Page 69 of Redeeming Heart

“So, do you, Adams. A team can’t do it without a captain and a good captain also deserves credit for being able to keep their team motivated.”

I couldn’t conceal my smile. “I need that inspirational book you are reading.”

He chuckled softly and I sensed something was wrong. Brandon is an expressive guy who rarely shows any kind of despair. “Do you want to talk about it?” I asked, picking up on his mood.

He looked taken a bit for a moment before he recovered.

“I wasted my energy by opening an article that some reporter wrote thinking they know what is going on in my head.”

That’s why my mom always told me to never go online and look at things people wrote about me. It’s only a way that will discourage you.

“I’ve learned something impressive from my team lately and that’s to never care about other people’s opinions. They don’t know you or what you are going through. The people close to you know and that’s all that matters.”

“Sounds like an awesome team, Adams.”

“Oh, they are.” I agreed with a nod and a grin.

“I’m pretty sure that your team would also have your back like that,” I observed because that’s what teams are supposed to be like. We spend all of our time together every day and go through things together when we win or lose.

He gave a slight nod of his head.

“Have you had breakfast, yet?” He asked, looking at his watch and noticing the time.

“No, why? Do you have something in mind?” I replied.

He smiled.

“Something like that.”

“We just have to stop at my place on the way so I can get my wallet,” I informed.

He rolled his eyes at me.

“I offered. I am paying, Adams.”

I shook my head. “One thing you’ve got to learn about me is that I pay for my things, Hills.”

I was stubborn, so what? I have my principles and being one of them is being independent—not because I am self-centered, but because I chose to live according to them.

He nodded at me.

“Just gotta go change.” He didn’t argue and I appreciated his gesture.

A few minutes later he met me on the bleachers and did as I asked about getting my wallet. He picked a restaurant that I have never been to and by the looks of it, he comes around here a lot because everyone greeted him as a friend and not a fan, but then I learned the reason why when he introduced his mother.

“Ma, this is Sasha-Lee.” He introduced me using my full name.

Her eyes lit up which was a bit weird as she almost let out a shriek of excitement. She then spoke to him in French which was rare as nobody spoke French in New Orleans anymore despite the city’s French colonial history.

He replied in French with a roll of his eyes and I found myself captured by awe.

“She says your beautiful.” He muttered when he noticed me staring at them.

He then said something to her before leading me outside and over to a table.

“I always knew that we are technically French, but I haven’t met anyone who speaks French,” I noted when we were seated.

“My mother comes from France.” He clarified.

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