Page 52 of The Wrong Move

“Gather in,” Coach calls out as we file onto the court. “Before training begins, I want to discuss rosters over the next couple of preseason matches. This weekend, Byron and Brandon will start. The following weekend, I’m giving the four rookies a chance in the player rotation. Brandon, Byron, Leroy, and Jye will sit that one out.”

I nudge Leroy. “Should I read anything into this?”

Leroy shrugs. “I’m not complaining. It’s a rest before shit gets serious.”

“You’re expected to be here every day for training, twice a day for some of you. Every player will have one weekend off, so use the time wisely and spend it with family. They’re not going to see much of you over the next six months.”

After training on Friday,I head to my parents’ place for dinner.

Franklin, Penny, and Summer will be there, so I drove past Giana’s home since she texted earlier to say Summer’s painting is ready. Giana was heading out with Paige, but we spoke briefly about catching up on Sunday after I train.

Tomorrow is a training game, and Coach hasn’t revealed our opposing team’s lineup. It messes with my head not planning my game around a player, but for what it’s worth, I remind myself it’s still preseason.

It’s not reason enough to lower my competitive guard.

I park my car on the massive horseshoe entrance. While my parents have a basement garage large enough to house most of our cars, I don’t see the need since I’m not staying long.

With the framed canvas tucked under my arm and covered in pink paper, I nod to their security, then greet their house butler who is standing stiffly by the open front door. “Evening, Finn. I trust you’re well?”

“Evening, Mr. Hendricks. Extremely well, thank you. Your mother awaits you in the upstairs formal family room.”

“Thank you.”

Laughter echoes out into the lobby. I take the stairs two at a time and enter the room, which is more like a miniature ballroom, where everyone awaits my arrival.

“Byron. How was training?” my father asks in a deep voice.

“Fine. Coach is rotating a few of us. I don’t need the rest but understand it helps develop the rookies.” I shake his hand, then kiss my mother’s cheek while she rocks Summer in her arms. I stop and stare at her.

“Does Summer do anything other than sleep?” It sounds dumb, but I have only visited twice.

Penny giggles. “She doesn’t sleep much, actually. I have bags under my eyes from being awake half the night.” She hugs me.

“This is for you. Summer, not you.” I wink at her.

Franklin comes over and stands behind Penny. “Do I need to remind you we have a nanny who will attend to Summer’s every need?” Franklin says with displeasure. He shakes my hand. “It’s good to see you, Byron.”

“I know, but I treasure every moment I get with her,” Penny coos. She pulls the paper from the canvas, and it reveals the back of the frame. “Oh, what did you choose?” she asks excitedly.

Franklin hitches his trousers gently before kneeling beside Penny to help tear the paper away and reveal the painting. I’mhit with a wave of embarrassment at not knowing what Giana created. She hid it from me, saying to trust her.

“Oh, Byron, I love it.” Penny stands, and Franklin helps her hold up the framed canvas. “It’s beautiful.”

Franklin gives me a look of approval. “Very thoughtful, brother.”

“It’s from Giana and me.” For a moment, everyone stares at me. My words came out as though we are a couple.

Franklin turns the canvas for us to see, andwow.I can’t hide my surprise.Giana, you are one hell of an artist.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmur.

“You didn’t see it before?” Penny asks.

“No.” I can’t take my eyes off the fairy garden, the array of colors, and the tiny golden horse on its hind legs in the middle of the flowers. “Giana painted it for you. She told me to trust her,” I say, pride choking my throat.

“Please thank her. It’s perfect.” Penny flashes a smile.

Charlotte stands to take a closer look. “Gigi is talented,” she says gently, directing the compliment at me. While I appreciate her praise for Giana, I’m hit with confusion. She didn’t once query me about training when I entered the room. Something is off.

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