me and the fabric banner I bought for Emily’s stroller earlier.
Mari sticks her head in.“Tomorrow I have a meeting, but I was thinking that after we could go to…” She takes in my work.“What’s that?”
“Fan art for the team.”I prop myself up on my elbows.“This game could mean their season, and no matter how much Clay says he can handle it, I’m worried for him.Aren’t you stressed for Harlan?”
She nods slowly.“A little.But I try not to think about it because Harlan would worry about me if I was there.”
It’s a reminder my sister and I are different people.
“I want to be there.”
Mari drops down next to me, mirroring my posture.“But aren’t you having fun here?The last time you went chasing after Clay, it didn’t go well.”
