Page 9 of The Wrong Move

“Gigi is now famous,” Paige says excitedly. “Her art features on Isabella Leto’s new fashion line. She is a fabric designer and works with the chief textile designer for Leto Designs.”

Designs?My brain catches up.

“After graduation, Byron and I spent an afternoon talking,” Giana explains. “He knows I’ve always wanted to be a working artist.”

We did more than talk. It was a fun, intimate day. Giana told me her concerns about being an impostor in the art world. She didn’t think she was good enough, even though she was accepted into one of the best creative colleges in the country. I emphasized her talent, and she had a way of extracting all my doubts about making it to the NBA. Every insecurity I had about not being big enough or good enough, she squashed with her wise words.

“Yet here we are,” I whisper. We had a connection, one I cherished. We were young and reckless, and on different career paths. It wasn’t the moment our story began. The last time I saw her hits me, and my gut tightens. I had almost managed to push it out of my mind.

“And yes, he has seen my work,” Giana says to Paige gently. “At the end of our freshmen year, I came back to LA and we caught up.” Her brow flinches. I swallow, hard. It was my mistake. “You might not remember,” she says to me. “You came to see me, and I showed you my work.”

Mason lands a hand on my shoulder. “I remember Byron mentioning it.” His fingers dig into my muscles. He gives me a look, and I fake recognition.

“I remember. I can’t for the love of God remember your piece, but I do remember loving it.”

Giana looks down, and her smile fades. “I really should get back to my friends. It was lovely to see you again. See you soon, Paige.” She almost floats across the floor, and I can’t tear my eyes away from her. I check out who she is with.

Ugh. Jessica freaking James is in her circle of friends.

“Byron,” Paige snaps. “You looked clueless.”

“It’s because he was as high as the Empire State Building,” Mason quips.

Fuck. “Why didn’t you remind me of this?”

“It was your worst year at college. Between fighting with your parents and being dropped from the team for finals, you were struggling.” He shakes his head. “Man, that was some bender you rode over summer break. I do recall you talking about her parents’ house, but you didn’t say much else.”

Paige coughs. “No need to elaborate, Mason.”

Every time I sneak a glance at Giana, she is laughing with her friends.

“Paige, do you happen to have her number?”

Paige’s smile is understanding. “If I give it to you, don’t mess up this time.”

A deep frown creases Mason’s brow. “You never told me about the last time you saw Gigi.”

“I never told anyone,” I murmur.

“If you want to make amends, you’re in luck,” Paige adds. “She’s home for a few months until she decides where to travel next, and tomorrow, she’ll be at a fashion show, but it’s booked out.”

My smile grows. There is always one more seat when you know the right people.

2

BYRON

My sister cameup with the goods.

Charlotte questioned why I needed tickets to LA’s fashion night of nights until I mentioned Giana. After a few phone calls, she managed to get me inside, but standing room only—at the back of the room. Fine by me. I only need a moment to catch Giana’s eye.

I hold out my cell, and the security guard scans my ticket. He squints as though he has a moment of recognition. I offer a nod before proceeding and fall into line with the crowd. While I love trending in style, I’m out of my league here. I should have taken a moment to consider my choice of shirt because tonight, I am bland. If it were another occasion, I’d be happy to fade into the background and dodge strangers telling me how I could play on a certain opponent or asking to grab a quick selfie. How is Giana going to see me behind this ocean of color?

The catchy beat blasting through the sound system distracts me momentarily. Leaning against the wall, I scroll throughsocial media looking for updates on the fashion show and searching for Giana’s name.

The fashion world loves Giana’s bright floral designs and how her art infuses the elements of nature onto the fabric in bold, beautiful color. I can’t help but smile at the praise for her.

Giana, you did it.