Page 16 of You're All I Need

Joshua:Hey, Unc! B-ball tourney this Saturday and Sunday. First game 8a.m.

The text includes a photo of the pool schedule, showing the initial four games he’ll play on Saturday, and then the bracket play on Sunday for the tournament championship. Even though I told Stevie and Jack I’d go with them to Burgers and Brew to hear Kinsley play, the Saturday games should be done by then.

I fire off a response.

Me:I’m there.

Joshua:Cool. Popcorn and M&M’s between games.

I smile. He knows my go-to concession stand treat of choice.

Me:See you this weekend, kid! Break a leg.

He sends me back the thumbs-up emoji, ending the conversation.

I love watching my nephew play basketball. He’s phenomenal. Much more talented than I was at his age. I was a decent player, earning a varsity starting role my junior year. Joshua earned that spot as a freshman, having played club ball from the time he was eight years old. I’ve spent more time in bleachers, watching him play, than I care to admit, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Basketball is the best sport, and I’m proud of the kid. He possesses the determination and drive it takes, putting in the work, both on the court and off.

I fire off another text.

Me:My little buddy want to watch some b-ball this weekend?

Jack:You know he does! Tournament?

Me:Yep, games on Saturday and Sunday.

Jack:I’ll talk to Stevie and see when we can get him there.

Me:He can hang with me if you guys don’t want to stay. Up to you.

Jack:OK. Will let you know.

Jack’s son, Christian, loves to go to games. During Joshua’s sophomore season, they came to several to support him, and now that Josh is playing club ball during the summer, I know the kindergartener is chomping at the bit to go. And he’s my favorite little fan to enjoy a game with, because he’s so energetic and really gets into it. Plus, he eats popcorn and M&M’s with me.

My phone rings only a few minutes later.

“Hello?”

“Uncle Caden, I wanna go! Daddy says I can!” Christian bellows into the phone, causing me to chuckle.

“Okay,” I reply just in time to hear Christian hand over the phone to his dad.

“Here, Dad. Make it happen.”

Jack laughs before placing the phone to his ear. “Apparently, my boss wants me to get this scheduled on his calendar.”

Smiling, I reply, “That’s part of your job, right? Assistant to the littles in your house.”

“Very true,” he retorts, but there’s not a hint of aggravation or displeasure in his voice.

We make plans for Christian to come with me Sunday to at least two games, while Jack, Stevie, and Gianna do their grocery and household shopping. I’ll pick him up on my way to the school, and Jack will come get him at some point during the afternoon.

“Hold on. Christian wants to say something,” Jack says, handing the phone back to his son.

“Thanks, Uncle Caden! I’m willy, willy excited!”

“Me too, little buddy. I’ll pick you up Sunday morning.”

“’Kay. Bye! Oh, wait! Shake and bake, baby!” He’s hooting and hollering as he takes off.

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