Page 69 of Crossroads of Love

“Oh God.” I step away from Gavin completely. “She’s going to kill me.”

“She’ll get over it. She’s just embarrassed.”

Tatum shakes her head, still grinning. “You two really are something. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were high schoolers sneaking kisses under the bleachers.”

“Okay, okay, message received.”

What was I thinking by allowing Gavin to kiss me in front of the entire town? What will people think?

Chapter Fourteen

Gavin

Tatum pulls Lena away to the concession stand, and Mike, who has been silently watching the whole exchange with a grin of his own, finally speaks up. “For the record, I’m Team Gavin.”

“That’s surprising,” I reply. “I always thought we were cool back in the day, but lately, you seem to hate me.”

Mike shrugs nonchalantly. “I did. Aaron told a lot of stories of horrible things you did, of why you left and never came back. I think the more I learn about my late best friend, the more I realize that he was telling me what he did and was using you as the patsy. I never liked that you disappeared, but I’m a fan of anyone who treats Lena and Jayla right. If that changes, so does my vote.”

I stifle a laugh and nod. I don’t plan on that changing, but I am glad he’s a smart man even though he was my brother’s best friend. Even if she had a miserable marriage, at least Lena was surrounded by a good support group of friends.

“I guess I should be grateful that Lena isn’t holding his lies against me.”

“I think she got to the point where she didn’t believe anything he said,” he answers quietly.

The girls come back with popcorn and sodas. I glance at Lena. She moves close and offers me a drink, but the way her eyes dart around nervously makes it clear that she’s uncomfortable about the public display.

The town mayor getting snuggly with her late husband’s brother probably isn’t ideal.

I can tone it down. I clear my throat.

“Come on,” I say, gesturing toward the bleachers. “Let’s go sit down before Jayla disowns us all.”

We make our way up to the stands, my hand finding hers as we climb the steps. We settle into our seats, with Tatum and Mike on one side and Lena on the other. Jayla is still on the court with her team, running through warm-up drills, but she keeps glancing up at us, probably making sure we aren’t doing anything else to embarrass her. Lena gives her a small wave, and she rolls her eyes, but a smile tugs at her lips.

“She’s going to be amazing out there,” I say.

“I know,” she replies, squeezing my hand. “She’s been so excited about this tournament.”

“She gets that determination and fire from you. Hopefully, she didn’t gain any of the Wells basketball skills, and that part is solely your genetics.”

“Aaron tried to teach her how to play once. She immediately banned him from the basketball court, and she was only six years old.” She giggles.

“It’s like watching her mama out there,” Tatum interjects. “She’s so talented.”

The game starts soon after, and Jayla’s team is off to a strong start. I find myself getting lost in the action, cheering her onwith every basket she makes, every pass she completes. She is incredible out there, so focused and fierce, and I couldn’t be prouder.

“Man, she’s killing it,” Mike states, leaning forward in his seat. “I told you she got that from you, Lena.”

“She’s got a good coach.” Lena smiles.

Tatum nudges her with her elbow. “You should take credit where credit’s due. You raised an amazing kid.”

As the game goes on, Lena leans into my side, letting my arm drape around her shoulders. It feels natural, like this is where she is supposed to be and this is how things are supposed to feel.

All that anger I still hold toward my dad, toward Sara and the hatred I felt toward relationships is slowly starting to slip away.

Jayla’s team ends up winning by a few points, and the gym erupts into cheers. I jump to my feet, clapping and cheering loudly for my niece as she high-fives her teammates and grins up at the stands. When Jayla finally looks up and sees us, her face lights up with pride.

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