Page 73 of His Team

I joined her last minute on her vacation. I’ve been sleeping on the pullout couch in the common area as when I arrived the resort was fully booked for a convention or something. We head out in the morning, so we went to bed early.

“I’m fine, mom. I just banged my toe in the dark.”

“Well, what were you doing walking about in the dark?”

“Kay called crying, I didn’t want to disturb you so I was trying to move out to the balcony or something so you wouldn’t hear me.”

“Hmm, I still don’t know what you see in that girl. Why not find yourself a nice girl who’s not rumored to be dating you and another prominent athlete?”

My mother holds my gaze and gives me a pointed look. I knew this was coming soon. My mother has never warmed up to Kay.

“It’s not that simple, mom. I care about Kay and I’m willing to give her time to figure things out.”

“You are too trusting, Ja. I have always feared you would give your heart to someone who doesn’t deserve you.”

“I’ll be fine, mom. I think you would like Kayleen if you gave her a chance.”

“Hmm, son, I’ve seen a fool, been a fool, and known a fool in this life. I’m not about to watch my child be a fool for no one when I can point out the signs and prevent it.”

Seeing that I’m not going to win this argument or convince her to believe otherwise, I hobble over to the couch bed and take a seat. I lift my foot and grab my still-stinging toe in my hand.

“You want some ice for that?”

“No, I’m just going to go to bed. Thanks, Mom. See you in the morning.”

“Night, baby. See you in the morning.”

She turns out the lights and heads back to bed. I lie down and think back to what Kay was trying to tell me. They broke up.

I can finally have what I’ve always wanted. I’m not going to play professional football, but things are looking great for the basketball draft. Kayleen and I can have a great life together.

I’m going to marry my high school crush. My patience paid off. We were always meant to be.

CHAPTER 29

What I Needed

Cameron

I turn from the conversation I’m having and head for the door to leave. I’m over this party. I’ve done nothing but party since breaking up with Kay.

I don’t know what I was expecting, but I haven’t found what I’m looking for. I feel hollow and alone. No different from how I felt in my relationship with Kay.

As I walk out onto the street, my thoughts go to the one person who makes me feel alive. Amina hasn’t been at a single one of these parties. It dawns on me that that’s what I’ve been waiting for.

I’ve been looking for her to walk through the door and light up the place with her presence. None of the girls who have approached me have brought that light with them. I’m longing for the one person who makes me feel.

I hop into my car and drive aimlessly. I don’t know how I end up at Amina’s front door with two cases of beer in my hands. However, as she opens the door and I see her sad eyes, I know there’s no other place I need to be.

“Cam?” she says with her brows knit.

“What’s wrong?” I ask before she can speak another word.

“Come inside. You have to see this one for yourself,” she says and takes a step back to allow me inside.

I breathe a sigh of relief. Part of me thought she was going to turn me away. I walk into the apartment and take a look around.

It’s nice. I’ve never been inside before. I’ve only ever walked her to the door and that has only been a few times.

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